Biotechnology

biotech student

Program Description

If you love science, have an inquisitive mind and a desire to solve biological problems, our Biotechnology program is perfect for you! We are the only college in Nebraska offering this unique Biotechnology program which gives you the skills to put you ahead of your peers in the industry.

We will teach you the basics in biotechnology, help you complete your credential, and prepare you for an advanced career in academic, government and industry laboratories or an advanced degree at a four-year college in one of the STEM fields.

Our Biotechnology program includes rigorous science classes and labs. For example, students in SCC’s Molecular Techniques class engage in the same semester-long lab that upperclassmen at local four-year institutions are doing. Additionally, students in our Biotechnology program get industry-specific training and thus have opportunities to get their tuition paid for by local companies while they pursue their associate and bachelor’s degrees.

The hands-on learning experience within our Biotechnology program culminates in an industry practicum. In your practicum, you will directly apply the skills you learned in a real-world business environment as a productive team member.

Students entering this program may qualify for the STEM CONNECT scholarship. Applications are currently being accepted. Learn more.

Articulation with NWU

Students who complete an Associate of Science degree in Biotechnology from SCC have the opportunity to transfer those hours to Nebraska Wesleyan University and pursue a bachelor’s degree. The agreement is an extension of the two schools’ existing partnership, SCC Pathways to NWU.

The agreement creates a seamless transfer pathway for SCC Biotechnology students to NWU. It will provide a course sequence at SCC which will satisfy the requirements for an Associate of Science degree and will transfer and apply to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Biology or a B.S. in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology at NWU.

Awards Offered: A.S. Degree / Certificate / Diploma
Locations: Beatrice, Lincoln, Milford
Formats: In-Person
Start: Fall / Spring / Summer
Schedule: Full-Time
Estimated Total Cost
$10,048 Associate of Science
$4,554 Diploma
$2,238 Certificate

Take the next steps to enroll in our Biotechnology program. They include:

  1. Schedule a campus visit to see how we can take you on Your Path to Possible.
  2. Schedule an appointment with an Admissions Counselor to navigate the admissions process and explore career options.
  3. Ready to apply? Complete an Application for Admission.
  4. Submit ACT, SAT, Next Generation Accuplacer, or Accuplacer test scores (reading and math) or official college transcripts showing completion of any post-secondary coursework to the Admissions Office at any SCC location.

You’re a Good Fit

Biotechnology uses cells, DNA, and/or proteins to solve problems and make life better. We develop everything from medicines and vaccines to renewable biofuels to biodegradable plastics to making food more nutritious. We will train you in the following skills to be successful:

  • Laboratory safety
  • Documentation
  • Solution preparation
  • Micropipetting
  • DNA manipulation and analysis
  • Expression and purification of proteins
  • Enzyme and antibody assays
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Communication
  • Teamwork


Careers

We will prepare you to work in a regulated environment in a variety of roles, including:

  • Cell Culture Technician
  • Laboratory Assistant
  • Research Assistant
  • Animal Laboratory Technologist
  • Quality Control Analyst
  • Marketing
  • Customer Service Representative

Recent SCC graduates report an average starting annual salary of $29,640.

For more information about the post-graduation achievements of SCC Graduates as well as average starting salaries, refer to the annual Graduate Report (PDF).

For information about the methodologies used to gather the post-graduation student achievement data contained in the annual Graduate Report, refer to the Institutional Research page or contact ir@southeast.edu.