Program Overview

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Biotechnology at Cerritos College

Associate of Science

Biotechnology utilizes biological systems or living organisms to create products and solve real-world problems. From employing bacteria to produce human insulin, to genetically changing a patient's own immune system cells so they can better fight cancer, the biotech industry continues to expand and innovate. The Associate of Science Degree for Biotechnology is aimed at preparing students for positions in the biotechnology industry, including biological technicians and biomanufacturing production technicians. Students must demonstrate knowledge of basic biochemistry and biotechnology concepts, and industrial regulations. The program will produce skilled technicians that can navigate the high demand, professional, and interdisciplinary environment of the biotechnology industry.

Salary, Growth and Careers

Salary

Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $31,000 to over $239,000 with an average salary of $96,000.

Growth

Career opportunities for this program are expected to grow nationwide from 2022 to 2032.

Careers

• Natural Sciences Managers
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +4.8%
  • Average Salary: $208,000
  • Salary Range: $154,000 - $239,000+
• Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +5.1%
  • Average Salary: $118,000
  • Salary Range: $91,000 - $134,000
• Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Education Level: Doctoral or professional degree
  • Job Growth: +8.6%
  • Average Salary: $132,000
  • Salary Range: $90,000 - $157,000
• Biological Scientists, All Other
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +3.9%
  • Average Salary: $121,000
  • Salary Range: $81,000 - $140,000
• Biological Technicians
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +4.7%
  • Average Salary: $67,000
  • Salary Range: $48,000 - $78,000
• Calibration Technologists and Technicians and Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +4.4%
  • Average Salary: $68,000
  • Salary Range: $42,000 - $108,000
• Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +4.9%
  • Average Salary: $73,000
  • Salary Range: $49,000 - $86,000
• Computer Occupations, All Other
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +9.7%
  • Average Salary: $126,000
  • Salary Range: $75,000 - $166,000
• Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +31.4%
  • Average Salary: $127,000
  • Salary Range: $69,000 - $198,000
• Health Information Technologists, Medical Registrars, Surgical Assistants, and Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other
  • Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award
  • Job Growth: +10.5%
  • Average Salary: $55,000
  • Salary Range: $31,000 - $117,000
• Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: -3.9%
  • Average Salary: $54,000
  • Salary Range: $39,000 - $61,000
• Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +3.8%
  • Average Salary: $73,000
  • Salary Range: $52,000 - $90,000
• Medical Dosimetrists, Medical Records Specialists, and Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
  • Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award
  • Job Growth: +8.5%
  • Average Salary: $50,000
  • Salary Range: $33,000 - $84,000
• Medical Equipment Repairers
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +13.2%
  • Average Salary: $78,000
  • Salary Range: $55,000 - $94,000

Program Map

Biotechnology

Associate of Science

60.0 - 63.0 Units

• Fall 2024, 1st Term
  • BIOL 120: Introduction To Biological Science (4.0 Units)
  • ET 103: Industrial Process Control (2.0 Units)
  • MATH 112 or MATH 112S: Choose a course (4.0 - 4.5 Units)
  • English Composition: Choose a course (4.0 - 4.5 Units)
• Spring 2025, 2nd Term
  • CHEM 110: Elementary Chemistry (4.0 Units)
  • BTEC 120: Introduction to Biotechnology (4.0 Units)
  • U.S. History or Government: Choose a course (3.0 Units)
  • Humanities: Choose a course (3.0 - 5.0 Units)
  • Proficiency: Health & Wellness: Choose a course (1.0 Units)
• Fall 2025, 3rd Term
  • CHEM 111: General Chemistry (5.0 Units)
  • BTEC 150: Biomanufacturing Fundamentals (4.0 Units)
  • BTEC 180: Quality and Regulatory Affairs in Biotechnology (3.0 Units)
  • Elective: Choose a course (3.0 Units)
• Spring 2026, 4th Term
  • BIOL 201: Principles of Biology (5.0 Units)
  • CHEM 112: General Chemistry (5.0 Units)
  • Elective: Choose a course (3.0 Units)
  • Elective: Choose a course (3.0 Units)

Biotechnology - Associate of Science

60.0 - 63.0 units

To ensure that you have sufficient units to graduate (at least 60 semester units/90 quarter units for an associate degree and 120 semester units/180 quarter units for a bachelor's degree), make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.