Biotechnology: Programs & Pathways


Coming in Fall 2026! This program is pending state approval.


Launch your biotechnology career with advanced skills

In the Biotechnology program at College of Lake County, you'll master laboratory techniques most students only learn in graduate school.

Use your knowledge to support research and development in the modern, fast-paced life sciences industry, including the healthcare, pharmaceutical, environmental science and agricultural industries.

Within 2 years, you’ll be proficient in scientific techniques and protocols spanning biology, microbiology and chemistry, including:

  • DNA manipulation
  • Protein expression
  • Cell culture techniques
  • Chromatography
  • and other high-demand skills for medical and research laboratories

You’ll also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and good laboratory practices that promote safety and quality control.

Hands-on training in high-demand technologies

Train with faculty who are experts in biology, chemistry and related sciences. They work closely with major life science companies in Lake County, IL to make sure the lab techniques you learn are in high demand by local employers.

CLC biotech instructors are members of the InnovATEBIO National Biotechnology Education Center, which advances education for biotechnology technicians.

Courses in the program typically include a weekly lecture followed by hands-on training in labs equipped with advanced biotechnology equipment.

Internships with local life science companies let you practice skills in the real world while building your network with industry professionals.

Highlights

  • Internships Available

    Gain valuable work experience and form professional connections.

  • Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

    Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).

  • Career Degrees Available

    Gain in-demand technical skills by earning an associate degree in 2 years.

Biotechnology program offered


*Estimated cost is based on the minimum number of credit hours to complete the program. This estimate includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees for the 2026-2027 academic year, before financial aid, including grants, loans and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.


Career degree: What to expect

For degree-seeking students who want to start a new career or advance their current career.

Full-time students can earn an Associate Degree in Applied Science (A.A.S.) at CLC in two years. Gain job-ready skills from experienced instructors and work-based experience from apprenticeships and internships. Some of the courses can even earn college credits, which can transfer to a 4-year college or university to apply toward a bachelor's degree.

Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN


Career-focused courses

Specialized coursework includes chromatography, DNA and protein techniques, cell and tissue culture, hazardous materials, bioinformatics, mass spectrometry, microscopy, biotechnology regulation and quality practices. General education courses solidify critical thinking and communication skills to help you become a successful leader and team member in biotechnology.

line drawing of check mark on paper

Apply now: It's easy and free

Complete the application form to begin your program.

After you apply, a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions, guide your next steps and help you get enrolled. Explore steps to apply at CLC.

Modern labs with state-of-the-art biotech equipment

Learn by doing in advanced biology and chemistry labs. CLC's biotechnology program was created to support the life-science hub in Lake County, Illinois. Through partnerships with leading companies, students learn in-demand laboratory techniques and train on the latest biotechnology laboratory equipment, including:

  • ABSciEX triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer system
  • Roche LightCycler II real-time PCR thermal cycler
  • Aligent Technologies 1200 Series high performance liquid chromatography system
  • Gel electrophoresis DNA separation and analysis unit
  • Edvotek MegaCycler PCR thermal cycler
  • Molecular Devices multimode microplate reader
  • confocal microscopy and more!
Student in lab coat looking through a microscope

Small classes, affordable tuition and real-world experience

At CLC, you'll learn in a supportive, student-centered environment where instructors focus on teaching. You learn the same material studied at 4-year colleges but gain one-on-one mentoring, personalized feedback and meaningful connections to help you succeed

The average class size at CLC is 16 students. You’ll master the biotechnology core curriculum and techniques and get individual attention and accessible instructors that only small class sizes can offer.

Save on tuition costs. Our program prepares you for immediate employment as a biology, chemical or environmental science lab technician. Or you can transfer college credits to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or biotechnology. Our Academic Success Advisors will help you create a personalized degree pathway and ensure your credits transfer smoothly if you choose to pursue a 4-year degree.

Intern with a Lake County pharmaceutical or life-science company. Get paid to practice your skills with an optional summer internship course offered between years one and two of the biotechnology program. An internship helps build your professional network and can open the door to full-time employment. The CLC Career and Job Placement Center will help you explore opportunities and land your next job.

Meet our instructors

Experience the benefit of small class sizes and personalized instruction.

Department chair


Faculty


 

 

What students say about CLC

  • Students learning hands on in the laboratory

    “During my externship, I had the opportunity to apply what I learned, especially with micro-pipetting. It was reassuring to see that the skills I practiced in class were directly applicable in a real-world setting.”

    Among other skills, you'll learn PCR techniques, proper measurement, how to track and manage data and ensure lab operations run smoothly in CLC's biotechnology program. Internships help you hone your skills.

    Earn a Biotechnology A.A.S. degree

    Students learning hands on in the laboratory
  • Students performing lab techniques in the CLC biology lab

    “Learning the Bradford protein assay this semester provided a strong example of how biotechnology integrates chemistry, biology and statistics into one analytical method. This experience will be valuable in future biotechnology coursework and laboratory-based careers.”

    You'll learn technical skills and grow your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in CLC's biotechnology program. Use these skills to excel in the laboratory for work or further study.

    Earn a Biotechnology A.A.S. degree

    Students performing lab techniques in the CLC biology lab
  • Student performing gel electrophoresis

    “This Biotechnology class was an amazing experience and because of my interest in working in a laboratory setting, I’m hoping to be able to use the techniques I learned in my career in the future.”

    Start gaining work-ready skills from day one in the Introduction to Biotechnology: Lab Skills course at CLC. Learning by doing in the lab is a highlight for most students.

    Earn a Biotechnology A.A.S. degree

    Student performing gel electrophoresis
  • CLC instructor speaking to class in modern chemistry lab

    “This class has given me the skills necessary to proceed further into my future STEM career. The ELISA test was a fascinating experiment with several learning opportunities granted.”

    Learn hands on from expert faculty. Gain practical skills to lead in the lab, starting with the Introduction to Biotechnology: Lab Skills course. 

    Earn a Biotechnology A.A.S. degree

    CLC instructor speaking to class in modern chemistry lab
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line drawing of check mark on paper

Apply now: It's easy and free

Complete the application form to begin your program.

After you apply, a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions, guide your next steps and help you get enrolled. Explore steps to apply at CLC.



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