Biotechnology A.A.S.

Register for Summer and Fall 2026 classes
Get registration details and learn how to apply.
- Summer classes start Monday, June 8. Flexible-start classes begin later. View Summer term classes
- Fall classes start Monday, Aug. 17. View Fall semester classes
Campus buildings are closed Fridays and weekends June 8 to July 31, 2026. View summer hours

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

Become an in-demand lab technician in 2 years

Enter the growing field of biotechnology as a lab technician. Use principles from biology, microbiology and chemistry to solve complex problems.

Your high-impact work delivers insights people use to improve their health. Or fosters innovations in the life sciences, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture and environmental science.

Earn the Biotechnology A.A.S. degree to begin working immediately as a biology, chemical or environmental science technician. Or use the 2-year degree as a step toward earning your bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree in biology, chemistry or a related field.

Master cutting-edge biology and molecular techniques

Learn hands-on in advanced CLC biology and chemistry labs. Develop broad knowledge of lab equipment and processes critical to the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries. Gain basic and advanced skills in:

Data analysis and laboratory documentation
DNA extraction, purification and analysis, including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis
Protein purification and analysis
Cell culture techniques

Chromatography
Mass spectroscopy
Bioinformatics
Microscopy
Quality control, safety and good laboratory practices

Internships for real-world experience

Get paid to practice the skills you learn and network with professionals to advance your career. Pharmaceutical and life-science companies in Lake County, IL offer internships for students completing the Biotechnology A.A.S. degree. Graduates who complete the degree may be offered full-time positions.

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 Degree

Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning an associate degree in 2 years.
Program Length: 2 Years

Finish in 2 years as a full-time student.

*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 Outlook

Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $40,777
  
  Median
  
  $53,415
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $83,717
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $19.60
  
  Median
  
  $25.67
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $40.25
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  1.43%
  
  Certificate
  
  0.93%
  
  Some college
  
  1.43%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  63.12%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  29.36%
  
  Doctorate
  
  3.73%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $50,624
  
  Median
  
  $66,588
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $107,820
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $24.34
  
  Median
  
  $32.01
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $51.83
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  33.34%
  
  Some college
  
  22.42%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  0.5%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  43.74%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $77,553
  
  Median
  
  $118,614
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $166,878
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $37.28
  
  Median
  
  $57.02
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $80.23
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  4.76%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  66.66%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  28.57%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $44,101
  
  Median
  
  $72,999
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $106,277
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $21.20
  
  Median
  
  $35.09
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $51.09
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  4.24%
  
  Certificate
  
  0.44%
  
  Some college
  
  0.91%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  30.9%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  56.4%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  7.11%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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choose an academic program
enroll in first-semester classes
get access to helpful resources

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Recommended Pathway

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. View degree requirements in the college catalog.

View program in catalog

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

Meet your instructors

More than 1,000 full-time and part-time faculty teach at CLC. Nearly all of them have a master's degree or more.

CLC faculty teach the same materials you’d learn at a big school. They bring real-world experience into the classroom so you can gain job-ready skills and help you become the very best version of yourself.

Meet our Biotechnology experts

Learn more about faculty at CLC

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.

Apply to CLC

Frequently asked questions

The A.A.S. degree in biotechnology is 60-61 credit hours and takes an average of 2 years (4 semesters) to complete for full-time students.
An optional summer internship course is offered between years one and two of the program. Interns are paid to practice skills learned in the classroom by working in the labs of major life-sciences companies in Lake County, IL.
Both degrees center on the life sciences but differ in focus and career direction.
The Biotechnology Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is a career degree. It prepares you to enter the workforce as a capable laboratory technician, supporting research and development in the modern, fast-paced life sciences industry. You learn to apply technical skills to find answers and solve problems. These skills include DNA manipulation, protein expression, cell culture techniques and chromatography. You also take courses to develop critical thinking and communication skills.
You can use credits earned in the Biotechnology A.A.S. degree as a step toward earning a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or biotechnology. Meet early with an Academic Success Advisor at CLC to explore transfer options for this degree.
The Biological Sciences Associate in Science (A.S.) degree is a transfer degree. It helps you develop a strong foundation in the life sciences while also taking general education courses. This degree prepares you to transfer to a 4-year school to complete a bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, zoology or related fields. Explore the Biological Sciences A.S. degree.
You’ll learn to perform basic and advanced scientific techniques in the laboratory with accuracy and precision. Specific skills include:
- Data analysis and laboratory documentation
- DNA extraction, purification and analysis, including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis
- Protein purification and analysis
- Cell culture techniques
- Chromatography
- Mass spectroscopy
- Bioinformatics
- Microscopy
- Quality control, safety and good laboratory practices
You’ll also develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
These skills are in demand by pharmaceutical, healthcare, environmental science, agricultural and other life science industries in Lake County, IL.
The degree prepares you to work in a laboratory setting within 2 years. Some students may use the degree to switch careers or as a steppingstone to earn a bachelor’s degree.
You might be able to take some classes online. However, most classes in the biotechnology program are lab based. They require in-person attendance because they are designed for hands-on learning.
Explore courses and class formats
Most of what you’ll learn in the Biotechnology A.A.S. program is learned hands on. You’ll build skills in CLC’s advanced biology and chemistry labs using state-of-the-art biotechnology equipment. Courses are developed in partnership with local life science companies. Get an overview during weekly course lectures, then practice these techniques in the lab.
The emphasis on hands-on learning helps you become proficient in the scientific techniques using the most advanced equipment – skills that are in demand and aligned with the needs of local employers.
Students who excel in the CLC biotechnology program are curious about science and living systems, interested in hands-on laboratory work, and enjoy troubleshooting and solving problems.
You can start working right away with your associate degree. Explore roles such as:
- Biological technician
- Chemical technician
- Analytical laboratory technician
- Environmental science technician
Find these opportunities in life-science fields including:
- Agriculture
- Environmental science
- Healthcare
- Pharmaceutics
Potential employers who are partners in the CLC Biotechnology program are:
- Abbvie Pharmaceuticals, North Chicago, IL
- BioRad, Des Plaines, IL
- Baxter Pharmaceuticals, Round Lake, IL
- Radiance Diagnostics, Naperville, IL
- SciEX, Lincolnshire, IL
- Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees. It does not factor in the cost of books and materials. It does not account for financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.
View current tuition and fees
Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.
View courses with variable tuition and fees
Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial aid. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

What students say about CLC

“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
“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
“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
“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

Related programs

This associate degree is just one possible way to study life sciences. Keep exploring your options—degrees, credentials and more.

Transfer Degree
Biological Sciences A.S.
Associate in Science

Cost

$11,025* (estimated)
View Details Biological Sciences A.S.
Transfer Degree
Chemistry A.S.
Associate in Science

Cost

$10,675* (estimated)
View Details Chemistry A.S.

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Biotechnology A.A.S.

Register for Summer and Fall 2026 classes

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

Become an in-demand lab technician in 2 years

Master cutting-edge biology and molecular techniques

Internships for real-world experience

Highlights

Internships Available

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Career Degree

Program Length: 2 Years

Career Outlook

Biological Technicians

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Chemical Technicians

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Environmental Engineers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help getting started?

Recommended Pathway

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

Meet your instructors

Apply now: It's easy and free

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Biotechnology A.A.S. program?

What is the difference between the Biotechnology A.A.S. degree and Biological Sciences A.S. degree at CLC?

What job-ready skills will I learn by earning my Biotechnology A.A.S. degree?

Can I take classes online?

How much hands-on or experiential learning is there?

What jobs can I pursue after completing my A.A.S. degree?

How much does this program cost?

What students say about CLC

Related programs

Biological Sciences A.S.

Chemistry A.S.

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

Request info

Visit us

Get started