Biotechnology uses the knowledge of living things to improve human life. You can earn a 2-year associate degree or shorter term certificate. Graduates work in many areas, including the making of medicines, the food industry, environmental technology and many others.

Program Overview

What Will You Learn?

Associate in Arts

In our biotechnology program, you will train in basic biology and chemistry laboratory skills as well as supporting math skills. You will also learn how to apply your training to ethically improve society and human health

Cost

In-State Tuition: $223/credit

Out-of-State / International Tuition: $429/credit

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

5 Semesters

60 credits

I enrolled at QCC because I wanted to stay close to home and some of my family members went to QCC. They all had great experiences and I wanted to experience QCC for myself and I had a great experience.

- Jessica Oberle, QCC Student

Learn Online

This program may be completed less than 50% online.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

Locations

  • This program may be completed at QCC Worcester (Main Campus), except for BTT 212 which is offered only at AbbVie Bioresearch Center.
  • This program may be completed face-to-face.

Curriculum

A foundation for success

Semester 1

This semester will introduce biotechnology, chemistry, English, and mathematics.
Become an Expert

Semester 2

This semester will cover more advanced biology, chemistry, English, and mathematics.
microbiology

Semester 3

This semester will explore communication skills, microbiology, and mathematics.
electives

Semester 4

This semester will cover more advanced biology and electives for a well-rounded education
Advanced Science

Semester 5

This semester will focus on biotechnology techniques.
See the full curriculum

Career Stats

Have more questions?

We're here to help! Reach out to the following for support.
508.853.2300

More Info
Course TitleCourse #Semester OfferedCreditsPrerequisites

Semester 1

  • Apply and get accepted to this program (Program Code: GSBT).
  • Register for and successfully complete all courses to graduate in five semesters.
  • Complete CHM 105 and ENG 101.
  • Complete prerequisite(s) for MAT 123.
Introduction to BiotechnologyBTT 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English, MAT 095 with a grade of “C” or higher or approp place score
General Chemistry ICHM 105F/S/SU4MAT 095 with a grade of “C” or higher or approp place score
Composition IENG 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
StatisticsMAT 122F/S/SU3College level math course or QMAT placement score > 21 or Coreq: MAT 052
Total13   

Semester 2

  • If considering transfer, meet with a Transfer Services Advisor. See www.QCC.edu/transfer.
  • Complete BIO 107.
Biology II: Introduction to Cells and MoleculesBIO 107F/S/SU4CHM 105 or CHM 123, ENG 101
General Chemistry IICHM 106F/S/SU4CHM 105
Composition IIENG 102F/S/SU3ENG 101
College Mathematics I: Pre-CalculusMAT 123F/S/SU3MAT 100 or approp place score
Total14   

Semester 3

  • If considering transfer, meet with representatives of four-year schools to discuss/begin the transfer application process; or create an account on the QCC job board to search for internships, co-ops and jobs.
  • Confirm that MassTransfer general education transfer block can be completed.
General MicrobiologyBIO 231F/S4BIO 107
College Mathematics II: TrigonometryMAT 124F/S/SU3MAT 123 or approp place score
Speech Communication SkillsSPH 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
History Elective---F/S/SU3 
Total13   

Semester 4

  • Meet with Academic Advisor to discuss internship option.
  • Continue with/complete the transfer application process; or if seeking employment, meet with Career Services for career readiness preparation and to learn more about QCC’s job board.
Cell BiologyBIO 259F/S4BIO 107
Molecular BiologyBIO 260S4BIO 107
Humanities Elective---F/S/SU3 
Social Science Elective---F/S/SU3 
Total14   

Semester 5 (Summer)

  • Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Techniques in Biotechnology IBTT 211SU3BIO 231, BIO 259, BIO 260
Techniques in Biotechnology IIBTT 212SU3BIO 231, BIO 259, BIO 260
Total6   
Total Credits Required:60   

Program Goals:

The General Studies - Biotechnology Option provides students with a strong academic foundation in biotechnology and lab sciences. Graduates are prepared to enter the biotechnology workforce.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Explain the fundamental scientific principles in the field of biotechnology.
  • Work effectively and collaboratively in a laboratory setting.
  • Demonstrate the proper use of basic laboratory equipment, adhering to laboratory safety protocols, as well as a technical proficiency in computer technology for data analysis.
  • Apply mathematical principles to biotechnological concepts.
  • Demonstrate clear and effective communication skills, including verbal, written, graphic, and numerical, with emphasis on documentation.
  • Utilize scientific methodology and critical thinking to analyze and/or troubleshoot biotechnological issues.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and appreciation of the relative historical and cultural perspectives of society.
  • Identify careers in biotechnology and utilize skills to seek employment, including job search databases and resume writing.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks are not required. Fingerprinting and drug testing are not required.

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 26.1201.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.

The General Studies Program is unique in that it attempts to meet the academic needs of QCC career programs, four-year transfer institutions, and area employers. It has been designed to develop broad-based academic and employability skills. It provides a comprehensive, responsive, directed academic experience in which students identify educational and career choices, develop individualized career plans (CAPS), and implement career pathways leading to further education or careers. In addition, the QCC General Studies Program has articulation and transfer agreements with numerous colleges and universities. The General Studies Program allows students to tailor the selection or courses to meet the requirements of a transfer institution. It also provides students with the opportunity to tailor a program of study to meet specific professional/ career competencies.

Remember that all of the information contained on this site pertains to the most recent program requirements. Your requirements may differ because you must meet the requirements that were in effect when you entered the program. You may petition the Registrar if you wish to follow curriculum changes different from what you see in your degree audit.

Remember that in addition to the General Studies Program there are several options available in General Studies. You can find the description and the course requirements below.

Also, we have several additional links you will find useful:

Transferring to a 4-year college / University

We intend to make this website as useful as possible, please contact the General Studies Coordinator Marilyn Martin marilynm@qcc.mass.edu with ideas to improve the usefulness of this page.

Course Requirements

Course and credit requirementsNotes
English Composition & Literature I
(3 credits)		ENG 101
English Composition & Literature II 
(3 credits)		ENG 102
College Algebra or
Topics in Mathematics or
Statistics (one course – 3 credits)		In order to meet QCC graduation requirements, learner must complete MAT 100, MAT 121, MAT 122 or any college level MAT course. In order to meet the requirements of MassTransfer, learner must complete MAT 121 or higher.
Strategies for College & Career or
Self Assessment & Career Planning
(3 credits)		PSY 115 is recommended for students placing into ENG 100 or ENG 101. ORT 110 is recommended for students placing into ENG 090, ENG 091, ENG 095, ENG 096 or ESL courses. Students must complete either PSY 115 or ORT 110 prior to the completion of twenty credits in order to register for additional courses in the General Studies Program.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
(3 credits)		HUM 101
Speech Communication Skills
(3 credits)		SPH 101
History Elective
(3 credits)		HST ---
Behavioral Science Elective
(3 credits)		Behavioral Sciences involve seeking to discover general truths about human behavior. Courses with the following designations are considered Behavioral Science Electives:
Anthropology (ANT)
Psychology (PSY)
Sociology (SOC)
Program Electives 
(4 courses - 12 credits)		Program Electives are:
a. Courses with the objective of preparing students for a specific occupation or semester of occupations.
b. Courses that have been recommended based upon the student’s Academic and Career Plan.
c. Courses that meet developmental, core, or general education requirements are not program electives.
Humanities Elective
(two courses – one must be 200 level – 6 credits)		The Humanities courses present knowledge concerned with humanity and world culture: philosophy, literature, and the fine arts. These arts are distinguished from the sciences and are produced or intended primarily for beauty, not utility. Sculpture, painting, drawing, architecture, literature, drama, music, and dance are examples of such expressions. Courses with the following designations are considered Humanities Electives:
American Sign Language (ASL); Art excluding Interactive Media courses (ART); English (ENG); French (FRC); German (GER); Humanities (HUM); Music (MUS); Philosophy (PHI); Spanish (SPN); Speech (SPH)
Laboratory Science Elective
(two courses – 8 credits)		Electives that are specifically designated as Lab Science Electives require a science that includes lab, which are all 4 credit courses. Four credit courses with the following designations are considered lab science electives Biology (BIO) (excludes BIO 140); Physics (PHY); Chemistry (CHM); Science (SCI)
Social Science Elective
(two courses – 6 credits)		All the social sciences are concerned with the study of people and their behavior, both individually and as a member of groups, nations, cultures and societies. Courses with the following designations are considered Social Science Electives: Anthropology (ANT); Economics (ECO); Geography (GEO); History (HST); Political Science (PSC); Psychology (PSY); Social Science (SOS); Sociology (SOC)
Elective (two courses - 6 credits)Any college level course qualifies as an elective, and a student may enroll in any college level course for which s/he meets the prerequisites.

Learn More

Reach out to us to learn more.

508.854.4374