Associate of Science | 61 credits minimum

Biotechnology Division
Jordan Campus JHS 254C
General Information 801-957-4073
Program Information 801-957-2851
Program Website
Academic and Career Advising
Academic Advisor JHS 047, 801-957-6215

Program Faculty
Associate Professor - Charles Rettberg

Program Description
The SLCC Biotechnology AS Program prepares students for employment in Utah’s growing biotech industry, while also preparing them for transfer to higher education. Most SLCC Biotech students get an industry job well before or soon after they earn their AS, and most biotech employers offer tuition reimbursement as a benefit. Utah Valley University (UVU) accepts the SLCC Biotech AS as transfer credit, and sends biotech faculty to SLCC’s Jordan campus to teach evening sections of the required UVU BS courses.

This means that program graduates may be able to earn a UVU bachelor’s degree with their employer’s support, without having to commute to Orem.Biotechnology courses are offered for credit, in a competency-based education (CBE) format. Classes are not scheduled in the traditional way; instead, students work online and attend the open learning lab as their schedules permit. Students work at their own pace, and have the opportunity to accelerate completion. Students must achieve a B or better in all aspects of biotechnology courses in order to move on to the next course.

Career Opportunities
Biotechnology is a growing industry in Utah, and employers offer good pay, benefits, and opportunities for advancement. According to jobs.utah.gov (October 2017), the median salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians in the Salt Lake metro area is $55,720.

Transfer/Articulation Information
Utah Valley University (UVU) accepts the SLCC Biotech AS as transfer credit, and sends their faculty to SLCC’s Jordan campus to teach evening sections of the required UVU BS courses. This means that program graduates may be able to earn a UVU bachelor’s degree with their employer’s support, without having to commute to Orem. Students are encouraged to meet with the UVU Biotechnology program advisor to plan their own educational path.

Estimated Cost for Students
Tuition and student fees: http://www.slcc.edu/student/financial/tuition-fees.aspx
Books: Biotechnology courses do not require textbooks. Costs for non-BTEC textbooks will vary depending on the courses chosen.
Supplies: $10
Course Fees: $20

Estimated Time to Completion
Time to completion is 4-5 semesters based on a full-time minimum of 15 credits per semester. Less than 15 credits per semester will increase time to completion.