Science

Northeastern's Math, Science and Health programs are designed to provide students with the college course work needed to transfer to a four-year institution to continue their education. The programs provide students with the essentials to be successful at the university level, as well as making successful career choices.

The science faculty at Northeastern Junior College care about your success! In order to provide you with the best possible education, these highly knowledgeable faculty continually attend conferences and seminars to update their training in cutting-edge technology and advancements. The advantages of majoring in the sciences at Northeastern are great.

Students will be taking the same classes as a science major at a 4-year school, but there will be a fraction of the students enrolled, and the professor will teach both your class and laboratory.

The faculty know each student personally, work with them one-on-one, and can guide them to the career they've always wanted. In addition, faculty contacts in the surrounding area make it possible for students to job shadow and/or intern with a variety of professionals.

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of biological technicians is projected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 12,200 openings for biological technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Biotechnology research plays a key role in scientific advancements that improve people’s quality of life. One new area of biotechnology, synthetic biology, will employ biological technicians in attempts to redesign biological systems or living organisms to produce useful things, such as chemicals, in more efficient ways than are currently used. New applications of biotechnology may be the subject of research topics ranging from new ways to produce biofuels to providing new treatments for diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual wage for biological technicians was $48,140 in May 2021.

Student Profile

Forrest Quinn Tappy

The science program at NJC is filled with exemplary professors who encourage and care about their students greatly.

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Program Requirements / Classes

Astronomy Emphasis	AS
Biology Emphasis	AS
Chemistry Designation	AS
Environmental Science Emphasis	AS
Forestry Emphasis	AS
Geology	AS
Natural Resources Management	AS
Wildlife Biology Emphasis (Chemistry Focus)	AS
Wildlife Biology Emphasis (Physics Focus)	AS
Zoology Emphasis	AS

Degree Descriptions

Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.) and Associate of Science Degree (A.S.)

The AA and the AS degrees are traditional 2-year degrees specifically designed to transfer to 4-year institutions for the purpose of completing a BA or a BS. They are often referred to as university parallel degrees. The general education requirements are what actually permit the degrees to be called Associates or Arts or Science. The difference between the AS and AA is minimal, with the AA permitting math courses and a science course that are not recognized under the AS degree. Read Colorado's Guaranteed Transfer Policy here.

Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.)

The AGS degree is, at times, articulated to transfer to certain 4-year institutions and programs. There is more room for flexibility in this degree. Generally, if a student decides to transfer to a 4-year school to pursue a BA or BS after earning the AGS, they may be short some of the general education requirements.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

The Associate of Applied Science degree is rarely pursued by a student who intends to transfer to a 4-year school. It is primarily a degree that prepares a student to go directly into the workforce. It is typically a specific technical career that the student who seeks the AAS is seeking. Again, the general education requirements are less rigid with the AAS degree.

Certificate Programs

Certificates are 1-year technical programs that require no general education courses. Auto Tech, Agri-business, and Cosmetology are Certificate programs. English, math, science, etc. are not required to complete a certificate, although some students choose to take preparatory classes that might help them succeed in the program.