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Academic Programs and Services

Applied Science and Engineering Technology Program

The Applied Science and Engineering Technology program prepares students for employment in a range of scientific technology occupations and also provides a foundation for transfer to four-year technology programs. The flexible design of the program allows students to choose from a range of scientific technology fields, including biotechnology, nanotechnology and process technology, among others.

The program includes a set of courses required of all students and gives students the opportunity to select specialized courses in a particular field of interest, leading to a certificate of completion in a specialized field. Some students may initially opt to finish a certificate without completing the degree in order to directly enter the workforce. Students who do so and who later decide to pursue the associate’s degree will have a seamless transition to the degree program, since all credits earned through the certificate of completion will also count toward the degree itself.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate foundation knowledge in at least one technology field.
  • Demonstrate laboratory skills in basic sciences.
  • Demonstrate the ability to approach current societal issues from a scientific perspective.
  • Present technical information in oral, written or graphic format.
  • Work effectively as part of a team.
  • Articulate and practice professional skills as applied to a technical area of expertise.


In addition, students will be prepared to work in a range of industries at the technician level. Below is a list of some of the positions a graduate of the program could fill (depending on which certificate or certificates are completed).

  • Process technician or operator in industries such as oil refining, food processing and water purification.
  • Biotechnology technician in the bio-pharmaceutical industry.
  • Biomedical research technician.
  • Process analyst in a wide range of industries utilizing nanotechnology.


Program Entry Requirement:
This program is open to all interested students. However, some certificates offered as part of the degree are select, and students interested in particular certificate programs should consult with the department head. All new students are normally required to take the College’s placement test at their time of entry. Students who are identified as needing developmental course work must satisfactorily complete the appropriate English and mathematics courses as a part of their degree program.

Admission to the Biomedical Technician Training program (BTTP) is selective. BTTP is a partnership between Community College of Philadelphia and Wistar Institute. To apply, students must have completed a minimum of 12 credits at an accredited college or university with a GPA of 2.5 or better and also completed the following courses with a grade of "C" or better: Math 118, English 101, Chemistry 110 or 121 and Biology 123. Students must successfully complete an in-person interview with the BTTP Academic coordinator and BTTP program director from Wistar Institute.

Admission to the Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology (NMT) program is selective. NMT is a partnership between Community College of Philadelphia and the Center for Nanotechnology Education and Utilization at Penn State University. Students must have completed a minimum of 12 credits at an accredited college or university with a GPA of 2.5 or better, and also completed the following courses with a grade of "C" or better: Physics 105 (or higher) and Chemistry 110 (or higher). In addition, students must successfully complete an in-person interview with the department head and provide a letter of reference from an instructor of a science course taken by the student.

Students interested in one of these select programs should contact the Division of Math, Science and Health Careers in Room W2-7 or by telephone at 215-751-8430 in order to learn more about the application process.

Program of Study and Graduation Requirements:
A minimum of 60 credits as prescribed must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0. A minimum grade of "C" must be achieved in all certificate and required program courses. Specific certificates taken in conjunction with the degree may require more than 60 credits.

Download a printable degree description (PDF File) that includes a recommended course sequence grid.