Associate in Applied Sciences
Chemical technicians play a vital role in fields involving medical drugs, environmental pollution analysis, cosmetics, chemicals, plastics, alternative energy sources, fabrics and foods.
Chemical technicians use analytical techniques, many with state-of-the-art instrumentation, to aid in the development, testing and use of products.
The major purpose of the Chemical Technology Program at County College of Morris (CCM) is to prepare graduates for employment at the technician level for research, testing and quality control laboratories associated with the internationally prestigious pharmaceutical, chemical, personal care products, food industry, environmental, and chemical corporations located in New Jersey.
Students in this program learn modern chemical methods and instrumentation. They will graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical training and an Associate of Applied Science degree.
Chemical Technology Program Learning Outcomes
- Define and explain the key ideas and foundational concepts in the chemical sciences.
- Execute the proper use of chemical equipment, instrumentation, and laboratory techniques.
- Explain and apply the scientific method including designing, conducting and analyzing experiments.
- Evaluate scientific literature to effectively communicate scientific information in written or oral format.
- Identify and assess ethical issues as they pertain to the chemical sciences.
- Solve problems in the chemical sciences using critical-thinking skills and technology.
- Identify the role played by the chemical sciences as they relate to the individual and society.
In the course of their studies, students will use laboratory instrumentation to analyze real-world samples. Class sizes are small and students receive individual attention as well as supplemental help and free tutoring, if needed.
Facilities
Our laboratory facilities include not only standard lab equipment, but the most modern instrumentation including:
- Benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
- Gas (GC) and liquid chromatography (HPLC)
- Atomic absorption (AA)
- UV and visible spectroscopy
- Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
- Electrophoresis (HPCE)
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
Faculty
The faculty is committed to providing quality education and maintains close relationships with students throughout their educational experience.
Many faculty members have had industrial experience, are involved in research, and have published articles in peer-reviewed journals. In addition, many belong to professional organizations including the American Chemical Society, The American Society for Microbiology and the Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists.
Several faculty members have been nominated or won the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Award.
Experiential Learning
The Biology and Chemistry Department works collaboratively with Career Services in providing opportunities to the students for paid and unpaid internships.
Learn more about our Transfer Services and Career Services here.
Chemical technicians often work in laboratories or in manufacturing facilities, including chemical manufacturing plants. To enter the occupation, chemical technicians typically need an associate’s degree or two years of postsecondary education. Some chemical technicians receive on-the-job training as well.
The median annual wage for chemical technicians is $48,990. Employment is projected to grow 5 percent from 2020 to 2030. About 7,500 openings for chemical technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Potential career options include:
- Chemical material and product analysts
- Chemical research technicians
- Forensic technicians
- Pilot plant supervisors
- Plant control chemists
- Pollution analysts
- Product sales representatives
- Quality control technicians
Students interested in transferring to other colleges should meet with an academic advisor as well as confer with the Office of Transfer Services to learn about transfer programs.
Graduates qualify for entry-level positions in research laboratories, quality-control laboratories, pilot plants, chemical production and environmental-monitoring facilities, testing laboratories and forensic laboratories.
Graduates can take advantage of employment opportunities offered by prestigious companies located in New Jersey.
Other graduates pursue baccalaureate degrees in chemistry or related disciplines at four-year institutions. Many employers will pay for continuing education towards a four-year degree and reward the employee with a pay increase and new classification if a more advanced degree is attained.
For additional information about career opportunities in chemistry, see www.acs.org.
Contact Info
Biology & Chemistry Department
973-328-5360
Sheffield Hall, Room 208
Professor Caitlin Burns
Chairperson
cburns@ccm.edu
973-328-5373