North, South
Associate of Science

This CCAC program is in part a Penn State University/National Science Foundation/Pennsylvania State Department of Economic Development supported training program that provides the theory and hands-on training needed for employment as nanotechnologists. The nanotechnology program at CCAC provides students the opportunity to acquire the skills needed for employment in jobs requiring multiple developmental and maintenance competencies necessary for various applications of nano-devices in biology, biotechnology, drug design and delivery, chemistry, physics, environmental science, internet and computer science.

Graduates will enter the job market with the skills necessary for positions in universities, hospitals and research centers as well as the following industries:

• pharmaceuticals/medicine
• biotechnology/biomimetics
• microelectromechanical/medical devices
• optics/photonics
• environmental cleanup
• food/water purification
• agriculture/forestry and environment
• forensics/security/military/defense
• information technology management
• automotive, textiles/cosmetics

Students must spend their fourth semester of intensive study at the Nanofabrication Research Laboratory at Penn State University in State College, PA. CCAC students who meet the program requirements (see program liaison) will pay for the courses at the CCAC tuition rate and may have access to other financial resources for related expenses. Additional financial aid may be available during the term at the Nanofabrication Laboratory. Students may take all 18 credits in one semester or take nine credits over two semesters or six credits over three semesters. Students will receive a certificate from Penn State Center for Nanotechnology Education and Utilization upon successful completion of the six-course, 18-credit capstone semester in nanofabrication.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

1. Describe the fundamental principles of nanotechnology.
2. Design, develop, create and produce nano-devices with varied applications in various fields.
3. Troubleshoot and provide preventive maintenance and reuse of nano-devices.
4. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, using the terminology appropriate to nanotechnology.
5. Apply the leadership and management skills necessary for position as nanotechnician, manager and supervisor of a nanotechnology facility.