STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

This pathway focuses on science, technology, engineering and math and is perfect for those who are analytical and mathematically-minded. You can expect professors with industry experience and a variety of electives to choose from so you can customize learning based on your individual interests.

JJC offers a wide range of STEM programs of study: 

Natural Sciences

  • Astronomy 
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Kinesiology/Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Personal Trainer

Engineering

Mathematics

 

Some highlights include:

Natural Sciences & Physical Education

  • About Us | Contact Information

    JJC's Natural Sciences and Physical Education Department encompasses a wide range of disciplines. Many students take these courses to meet general education requirements, and many who take our courses are pre-med, pre-veterinarian, pre-pharmacology, pre-physical therapists or future engineers. Our variety of courses can help prepare you for your future career, whatever your path may be. 

    Students can also take advantage of the many unique learning opportunities JJC offers, from an on-campus planetarium to the prairie restoration project. Students receive hands-on learning experiences and lab time from professors who are extremely knowledgeable in their areas of expertise, continually study updates in their fields, and earn accolades both on and off campus.

    Contact Information

    Jon Laratta
    Department Chair, Professor
    815.280.2418
    jlaratta@jjc.edu

    Suzanne Roberts
    Department Secretary
    815.280.2420
    sroberts@jjc.edu

  • Kinesiology | Physical Education

    JJC's Physical Education program includes courses as basic as the Fitness Center to courses as detailed and specific as soccer coaching. The program also encompasses classes on first aid, the history of sports and wellness concepts, as well as many others.

    Personal Trainer Certificate program

    JJC Fitness Center


    Contact Information

    David Opon
    Professor, Natural Sciences & Physical Education
    Email: dopon@jjc.edu
    Phone: 815.280.2853

  • Natural Sciences Club

    JJC's Natural Sciences Club provides a creative, social and educational outlet for those students interested in science - through field trips, restoration work, discussions and guest speakers.

    Field trips include Brookfield Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, Starved Rock and more. There are also opportunities to help maintain and restore natural habitats.

    The club also has participated in the JJC Main Campus prairie restoration project, which involves prairie burns and seed collection. Another club project has been helping the Department of Conservation with deer check stations. 

  • Ecological Restoration Project

    Join us as JJC continues restoring natural areas on campus. The ecosystems on campus are remnants of a once vast wilderness of prairie and forest. Most natural areas in Illinois are being invaded by non-native and opportunistic plant species. Without regular management of these disturbed natural areas many of our remaining native species will go extinct locally!

    Ecological restoration is the process of re-establishing native plant communities and ecological processes of energy flow and nutrient cycling until they become self-sustaining. This is your chance to help preserve our local biological diversity.

    During a restoration day, we explore and discover the subtle changes taking place on the site, admire the seasonal activities of plants and animals, cut and clear non-native vegetation, plant native seeds and root stocks, and take frequent rests to enjoy our accomplishments. You are encouraged to wear boots, long pants, and durable leather gloves. Everyone of all experiences are invited to attend. We provide the training and equipment for enthusiastic volunteers.

    For additional information about JJC's restoration project and nature trails, contact Andy Neill from the Natural Science Department at (815) 280-2632. We look forward to seeing you!

Engineering (Associate Degree Program)

Your engineering requisites will earn you an Associates in Science degree for transfer to a four-year school. JJC will also assist you in searching for the right engineering discipline to meet your goals.

Mathematics

Transfer to a Four-Year School

You can save thousands on your education by attending JJC your first two years compared to a four-year public or private institution.

Study Abroad

As a member of the Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs (ICISP), JJC offers many study abroad opportunities around the world for students of any major. Destinations include Japan, Costa Rica, England, France and more!

  • How to Study Abroad

    At JJC, you can choose to study abroad during the fall, spring or summer semesters. All students who want to study abroad should fill out an application and have it completed by the deadlines below.

    • Spring Program: October 15
    • Summer Program: February 15
    • Fall Program: May 15
       

    More on Study Abroad

Careers

All career information sourced from: https://www.onetonline.org/

  • Civil Engineers

    Regional Employment & Annual Openings - Civil Engineers

    Employment (Regional) Annual Openings
    2023 52,276 3,849
    2024 53,070
    2025 53,758
    2026 54,361
    2027 54,904

    Annual Earnings & Median Earnings - Civil Engineers

    Annual Earnings (By Percentile) Median Earnings
    10 $70,208.77 $104,421.22
    25 $81,343.41
    50 $104,421.22
    75 $140,550.21
    90 $175,860.46

    Education Attainment Levels - Civil Engineers

    Education Attainment Levels (By Percent)
    A High School Diploma Or Less 0.00
    A Certificate 0.00
    Some College 0.00
    An Associate Degree 0.00
    A Bachelor's Degree 90.47
    A Master's Or Professional Degree 9.52
    A Doctoral Degree Or More 0.00

  • Chemists

    Regional Employment & Annual Openings - Chemists

    Employment (Regional) Annual Openings
    2023 10,176 933
    2024 10,412
    2025 10,614
    2026 10,776
    2027 10,919

    Annual Earnings & Median Earnings - Chemists

    Annual Earnings (By Percentile) Median Earnings
    10 $56,789.45 $97,179.48
    25 $74,311.95
    50 $97,179.48
    75 $133,625.68
    90 $169,370.62

    Education Attainment Levels - Chemists

    Education Attainment Levels (By Percent)
    A High School Diploma Or Less 0.00
    A Certificate 0.00
    Some College 0.00
    An Associate Degree 0.00
    A Bachelor's Degree 60.07
    A Master's Or Professional Degree 9.91
    A Doctoral Degree Or More 30.02

  • Biologists

    Regional Employment & Annual Openings - Biologists

    Employment (Regional) Annual Openings
    2023 16,971 1,548
    2024 17,286
    2025 17,538
    2026 17,741
    2027 17,909

    Annual Earnings & Median Earnings - Biologists

    Annual Earnings (By Percentile) Median Earnings
    10 $64,122.77 $109,854.02
    25 $81,509.64
    50 $109,854.02
    75 $140,630.00
    90 $174,789.54

    Education Attainment Levels - Biologists

    Education Attainment Levels (By Percent)
    A High School Diploma Or Less 0.00
    A Certificate 0.00
    Some College 0.00
    An Associate Degree 0.00
    A Bachelor's Degree 42.69
    A Master's Or Professional Degree 56.93
    A Doctoral Degree Or More 0.38

  • Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

    Regional Employment & Annual Openings - Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

    Employment (Regional) Annual Openings
    2023 51,882 11,342
    2024 53,715
    2025 55,257
    2026 56,608
    2027 57,782

    Annual Earnings & Median Earnings - Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

    Annual Earnings (By Percentile) Median Earnings
    10 $29,419.60 $53,757.62
    25 $34,641.73
    50 $53,757.62
    75 $76,354.49
    90 $111,276.22

    Education Attainment Levels - Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

    Education Attainment Levels (By Percent)
    A High School Diploma Or Less 14.29
    A Certificate 57.14
    Some College 4.76
    An Associate Degree 9.52
    A Bachelor's Degree 9.52
    A Master's Or Professional Degree 4.76
    A Doctoral Degree Or More 0.00

  • Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians

    Regional Employment & Annual Openings - Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians

    Employment (Regional) Annual Openings
    2023 4,530 541
    2024 4,662
    2025 4,775
    2026 4,871
    2027 4,962

    Annual Earnings & Median Earnings - Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians

    Annual Earnings (By Percentile) Median Earnings
    10 $47,730.17 $72,708.19
    25 $59,220.69
    50 $72,708.19
    75 $89,290.63
    90 $109,777.50

    Education Attainment Levels - Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians

    Education Attainment Levels (By Percent)
    A High School Diploma Or Less 0.00
    A Certificate 0.00
    Some College 0.00
    An Associate Degree 4.55
    A Bachelor's Degree 18.18
    A Master's Or Professional Degree 27.27
    A Doctoral Degree Or More 50.00

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