The California State Chancellor’s Office has granted approval to Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC) to offer a bachelor of science degree in biomanufacturing.
“Los Angeles Mission College is excited to receive full approval from the State Chancellor’s Office to offer a bachelor’s degree in biomanufacturing,” said LAMC President Armida Ornelas. “The demand for skilled professionals in biotechnology continues to rise, and this program will transform lives by providing students with the skills and expertise needed to compete for high-paying jobs in a growing industry.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the field of biotechnology is expected to grow faster than average from 2022-2033, and LAMC has already seen this increased demand – before officially completing their courses in the spring semester, 13 LAMC students received job or internship offers with biotechnology industry partners Grifols Biologicals, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Lief Labs and Cedars Sinai.
“This applied degree uniquely addresses the workforce needs of the biotechnology manufacturing sector through a focus on quality systems, hands-on process sciences training and practical insights into achieving consistent product quality,” said LAMC Biotechnology Program Director Chander Aura, Ph.D. “It will cultivate professionals ready to tackle the real-world challenges of biotechnology manufacturing, bridging the gap between theory and application.”
“The new program in biomanufacturing at LA Mission College now gives our district four bachelor’s degrees, more than any other community college district in the state. These four-year workforce degrees at community colleges extend our capability to respond directly to the critical and future workforce needs of the region,” said LACCD Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez. “When you add in the total costs of tuition for the four-year program – about $11,000 tuition – it represents an outstanding return on investment, with starting salaries at six to eight times that.”
The new bachelor’s degree program will be open to current students, recent and prior graduates and candidates from local partnerships.