Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

Images of student interacting in classroom settings at Elgin Community College.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These fields emphasize innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking. STEM fields are considered key areas of job growth and development.

Accomplishments

At ECC, students participate in scientific discovery and innovation through the Illinois Skyway Competition. In 2024, five of Professor Chattopadhyay’s dedicated research students! They clinched the 2nd prize in chemistry at Morton College for their research focused on the "Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles for Anti-bacterial Activities," showcasing innovation and excellence in the field of chemistry.

STEM Courses

Elgin Community College’s STEM programs equip students with the skills and knowledge to pursue their bachelor’s degree or graduate with an in-demand career.

A female student uses an infrared thermal scanner on another female student seated in a classroom.

Applied Physical Sciences

Learn the fundamental and holistic views of physics, chemistry, geology, physical geography, and earth science topics related to everyday life and current events.

Learn MoreApplied Physical Sciences

Astronomy

Astronomers explore the origin and nature of the universe, its galaxies, stars, planets, and other matter that it contains.

Learn MoreAstronomy

A male student at a lab table is examining the human anatomy skeleton model.

Biology

Biologists are responsible for cutting-edge academic and industrial research in medicine and genetics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and ecological studies, making it a career field of choice.

Learn MoreBiology

A female student, wearing safety glasses, is mixing chemicals in a glass flask bottle in the classroom.

Chemistry

Study chemistry's fundamentals and practical aspects in various career fields, including chemical technicians, quality control analysts, food scientists, health and safety engineers, and more.

Learn MoreChemistry

A male student is seated at a computer working on a CAD design.

Engineering

Engineers apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to practical and technical problems that benefit society.

Learn MoreEngineering

A male student is seated at a classroom table, examining various materials and taking notes.

Geology

Geology is the study of the Earth, encompassing its nature and physical properties, as well as the composition of the Earth's crust.

Learn MoreGeology

$A female student is writing equations on a dry-erase board.$

Mathematics

At Elgin Community College, you'll gain a solid foundation of mathematical literacy, critical thinking, and technological fluency.

Learn MoreMathematics

A female instructor engages with two male students as they examine electrical components at a classroom table.

Physics

Physics seeks to enhance our understanding of the fundamental forces in the universe, including matter, energy, and natural phenomena that range from the substructure of atomic nuclei to the formation of clusters of galaxies.

Learn MorePhysics

ECC in the News

Zo Kreager, PhD, professor of applied physical science

Faculty Profile

Published 11/16/2023

Take Five with…Zo Kreager

Zo Kreager, PhD, professor of applied physical science, joined Elgin Community College this past year. Born and raised in Nebraska, Kreager first came to Illinois to pursue her PhD at Northern Illinois University.

Read Article

Erin Kerwood, PhD, assistant professor of chemistry

Faculty Profile

Published 09/29/2023

Take Five with…Erin Kerwood

Erin Kerwood, PhD, assistant professor of chemistry, bonded with ECC instantly. “I love it here and have met so many awesome people!” Starting as an adjunct professor in the fall of 2021, Kernwood made her way to full-time in the spring.

Read Article

Catherine Moushon, professor of mathematics

Accomplishment | Faculty Profile

Published 12/08/2022

ECC’s Catherine Moushon receives ICTM Award

Elgin Community College’s Catherine Moushon, MA, professor of mathematics, was honored with the Max Beberman Mathematics Educators Award this past October from the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM). This award honors one outstanding person each year who has made significant contributions to the field of mathematics education through research, curriculum design, or teacher training.

Read Article

Academics | Events

Published 02/05/2021

ECC presents Math and Science STEM Speaker Series

Elgin Community College Health Professions, Math, Science, and Engineering hosted STEM to encourage students to consider coursework and career in these fields.

Read Article

Accomplishment

Published 11/07/2019

Twin brothers selected for NASA aerospace education programs

Brothers Michael and Jackson Wozniak of Carpentersville have a lot of things in common. They both attend Elgin Community College, they both serve as officers in Phi Theta Kappa, and they were both selected to take part in NASA educational programs as part of the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars, or NCAS, experience.

Read Article

Accomplishment

Published 11/06/2018

ECC student visits NASA through the Community College Aerospace Scholars program

Elgin Community College student Nathan Depcik was one of 319 community college students nationwide to move closer to a career in science and engineering as part of the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars program (NCAS).

Read Article

Register for a campus tour today!

Tour our beautiful campus and explore programs, student resources, and academic spaces. Tours are offered every other Wednesday at 4:00 pm pm and are led by a friendly student ambassador or an admissions staff member.

In-Person Campus Tours

Student and Community Engagement

ECC offers clubs, events, and resources in various technical fields for every area of interest.

STEM Resources

Contact

STEM Programs

Building F, Room F228
847-214-7297
stemprograms@elgin.edu