STEM Programs
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STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These fields share an emphasis on innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking. STEM fields are considered to be key areas of job growth and development.
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.
STEM Courses

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.

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

Biology
Biologists are responsible for cutting-edge academic and industrial research in medicine and genetics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and ecological studies as a career field.

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

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

Geology
Geology is the study of the earth, including the nature and physical properties of the earth's composition.

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

Physics
Physics seeks to improve our understanding of the fundamental forces in the universe, matter and energy, and natural phenomena ranging from the substructure of atomic nuclei to clusters of galaxies.
ECC in the News
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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.
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ECC board grants tenure to five faculty members
At the October 11, 2022, board meeting, the Community College District 509 Board of Trustees accepted the recommendation by the Elgin Community College administration to grant tenure to five ECC full-time faculty.
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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.
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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.
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From student to faculty: McHugh-Kurtz knows ECC from all angles
Virginia (Ginger) McHugh-Kurtz’s first experience at Elgin Community College was as a student. When she decided to work at the college, her first experience took a familiar turn.
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ECC student visits NASA through 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).
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ECC student returns to NASA for Community College Aerospace Scholars project
Elgin Community College student Angela M. Andrada returned to the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars program (NCAS) as a student assistant during the program’s onsite training at NASA’s Langley Research Center (LaRC) outside of Washington D.C. The program was held for four days during June, where Andrada led various activities, guided the next team of aerospace scholars in their rover competition and handled program logistics.