Eduardo J. Padrón
President
Office of the President
300 N.E. Second Avenue
Miami, Florida 33132-2297
305-237-3316
epadron@mdc.edu
Message From the President
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
MDC’s New Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences Approved by the State
I am pleased to announce that the State Board of Education has unanimously approved MDC's request to offer a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biological Sciences to meet the local demand for trained professionals in the biological/life science industries in South Florida.
The B.S. in Biological Sciences degree program will allow graduates to tap into the burgeoning demand for biological scientists with four-year degrees, projected to increase by 21 percent during the next decade. Degree candidates can take advantage of the seamless transfer of existing credits toward the degree and the many other benefits of a quality education at MDC, including significantly lower tuition compared to other institutions, and the ability to access classes with convenient schedules and locations. Students may also choose from one of three concentrations – biotechnology, biopharmaceutical sciences or science education.
The development of the B.S. in Biological Sciences is another example of MDC responding to the workforce needs of the dynamic community we serve. In addition to more than 300 associate degrees and certificate programs, the B.S. in Biological Sciences is MDC's eighth baccalaureate program.
The B.S. in Biological Sciences degree offers hands-on experience that emphasizes skill sets and workforce-driven training that is essential and in high demand by local employers. Graduates will be prepared for careers including biological scientists, research technicians, microbiologists, natural science managers and science teachers.
I would like to thank Dr. Rolando Montoya, college provost; Dr. Pamela Menke, vice provost; Dr. Jose Vicente, president of North Campus; Dr. Joanne Bashford, associate provost for institutional effectiveness; Dr. Heather Belmont, dean of the School of Science; Dr. Mattie Roig-Watnik, dean of academic affairs at North Campus; Dr. Mollie DeHart, district director of academic programs; Victoria Hernandez, MDC's director of governmental affairs; and all of you who contributed to the development of this exciting program.
Thank you.
Eduardo