What is STEM?
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), one of Highline’s professional pathways, groups together our science driven programs. STEM encompasses some of our economy’s most in-demand fields. Highline faculty provide their students with one-on-one guidance and hands-on experiences that help Highline students succeed in their careers.
Learn About Each Program:
Science
Do you like the way you look in a lab coat and enjoy the excitement of experiments? Explore a major in the applied sciences! This includes the fields of biology, chemistry, pre-medical, physics among others. Many of these programs transfer to four-year universities. Our Marine Science and Technology Center (MaST) in Redondo provides Highline students with a unique opportunity to study marine life and the Puget Sound in a hands-on environment.
With the small lab classes, opportunities to get out in the field, internships and classes at the MaST, our students turn book learning into a real experience.
— Rus Higley, Marine Science and Technology Center Manager and 2012 HCC Employee of the Year
Technology
Are you always "in-the-know" with new technology? Highline provides courses and programs designed to prepare students with the technical skills and knowledge to be successful in a variety of technology-related fields. Students can pursue careers as web developers, network specialists, computer forensics or data recovery specialists.
Engineering
Interested in joining one of the fastest growing and highest paying career fields? Learn the mechanics to design and develop new structures, systems and processes. Highline has a long-standing, successful engineering program designed to mirror the freshman and sophomore years of a university engineering degree.
Students at Highline take the same courses as four-year schools with smaller classes, better access to faculty and a lower cost of tuition.
— Richard Bankhead, Engineering Faculty
Math
If numbers are your strong suit, consider a degree in mathematics! Highline provides classes such as algebra, pre-calculus, calculus and statistics that can heighten your math skills, or courses such as geometry and number theory for K-8 Teachers, that will train you to enhance your future students' math abilities.
Our faculty promotes achievement by making the skills and concepts you learn in a course relevant to your daily life.
— Ed Morris, Mathematics Faculty
STEM Alumni Profile
Josh Fuller’s dreams of pursuing a career in engineering didn’t always seem so attainable. Following high school Josh struggled financially, making attending college seem out of reach.
While maintaining a full-time job, he applied to Highline. Josh was awarded the Des Moines Rotary Scholarship, which enabled him to dedicate himself to his studies and start building his engineering experience.
“With the help of the Foundation office, scholarships and financial aid, I was able to pursue my goal of attaining a college education without worrying about the financial burden, said Josh.”
Josh completed his Associates of Science in engineering in 2011. He was accepted in the highly competitive chemical engineering program at the University of Washington, which awards approximately 60 degrees per year. He anticipates completing his Bachelor’s degree in 2014. The Highline Foundation and STEM program prepared Josh to take the next big step towards his engineering career.
STEM Scholarships
With the rising costs of tuition, scholarships are a great way to help pay for your education! Check out these scholarships exclusive to STEM students:
Applications available Spring 2013:
Richard Plagge Mathematics Scholarship — awarded each summer for the upcoming year to two students pursuing a career in mathematics.
Vern and Jean Warmbo Engineering Scholarship — awarded each summer for the upcoming year to one student pursuing a career in engineering.
Apply now!
2012 Gala Scholarships have funds to directly support STEM students. Scholarships are still being awarded for the 2012-2013 academic year! Contact Rod Stephenson at rstephen@highline.edu for details and applications.
STEM Seminars
Start your weekend with some weird science!
Join the Highline STEM faculty each Friday for Science Seminars! Come learn more about the most cutting-edge topics of science, technology and medicine. The seminars are open to the public, but can also be taken for college credit!
Time: Fridays at 2:20PM
Location: Highline Community College, Building 3, Room 102
Visit the Science Seminars website for the topic schedule and more information.
HCC Fun Facts
- Take the same classes as 4-year institutions that transfer successfully to university degree programs.
- We have smaller class sizes than most 4-year colleges.
- Enjoy better access to faculty members.
- Our classes are taught by faculty, never teaching assistants.
- Affordable tuition — less than 1/3 the cost of UW or WSU!
- Did you know? 3 out of 10 UW engineering graduates have more than 45 credits at a community college.*
- 5 out of 10 WSU engineering graduates have more than 45 credits at a community college.**
*As reported by Frank Y. Ashby, Ed.D., University of Washington.
**As reported by Robert G. Olsen, Associate Dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture for Undergraduate Programs and Student Services, Washington State University.