STEM and Health Sciences
Our unit offers degrees and certificates in physics, chemistry and biochemistry, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, cloud computing, network and wireless technologies, mathematics, data science, environmental science and policy, biological science, bioinformatics, and biotechnology. We also offer Health Sciences, Health, and Physical Education, including nursing, sonography, fire science and emergency services, surgical technology, health information management, mental health, physical therapist assistant, polysomnography, radiology, and physical education.
STEM programs lead to some of the most interesting, in-demand, and well-paying jobs and careers in the country and in the world. Students who complete STEM programs enter the workforce upon completion or transfer to four-year colleges or universities to complete the last two years of their undergraduate degree.
Montgomery College has transfer agreements with many four-year schools to ensure that the coursework you have completed counts toward your bachelor's degree and prepares you to continue your studies.
Not all STEM jobs require a four-year degree, however. With Montgomery College's certificate programs, such as those in biotechnology and cybersecurity, you can obtain certification to pursue in-demand jobs in Montgomery County and the surrounding area.
Program Areas
Opportunities, Partnerships and Special Programs
Opportunities Available to Students
- STEM Internships new window, including NIST PREP new window (Professional Research Experience Program)
- STEM Scholars Program new window, a selective honors program for STEM majors
- STEM Ambassadors new window
Transfer Opportunities
- Community Colleges Collaborating in STEM (C3STEM) new window: This program, in partnership with Mount St. Mary's University, provides scholarships and support to STEM majors who transfer from either Montgomery College or Frederick Community College to complete their bachelor's degree.
- STEM Transfer Student Success Initiative new window: This program supports STEM students in making a successful transition to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Partnerships and Special Programs
- Bio-Trac new window: This partnership offers graduate/post graduate level hands-on laboratory training workshops for research scientists
- BIOTrain new window: This partnership, led by Montgomery College, brings together biotechnology companies, government entities, and nonprofits to shape a technical workforce that is ready for today and tomorrow.
- Spectrum Lecture Series new window: A science-oriented lecture series aimed at a non-scientific audience.
- K-12 STEM new window: Many young students begin to develop interest in STEM before they start college. There are many activities and programs that are available to young students with an interest in STEM.
- Teaching to Increase Diversity and Equity in STEM (TIDES): The overall goal of this three-year initiative is to increase the learning outcomes and retention of students historically underrepresented in the computer/information sciences and related STEM disciplines.
Who We Are
Email: nawal.benmouna@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-3245
Office Location: Rockville Campus, SW 201G
Office Staff
Email: tonya.addleman@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6920
Office Location: Germantown Campus, PK 108
Email: richard.cerkovnik@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2129
Office Location: Germantown Campus, BE 101
Biography
Dr. Richard Cerkovnik has worked in industry as a Quality Control manager in the carbide sector before assuming teaching and administration duties in the community college system, where he has worked for 26 years.
During this time he has taught physics, chemistry, physical science, Earth and space science, and industrial science classes, and has served 11 years, as chair/head of a physical sciences department.
He is currently the Director of the Interdisciplinary Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (iSTEM) initiative at Montgomery College. Rich has extensive experience in a variety of STEM disciplines, STEM program development and articulation, instructional technology, grant work, workforce development, teacher preparation and development, K12 outreach, on-line instruction, and educational research.
He has a B.S degree in Chemical Engineering, a M.S. degree in Physics, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Cerkovnik led, as Executive Director, the National STEM Consortium in its start-up phase of a $20 M USDOL TAACCCT grant which developed 1-year certificates in technician pathways connected to workforce needs.