Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Technical Studies, A.A.S.


This program is exclusively designed for students or prospective students currently employed by an employer who is working with Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. Our program allows employers to customize a course of study for their employees, while giving them the skill sets to use technology effectively; sharpen communication skills; and develop practical problem solving strategies.

Program Overview

The Blue Ridge Community and Technical College can customize this degree program for employers. Certificate programs are also available.

Goals of the Technical Studies Program include:

  • To increase the abilities of employees to use technology effectively and responsibly.
  • To increase abilities of employees to communicate information effectively through reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
  • To develop employee’s abilities to solve problems through understanding, reasoning, research, and productive teamwork.
  • To assist those employed in the workforce to understand that education is a life-long process.

Degree programs implemented under this degree designation will include instruction consistent with the following components and categories.

Curriculum for AAS in Technical Studies

This program is only for individuals whose employer is working with Blue Ridge Community and Technical College to ensure completion of this degree.

Career Opportunities

Completing this degree will enhance your professional skill sets and increase your opportunities for upward mobility.

Curriculum for an Associate of Applied Science in Technical Studies


Component I – General Education Core 15
Component II – Technical Core 12
Component III – Occupational Specialty 18
Component IV – On-the-Job Training 15
Total Credit Hours Required 60

Component I – General Education Core


Communication and Life Skills


Social Awareness


Critical & Analytical Thinking


Note:


Electives must be taken from the General Education core competency.

Component II – Technical Core


Each program of study must include a general technical core that meets the goal of developing skills that may be applied to a variety of occupations or that may be specific to an occupation. (12)

Subtotal Credit Hours Required 12

Component III – Occupational Specialty


The component consists of technical specialty courses specific to an occupational area. Industry based education and training programs are to be converted to college credit at the ratio of 15:1 and at a rate consistent with the lab hour/credit ratio of the degree granting institution for laboratory credit. (18)

Subtotal Credit Hours Required 18

Component IV – On-the-Job Training


The component consists of a paid or unpaid OJT, internship, or practicum performed in a business or industry setting in the occupational area. The on-the-job training component is to be converted to credit hours at a ratio of 150:1 with the maximum of 2,080 contact hours allowable. A statement of the total number of contact hours experience through on-the-job training will be placed on the college record. (15)

Subtotal Credit Hours Required 15