Technical Studies, AAS

Purpose

The Associate of Applied Science in Technical Studies (Plan Code 718) provides flexible alternatives for meeting student and employer needs and features a flexible curriculum designed to meet specific educational and employment goals in career technical fields like electricity, electronics, HVAC, and welding. The degree is designed for students who have completed a career studies certificate or a certificate program. The Technical Studies curriculum allows for credit for prior learning for work experience or internships, includes general education courses, and will be especially useful to employees in technical fields who wish to advance in their profession or place of employment.

Program Requirements and Special Conditions

To be eligible to enroll in a Technical Studies degree program, the student must first complete a career studies certificate or certificate program. Eligible ESCC programs are listed below. Programs completed at other colleges may also be eligible.

Program Curriculum

Students must meet with an advisor who will assist with designing a curriculum specific to that student’s education, work experience, and goals. Each student’s Technical Studies plan of study must be approved by the Chief Academic Officer and will be composed of Content Skills and Knowledge, General Education, and Student Development courses.

Content Skills and Knowledge: 44-52 credits, including at least one career studies certificate or certificate earned prior to the Technical Studies degree program. Consult with an advisor to identify the specific Content Skills and Knowledge courses to be completed. Students can be granted credit for prior learning for work experience and internships.
General Education: 15 credits including at least 3 credits from each of the following:
- Communication
- Humanities
- Social/Behavioral Sciences
- Mathematics/Natural Science

Student Development: 1-2 credits

Total Credits for Program: 60-69

Program Curriculum and Suggested Sequence of Courses

1st Session

SDV 101 - Orientation to Trades and Technology - credits: 1 Course Option: SDV 100
ENG 111 - College Composition I - credits: 3
MTH 130 - Fundamentals of Reasoning - credits: 3

Total Credits: 7

2nd Session

ENG 115 - Technical Writing - credits: 3
Humanities Electives - Open - credits: 3

Total Credits: 6

3rd Session

Social Science Electives - Open - credits: 3

Total Credits: 3

Additional Requirements: Content, Skills, and Knowledge

Existing curricula from Career Studies Certificate/Certificate programs.

Students must complete at least one career studies certificate or certificate as part of these credits. Additional courses should be taken to create a coherent plan of study. Pre-approved plans for many of the skilled trades areas are presented in the catalog. Students wishing to design a customized degree should email advising@es.vccs.edu to set up an advising appointment.

Pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements can be found in course details.

Students are strongly encouraged to complete their ENG, MTH, and SDV requirements first.

ESCC Eastern Shore Community College