Technical Studies
A program of study developed under this degree designation leads to an A.A.S. Degree in Technical Studies. The program of study includes general education, technical education, with options for specific occupational training and on-the-job training. Quality, industry-based, educational and training programs can be included.
This degree program is designed to assist all West Virginia Community and Technical Colleges in responding to the needs of employees and employers in a timely manner.
Graduates may assume a variety of positions based on skills achieved through technical courses and employer education. Graduates may continue studies towards a Regents Bachelor of Arts.
More About the Program
The Technical Studies program addresses the identified educational and training needs of business, industry, labor and governmental agencies through the delivery of customized programs in a timely and efficient manner. It may also be used to develop a customized program to meet the specific needs of a student.
Component I-General Education
Communication Skills (At least one business or technical writing or business course) Minimum Credit Hours ..... 6 Credits
Quantitative Skills/Laboratory Science/Experience (At least one mathematics course) Minimum Credit Hours .... 3 Credits
General Education Electives to satisfy minimum of 15 credits ..... 6 Credits
Component Total : 15
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. Technical courses such as the examples listed below are to be a part of every program of study under this degree designation.
Labor Management Relations, Laboratory Science, Safety and Industrial Hygiene, Fluid Power, Principles of Management, Graphics, Principles of Supervision, Electrical Systems, Methods of Inquiry, Human Relations, Computer Applications, Industrial Psychology, Draft/CAD/Blueprint Reading, Nutrition, Accounting Principles, Information Processing, Advanced Mathematics, Industrial Relations, Human Resource Management, TQM Principles, Qualitative Business Analysis, Statistics, Quality Control Principles, Medical Terminology
Component Total : 39 Max
Component III – Supervised Worksite Based Learning or OJT Training
The component consists of technical specialty courses specific to an occupational area. Technical courses developed and delivered by the college, apprenticeship courses, or approved courses included in a business or industry training program can be included in this component. Apprenticeship and industry based education and training program courses are to be converted to college credit hours at the usual ratio of 15:1 for lecture. Credit equivalencies for non-credit training modules will be converted at no less ratio than 30:1 contact to credit hours.
Component Total : 39 Max
Component IV: On-the-Job Training in the Occupation or Supervised Work Based Learning
Credit for worksite-based training is optional in the certificate in technical studies program. When incorporated, such training consists of an internship, practicum, or OJT experience performed in an occupational setting related to the certificate. The credit value of internships will be determined by the process and contact to credit hour ratio used in traditional programs. On-the-job training experience will be converted at a ratio of 160:1 contact hour per credit hour, with a maximum of 1,960 contact hours allowable.
Component Total : 12 Max