Career Technical Programs

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) 

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree program is designed for students who plan to seek employment based upon the competencies and skills attained through a specific program of study. While not designed to meet the needs of students who transfer to senior institutions, portions of these programs may transfer. In order for a student to graduate with an AAS degree, he/she must follow a prescribed program of study or career path. The AAS degree shall be comprised of at least 60 semester credit hours but no more than 76 semester credit hours. While each prescribed program of study/career path varies, the following standards are required as minimum degree requirements from the General Studies Curriculum in the Alabama College System.

Associate in Occupational Technology (AOT) 

The Associate in Occupational Technology (AOT) degree program is designed for students seeking a combination of technically oriented courses to meet specific career objectives and the opportunity to become multi-skilled technicians. In addition to completing the general education requirements, students will also complete course work in primary and secondary technical specialties. The AOT degree shall be comprised of at least 60 semester credit hours but no more than 76 semester credit hours. While each prescribed program of study/career path varies, the following standards are required as minimum degree requirements from the General Studies Curriculum in the Alabama College System.

* Primary Technical Specialty (Major): A minimum of 28 credit hours in a single content area. 

* Secondary Technical Specialty (Minor): A minimum of 12 credit hours in another related technical area.

Certificate (CER) 

Certificate (CER) programs are designed as stackable credentials within degree programs for students to gain a specialized set of skills for employment or professional advancement while pursuing the AAS or AOT degree. The CER program shall be comprised of at least 30 semester credit hours but no more than 60 semester credit hours. While each prescribed program of study/career path varies, the following standards are required as minimum requirements from the General Studies Curriculum in the Alabama College System.

Career Technical Education Short-Term Certificate (CTE STC) 

Career Technical Education Short-Term Certificate (STC) programs are designed as stackable credentials within degree programs to equip students with a focused set of skills for an entry-level position in business and industry. Career Technical Education Short-Term Certificates are not designed for transfer to a senior institution. The CTE STC program shall be comprised of at least 9 semester credit hours but no more than 29 semester credit hours. While each prescribed program of study/career path varies, the following standards are required as minimum requirements from the General Studies Curriculum in the Alabama College System.

Career Technical Paths 

Technical career paths have been designed within the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree programs and the Associate in Occupational Technology (AOT) degree programs to focus on promising approaches to basic skills instruction and occupational training. The paths are clearly defined and build upon one another to lead to successively higher credentials and employment opportunities in growing occupations. The technical career paths emphasize assessment, academic and non-academic support, and strong connections to the labor market and employer needs. Faculty advisors will be able to assist students in selecting a technical career path and offer guidance to ensure students stay on track for completion.