The college's occupational-technical programs are designed both to prepare students for employment and to provide additional education for those already employed. They meet the increasing demand for technicians, paraprofessionals, skilled craft workers, and specialized clerical workers for employment in industry, business, government, and the professions. Programs include preparation for agricultural, business, engineering, health and medical, industrial, service, and other technical and occupational fields. Three different lengths of programs give students convenient options. Career studies programs supply basic skills and may be completed in one or two semesters.
Certificate programs add more advanced training and general education courses.
They generally last two or three semesters. All programs, whatever the length, may offer more than one track, or area of specialization. In most cases, courses included in the career studies and certificate programs apply to the two-year associate's degree. Many students complete career studies or certificate programs, find employment, and then continue to upgrade their skills and earning power by completing the AAS degree. Some AAS programs, however, do transfer to specific four-year schools as the first two years of a baccalaureate degree program.