The courses and programs of the A.A.S. degree aim to train students for entry-level employment.
Students also use the occupational programs to upgrade themselves in the positions they hold.
Many persons enroll in occupational courses to improve their abilities and understanding of everything from management to welding, from financial planning to computing. In general, occupational courses are not meant to satisfy requirements of lower-division baccalaureate programs. The occupational programs do provide a generous component of liberal education which is meant to develop intellectual curiosity and which promotes creative thought. The general education courses are also university transfer courses.