Most of the programs require one, two or three years of training. Examples of the career programs are welding, mechanical trades, and data processing. Some technical colleges offer only associate degrees, diplomas and certificates. Other technical colleges offer bachelor's degrees. Students there prepare for a career or profession in a technical area.
Students can be in a terminal program or a transfer program.
Students in a terminal program will study and train for a job. When they complete the program, they will be ready to look for employment. Students in a transfer program usually go to a four-year college to finish the bachelor's degree. This will usually take two or three more years. Students at liberal arts colleges take a variety of courses and get a general background which prepares them for jobs or professions in teaching, social work, computer programming, accounting, and the sciences.