The courses of study within the Career/Technical Division are designed for students who wish to go directly into the employment field following graduation.
The objective of the Career/Technical Division is to provide educational programs that meet local and regional workforce needs and expectations. The college prepares students for success in technical careers by aligning its curriculum with industry-relevant skills and competencies.
REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION IN TECHNICAL PROGRAMS
To qualify for graduation in a Career/Technical Division program, students must satisfy the following conditions:
- Complete the number of credit hours herein listed for their program of study and all courses listed in that program.
- Pass all courses in the major area of study with a grade of “C” or better.
- Complete at least twenty-five (25) percent of semester credit hours at this institution. The transfer of credit hours must be from an accredited institution with a minimum grade of “C” in the courses transferred.
- Meet all requirements for graduation within one calendar year from the last semester of attendance.
- Submit an application for graduation to the program instructor one semester before the expected date of graduation.
- Fulfill all financial obligations to the College.
- Receive approval by the Dean of Applied Technologies.
INSURANCE
Most Career/Technical programs of study are required to carry accident insurance, which is available through the college.
NOTE: Some courses in the Career/Technical Division may be taught in their entirety in career/technical education degree programs, non-degree programs, and Training for Business and Industry programs. Individual instructional modules may be taught in customized training, adult education work-based project learner activities, and short-term training.
TECHNICAL COOPERATIVE EDUCATION
Cooperative Education is a plan in which there is a three-way agreement developed with Wallace State Community College, the employer, and the student. The educational plan enhances the student’s technical program with paid, practical work experience. Through the development of job training and skills, the student gains a better understanding and a more positive attitude toward the world of work.
Students may enter the program upon recommendation of the department head in their major field of study.
Cooperative electives of one to three semester hours are identified in each applicable program and are described in each program’s course description.
ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE (A.A.S.)
Students must complete the technical program requirements as well as the following general education requirements. (The regulations listed under Academic Regulations, Degree Requirements, will also apply.)
The primary intent of the Associate in Applied Science Degree is to fulfill occupational and terminal objectives. For a student to graduate with an A.A.S. Degree, he/she must follow a prescribed program of study and be a high school graduate or GED recipient.
Each prescribed program of study, which awards an A.A.S., is included in the College catalog. Although each program varies, the following standards are required as minimum degree requirements from the General Studies Curriculum in the Alabama College System.
| Area I: Written Composition I & II | 3 - 6 Credit Hours |
| Area II: Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 - 6 Credit Hours |
| Area III: Natural Science and Mathematics | 6 - 11 Credit Hours |
| Area IV: History, Social, and Behavioral Science | 3 - 6 Credit Hours |
| Total General Education Requirements | 15 - 29 Credit Hours |
| Area V: Technical Core, Technical Concentration and Electives | 31 - 61 Credit Hours |
| Maximum Program Semester Credit Hours | 76 Credit Hours |
| Semester Credit Hour Range by Award | 60 - 76 Credit Hours |
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
The primary intent of the short-term certificate programs is to fulfill occupational objectives for career students who have no intent of transferring credit to a senior institution. For a student to graduate with a certificate, he/she must successfully complete the required courses in a technical concentration in addition to the requirements listed below.
| Area I: Written Composition I | 3 - 6 Credit Hours |
| Area II: Humanities/Fine Arts | 0 - 6 Credit Hours |
| Area III: Natural Science and Mathematics | 3 - 7 Credit Hours |
| Area IV: History, Social, and Behavioral Science | 0 Credit Hours |
| Total General Education Requirements | 16 - 19 Credit Hours |
| Area V: Technical Concentration | 11 - 54 Credit Hours |
| Maximum Program Semester Credit Hours | 60 Credit Hours |
| Semester Credit Hour Range by Award | 30 - 60 Credit Hours |
SHORT-TERM CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
The main purpose of short-term certificate programs is to meet basic career goals or provide specialized training and skills for students who want to enter a technical field or advance in their current technical career. The prescribed program of study is included in the College catalog. Although each program varies, the following standards are the degree requirements set by the Alabama College System. All students must successfully complete the program courses.
| Area I: Written Composition | 0 - 3 Credit Hours |
| Area II: Humanities/Fine Arts | 0 Credit Hours |
| Area III: Natural Science and Mathematics | 0 - 3 Credit Hours |
| Area IV: History, Social, and Behavioral Science | 0 Credit Hours |
| Area V: Technical Concentration | 9 - 29 Credit Hours |
| Maximum Program Semester Credit Hours | 29 Credit Hours |
| Semester Credit Hour Range by Award | 9 - 29 Credit Hours |
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Technical programs require specific essential mental and physical functions, which must be possessed to be successful students. In general, all technical programs require:
- Visual acuity corrected to 20/20 and visual field perception to provide a safe environment for workers and coworkers.
- Hearing acuity is corrected to no greater than a 40 dp hearing loss at 1000 and 2000 Hz.
- Manual dexterity in fingering and grasping activities and the ability to perform repetitive fine motor actions.
- Gross motor ability to reach, stoop, kneel, stand, walk, and sit.
- Strength to lift at least 25 lbs. frequently and 75 lbs. occasionally.
- Verbal and written communication skills are adequate to exchange ideas, detailed information, and instructions with others accurately through spoken or written words. Each technical program has requirements specific to success in that program and profession. Some may be more strenuous than the general functions provided here. Additional essential functions are listed in the program description if applicable. These are also available in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator’s Office (256.352.8052) or by contacting the appropriate program director. It is the responsibility of the student to review the standards and, if required, meet with the ADA coordinator to discuss them.
TRANSFER PROGRAMS
Universities vary in the nature and number of pre-professional requirements which should be met. During the freshman and sophomore years, students who have determined which profession or occupation they plan to enter should study the list of courses prescribed by the four-year school which they plan to attend. It is the student’s responsibility to become familiar with the requirements of the four-year school. In addition, the students should consult with their WSCC advisor. University-parallel programs may require modification to meet the needs of some four institutions. For the suggested Poultry Science 2+2 option, see Agriculture/ Horticulture.