Technical Programs

What are your choices in technical education?

The technical programs can be completed entirely at CVCC. They prepare you to enter a specific career field. The college offers three types of recognition for completing these programs.

1. An associate degree is awarded for programs that take two years of full-time attendance to complete. These programs require some general education courses such as math, English and social sciences. They also require a large number of courses directly related to a certain type of job.

2. A diploma program takes less time to complete. Many of these programs are offered in the late afternoon and evening. They require a few general education courses, but mostly concentrate on teaching you the skills for a certain job.

3. Certificate programs are skill training only. They do not require any classes other than those necessary to perform the job. Students in these programs spend a lot of time in labs or shops practicing hands-on skills with lots of attention from the instructor. Many of these programs are offered in the late afternoon and evening.

A few other things you need to know:

1. In certain cases, programs are offered with several options. For example, you may earn a certificate or an associate degree, depending on the amount of time you want to spend. In some programs, you may take the classes entirely in the evening, or entirely during the day. If you see a program that interests you, ask about class times and other options.

2. In some associate degree programs, you may take a concentration in a certain area. For example, in business administration, you may earn a concentration in marketing and retailing, or in operations management.

Your academic advisor or a counselor in students services can explain these choices to you. Athough they may sound complicated, they are designed to give you maximum flexibility in getting an education.