Associate in Applied Science in Occupational Technology
Among all those certificates on your wall is there a blank spot where your college diploma should be? Have you received specialized training for your current job, but lack a college education that could advance your career?
Southwestern Michigan College offers an associate in applied science in Occupational Technology degree that could turn those training hours and certifications into the college education you always wanted.
The AAS in Occupational Technology degree is designed to advance the academic credentials and careers of people who have gained specific skills either through training and experience in an occupational career area.
SMC also offers a 32-credit certificate for individuals who have enough corporate training that they may be eligible to receive a certificate from the college. The certificate can be used towards the AAS in Occupational Technology degree.
Who would be a good candidate for the AAS in Occupational Technology degree?
Individuals who are employed in manufacturing and machining, automotive technology, office work, child day care, adult care providers, and school aides would be among some of the people that have acquired specialized trainings and certifications in their jobs.
How does an AAS in Occupational Technology work?
Credits for documented and validated training outside SMC may be combined with core degree requirements and appropriate elective courses to comprise a 62-credit hour associate in applied science degree.
SMC credit may be awarded after evaluation by and recommendation of the appropriate dean of that department. The training must be formal with clearly defined outcomes. The number of credit hours someone receives for career training can vary, depending on what is approved. A minimum of 16 credits of occupational skill training or certification is required in order to enroll into the program.
A maximum of 32 credits may be given towards the occupational training, which would equal a certificate in Occupational Technology. Again, this depends on the types of training someone has received. The number of elective courses the person needs to take will depend on the remaining credit needed to reach the total of 62 credits. Students will need to work with an SMC advisor to select the course electives that will best support their field of study.
