Program Intro
The General Occupational Technology–A55280 curriculum provides individuals with an opportunity to upgrade their skills and to earn an associate degree, diploma or certificate by taking courses suited for their occupational interests and/or needs.
The curriculum content will be individualized for students according to their occupational interests and needs. A program of study for each student will be selected from associate degree-level courses offered by the College.
Graduates will become more effective workers, better qualified for advancements within their field of employment, and become qualified for a wide range of entry-level employment opportunities.
Curriculum Preview
- Degree programs must contain a minimum of 15 semester hours including at least one course from each of the following areas: humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences, and natural sciences/mathematics. Diploma programs must contain a minimum of 6 semester hours of general education; 3 semester hours must be in communications. General education is optional in certificate programs.
- The subject/course core is comprised of subject areas and/or specific courses which are required for each curriculum program. A diploma program offered under an approved A.A.S. program standard or a certificate which is the highest credential level awarded under an approved A.A.S. program standard must include a minimum of 12 semester hours credit derived from the subject/course core of the A.A.S. program. Degree programs must contain a minimum of 18 semester hours of core classes. A.A.S., diploma, and certificate programs must include courses that offer specific job knowledge and skills.
- Degree programs must include a minimum of 31 SHC from a combination of major courses for curriculums approved to be offered by the College. A college may include courses to meet graduation or local employer requirements in a certificate, diploma, or associate in applied science program. These curriculum courses shall be selected from the Combined Course Library and must be approved by the System Office prior to implementation. . Work experience, including cooperative education, practicums, and internships, may be included in associate in applied science degrees up to a maximum of 8 semester hours of credit; in diploma programs up to a maximum of 4 semester hours of credit; and in certificate programs up to a maximum of 2 semester hours of credit.Restricted, unique, or free-elective courses may not be included as other required hours.
Paying for College
What is financial aid? Financial aid is money that is given or borrowed to help pay for college. It can come from federal, state, local, school and private entities. North Carolina and the federal government award millions of dollars each year to help students pay for college. Don’t forget Scholarships! Scholarships are gifts. They don’t need to be repaid. There are thousands of them, offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations.