Career & Technical Education Programs

The career and technical education programs are designed to meet the increasing demands for technicians, paraprofessional workers, and skilled craftsmen for employment in industry, business, the professions, and government. These programs serve as initial training for students preparing to enter the job market for the first time, as a supplement to work experience for persons who are preparing for advancement in their present lines of work, or as retraining for persons who must develop new skills for the present job market.

To meet these goals, Citizens Advisory Committees provide, in partnership with industry and the community, information and advice to enable continuous updating of curricula, course content, technology, and faculty knowledge of current industry practices. Preparation for successful employment may encompass many aspects of education that extend beyond the classroom, such as cooperative education and internships that are conducive to success in the workplace.

Associate of Applied Science Degree programs are designed primarily to prepare the student for employment immediately upon graduation from the community college. Thus, these programs contain a large number of specialized courses.

Wytheville Community College offers career studies certificates that can be completed in one year or one semester, two-year diploma, and one-year certificate programs for those students interested in immediate employment in selected occupational fields. The student’s program is designed to facilitate transition into an appropriate AAS degree program at a later date. Students interested in such options should plan their programs carefully with their advisors and counselors at WCC.

Programs

Associate of Applied Science

Diplomas

Certificates

Career Studies Certificates

Options included within the Career Studies program represent a variety of career and academic pursuits. Each may be viewed as a mini-curriculum which is part of a broader range of educational possibilities within a given career field.

Length: Variable. The options within this program amount to approximately one to two semesters of fulltime academic work.

Admission Requirements: Admission to the Career Studies Certificate program is based upon the general requirements for admission to the college.

*Due to the short duration of these programs and the absence of general education requirements from most, successful completion does not entitle one to participate in or to be recognized during graduation exercises.

As community needs are identified, the college will develop and implement additional options to the extent that institutional resources permit.