Technical Studies A.A.S. Degree
Under New Jersey Pathways Leading Apprentices to a College Education (NJ Place), community colleges, organized labor and several state agencies have developed a program to award college credit for registered apprenticeships in the construction trades. Through a unique blend of coursework, specialized training and hands-on-work experience, students will acquire the knowledge and skills to succeed in their chosen profession and earn an associate degree.
Semester I
Short Title : Computer Applications and Systems
Course Code : CSC-105
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
This course defines computers and computer applications and their use in business, industry and government. Students completing this course will be computer fluent. Students will understand the capabilities and limitations of computers and know how to use them. In addition, students will understand computers and their ethical, legal and societal implications. Topics include the history of computers, hardware devices, software programs, terminology, privacy of information, ethical behavior and the influence of computers on people and society. Hands-on experience includes: using a Windows operating system, a word processor, designing and implementing spreadsheets and producing presentations. This course is recommended for anyone who will be involved with computers and the use of computer application software.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
OR
Short Title : Intermediate PC Applications with Programming
Course Code : CSC-106
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
This course emphasizes problem solving with programming using the Python programming language and problem solving with applications using Microsoft Excel. In addition to problem solving skills the course presents current technologies and their impacts on society. The course is designed for students who already possess familiarity with computer applications. It is recommended for students planning to transfer to an upper division college that has a computer programming requirement in its computer literacy course.
Prerequisites :
MAT-014 or appropriate score on the College placement test
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 1
- Lab Hours : 4
Short Title : English Composition I
Course Code : ENG-121
Department Description : English
Course Description :
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
Prerequisites :
A passing score on the College Placement Test; or a grade of "C" or better in ENG-010 and RDG-011 (RDG-011 can be a co-requisite; or a grade of "C" or better in ESL-097 and ESL-098.
Co requisites :
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Mathematics I
Course Code : MAT-107
Department Description : Mathematics
Course Description :
Basic mathematics with an emphasis on the technical, manipulative skills that are required in a technological society. Emphasis is on understanding concepts in each of the many application-oriented problems. Stresses the importance of precision, accuracy and the clear presentation of results. Topics include arithmetic operations, measurement, rounding, conversions, fractions, decimals, percents, ratio, proportion, scientific notation, use of calculators, metric system, solving linear equations and systems of equations, and graphing linear equations. The first semester of a two-semester course. TI83/84 graphing calculator required.
Prerequisites :
Appropriate score on the College placement test, MAT-013 or equivalent
- Credit : 3
Prerequisite(s): Appropriate score on the College’s placement test, MAT-013, MAT 013A MAT 013B, or department approval. Students in consultation with their Academic Advisor should select a mathematics course that will fulfill the requirements/prerequisites for the Technical Electives chosen.
Short Title : Technical Elective
Course Code : TEC-EL1
Department Description : Engineering Technologies
- Credit : 3
Technical Electives may be selected from any of the following areas: Accounting (ACC), Business (BUS), Computer Science (CSC), or Engineering Technologies (CIT, CMT, ELT, MCT, MEC) for which they have the appropriate academic prerequisites.
Semester 2
Short Title : English Composition II
Course Code : ENG-122
Department Description : English
Course Description : Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper.
Prerequisites :
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Principles of Physics
Course Code : PHY-101
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
Includes an introduction to Newtonian mechanics with application of the conservation laws to physical systems. Electromagnetism and geometrical optics are introduced at an elementary level. Topics in wave propagation, thermodynamics, atomic and nuclear physics.
Prerequisites :
MAT-101, MAT-102, MAT-123 or equivalent
- Credit : 4
- Lecture Hours : 3
- Lab Hours : 2
Students may select courses offered by the Biology, Chemistry or Physics Departments for which they have the appropriate academic prerequisites.
Short Title : Technical Elective
Course Code : TEC-EL1
Department Description : Engineering Technologies
- Credit : 3
Technical Electives may be selected from any of the following areas: Accounting (ACC), Business (BUS), Computer Science (CSC), or Engineering Technologies (CIT, CMT, ELT, MCT, MEC) for which they have the appropriate academic prerequisites.
Semester 3
Short Title : GE Social Science Elective
Course Code : GE SS
Department Description : GE Social Science Elective
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Short Title : Technical Elective
Course Code : TEC-EL1
Department Description : Engineering Technologies
- Credit : 3
Technical Electives may be selected from any of the following areas: Accounting (ACC), Business (BUS), Computer Science (CSC), or Engineering Technologies (CIT, CMT, ELT, MCT, MEC) for which they have the appropriate academic prerequisites.
Semester 4
Short Title : Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Course Code : SPE-121
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : Introduction to the theory and practice of public address; the study of representative public addresses and the preparation and delivery of short speeches.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : GE Humanities Elective
Course Code : HUM-EL2
Department Description : Humanities
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
OR
Short Title : GE Social Science Elective
Course Code : GE SS
Department Description : GE Social Science Elective
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Short Title : Technical Elective
Course Code : TEC-EL1
Department Description : Engineering Technologies
- Credit : 3
Technical Electives may be selected from any of the following areas: Accounting (ACC), Business (BUS), Computer Science (CSC), or Engineering Technologies (CIT, CMT, ELT, MCT, MEC) for which they have the appropriate academic prerequisites.
Program Note
Transfer Credit for Technical Courses - ACE Approved Courses 25 Maximum
Technical Studies credits will be awarded for military or apprenticeship training programs in the Building and Construction trades, based upon the American Council on Education (ACE) review and evaluation of the program and their recommendations for awarding academic credit for successful completion of those programs. These credits will be placed on the student’s transcript when documentation of satisfactory completion is presented by an official of the apprenticeship program and after the student matriculates into the Technical Studies Program, and has completed 25 credits of course work at Middlesex County College. From 3 to 25 transfer credits may be awarded for successful completion of the apprenticeship program, and will be awarded based upon ACE review and recommendations. Students with fewer than 25 ACE approved transfer credits are required to select classes from the accepted technical electives listed above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why major in Technical Studies?
The Associate in Applied Science Degree in Technical Studies provides an opportunity for students to earn credits for apprenticeship training programs in the building and construction trades, based upon the American Council on Education (ACE) review and evaluation of the program The earned credits will be applied to the degree. For further information about how apprenticeship credits may be applied to an A.A.S. degree, visit: www.njplace.com.
Can students who major in Technical Studies transfer to a four-year college or university?
The major is job-oriented and designed for entrance into the workplace. However, students can transfer to a four-year college and apply the courses taken at MCC towards a bachelor’s degree.
Are there any special requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?
Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Algebra I competency may be verified with a passing score on the college’s placement test or by completing the appropriate class.
How long will it take to complete this degree?
Once students complete developmental coursework, if needed, and complete the apprenticeship requirements, the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study.
Are there any special requirements once the student is admitted to the major?
Students will submit satisfactory completion of the apprenticeship program to be eligible for credits. A maximum of 25 credits will be awarded.
Our students transfer to 4-year colleges and universities around the globe. We’ve had students transfer to every state, including Alaska and Hawaii.
The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and will have completed all lower division general education requirements. In addition, articulation agreements are being worked out with institutions granting baccalaureate degrees to facilitate the transfer process. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
Are you interested in transferring to a school in New Jersey? You can use the tools at <strong><a href="http://njtransfer.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJTransfer.org</a></strong> to see which of your MCC courses will transfer to a specific college.