The Associate of Applied Science degree in Technical Studies is designed to meet dual purposes. First, it will offer students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Applied Science degree at CWC, or pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science offered at four-year institutions. Second, the degree will allow students to combine two disciplines in order to be more competitive in the job market and meet the requirements of employers.

The general education requirements are designed to encourage students to develop civic awareness and engagement, communication, critical thinking, personal and professional responsibility, and quantitative literacy.

This program combines certificates or emphasis in specific disciplines to meet employer needs for unique skill combinations for which there is no established degree program. Employers reviewing transcripts will be able to quickly determine the combined areas of expertise as the degrees will be recorded as in the following examples:

Technical Studies: Agriculture-Welding

Technical Studies: Criminal Justice-Equine

Technical Studies: Entrepreneurship-Graphic Art

Technical Studies: Computer Technology-Medical Office

Students awarded a stand-alone certificate from Central Wyoming College may transition to the Technical Studies AAS degree by selecting additional technical skill courses, in consultation with a faculty advisor and upon approval of the Academic Dean.

A total of sixty (60) credits are required in the Technical Studies AAS degree. Sixteen (16) credits are required in the general education component, thirty-eight (38) credits are required in the technical studies component, which includes PFDV 1500 Managing Career Development, a minimum of twenty (20) credits is focused in one technical discipline, and the remaining fifteen (15) credits are selected from supporting technical courses. Students may complete up to six (6) credits in general electives. The advisor and the academic dean must approve courses that count towards degree attainment. Changes in the program require prior advisor and Dean approval.

Students are required to meet with an assigned success coach or faculty advisor who will assist the student in developing a written plan of study. Current and/or potential employers may be involved in developing the plan of study. The written plan of study is signed by the student and the success coach or faculty advisor, and then submitted to the appropriate Academic Dean for final approval. The Dean will submit the written plan of study to the Registrar to formalize the degree requirements within the degree audit system. Changes in the program require prior advisor and Dean approval.

* The following courses may NOT be used to satisfy the Technical Studies Component: PEAC and PEAT prefixes unless they are identified as discipline-specific courses.