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Skilled and Technical Sciences

This Division provides certificates and Associate of Applied Science degrees designed to prepare the student for the workforce immediately upon successfully completing the program at the College.

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Associate of Applied Science Degree is a two-year degree designed for students who seek occupational, technical, and vocational skills primarily for employment or advancement. Students who desire to receive training in more than one skill set and earn an associate degree may find this option appealing.

General Technology

Degree: Associate of Applied Science
Degree Plan

PROGRAM INFORMATION: In addition to 15 credit hours of academic core courses, students must also complete a minimum of 45 credit hours of technical core courses with at least 24 credit hours in one concentration area.

CAREER OPTIONS: This degree is customizable so that students may ensure employability in their concentration area.

TRANSFER OPTIONS: Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies. If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.adhe.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college of university.

Technical Certificates

Automotive Service Technology

Degree: Technical Certificate - Automotive Service Technology
Degree Plan

Technical Certificates are typically more than one year but less than 2 years and are designed to provide entry-level employment opportunities.

PROGRAM INFORMATION: This program is Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified through National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF). Certificates of Proficiency are designed to prepare the student to enter the workforce, proficient in specific skills, trained by NATEF standards under ASE certification.

CAREER OPTIONS: This program is designed to prepare the student for employment in the field of automotive technology and encourage them to become entrepreneurs. The automotive technical skills learned in this program are transferable to aeronautical, military, and engineering service fields. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the Associate of Applied Science in Skilled and Technical Sciences.

Gainful Employment Information

Broadcasting

Degree: Technical Certificate - Broadcasting
Degree Plan

PROGRAM INFORMATION: The Broadcasting program is designed to provide students with specialized training in the application of basic principles, operations, and use of radio peripheral devices and operating systems. Students will also gain on-air experience in a working radio station.

CAREER OPTIONS: This program prepares students for entrance into a broadcasting career.

Gainful Employment Information

Cosmetology

Degree: Technical Certificate - Cosmetology
Degree Plan

PROGRAM INFORMATION: The cosmetology course is designed to provide students with the theoretical and practical instruction required as a pre-requisite to qualify for licensure examination by the Arkansas State Board of Cosmetology. Eligibility for the Cosmetology program requires either a high school diploma or GED. Enrollment is limited to full-time only; part-time enrollment is not permitted. Students must enroll in three consecutive semesters (including summer term). Eligible students are accepted on a first come/first serve basis. Special payment requirements and semester calendars exist. Students may transfer up to 500 clock hours from other cosmetology programs into the UA Cossatot program.

CAREER OPTIONS: The primary purpose of this course is to train the student in the basic manipulative skills, safety judgments, proper work habits, desirable attitudes, and appreciation necessary for positions as a Cosmetologist. Students will be trained in hygiene and sanitation (80 clock hours), related science (120 clock hours), physiotherapy, hairdressing (1000 clock hours), manicuring (100 clock hours), aesthetics (100 clock hours), salesmanship and shop management (50 clock hours), and shop deportment (50 clock hours).

NOTE: Cosmetology applicants must follow a special application process. The application process is not complete until the completed application packet is returned meeting all listed requirements.

Diesel Technology

Degree: Technical Certificate - Diesel Technology
Degree Plan

PROGRAM INFORMATION: UA Cossatot's program will prepare students for enry-level positions in the diesel technician trade in light, medium, and heavy duty applications. Students learn to work on brake systems, drive trains, electric and electronic circuits, hydraulic systems, and diesel engines, all of which are valuable skills for a successful career. The program will consist of stackable credentials beginning with 4 Certificates of Proficiency in each discipline area, a Technical Certificate that includes each of the four discipline areas leading to an AAS degree in General Technology.

CAREER OPTIONS: Graduates from these programs will be trained to serve multiple workforce needs spanning from automotive to farm equipment to heavy truck. Hourly pay rates range from $18-$35 per./hour based on skill level and experience. Diesel Mechanic: Diesel Ship Foreman / Mechanic Shop Foreman, Service Manager, Automotive Mechanic Foreman, Fleet Manager, Trucking & Transportation, Bus or Truck Mechanic, Diesel Engine Specialist, Diesel Shop Foreman / Mechanic Heavy Equipment, Mechanic Construction Equipment, Mechanic Mobile Heavy Equipment, Mechanic (except Engines)Machinery, Maintenance Mechanic Bus or Truck Mechanic, Diesel Engine Specialist, Diesel Technician, Diesel mechanic Truck.

TRANSFER OPTIONS: Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies. If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or university.

Industrial Maintenance

Degree: Technical Certificate - Industrial Technology - Industrial Electricity
Degree Plan

PROGRAM INFORMATION: Industrial Maintenance has the option of choosing courses that best meet their needs. Stackable Certificates of Proficiency in Mechanical Devices, Fluid Power (Hydraulics/Pneumatics), Industrial Motor Controls, Programmable Controls, and Welding lead to the Industrial Technology credential and all hours will apply toward the Associate of Applied Science in Skilled and Technical Sciences degree. The Technical Certificate in Industrial Electricity provides training in a broad range of skillsets beginning with basic electricity advancing through the more complex skillsets required in programmable logic controllers (PLCs)

CAREER OPTIONS: Industrial Technology provides students with the skills needed to perform general duties required in entry-level maintenance or production jobs with greatly increased employment opportunity. The skill sets learned in the Industrial Electricity may be applied toward a career in industrial electricity or in support of a multi-craft degree.

Industrial Technology Gainful Employment Information
Industrial Electricity Gainful Employment Information

Pipe Welding

Degree: Technical Certificate - Pipe Welding Technology
Degree Plan

PROGRAM INFORMATION: National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum, adopted curriculum for all Arkansas state-supported programs, has been prepared in cooperation with American Welding Society (AWS) standards and supports learning objectives from the AWS Advanced and Expert Welder Programs.

GTAW pipe welding is by far the most complicated and time-consuming of all welding techniques. One of the lesser-known techniques of the GTAW method, called cup walking, offers consistent quality welds while creating minimum operator fatigue. Considerations and techniques necessary to develop the skill of cup walking, including details regarding filler metals, cup changing, and power sources, will be taught in this program.

SMAW pipe welding is the most common method used in pipeline welding and is the basis used for developing skills required in the other pipe welding processes. Certification in this technique will qualify welders for high placement and high levels of pay.

SMAW - stainless steel pipe welding is a more advanced method of welding than SMAW -carbon steel and requires special training specific to stainless steel metals which can lead to even higher pay. Not as many jobs are available for this special needs technique but working conditions are often in a controlled environment.

GMAW and FCAW pipe welding techniques are becoming more sought after by business and industry in manufacturing processes. These methods lend themselves to faster production for assembly type production. Demand is higher for this process of welding.

CAREER OPTIONS: This is an advanced welding program designed to prepare graduates for employment in pipe welding related jobs and/or higher paying jobs in general welding positions. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the Associate of Applied Science in Skilled and Technical Sciences.

TRANSFER OPTIONS: Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies.

If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.adhe.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or university.

Gainful Employment Information

Welding Technology

Degree: Technical Certificate - Welding
Degree Plan

PROGRAM INFORMATION: National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum will be used for instruction toward both NCCER accreditation and American Welding certification; additional work experience may be necessary depending on the level of proficiency in various forms of welding developed during the course of instruction.

SMAW courses will teach students basic welding techniques in shielded metal arc welding, including cutting with oxyfuel equipment, electrode classification, and testing welds using destructive and non-destructive methods. Lab class provides opportunities for students to apply knowledge from theory-based classes to practical exercises. These courses cover the NCCER curriculum for Welding Level One.

The MIG (GMAW) course includes an in-depth study of the gas metal arc welding process. Students will learn the principles of a constant voltage power source and the mechanics and maintenance of the wire feeding system. Lab classes provide opportunities for students to practice short-circuiting transfer on stainless and mild steel and globular transfer with flux cored wire feeding systems. The curriculum for this course is based on the NCCER guidelines.

In the TIG (GTAW) course, students will use gas tungsten arc welding equipment to perform various welds in all positions. Lab class provides opportunities for students to practice GTAW. Upon completion of this course, students will be eligible to test the NCCER Welding Level Two certification.

CAREER OPTIONS: The Technical Certificate and Certificates of Proficiency focus on welding processes designed to develop the skills necessary for entry into industry and commercial welding employment.

Gainful Employment Information

Certificates of Proficiency

Certificates of Proficiency typically only require one semester of study and are beneficial for adding certified skills to a student's resume.

Certificates of Proficiency provides students with both the skills needed in each particular area of industrial maintenance and the soft skills needed to acquire a job, maintain a job, and work safely in an industrial setting. Introduction to blueprint reading and applied mathematics are also covered in the coursework for each of these certificates.

NOTE: Certificates of Proficiency are NOT eligible for Title IV/Pell grants, and are one semester in duration. Each Certificate of Proficiency fits within one of the applied science program listed below.

Automotive - Brakes, Suspension, & Steering

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - Brakes, Suspension, & Steering
Degree Plan

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - Engine Performance
Degree Plan

Automotive -Engine Repair & Climate Control

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - Engine Repair and Climate Control
Degree Plan

Automotive -Electrical/Electronic Systems

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - Electrical/Electronic Systems
Degree Plan

Broadcasting

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - Broadcasting
Degree Plan

CAREER OPTIONS: This program prepares students for entrance into a broadcasting career.

Diesel Technology - Diesel Engines

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - Diesel Engines
Degree Plan

TRANSFER OPTIONS: Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies. If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or university.

Diesel Technology - Brakes

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - Brakes
Degree Plan

TRANSFER OPTIONS: Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies. If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or university.

Diesel Technology - Electrical/Electronics

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - Electrical/Electronics
Degree Plan

TRANSFER OPTIONS: Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies. If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or university.

Diesel Technology - Steering & Suspenstion

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - Steering & Suspension
Degree Plan

TRANSFER OPTIONS: Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies. If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or university.

Industrial Maintenance - Fluid Power (Hydraulics/Pneumatics)

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - Fluid Power (Hydraulics/Pneumatics)
Degree Plan

CAREER OPTIONS: Industrial Technology provides students with the skills needed to perform general duties required for entry-level maintenance or production jobs with greatly increased employment opportunity. The skill sets learned in the Industrial Electricity may be applied toward a career in industrial electricity or in support of a multi-craft degree.

Industrial Maintenance - Industrial Motor Controls

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - Industrial Motor Controls
Degree Plan

Industrial Maintenace - Mechanical Devices

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - Mechanical devices
Degree Plan

Industrial Maintenance - Programmable Controls

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - Programmable Controls
Degree Plan

Pipe Welding - GTAW

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - GTAW
Degree Plan

Pipe Welding - SMAW

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - SMAW
Degree Plan

Pipe Welding - SMAW Stainless Steel

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - SMAW Stainless Steel
Degree Plan

SMAW - stainless steel pipe welding is a more advanced method of welding than SMAW -carbon steel and requires special training specific to stainless steel metals which can lead to even higher pay. Not as many jobs are available for this special needs technique, but working conditions are often in a controlled environment.

Pipe Welding - GMAW/FCAW

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - GMAW/FCAW
Degree Plan

Welding - MIG (GMAW)

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - Welding MIG (GMAW)
Degree Plan

Welding - SMAW

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - Welding SMAW
Degree Plan

Welding - TIG

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency - Welding TIG
Degree Plan

Skilled and Technical Sciences Faculty and Staff

Steve McJunkins, Chair	Smcjunkins@cccua.edu
Pat Earnest, Advisor	pearnest@cccua.edu
Mark Kutak, Faculty	mkutak@cccua.edu
Brad Smith, Faculty	bsmith@cccua.edu
Wayne Kendrick, Faculty	wkendrick@cccua.edu
Randy Thompson, Faculty	rthompson@cccua.edu
Josh Caudle, Faculty	jcaudle@cccua.edu
Toyia Witherspoon, Faculty	twitherspoon@cccua.edu
Scott Surber, Faculty	ssurber@cccua.edu
Loren Hinton, Faculty	lhinton@cccua.edu