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Academic Program Information
In implementing its statement of purpose, VHCC provides several types of
programs, as well as a wide selection of curricular offerings.
Each curriculum is designed to meet the general criteria established by
the State Board for Community Colleges.
At the same time, VHCC strives to design each curriculum with emphasis on
the needs and opportunities within the College’s service region.
The State Board sets minimum standards for conferring appropriate associate
degrees, certificates, and diplomas to individuals who satisfactorily complete
course and program requirements. The
following programs are offered by VHCC.
The descriptions reflect the philosophies of the state governing agencies
and the College.
The programs in general education at VHCC emphasize broad learning that goes
beyond job training and skill development.
Each degree and certificate program of the College contains prescribed
general education courses, including academic courses in the humanities/fine
arts, social/behavioral sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, wellness and
communication skills. General
education is that portion of the collegiate experience that addresses the
knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values characteristic of educated persons. It
is unbounded by disciplines and honors the connections among bodies of
knowledge.
Virginia Highlands Community College is committed to offering its students
programs that encompass the common knowledge, skills, and attitudes required by
each individual to be more effective as a person, a worker, a consumer, and a
citizen. Through a combination of general education courses, specialized courses
in the major field, and student development courses, graduates are provided with
a collegiate experience that supports the development of the following general
education goals.
Student Learning Outcomes
for Each of the General Education Goal Areas
VHCC degree graduates will demonstrate competency in the following general
education areas:
1. Communication
A competent communicator can interact with others using all forms
of communication, resulting in understanding and being understood.
Degree graduates will demonstrate the ability to
1.1 understand and interpret complex materials;
1.2 assimilate, organize, develop, and present an idea formally and informally;
1.3 use standard English;
1.4 use appropriate verbal and non-verbal responses in interpersonal relations
and group discussions;
1.5 use listening skills; and
1.6 recognize the role of culture in communication.
2. Critical Thinking
A competent critical thinker evaluates evidence carefully and
applies reasoning to decide what to believe and how to act.
Degree graduates will demonstrate the ability to
2.1
discriminate among degrees of credibility, accuracy, and reliability of
inferences drawn from given data;
2.2
recognize parallels, assumptions, or presuppositions in any given source of
information;
2.3
evaluate the strengths and relevance of arguments on a particular question or
issue;
2.4
weigh evidence and decide if generalizations or conclusions based on the given
data are warranted;
2.5
determine whether certain conclusions or consequences are supported by the
information provided; and
2.6
use problem solving skills.
3. Cultural and Social
Understanding
A culturally and socially competent person possesses an awareness,
understanding, and appreciation of the interconnectedness of the social and
cultural dimensions within and across local, regional, state, national, and
global communities.
Degree graduates will demonstrate the ability to
3.1 assess the impact that social institutions have on individuals and
culture—past, present, and future;
3.2 describe their own as well as others’ personal ethical systems and values
within social institutions; and
3.3 recognize the impact that arts and humanities have upon individuals and
cultures.
3.4 recognize the role of language in social and cultural contexts.
3.5 recognize the interdependence of distinctive world-wide social, economic,
geo-political, and cultural systems
4. Information Literacy
A person who is competent in information literacy recognizes when
information is needed and has the ability to locate, evaluate, and use it
effectively. (adapted from the American Library Association definition)
Degree graduates will demonstrate the ability to
4.1 determine the nature and extent of the
information needed;
4.2 access needed information effectively
and efficiently;
4.3 evaluate information and its sources critically and incorporate selected
information into his or her knowledge base;
4.4 use information effectively, individually or as a member of a group, to
accomplish a specific purpose; and
4.5 understand many of the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the
use of information and access and use information ethically and legally.
5. Personal Development
An individual engaged in personal development strives for physical
well-being and emotional maturity.
Degree graduates will demonstrate the ability to
5.1 develop and/or refine personal wellness
goals; and
5.2 develop and/or enhance the knowledge, skills, and understanding to make
informed academic, social, personal, career, and interpersonal decisions.
6. Quantitative Reasoning
A person who is competent in quantitative reasoning possesses the
skills and knowledge necessary to apply the use of logic, numbers, and
mathematics to deal effectively with common problems and issues. A person who is
quantitatively literate can use numerical, geometric, and measurement data and
concepts, mathematical skills, and principles of mathematical reasoning to draw
logical conclusions and to make well-reasoned decisions.
Degree graduates will demonstrate the ability to
6.1 use logical and mathematical reasoning
within the context of various disciplines;
6.2 interpret and use mathematical
formulas;
6.3 interpret mathematical models such as
graphs, tables and schematics and draw inferences from them;
6.4 use graphical, symbolic, and numerical methods to analyze, organize, and
interpret data;
6.5 estimate and consider answers to
mathematical problems in order to determine reasonableness; and
6.6 represent mathematical information
numerically, symbolically, and visually, using graphs and charts.
7. Scientific Reasoning
A person who is competent in scientific reasoning adheres to a
self-correcting system of inquiry (the scientific method) and relies on
empirical evidence to describe, understand, predict, and control natural
phenomena.
Degree graduates will demonstrate the ability to
7.1 generate an empirically evidenced and logical argument;
7.2 distinguish a scientific argument from a non-scientific argument;
7.3 reason by deduction, induction and analogy;
7.4 distinguish between causal and correlational relationships; and
7.5 recognize methods of inquiry that lead to scientific knowledge.
Table 5-1A
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Area
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Distribution
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GENERAL EDUCATION
General education is that portion of the collegiate experience
that addresses the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values
characteristic of educated persons. It is unbounded by disciplines and
honors the connections among bodies of knowledge. The associate degree
programs within the VCCS support a collegiate experience that focuses on
seven goal areas: communication; critical thinking; cultural and social
understanding; information literacy; personal development; quantitative
reasoning; scientific reasoning.) The general education goal areas
outlined below are to be introduced in the foundational courses and
enhanced in program and elective courses. (NOTE: Some of the categories
include two goal areas when a single course may provide foundations in
both goal areas.)
I. Foundations
In Communication:
Courses designed to enable students to interact with others using
all forms of communication, resulting in understanding and being
understood.
II. Foundations In Critical Thinking And
Information Literacy:
Courses designed to enable students to evaluate evidence
carefully and apply reasoning to decide what to believe and how to act,
and to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to
locate, evaluate, and use it effectively.
III. Foundations In Cultural And Social
Understanding:
Courses designed to enable students to have an awareness,
understanding, and appreciation of the interconnectedness of the social
and cultural dimensions within and across local, regional, state,
national, and global communities.
IV. Foundations In Personal Development:
Courses designed to enable students to strive for physical
well-being and emotional maturity.
V. Foundations In Quantitative And Scientific
Reasoning:
Courses designed to enable students to possess the skills and
knowledge necessary to apply the use of logic, numbers, and mathematics
to deal effectively with common problems and issues, and to adhere to a
self-correcting system of inquiry (the scientific method) and rely on
empirical evidence to describe, understand, predict, and control natural
phenomena. |
Minimum 15 credits
(Students must take at least one course in each of the five areas
listed, to total at least 15 credits.)
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PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Major
Field Core
Related/Specialization Courses
Electives |
Minimum 15
credits*
Maximum 15
credits
0-15 credits |
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TOTALS
|
AA/AS/AA&S:
60-63 credits** |
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AAA/AAS:
65-69 credits*** |
*Language in Section 5.1.0.0.1 of the VCCS Policy Manual states 25%
of the courses in the degree program (15-18 credits) must be common across
majors within a degree. The shared courses must be major or
related/specialization
courses.
**Credit range for engineering programs is 60-72 semester hour
credits.
***Credit range for AAA/AAS programs is 65-69, including nursing.
For other programs in the Health Technologies, the range is 65-72 semester hour
credits.
Table 5-1B
Minimum Requirements for Associate
Associate of Arts (AA)
Associate of Science (AS)
Associate of Arts & Sciences (AA&S)
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
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Minimum number of
Semester Hours Credits |
|||
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General Education:
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(1)
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(2)
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(3)
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(4)
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AA
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AS
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AA&S
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AAA/AAS
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Communication(a)
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6
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6
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6
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3
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Humanities/Fine Arts
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6
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6
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6
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3
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Foreign Language
(Intermediate Level) |
6
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0
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0
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0
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|
Social/Behavioral
Sciences |
9
|
9(b)
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9
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3(c)
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Natural Sciences/
Mathematics |
7
6 |
7
6(d) |
7
6(d) |
0
}3(c)
0
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Personal Development(c)
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2
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2
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2
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2
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Other Requirements for Associate Degrees:
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Major field courses and electives (columns 1-3)
Career/technical courses (column 4) |
18-21
____ |
24-27
_____ |
24-27
_____ |
49-53(f)
_____ |
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Total for Degree(g)=
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60-63
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60-63(h)
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60-63(h)
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65-69(h)
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Notes: The VCCS
Policy Manual, Section 2-IV-C, defines general education within the VCCS.
Sections 2.7.3, 3.4.10, and 3.5.1 of the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools (SACS) Principles of Accreditation specify general education
requirements. Colleges must address all SACS requirements, the SCHEV Core
Competencies, and the general education goal areas listed in this VCCS Policy
Manual.
(a) Must include at least one course in English composition.
(b) Only 6 semester hours of social/behavioral sciences are required for
engineering majors who plan to transfer to a baccalaureate degree engineering
program that requires 6 or fewer hours in this category, provided that the
college/university publishes such requirements in its transfer guide.
(c) While general education courses other than those designed for transfer may
be used to meet portions of these requirements, SACS principles require that
general education courses be general in nature and must not “...narrowly focus
on those skills, techniques, and procedures peculiar to a particular occupation
or profession.”
(d) Only 3 semester hours of mathematics are required for the General Studies
major.
(e) Personal development includes health, physical education, or recreation
courses that promote physical and emotional well being and student development
courses. Must include at least one student development course.
(f) AAA/AAS degrees must contain a minimum of 15 semester hours of general
education. Students should plan to take at least 30 hours in the major; the
remaining hours will be appropriate to the major.
(g) All college-level course prerequisites must be included in the total credits
required for each program.
2. Information Literacy Statement
Upon graduation from a degree program, all students will be able to (1)
determine the nature and extent of the information needed; (2) access needed
information effectively and efficiently; (3) evaluate information and its
sources critically and incorporate selected information into his or her
knowledge base; (4) use information effectively, individually or as a member of
a group, to accomplish a specific purpose; and (5) understand many of the
economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information and access
and use information ethically and legally.
Computer competency will be demonstrated by successfully completing one or more
credit courses (approved by the division or department), a challenge exam,
equivalent course(s), or course components for computer competency explicitly
required in a given course syllabus.
The Registrar, when doing official clearance of graduates, will ensure that
students have successfully completed a challenge exam or a course or courses
identified as appropriate by the academic divisions.
3. Assessment
Curricular students are required to complete tests, such as COMPASS to determine
entry level placement into reading,
writing and math classes.
Additionally, students may be required to participate in one or more tests,
projects, or other academic activities designed to measure general education
achievement and/or achievement in selected major areas prior to graduation.
These tests are designed to evaluate programs.
Program assessment test results will remain confidential and will be used
for the sole purpose of college improvement.
Students may have access to their own test scores upon request.
4. Student Outcomes Assessment
The College uses a variety of assessment activities to ensure that its
educational programs achieve their stated purposes.
Entering freshmen, candidates for graduation, and graduates are assessed through
standardized and nationally normed instruments, in-house developed tests, exit
interview questionnaires, and employer surveys.
The assessment process focuses on the following four areas:
basic skills testing for English and mathematics placement, the student’s
progress in the major, an assessment of the general education component among
the transfer curricula, and follow-up studies on alumni, dual-enrollment
students, off campus centers, transfer students and area employers.
The college transfer programs include first- and second-year courses in arts and
sciences and pre-professional courses that transfer to four-year colleges and
universities.
A number of four-year degree programs are available on the campus
of VHCC through the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) which was
established in 1991 to provide expanded educational opportunities for the
citizens of the region. For additional information contact the SVHEC at
276-619-4300 or www.swcenter.edu.
Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree programs
are designed with two primary goals in mind:
(1) to offer the student a widely accepted program of general preparation
for upper-division work in his/her chosen professional field, stressing a
balance of required courses common to most baccalaureate degree programs; and
(2) to offer maximum flexibility so that the student may select specific courses
that may be required at the college or university to which transfer is
contemplated.
Guaranteed Admissions Agreement
Through system-wide negotiated agreements, students who graduate from Virginia
Highlands Community College with an associate’s degree and a minimum grade point
average are guaranteed admission to 23 of the Commonwealth’s four-year colleges
and universities. For more
information, visit the online tool located at
http://myfuture.vccs.edu/transfer/ or contact the Student Success Center
(276-739-2438).
College Transfer Programs
Associate of Arts &
Sciences (AA&S)
Business Administration
Education
Education – Specialization in Art
Education - Specialization in Teacher
Preparation
Education – Specialization in Theatre Arts
General Studies
Liberal Arts
Science
Science - Specialization in Computer Science
Science - Specialization in Horticulture
Certificate (C)
General Education
Occupational/Technical
Programs
The occupational 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 may 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 curricular, course content, technology and faculty knowledge
of current industry practices. Preparation for successful employment may
encompass many aspects of education that extends 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.
Virginia Highlands offers both
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 VHCC.
Agricultural
and Natural Resources
Technology
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Horticulture Technology
Horticulture Technology -
Specialization in Turfgrass Management
Business Technology
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Accounting
Administrative Support Technology
Administrative Support Technology – Specialization in Legal Assisting
Administration Support Technology – Specialization in Medical Office Specialist
Information Systems Technology
Information Systems Technology -
Specialization in Networking
Management
Management - Specialization in
Hospitality and Tourism
Certificate (C)
Accounting and Information Systems
Technology
Clerical
Studies
Health
Information Technology
Hospitality and Tourism
Networking A+
Supervision and Management
Web Programming and Design
Engineering and Industrial Technology
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating
Computer Aided Drafting & Design Technology
Computer Numerical Control Machine Operations
Electrical Technology
Technical Studies
Diploma (D)
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating
Electro-Mechanical Maintenance
Machinist
Certificate (C)
Computer Numerical Control Machining
Electricity
Refrigeration
Health Technology
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Dental Hygiene (WCC*)
Emergency Medical Services Technology
Medical Laboratory Technology (WCC*)
Nursing
Nursing - LPN to
RN Bridge
Physical Therapist Assistant (WCC*)
Radiography
*Wytheville Community College
Certificate (C)
Health Sciences
Public Service Technology
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Human Services
Human Services - Specialization in Early Childhood Education
Police Science
Certificate (C)
Early Childhood Teaching Assistant
Human Services Advocate
Developmental courses do not fulfill degree requirements. They are designed to
help students overcome academic deficiencies and build the foundation needed to
succeed in college-level courses.
The developmental courses at VHCC provide supplementary and compensatory
learning experiences that are directly related to curricular or subject areas.
These courses assist individuals in developing both basic study skills
and subject knowledge necessary to succeed in their college programs.
Increasing numbers of students are continuing, extending, or updating their
educational experience in areas of occupational-technical skills and in
traditional academic areas. With
this growth, VHCC assumes the responsibility to support and enhance each
student’s opportunity and potential for success through the developmental
studies courses and through a continued commitment to serve the educational
needs of the service region.
Co-op/Internship students are employed part-time at work experience sites in
positions related to their future career goals. The typical work week is 10-25
hours, depending upon the number of credits to be earned. It is preferred that
students take advantage of the Internship Program (without pay) while working at
nonprofit entities. Experiential learning combined with classroom theory
enhances the development and professional preparation of the Co-op/Internship
student.
The Center for Business and
Industry
The mission of the Center for Business and Industry is to provide assistance,
workforce training, and employee development to promote economic growth of
business and industry and opportunities for personal development within
the VHCC service area.
The services provided via the Center for Business & Industry include:
Continuing Education; Workforce Development;
Apprenticeship Training; Community Services (noncredit); Small Business
Development Center; Manufacturing Technology Center; and Procurement Assistance
Center.
Where specific employment opportunities for new or expanding industries are
available, special training activities are developed and coordinated through the
Workforce Services of the Virginia Department of Business Assistance.
The College’s role is to provide facilities, equipment, instructors
and/or administrative service as needed.
1. Continuing Education.
Today’s rapidly changing technology requires that employees’ skills be
continually updated to avoid obsolescence.
The mission of Continuing Education is to establish and deliver a total
program, credit instruction, training and testing to professional groups for
certification and licensure review.
2. Workforce Development.
Pre-employment training and training for employed workers that helps to meet the
need for highly trained workers to meet the challenges of today’s competitive
world. Conveniently scheduled,
custom-designed classes are offered on the College campus or at the worksite
during-all hours of the day or night.
3. Apprenticeship Training.
An employer sponsored training system which provides business and
industry with skilled employees.
Apprentices learn the “how to” of their occupation on-the-Job (OTJ), under the
direction of highly skilled mentors; and they learn the “why” in related
technical instruction in the classroom.
4. Community Services.
Programs and training include noncredit classes, seminars, workshops and
teleconferences that will continue and expand individual and community learning
experiences.
5. Small Business Development
Center. A Small Business
Development Center provides one-on-one counseling, business education
opportunities, and resources from the federal, state, local, academic, and
private sectors to assist owners and managers to improve their competitiveness
and profitability. Counseling
services are provided free of charge and are confidential.
6. Manufacturing Technology
Center. The MTC, located at
Wytheville Community College, is a catalyst for economic growth and industrial
competitiveness through training, applied research, and community-industrial
service.
7. Procurement Assistance
Center.
Contracts between government and the private sector are available at all
levels. The Center provides
assistance with government contracting at the federal, state and local levels.
Career Studies Certificate
programs are designed in response to the non-conventional short-term program of
study needs of many adults in our service region for an award which provides for
upgrading, retraining, and investigating career possibilities or specialized
interests.
Career Studies Programs
Career Studies Certificate (CSC)
American Sign Language
Automotive Technology
Basic
Computer Numerical Control Operation
Child
Development
Child
and Family Support Services
CISCO
Networking and A+
Culinary Arts
Database, Web Design and IT Essentials
Dental Assisting
Diesel Mechanic
Electrical Wiring
Emergency Medical Technology (EMT) – Intermediate