Technical Studies

The Technical Studies Associate of Applied Science (AAS) is designed to provide students an opportunity to earn an associate degree in areas in which BRCC does not offer specialized degree programs. The 60-credit hour curriculum includes 15 credit hours of general education courses and completion of one of BRCC’s approved technical diplomas (TD). Each 45 credit hour technical diploma represents an area of specialization or concentration that includes embedded, stackable credentials that provide evidence of the attainment of increasingly sophisticated skill levels.

Successful completion of technical and general education coursework prepares graduates of the Technical Studies AAS to be competitive for available supervisory positions that require technical skills as well as evidence of analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. Even though the program is designed to prepare students for immediate employment and not for transfer, completion of the degree expands the education opportunities for graduates because the general education courses transfer to baccalaureate degree programs, should the student wish to pursue further education.

To obtain the Technical Studies AAS, students must:

• Complete 5 courses (3 credit hours each, for a total of 15 credit hours), one in each of the following General Education categories. All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
  • English Composition
  • Mathematics/Analytical Reasoning
  • Natural Science
  • Humanities
  • Social/Behavioral Science
• Complete the technical coursework required for completion of one of the following technical diplomas, earning a “C” or better in all courses required for the completion of the program:
  • Drafting and Design Technology 
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) Technician ;
  • NCCER Electrical Level 4 ;
  • NCCER Instrumentation Level 4 ;
  • NCCER Millwright Level 4 ;
  • NCCER Pipefitting Level 4 ; or
  • Welding 

For additional information about the technical diplomas and embedded credentials, click on the title of each program. For additional information about the Technical Studies AAS, contact the Technical Education Program Manager at 225-216-8367.