General Technology, Surgical Technology Concentration (AAS)

Degree: Associate in Applied Science
Major: General Technology
Minimum Credits Required for Graduation: 63

Program Description: The General Technology (TEC) associate degree program allows the opportunity to combine fundamental general education courses with a technical specialty and a cross technology to form a degree program.

Students applying to the General Technology associate degree program must supply the following documentation before registering for courses:

• An official copy of high school transcripts or Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) transcripts. A certificate of completion will not be accepted as a substitute for a high school diploma or GED.
• All candidates for the General Technology associate degree program must take the ACCUPLACER placement evaluation unless they have official college transcripts with a “C” or better in Math for Business & Finance (MAT 160) and English Composition I (ENG 101).
• Official transcripts must be sent from the issuing college directly to the Admissions Office at TCL via the mail.
• A copy of the high school or GED transcripts, ACCUPLACER placement evaluation, and/or college transcript must be at the TCL Admissions Office before a student can register.
• Students lacking these requirements may register as Career Development students but will not be admitted into the General Technology programs until all requirements are met.

1. Grade-point average of 2.00 (C=2) on all college work presented to fulfill the curriculum program requirements.
2. Complete range of semester hour credits distributed as follows:

1. General Education (Minimum) - 15 Credits

The general education component of each associate degree program must meet current SACS Core requirements as delineated in Section 2.7.3: 2.7.3 requires in each undergraduate degree program the successful completion of a general education component at the collegiate level that (1) is a substantial component of each undergraduate degree, (2) ensures breadth of knowledge, and (3) is based on a coherent rationale. For degree completion in associate programs, the component constitutes a minimum of 15 semester hours or the equivalent (…). These credit hours are to be drawn from and include at least one course from each of the following areas: humanities/fine arts; social/behavioral sciences; and natural sciences/mathematics. The courses do not narrowly focus on those skills, techniques, and procedures specific to a particular occupation or profession. The institution provides a written justification and rationale for course equivalency. (General Education)

2. Required Core Subject Areas (Minimum) - 33 Credits

The General Technology major allows a student to select coursework for becoming a multi-skilled technician. The required core consists of a primary and secondary technical specialty. Colleges may develop technical specialty offerings based upon local business/industry needs. The primary technical specialty consists of a minimum of 21 semester hours credit in a single content area from an approved degree, diploma, or technical education certificate program that is currently offered by the college. The secondary technical specialty consists of a minimum of an additional 12 semester hour credits from one of two options: 12 semester hour credits from an approved degree, diploma, or technical education certificate program that is currently offered by the college, or 12 semester hour credits from an interdisciplinary mix of credits awarded for coursework from any program, military training, experiential learning, and/or testing.

3. Other Hours Required for Graduation - 12-36 Credits

Technical colleges within the State Tech System may use the courses identified in this section of the model to adapt the program to meet the needs of the local employers and students. The student may use credits in this section to develop a third technical specialty or to enhance the primary and secondary technical specialties. Credits should be chosen by the student under the guidance of his/her faculty advisor, for the purpose of allowing the student to adapt the program to his/her individual objectives. Courses in this section may include credits awarded for military training, experiential learning and testing.