The Technical Studies program provides pathways for skilled workers to earn Associate Degrees by offering credit for recognized, technical specialties. The program allows students to build on previous success in areas of technical expertise through the choice of electives that complement the technical specialties. The Technical Studies degree is designed as an individualized program of study in an area not otherwise offered at the College. Students from recognized apprenticeship programs or students with certificates in technical fields (in areas in which Great Bay does not offer a degree) may complete the Associates degree in Technical Studies. Students with industry training and certifications equivalent in hours to 24 credits and documented by certification exams may receive credit for the Technical Specialty core. Credit will be awarded through the College’s Credit for Prior Learning-Experiential Learning process. Fees apply.
Admissions Criteria
- Each applicant must receive approval from Academic Affairs to participate in the Technical Studies program.
- Complete a college application indicating Technical Studies as choice of major.
- Provide proof of high school completion or equivalent and college transcripts.
Students in the Technical Studies Program will:
- Build on applied expertise through selected coursework, gaining knowledge and skills in a specific discipline or clearly articulated interdisciplinary area.
- Attain proficiency in the concepts, theories, and methods of inquiry pertinent to the courses chosen as related technical electives.
- Integrate knowledge of their technical specialty fields with new knowledge from their chosen related technical electives.
- Advance in the development of skills necessary to interpret facts, solve problems, evaluate issues, develop multiple perspectives, and think critically and creatively.
The Technical Standards of the related, technical electives and open electives chosen apply. See individual degree programs associated with chosen coursework.
In addition to Great Bay transfer credit policies, transfer of courses into the Technical Studies Program will be evaluated by the applicable department or program and according to each department’s currency requirements.
Degree Program
Technical Specialty Core 20-24 Credits
In addition to Experiential Credit evaluated and awarded through a portfolio, Experiential Credit is also awarded for completed Industry Training/Certification, US Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships, and CCSNH Certificate programs which are not in an area in which Great Bay offers an Associates Degree. These experiences may be documented by Certification exams, certificates that show number of hours completed and grades, and/or Apprenticeship transcripts.
Related Technical Elective Courses: 12-16 Credits
Students will work with their advisor to choose courses that complement their technical specialty and career pathway. Course selections must follow program prerequisite requirements. Students will take 12-16 credits depending on how many credits are awarded for their Technical Core.
Open Elective: 3 Credits
Students can choose any course that the College offers with a course number of at least 100, provided the student has met the prerequisite; exceptions are courses which have admission to the program as a prerequisite to the course.
Degree Program
General Education Requirements
Total Degree Credits (Minimum required, some exceptions apply): 60