General Technology - AAS

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College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences

Department of Technology, Design and Technical Education

About This Degree

Utah State University and the Utah System of Technical Colleges (USTC) have combined to offer the Associate of Applied Science degree (AAS) in General Technology. This degree offers a solid foundation for establishing a rewarding career, but if students desire, they may continue on to a higher degree such as a bachelor’s degree.

This program intends to allow those in the workforce an opportunity to advance in their career and further their education by offering degrees that work well with their demanding schedules. Course substitutions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This is at the advisor’s discretion.

Students will study various subjects based on their chosen emphasis area. Choose one of the following emphases: Agricultural Production and Automation Technologies, Allied Health, Design and Creative Arts, General Business, or Technology Systems.

Agricultural Production and Automation Technologies Emphasis: Students will apply technical skills needed to service, maintain, and troubleshoot advanced technology used in agricultural production and processing. Coursework encompasses applied engineering, troubleshooting, and operation of equipment. As an integral part of the program, students may complete an occupational experience or an internship in the industry. Students completing the General Technology AAS emphasis in Agricultural Production and Automated Processing Technology may stack credits into a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Systems Technology.

Allied Health Emphasis: Students will be equipped with clinical and clerical skills according to their interests. Courses will emphasize practical and experiential learning to equip future health professionals with the necessary skills for workplace success. Students will cover applied courses and theory knowledge to better support the communities they work in. Students may focus on the assisting of medical procedures, emphasize patient care, or focus on community health and educational resources.

Design and Creative Arts Emphasis: Students will obtain experience with technology related to Design and Creative arts including Sketching, 3D CAD, computer graphics, and other digital design and media technologies. Courses are designed to teach students industry practices through project-based activities.

General Business Emphasis: Students will be provided a well-rounded study of basic business skills in computer applications, accounting, organizational behavior, marketing, communication, information technology, and other various business support skills. Non-technical skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and professionalism, are emphasized in each course and students can choose to work toward obtaining Microsoft Office certifications or other industry certifications that will enhance their resume and offer concrete evidence of superior computer skills.

Technology Systems Emphasis: Students will be able to explore the technical areas related to design, manufacturing, and product development. Courses are designed to be project-based, emphasizing problem solving, and link directly to skills needed for industry and have industry-recognized certifications that can be obtained.

For more information about General Technology, see the Department of Technology Design and Technical Education website.
Admitted and current students must meet with their advisor.
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Admission Information

Students are admitted into this program through the university’s regular admission process.

1. New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to this major.

2. Transfer students from other institutions and from other USU majors need a 2.20 overall GPA for admission to this major in good standing.

3. Students who have completed a 900+ hour certificate or a credit-based program at a Utah technical college may apply to USU for admission to this program.

For additional information, or to complete an online application, visit: usu.edu/admissions/applyonline/.

Degree Requirements

There are five emphasis options for students. These options include Agricultural Production and Automation Technologies, Allied Health Systems, General Business, Design and Creative Arts, and Technology Systems.

A student will complete 15-17 credits of general education, including one course in English composition, a math course, and nine credits of breadth area courses (humanities, physical science or life science, and American Institutions). There are two business core classes that all students will take. In addition, the student will complete an emphasis area (usually 11-12 credits). The remainder of the student’s credits will be made up of transfer credits from a Utah Technical College or accumulated 30 technical credits from an accredited institution or a combination of both. The minimum number of credits needed for the AAS degree is 63. A student must have an overall GPA of at least 2.0 in order to graduate.

Required Courses

Students should work closely with an advisor to select courses to complete the requirements for this degree. The basic requirements are listed below. Students should not apply for graduation if they have never met with the advisor or their application may be denied.