Curriculum Program Applications

Attachment PROG 11
STATE BOARD OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES
CURRICULUM PROGRAM APPLICATIONS
Fast Track for Action [FTFA*]
*Fast Track For Action: Program applications must meet the following criteria in order to be
placed on the FTFA program approval request presented to the State Board of Community
Colleges as part of the consent agenda:




The curriculum program title currently exists within the System and does not require the
creation of a new program title and new curriculum standard;
The application is complete, requires no further analysis or documentation, and has the
endorsement of Academic Programs;
There are no negative impact assessments from other colleges; and
The college does not go outside of its service area for planning purposes.
The State Board of Community Colleges is asked to approve the curriculum programs at the listed
colleges on the condition that equipment funds are available to the college and operating funds
generated by the budget formula will permit the offering of these program without any special
allocation of funds.
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Gunsmithing (A30200)
Isothermal Community College
Agribusiness Technology (A15100)
Contact Person:
Jennifer Frazelle, Director
Academic Programs
919.807.7120
[email protected]
SBCC
02/20/2015
Attachment PROG 11A
PROGRAM APPLICATION
SUMMARY EVALUATION REPORT
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Gunsmithing (A30200)
I.
Program Planning
Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) is seeking approval for the Gunsmithing
(A30200) program to begin Fall 2015. The planning area is defined as the college’s service area
of Cumberland County. All colleges were notified of the planning process for this program.
The proposed program was approved by the Board of Trustees at Fayetteville Technical
Community College on September 15, 2014. Minutes from this Board meeting were attached to
the program application. The President and the Board of Trustees of Fayetteville Technical
Community College have certified the following:

The proposed program will enhance the workforce of North Carolina, will provide
educational and training opportunities consistent with the mission of the college, and will
not duplicate the opportunities currently offered.

They have assessed the need for the proposed program and the resources required to
maintain a viable program and certify that the college can operate the proposed program
efficiently and effectively within the resources available to the college.

The college will complete a program accountability report including student success
measures, enrollment trends, completion rates, and employment data three years after
implementation of the program.
II.
Program Rationale
Fayetteville Technical Community College indicates the following:

A survey of six local gun shops and potential employers revealed that 100% of the
respondents expressed the need for gunsmiths with training and experience. They also
expressed an interest in employing graduates of the proposed program.

The program lends itself to entrepreneurial opportunities for graduates. The Small
Business Center at FTCC will provide high quality entrepreneurship training and small
business education to assist the graduate in growing a successful business.

Existing classroom and lab facilities for the Computer Integrated Machining program will
be utilized for the proposed program with a minimal equipment expense.

The service area has a large concentration of active duty Military, veterans, and gun
enthusiasts which has led to a high level of interest in the program. As many soldiers
leave the military, they actively inquire about this curriculum and express interest in
enrolling in the proposed program.
SBCC
02/20/2015
Attachment PROG 11A

A survey of 45 FTCC students enrolled in Machining and Welding was conducted in
2014 with 100% of the respondents expressing interest in enrolling in the program or
expressing knowledge of other persons they know that would be interested in enrolling in
the program.

Fort Bragg has invested $250 million in a Joint Armament Facility, a 16-acre complex for
maintaining, testing and certifying weapons, weapons development and training of over
500 soldiers per year. If Fayetteville TCC is approved for the Gunsmithing program,
they will pursue a partnership to provide additional education, training and certification.

Over the last five years, 27,051 handgun permits have been issued in Cumberland County
indicating the need for repair and maintenance of firearms in the colleges’ service area.

The average gunsmith makes $39,034 annually, with top gunsmiths making $59,236
annually. (Census Bureau: American Community Survey 2010-11)

The Fayetteville Regional Chamber submitted a letter of support which stated that the
proposed program would provide additional educational opportunities that will help
service our thriving and growing population….and give us a better chance at preparing
students to enter our workforce with the skills needed to immediately make an impact.

Two local gun shops submitted letters of support indicating the need for local gunsmiths.
The owner of Shooter’s Supply noted: I have three stores in this area that sell gun and
accessories. Each store needs a gunsmith on staff. The owner of Jery’s Pawn indicated
that my business has found a shortage of gunsmiths.
III. Impact of the Proposed Program on Other Programs
Three community colleges are approved to offer the Gunsmithing program. These three
colleges are not located in contiguous counties, therefore an impact assessment was not required.
IV. Implementation of Collaborative Plan
Not Applicable
V. Curriculum Design
The proposed program of study is in compliance with the State Board approved curriculum
standard.
Director: Ms. Jennifer Frazelle
SBCC
02/20/2015
C. Institutional Certification: Complete the following form and obtain required signatures. Form with
original signatures should be included in the application.
Institutional Certification
This curriculum program _----"=G:...::u:;o.eno.:e.sm=it~h==in~g::>.._
(Program Title)
_
A30200
(Program Code)
will enhance the worliforce of North Carolina, will provide educational and training opportunities
consistent with the mission of the college, and will not duplicate the opportunities currently offered.
Fayetteville
Technical
Community
College
(Community College Name)
has assessed the need for this program and the resources required to maintain a viable program and
certifies that the college can operate this program efficiently and effectively within the resources
available to the college.
The college understands that this proposed program will require a program accountability report that
will include items such as student success measures, enrollment trends, completion rates, and
employment data three years after implementation if the program is approved by the State Board.
(A copy of the minutes from the Board of Trustees meeting(s) where the proposed program was
discussed and approved must be attached to the application.)
Date
Signature, Board
Date
Editorial Revision 071/7113
10
Effective Term
Fall 1997
[1997*03]
CURRICULUM STANDARD
Curriculum Program Title
Concentration
Code
Gunsmithing
A30200
CIP Code: 47.0402
(not applicable)
Curriculum Description
The Gunsmithing curriculum is designed to provide the student with the required skills needed to refurbish
metal and wood as applicable to firearms, to diagnose malfunctions for repair, and to accomplish more
complex custom gunsmithing tasks.
Course work includes manufacturing of tools used in the gunsmithing trade, restoration of firearms, stock
making, barrel work, repair work, and custom work. The student will accomplish this work by performing
actual gunsmithing tasks in a hands-on environment.
Graduates should qualify as a professional gunsmith, able to complete any task in general gunsmithing.
Curriculum Requirements*
[for associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs in accordance with 1D SBCCC 400.97 (3)]
I.
General Education. Degree programs must contain a minimum of 15 semester hours including at least one course from
each of the following areas: humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences, and natural sciences/mathematics. Degree
programs must contain a minimum of 6 semester hours of communications. Diploma programs must contain a minimum
of 6 semester hours of general education; 3 semester hours must be in communications. General education is optional in
certificate programs.
II.
Major Hours. AAS, diploma, and certificate programs must include courses which offer specific job knowledge and
skills. Work-based learning may be included in associate in applied science degrees up to a maximum of 8 semester hours
of credit; in diploma programs up to a maximum of 4 semester hours of credit; and in certificate programs up to a
maximum of 2 semester hours of credit. (See second page for additional information.)
III.
Other Required Hours. A college may include courses to meet graduation or local employer requirements in a
certificate, diploma, or associate in applied science program. These curriculum courses shall be selected from the
Combined Course Library and must be approved by the System Office prior to implementation. Restricted, unique, or free
elective courses may not be included as other required hours.
AAS
Diploma
Certificate
Minimum General Education Hours
15
6
0
Minimum Major Hours
49
30
12
Other Required Hours
0-7
0-4
0-1
64-76
36-48
12-18
Total Semester Hours Credit (SHC)
*Within the degree program, the institution shall include opportunities for the achievement of competence in reading, writing , oral communication,
fundamental mathematical skills, and basic use of computers.
Major Hours
[ref. 1D SBCCC 400.97 (3)]
A.
Core. The subject/course core is comprised of subject areas and/or specific courses which are required for each
curriculum program. A diploma program offered under an approved AAS program standard or a certificate which is the
highest credential level awarded under an approved AAS program standard must include a minimum of 12 semester
hours credit derived from the subject/course core of the AAS program.
B.
Concentration (if applicable). A concentration of study must include a minimum of 12 semester hours credit from
required subjects and/or courses. The majority of the course credit hours are unique to the concentration. The required
subjects and/or courses that make up the concentration of study are in addition to the required subject/course core.
C.
Other Major Hours. Other major hours must be selected from prefixes listed on the curriculum standard. A
maximum of 9 semester hours of credit may be selected from any prefix listed, with the exception of prefixes listed in the
core or concentration. Work-based learning may be included in associate in applied science degrees up to a maximum of
8 semester hours of credit; in diploma programs up to a maximum of 4 semester hours of credit; and in certificate
programs up to a maximum of 2 semester hours of credit.
Gunsmithing A30200
AAS
Diploma
Certificate
Minimum Major Hours Required
49 SHC
30 SHC
12 SHC
A.
12 SHC
12 SHC
CORE
Courses required for the diploma are designated with *
Required Courses:
*
*
GSM 111
GSM 120
Gunsmithing I
Gunsmithing Tools
6 SHC
6 SHC
Required Subject Areas:
None
B.
C.
CONCENTRATION (Not applicable)
OTHER MAJOR HOURS
To be selected from the following prefixes:
CIS, CSC, GSM, ISC, MAC, and WBL
Up to three semester hour credits may be selected from the following
prefixes: ARA, ASL, CHI, FRE, GER, ITA, JPN, LAT, POR, RUS and SPA.
Approved by the State Board of Community Colleges on November 13, 1996; Revised 03/13/97; SBCC Revised 05/17/02; SBCC Revised 09/21/07; SBCC
Template Revised 10/17/08; Editorial Revision 01/20/15.
Attachment PROG 11B
PROGRAM APPLICATION
SUMMARY EVALUATION REPORT
Isothermal Community College
Agribusiness Technology (A15100)
I.
Program Planning
Isothermal Community College (ICC) is seeking approval for the Agribusiness Technology
(A15100) program to begin Fall 2015. The planning area is defined as the college’s service area
of Polk and Rutherford County. All colleges were notified of the planning process for this
program.
The proposed program was approved by the Board of Trustees at Isothermal Community College
on September 30, 2014. Minutes from this Board meeting were attached to the program
application. The President and the Board of Trustees of Isothermal Community College have
certified the following:

The proposed program will enhance the workforce of North Carolina, will provide
educational and training opportunities consistent with the mission of the college, and will
not duplicate the opportunities currently offered.

They have assessed the need for the proposed program and the resources required to
maintain a viable program and certify that the college can operate the proposed program
efficiently and effectively within the resources available to the college.

The college will complete a program accountability report including student success
measures, enrollment trends, completion rates, and employment data three years after
implementation of the program.
II.
Program Rationale
Isothermal Community College indicates the following:

The proposed program is designed to prepare graduates with the entrepreneurial and
technical skills necessary to manage small farms and agricultural businesses that support
eastern North Carolina.

North Carolina ranks seventh nationally in farm profits with a net farm income of
$3.3 billion. Net income per farm in the state is over $63,000.
(NC Department of Agriculture)

Rutherford County is comprised of 638 farms with roughly 59,540 acres in production.
Polk County has 309 farms with roughly 21,000 acres in production.
(NC State Agricultural Extension Service)

The program lends itself to entrepreneurial opportunities. Isothermal CC will assist the
entrepreneur through its Small Business Center that serves both counties through
one-on-one business counseling and education through seminars and workshops.
SBCC
02/20/2015
Attachment PROG 11B

Each of the service area’s four high schools have programs in agriculture. The proposed
program would provide a means to further their education in this area.

If approved for the program, Isothermal Community College plans to develop a Career
and College Promise program for Agribusiness.

If approved for the program, Isothermal Community College plans to pursue bilateral
agreements with NCSU and NC A&T.

The average age of the principal owner of farms in the Isothermal service area is over
57 years in age. (US Department of Agriculture Census) The program is needed to
provide the development of skills for a new generation of farmers.

Isothermal currently offers courses in agriculture through their continuing education
department. Students taking these courses have expressed an interest in a curriculum
program.

The Career and Technical Education Director of Rutherford County Schools submitted a
letter of support for the proposed program. He noted that the proposed program will
provide a quality, affordable post-secondary educational opportunity for the students of
Rutherford County. He further added that Rutherford County has a strong agricultural
traditional and career opportunities exist in agriculture related careers for our student
that receive the appropriate education and training.

A grant was awarded to Rutherford County in 2013 through the Appalachian Regional
Commission, US Department of Agriculture, and the US Environmental Protection
Agency. The grant provided funds to the town of Forest City in Rutherford County for
several initiatives to strengthen the local agricultural community. One of the initiatives is
restoration of an abandoned mill into an Agriculture Innovation Center which will serve
as a facility for educational courses. Isothermal was asked to be the lead in supplying
these courses.

The former Shiloh School has been remodeled as a livestock handling facility. This
facility will be available for use with education in livestock.
III. Impact of the Proposed Program on Other Programs
Six community colleges are approved to offer the Agribusiness Technology program. These six
colleges are not located in contiguous counties, therefore an impact assessment was not required.
IV. Implementation of Collaborative Plan
Not Applicable
V. Curriculum Design
The proposed program of study is in compliance with the State Board approved curriculum
standard.
Director: Ms. Jennifer Frazelle
SBCC
02/20/2015
Institutional Certification
This curriculum program __
..!...A!t:gL!...ri!!::b~u:=.s!.!.in!.::e:;::s=-s ...:..T.::::.e~ch~n-=-=0:::..!I.::::.o.l:lgYL- __
-----,Ac...!.:::.:15=-1""O:::..!O:o...:::::C!.!.1P_C::::o~d~e~O-=1.:..::.0~1~O,-,=2,---
(Pragram Title)
_
(Program Code)
will enhance the workforce of North Carolina, will provide educational and training opportunities
consistent with the mission of the college, and will not duplicote the opportunities currently offered.
-,..--...
Isothermal Community College has assessed the need for this program and the resources required to
maintain a viable program and certifies that the college can operate this program efficiently and
effectively within the resources available to the college.
The college understands that this proposed program will require a program accountability report
that will include items such as student success measures, enrollment trends, completion rates, and
employment data three years after implementation if the program is approved by the State Board.
(A copy of the minutes from the Board of Trustees meeting(s) where the proposed program was
discussed and approved must be attached to the application.)
~I
Mr. Walter Dalton, President
Date
9-30 -/y~drey,
Board of Trustees Chair
Date
Curriculum Standard for Agribusiness: Agricultural Science Technology
Career Cluster: Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources **
Cluster Description: The production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing, and development of
agricultural commodities and resources including food, fuel, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture, and
other plant and animal products/resources.
Pathway: Agribusiness Systems
Effective Term: Fall 2014 (2014*03)
Program Majors Under Pathway
Program Major / Classification of Instruction Programs (CIP)
Code
Agribusiness Technology
CIP Code 01.0102
Sustainable Agriculture
CIP Code: 01.0308
Credential Level(s)
Offered
AAS/Diploma/Certificate
AAS/Diploma/Certificate
Program
Major Code
A15100
A15410
Pathway Description:
These curriculum are designed to provide the entrepreneurial and technical skills necessary to manage a profitable,
environmentally sound, community based small farm or agricultural business. The objective is the development of a
workforce knowledgeable in sustainable agriculture practices.
Students will learn the fundamentals of agriculture, focusing on crop production and business. Emphasis is placed on
entrepreneurial and field training. Students will also learn the basic principles of our economic system and government
policies and programs relating to agriculture.
Graduates should qualify for a variety of jobs in agricultural businesses such as equipment, feed, and agricultural
supply sales; store management; farm operations; wholesale and retail produce management; nursery operations; and
environmental and agricultural education.
Program Major Description: Choose one of the following 4th paragraphs to use in conjunction with the first three
paragraphs of the pathway description above for documentation used to identify each Program Major:
Agribusiness Technology: A program that prepares individuals to manage agricultural businesses and agriculturally
related operations within diversified corporations. Potential course work includes instruction in agriculture, agricultural
specialization, business management, accounting, finance, marketing, planning, human resources management, and
other managerial responsibilities.
Sustainable Agriculture: A program that focuses on agricultural principles and practices that, over the long term,
enhance environmental quality, make efficient use of nonrenewable resources, integrate natural biological cycles and
controls, and are economically viable and socially responsible; and that may prepare individuals to apply this
knowledge to the solution of agricultural and environmental problems. Potential course work includes instruction in
principles of agroecology, crop and soil sciences, entomology, horticulture, animal science, weed science and
management, soil fertility and nutrient cycling, applied ecology, agricultural economics, and rangeland ecology and
watershed management.
*Within the degree program, the institution shall include opportunities for the achievement of competence in reading, writing, oral communication, fundamental mathematical
skills, and basic use of computers.
Approved by the State Board of Community Colleges on August 16, 2012; Editorial Revision 12/12/12; Editorial Revision 02/07/13; SBCC
Revised 07/19/13; Editorial Revision 08/21/13; SBCC Revised 01/17/14; Editorial Revision 01/20/15.
I. General Education Academic Core
[Curriculum Requirements for associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs in accordance with 1D SBCCC
400.97(3)]: Degree programs must contain a minimum of 15 semester hours including at least one course from each of
the following areas: humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences, and natural sciences/mathematics. Degree
programs must contain a minimum of 6 semester hours of communications. Diploma programs must contain a
minimum of 6 semester hours of general education; 3 semester hours must be in communications. General education is
optional in certificate programs.
Agribusiness Systems: Agricultural Science Technology
Recommended General Education Academic Core
Minimum General Education Hours Required:
AAS
15 SHC
Diploma
6 SHC
Certificate
0 SHC
6 SHC
3-6 SHC
Optional
3 SHC
0-3 SHC
Optional
3 SHC
0-3 SHC
Optional
3 SHC
0-3 SHC
Optional
Courses listed below are recommended general education courses for this curriculum
standard. Colleges may choose to include additional or alternative general education
courses to meet local curriculum needs.
*Recommended certificate and diploma level curriculum courses. These courses may not
be included in associate degree programs.
Communication:
*COM
COM
COM
COM
*ENG
*ENG
ENG
ENG
ENG
ENG
ENG
ENG
101
110
120
231
101
102
110
111
112
114
115
116
Workplace Communication
Introduction to Communication
Intro Interpersonal Com
Public Speaking
Applied Communications I
Applied Communications II
Freshman Composition
Expository Writing
Argument-Based Research
Prof Research & Reporting
Oral Communication
Technical Report Writing
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
Humanities/Fine Arts:
*HUM
HUM
HUM
HUM
PHI
PHI
101
110
115
230
230
240
Values in the Workplace
Technology and Society
Critical Thinking
Leadership Development
Introduction to Logic
Introduction to Ethics
2 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
Social /Behavioral Sciences:
ECO
ECO
GEO
GEO
*PSY
*PSY
PSY
PSY
PSY
*SOC
SOC
SOC
151
251
110
111
101
102
118
135
150
105
210
215
Survey of Economics
Prin of Microeconomics
Introduction to Geography
World Regional Geography
Applied Psychology
Human Relations
Interpersonal Psychology
Group Processes
General Psychology
Social Relationships
Introduction to Sociology
Group Processes
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
2 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
Natural Sciences/Mathematics:
BIO 140 Environmental Biology
BIO 160 Introductory Life Science
*MAT 101 Applied Mathematics I
MAT 110 Mathematical Measurement
MAT 115 Mathematical Models
MAT 120 Geometry and Trigonometry
MAT 121 Algebra/Trigonometry I
MAT 140 Survey of Mathematics
MAT 151 Statistics I
MAT 155 Statistical Analysis
PHY 110 Conceptual Physics
PHY 121 Applied Physics I
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
4 SHC
Approved by the State Board of Community Colleges on August 16, 2012; Editorial Revision 12/12/12; Editorial Revision 02/07/13;
SBCC Revised 07/19/13; Editorial Revision 08/21/13; SBCC Revised 01/17/14; Editorial Revision 01/20/15.
II. Major Hours. AAS, diploma, and certificate programs must include courses which offer specific job knowledge
and skills. Work-based learning may be included in associate in applied science degrees up to a maximum of 8
semester hours of credit; in diploma programs up to a maximum of 4 semester hours of credit; and in certificate
programs up to a maximum of 2 semester hours of credit. Below is a description of each section under Major Hours.
A. Technical Core. The technical core is comprised of specific courses which are required for all Program Majors
under this Curriculum Standard. A diploma program offered under an approved AAS program standard or a
certificate which is the highest credential level awarded under an approved AAS program standard must include
a minimum of 12 semester hours credit derived from the curriculum core courses or core subject area of the AAS
program.
B.
Program Major(s). The Program Major must include a minimum of 12 semester hours credit from required
subjects and/or courses. The Program Major is in addition to the technical core.
C. Other Major Hours. Other major hours must be selected from prefixes listed on the curriculum standard. A
maximum of 9 semester hours of credit may be selected from each prefix listed, with the exception of prefixes
listed in the core.
Agribusiness Systems: Agricultural Science Technology
Minimum Major Hours Required:
A. Technical Core:
#AGR 139 Intro to Sustainable Agriculture
#AGR 170 Soil Science
AGR 214 Agricultural Marketing
ANS 110 Animal Science
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC
Work-Based Learning. Choose one:
#WBL 111 Work-Based Learning I
WBL 112 Work-Based Learning I
WBL 113 Work-Based Learning I
1 SHC
2 SHC
3 SHC
Pesticides/Alternatives. Choose one:
#AGR 121 Biological Pest Mgmt
AGR 140 Agricultural Chemicals
3 SHC
3 SHC
B. Program Major(s):
Agribusiness Technology
AGR 212 Farm Business Management
AGR 213 Ag Law & Finance
3 SHC
3 SHC
AAS
Diploma
Certificate
49 SHC
30 SHC
12 SHC
28-30 SHC
12-18 SHC
Select additional courses from the AGR prefix for a minimum of
12 SHC for the Agribusiness Technology AAS program.
An Agribusiness Technology diploma requires a minimum of 12 SHC
extracted from the required technical/program major core of the AAS degree.
Sustainable Agriculture
#AGR 111 Basic Farm Maintenance
#AGR 160 Plant Science
#AGR 265 Organic Crop Prod: Spring
#AGR 266 Organic Crop Prod: Fall
2 SHC
3 SHC
3 SHC or
3 SHC
Select additional courses from the AGR prefix for a minimum of 12 SHC
for the Sustainable Agriculture AAS program.
Courses required for the Sustainable Agriculture Diploma are designated with #
Approved by the State Board of Community Colleges on August 16, 2012; Editorial Revision 12/12/12; Editorial Revision 02/07/13;
SBCC Revised 07/19/13; Editorial Revision 08/21/13; SBCC Revised 01/17/14; Editorial Revision 01/20/15.
C. Other Major Hours.
To be selected from the following prefixes:
ACC, ACM, AGR, ANS, BIO, BTC, BUS, CHM, CIS, CSC, DFT, ECO, ETR, FOR, GCM, GIS, HET, HOR,
IVS, LAR, LSG, PED, PSY, SEL, TRF, VEN, WBL, WLD, and ZAS
Up to three semester hour credits may be selected from the following prefixes: ARA, ASL, CHI, FRE, GER, ITA,
JPN, LAT, POR, RUS and SPA.
III. Other Required Hours
A college may include courses to meet graduation or local employer requirements in a certificate (0-1 SHC),
diploma (0-4 SHC), or an associate in applied science (0-7 SHC) program. These curriculum courses shall be
selected from the Combined Course Library and must be approved by the System Office prior to implementation.
Restricted, unique, or free elective courses may not be included as other required hours.
IV. Employability Competencies
Fundamental competencies that address soft skills vital to employability, personal, and professional success are
listed below. Colleges are encouraged to integrate these competencies into the curriculum by embedding
appropriate student learning outcomes into one or more courses or through alternative methods.
A. Interpersonal Skills and Teamwork – The ability to work effectively with others, especially to analyze situations,
establish priorities, and apply resources for solving problems or accomplishing tasks.
B. Communication – The ability to effectively exchange ideas and information with others through oral, written, or visual
means.
C. Integrity and Professionalism – Workplace behaviors that relate to ethical standards, honesty, fairness, respect,
responsibility, self-control, criticism and demeanor.
D. Problem-solving – The ability to identify problems and potential causes while developing and implementing practical
action plans for solutions.
E. Initiative and Dependability – Workplace behaviors that relate to seeking out new responsibilities, establishing and
meeting goals, completing tasks, following directions, complying with rules, and consistent reliability.
F. Information processing – The ability to acquire, evaluate, organize, manage, and interpret information.
G. Adaptability and Lifelong Learning – The ability to learn and apply new knowledge and skills and adapt to changing
technologies, methods, processes, work environments, organizational structures and management practices.
H. Entrepreneurship – The knowledge and skills necessary to create opportunities and develop as an employee or selfemployed business owner.
*An Employability Skills Resource Toolkit has been developed by NC-NET for the competencies listed above.
Additional information is located at: http://www.nc-net.info/employability.php
**The North Carolina Career Clusters Guide was developed by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the North Carolina
Community College system to link the academic and Career and Technical Education programs at the secondary and postsecondary
levels to increase student achievement. Additional information about Career Clusters is located at: http://www.ncnet.info/NC_career_clusters_guide.php or http://www.careertech.org.
Summary of Required Semester Hour Credits (SHC) for each credential:
AAS
Diploma
Certificate
Minimum General Education Hours
15
6
0
Minimum Major Hours
49
30
12
Other Required Hours
0-7
0-4
0-1
64-76
36-48
12-18
Total Semester Hours Credit (SHC)
Approved by the State Board of Community Colleges on August 16, 2012; Editorial Revision 12/12/12; Editorial Revision 02/07/13;
SBCC Revised 07/19/13; Editorial Revision 08/21/13; SBCC Revised 01/17/14; Editorial Revision 01/20/15.