Permaculture is an approach to developing agricultural ecosystems intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient. Introduction to Permaculture, Design, and Entrepreneurship provides a solid grounding of how students can apply permaculture principles in their home, garden, apartment, farm, or add additional skills to their current professional skill set.

This non-credit certificate gives students a comprehensive overview of how to apply proactive, sustainable design techniques to their immediate environment and enhance their current landscaping and/or gardening practices. This certificate will be useful for current or future business owners who want to use sustainable landscaping practices to innovate and enhance their business success.

Student Learning Outcomes

- Define permaculture and describe examples of permaculture sites.

- Apply permaculture ethics and principles to a variety of contexts.

- Conduct a thorough assessment of the current landscape and environmental characteristics.

- Set specific and detailed goals for the design and implementation of work plan.

This Interior Design Certificate of Achievement provides a foundation in the expanding field of interior design, focusing on the fundamentals of residential and commercial design. Interior Design topics include the elements and principles of design, space planning, the basics of building codes, accessibility, lighting, appropriate selection of materials, business practices, the history of design and architecture, and design communication. This certificate will prepare students for a job in the design industry.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

- Identify, analyze, and evaluate design criteria and synthesize appropriate and creative design solutions.

- Develop graphic, written, and verbal communication skills to illustrate design ideas and processes.

The Certificate of Achievement in Information Technology prepares students to either enter the workforce as an IT support technician or IT system administrator or pursue a bachelor’s degree in managing information systems.

IT support technicians provide technical assistance to computer users. They may answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. They may provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems. Computer network technicians analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. They perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

Earning this certificate of achievement is advantageous for students who already have a degree but are looking to update their existing skills. The courses required in this certificate can also be used towards the Associate in Science in Information Technology.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

- Apply fundamental knowledge of computing and the current use of technology techniques, skills, and tools necessary for the computing practice.

- Demonstrate the ability to locate, critically evaluate, and solve business problems with technology solutions using qualitative and quantitative information.

- Demonstrate a fundamental ability to identify and analyze user needs in the selection, creation, evaluation, and administration of computer-based systems.

- Provide information technology technical assistance to computer and network users.

- Demonstrate an appreciation of the IT career field and the need to be lifelong learners.

Upon completion of the Health Information Technology Certificate of Accomplishment, students will have gained the fundamental IT skills necessary to work in various positions in a Healthcare IT Department, such as an entry-level system administrator/support or business analyst.

Student Learning Outcomes

- Install, configure, and support computer systems.

- Identify and assess security risks and potential threats to computing and networking resources.

The Certificate of Achievement in Graphic Design provides students with conceptual and hands-on training preparing them for careers in the graphic design field and for transfer to baccalaureate institutions. The study encompasses all phases of the design processes from prototyping and ideation to implementation of visual communication solutions.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

- Employ skills and processes required for working in print and interactive design.

- Demonstrate skill with a variety of graphic design techniques, both analog and digital.

- Utilize problem-solving techniques in developing creative graphic design solutions that include design thinking, prototyping, and research.

- Demonstrate effective development, interpretation, and expression of ideas through written, oral, and/or visual communication.

- Understand and consider diverse artistic expressions and communicate effectively in a team environment.

The Certificate of Achievement in Global Studies is intended to offer students an opportunity to develop and appreciate a deeper and more meaningful understanding of global issues, all designed within the context of a diverse, flexible, and interdisciplinary curriculum. Courses deal with topics as diverse as colonialism, globalization, capitalism, migration and immigration, environmental justice, human rights, global health, social movements, and the role of culture and its impact on the landscape.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

- Discuss and describe the significant issues in the natural and human world based on articulating one’s identity in a global context.

- Relate and question concepts as they pertain to political, economic, cultural, and ecological globalization.

- Discuss and describe the impact of international events and systems at the regional, national, and local levels.

The Glass Certificate of Accomplishment signifies that students have acquired skills in the fundamentals of glass design. Additional emphasis is placed on ceramics or contemporary forms of sculpture. This Certificate provides a firm foundation for continued study in the field of glass design.

Student Learning Outcomes

- Evaluate and critique art objects, especially glass art, for contextual, formal, and technical success.

- Demonstrate an understanding of the historical and contemporary aspects of glass art and apply that knowledge to his/her own work.

- Produce glass artworks using acquired skills and contemporary technologies.

This certificate of accomplishment signifies that students have received basic knowledge in geological sciences and skills, which facilitate paraprofessional employment such as geological technician and geological field assistant. The certificate also provides a good foundation for continued study in the field of geology.

Student Learning Outcomes

- Demonstrate scientific literacy by defining and explaining the major steps in the scientific method of investigation, specifically the difference between empirical data, interpretation, testable hypothesis, theory, paradigm, speculation, and pseudo-science.

- Demonstrate an understanding of the geologic time scale and methods of measuring geologic time.

- List, explain, and evaluate global and local (county-wide) geological hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and seismic sea waves in terms of appropriate geological processes and the theory of plate tectonics.

The Certificate of Achievement in Geography allows students to receive basic training in regional variations of the world, as well as human modification of the physical environment. Students gain lab experience with map analysis, weather, and landform features, and are educated in current theories of how different cultures use, abuse, or otherwise change the Earth. The certificate offers an excellent background for careers in both physical and cultural geography, public policy, humanities, and environmental studies. The certificate is also aligned with the Associate in Arts in Geography for Transfer, allowing students to easily pursue the associate in arts for transfer if they choose to do so.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

- Assess the preservation of natural resources and the potential impact of societies overusing natural resources.

- Discuss and describe the origins, diversity, and distribution of basic cultural patterns, with particular attention given to language; religion; urbanization; political and economic patterns; and human-environment interactions.

GIS is a computer-based database management system for the capture, storage, retrieval, analysis, and display of spatial data. Students who complete this program will be better prepared to map data for decision-making in careers in business, environmental protection, risk assessment, utility planning and management, emergency response, land use planning, transportation planning, delivery route planning, real estate, crime prevention, and many others.

Student Learning Outcomes

- Distinguish the characteristics and key principles of geography, specifically the subdivision of cartography.

- Develop an understanding of uses, organization, and analysis of geographical data.

- Select appropriate techniques and technology to analyze geographic problems.

- Demonstrate technical skills in data management including data input, editing, query, analysis, and display.

- Produce and arrange a GIS project using GIS technical skills.