Associate of Applied Science

Technical Studies

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The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Technical Studies is a career‑focused degree designed to prepare students for employment in a wide range of skilled trades and technical occupations. The program combines applied technical coursework with general education to support hands‑on skill development, workplace readiness, and career advancement.

Students may earn and apply stackable certificates toward the degree, including certificates listed under the certificate requirements section. Instruction includes classroom learning, laboratory experiences, and applied training using industry‑standard tools and equipment. Graduates are prepared for entry‑level employment or continued technical training in construction, manufacturing, personal services, culinary, public safety, and related technical industries. This degree is intended as a workforce‑focused program. 


Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate technical skills and knowledge appropriate to their selected trade or occupational pathway.  
  2. Apply industry‑standard tools, equipment, and techniques safely and effectively in laboratory and work settings.  
  3. Follow workplace safety practices, regulations, and procedures, including hazard awareness and risk prevention.  
  4. Interpret basic technical information, such as drawings, specifications, manuals, and work instructions.  
  5. Apply problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills to address routine technical and workplace challenges.  
  6. Demonstrate professionalism, including dependability, teamwork, ethical behavior, and effective communication.  
  7. Use foundational mathematics and measurement skills relevant to technical and trade applications.  
  8. Exhibit workplace readiness, including time management, adaptability, and responsibility. 

General Education Requirements

Written and Oral Communication (3-6 credits)

Course Code
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
3-6

Quantitative Reasoning (3-5 credits)

Course Code
Title
Credits
3 - 5
Sub-Total Credits
3-5

Natural Sciences (4-8 credits)

Select at least one Natural Sciences course from the catalog that includes a lab.

Sub-Total Credits
4-8

Arts and Humanities (3-6 credits)

Select at least one Humanities course from the catalog.

Sub-Total Credits
3-6

Social and Behavioral Sciences (3-6 credits)

Select at least one Social and Behavioral Sciences courses from the catalog.

Sub-Total Credits
3-6

Institutes of the Americas (0-3 credits)

One course may be selected from this category.

Sub-Total Credits
0-3

Additional General Education Requirements (3-4 credits)

Select a sufficient number of credits from the list of General Education courses to reach at least 19 credits. You may not exceed nine credits in any GE Category. The maximum number of credits allowed in Health and Physical Education is two credits. 

Sub-Total Credits
3-4

Total General Education Requirements

Sub-Total Credits
19-20

Certificate Requirements

Earn at least of the certificates noted below

Sub-Total Credits
11-40

Elective Requirements

To earn this degree, you must select a sufficient number of elective credits numbered 100 or above to obtain the 60 credit hours required. 

Sub-Total Credits
0-30

In addition to completing each of the courses listed above with a grade of “C” or better, you must meet the following general graduation requirements to obtain this degree: 

  • Complete at least 16 credits at Gila Community College.
  • Attain a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher.
  • File a Graduation Petition at least 60 calendar days prior to the end of the semester in which graduation is anticipated.
  • Remove any indebtedness to the college. 
Total Required Credits
60