Degree and Certificate Options
Students at Lamar Community College have the option of focusing their academic pursuits within one of four degrees or several certificates. The requirements for these are described below. Specific information regarding the various academic programs available within the degree and certificate options can be found in the programs section.
Degrees with Designation
In cooperation with the Colorado Commission on Higher Education and CCCS, LCC is now able to give students options for majors within the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees and place the major on a student’s transcripts and diploma. These degrees are 60-credit program designed for students who want to purse a four year degree. Students who wish to prepare for a particular four-year major should coordinate their course selection with their intended transfer institution. Additional majors may be added in upcoming academic years. Current options for the 2018-2019 academic year include:
- Agriculture Business, A.S.
- Animal Science, A.S.
- Business, A.A.
- Criminal Justice, A.A.
- Early Childhood Education, A.A.
- Economics, A.A.
- Elementary Teacher Education, A.A.
- Equine Science, A.S.
- History, A.A.
- Soil & Crop Science, A.S.
- Psychology, A.A.
- Psychology, A.S.
- Studio Arts, A.A.
LCC students may have to choose online courses to complete these degrees.
Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree
The Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree is a 60-credit program for students who want to pursue a four-year degree in communications, social/behavioral sciences, or the arts and humanities. Students who wish to prepare for a particular four-year major should coordinate their course selection with their intended transfer institution. For Associate of Arts degree plans, please consult the Degree and Certificate section.
Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree
The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree at Lamar Community College provides a foundation in mathematics and sciences. It is designed primarily for those students intending to continue at a four-year college or university. Students who enroll in an A.S. degree program must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours.
A student may choose to pursue a plan of study while obtaining an Associate of Science degree. Access degree plans for general and specific requirements (www.lamarcc.edu or contact an advisor). Students who are planning on transferring to a four-year institution may refer to the receiving institution’s catalog or web site for information regarding transferability of LCC coursework. The LCC Transfer Coordinator can also be of assistance.
The LCC plan of study in Sports & Exercise Science provides students the hands-on skills needed for care and prevention of athletic injuries. There is rigorous coursework in the anatomy and physiology of sports injuries. This Associate of Science degree is designed to prepare a student to transfer to a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training, Pre-physical Therapy, Sports and Conditioning or other sports-related areas. During the Capstone of the course students demonstrate their proficiency in the hands-on skills needed for care and prevention of athletic injuries. Our course of study in Sports and Fitness Management also provides students the learning outcomes necessary to take the National Council on Strength and Fitness certified personal trainer exam (NCSF-CPT). Successful completion of this exam results in certification as a Certified Personal Trainer.
Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.) Degree
The Associate of General Studies degree at Lamar Community College is designed primarily for those students who wish to pursue a broad program of career and transfer coursework without the constraints of subject specialization. There are also emphasis areas within the A.G.S. degree which enable students to pursue a particular academic interest in greater depth. While the A.G.S. degree is not designed specifically to enable transfer to a four-year institution, it can be used for that purpose. Transferability depends upon the courses taken and the requirements of the receiving institution. A student who enrolls in an A.G.S. degree program at Lamar Community College must complete a total of 60 credit hours consisting of at least 18 credit hours in general education courses, 39 credit hours of elective coursework, and 3 credit hours of LCC requirements. For Associate of General Studies degree plans, please consult the Degree and Certificate section.
Emphasis Areas in A.G.S. Degree
Courses listed in the following emphasis areas relate to an area of academic interest and are offered as recommendations to those students wishing to pursue a particular academic interest in greater depth. Students who are planning to transfer to a four-year institution may refer to that institution’s catalog for information regarding transferability of LCC coursework. The LCC Transfer Coordinator can also be of assistance.
This plan of study prepares students who are considering transferring into four-year programs within Agricultural Business, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Extension, Agronomy, Animal Science, Equine Science, Farm and Ranch Management, Pre-vet, and Agricultural Communications. By the end of the program students should be able to communicate effectively on agricultural and natural resource concepts, relate business concepts to agriculture, and demonstrate an awareness for issues related to the agricultural sector, natural resource policies, and rural community development.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) Degree
The Associate of Applied Science degree at Lamar Community College prepares students for entry-level employment in a given occupation. It is designed primarily for those students intending to seek employment opportunities upon completion. However, four-year institutions accept some A.A.S. coursework toward specific baccalaureate programs. If a student plans to transfer to a four-year institution, he/she should refer to the receiving institution’s catalog for information regarding transferability of LCC coursework. The LCC Transfer Coordinator can also be of assistance. For Associate of Applied Science degree plans, consult the Degree and Certificate section.
This degree is designed for the student whose career goals include direct involvement in production agriculture or agribusiness as owner, operator, working manager, or partner. Students acquire skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the agriculture industry, including an ability to communicate effectively on agricultural concepts, relate business and management concepts to agriculture, and demonstrate an awareness of issues related to the agricultural sector. Students further define their focus through internships.
Available to students who have successfully completed technical coursework for a state-approved Career & Technical Education certificate in one of the four area vocational technical schools (AVTS). Colorado’s AVTS are: Delta-Montrose Area Vocational Technical Center, Emily Griffith Opportunity School, San Juan Basin Area Vocational School, and T.H. Pickens Technical Center. Students complete at least 15 credits of selected general education courses at LCC to earn an A.A.S. degree.
The college strongly recommends that students complete a transcript review with an LCC advisor prior to selecting this option.
While the Desktop Publishing/Business Graphics and Business Certificates offer curricula which integrate business and information technology, the flexible AAS in Business allows students to expand both their knowledge and career opportunities. By the end of the program students are prepared for line supervisory roles in office settings and can effectively communicate through data entry, PowerPoint presentations, word processing, and desktop publishing. Students will also demonstrate posting/billing skills.
Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems
This comprehensive two year degree program prepares students to pursue a variety of professional career opportunities in the construction trades industry. The curriculum stresses a balance of classroom, technical and hands-on learning within the context of the industry’s current practices. By the end of the program students can communicate a sound theoretical understanding of construction practices and demonstrate proficiency in the trades’ skills including (exterior framing, windows & doors, finish work, drywall, document professional, etc.) and/or with general contractor. Students also demonstrate professionalism in the workplace, a sound understanding of ethical business practices, and communication with clients.
The AAS in Cosmetology is designed both to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to complete the exam for licensure as a cosmetologist and to earn general education credits for a more well-rounded course of study. The program’s learning outcomes focus on sanitation practices, haircutting and styling, chemical uses in the salon, and skin and nail care. Students demonstrate professionalism in the workplace, a sound understanding of ethical business practices, and communication with clients.
Learning Outcomes:
- Apply the theory of Cosmetology to clients.
- Analyze the hair, scalp, and facial shape.
- Perform various cutting edge and on trend haircuts for men and women.
- Demonstrate proper permanent waving procedures.
- Perform various types of coloring techniques.
- Demonstrate numerous hairstyling techniques.
- Perform facials, makeup, and facial hair removal.
- Perform proper manicuring, pedicuring and artificial nail procedures.
- Effectively schedule appointments with clients.
- Apply various business skills in your new career.
LCC offers three Associate of Applied Science degrees and three certificate options that prepare students for employment in a variety of areas in the equine industry. While these programs are not intended for transfer, some institutions may accept some or all of the coursework toward a bachelor’s degree. Consult with an academic advisor or LCC’s Transfer Coordinator for more information concerning transfer opportunities. By the end of each semester, students gain proficiency in some aspect of the horse industry. This program is focused on specialized training, and student learning is judged at the end of each semester at the horse show where students demonstrate their proficiency at training their horse to complete various patterns in the arena. Students also gain professionalism through the program’s work-ethic and communication through the program’s emphasis on working with horse owners. Those who choose to complete the Associates Degree are also measured by their performance on a capstone internship.
A student may pursue either Horse Training & Management , Barrel Horse Training , or an Equine Business Management program of study. Classroom and practical laboratory experience is provided in both program options. If a student plans to transfer to a four-year institution, he or she may consider an A.G.S. Degree with an Equine Science emphasis (See AGS Agriculture - Transfer).
The curriculum of the HTM and EBM programs are arranged in a sequential series of courses designed to effectively combine theory with practical experience. Therefore, students may enter the program only during fall semester and are expected to progress through the sequence of courses in a two-year period.
Admission Requirements
In addition to general admission requirements for LCC, those seeking acceptance in HTM or EBM programs must complete personal and riding interviews on campus during the year prior to fall enrollment. Interview dates and additional information may be found online on the HTM pages.
Horse Requirements
HTM/Colt Starting
Colt Requirements
- Age limit is 2-year-old
- Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred, Appaloosas, and Paints Only
- No warmbloods, mustangs, Saddlebreds, or Arabians
- Horse must have never been saddled or ridden
- Does not have to be registered or papered
- First semester you will need one 2-year-old; second semester you will need two 2-year-olds. Third semester you will need one green broke horse.
- We will provide colts for students if you do not have a horse that meets the requirements.Owner of the colt(s) will be charged for boarding costs.
- Owner of the colt will be charged for boarding costs.
Barrel Horse Training Program
Horse Requirements
- Must be a horse that the student is comfortable with
- Horse and student must be able to lope circles. Student needs to be able to move the horse’s shoulder, and have control over the horse.
- The horse must have never been started on the barrel pattern.
- No horse that is currently running barrels.
- Must be Quarter Horse, Appaloosa, or Paint.
- Must be 3 years old or older
- Student must provide their own horse for this program. The same horse will be used for three semesters.
- Boarding cost for these horses are included in the student’s tuition and fees.
Equine Business and Management Program
Horse Requirements
- Age limit 4 years old or older
- Must be Quarter Horse, Paint, or Appaloosa
- Student must be comfortable with the horse they are riding
- This horse must be started; no colts allowed
- Boarding costs of these horses are included in the student’s tuition and fees.
- Student must provide their own horse for all three semesters.
Only horses in these equine programs can be boarded to Lamar Community College Equine Facility. Horses are provided an indoor stall, shavings, water, and alfalfa hay. Vet and farrier services are at the expense of the owner of the horse.
The LCC Nursing Program is an Associate Degree program comprised of two levels. Level I is the first year of the Associate Degree Nursing Program. Students have the option to sit for the PN licensure exam (NCLEX-PN) upon the successful completion of Level I. Level II is the second year of the program. Students who have completed Level I may go directly on to Level II. Level II is also open to L.P.N.’s seeking an Associate Degree in Nursing and transfer students. Level II completers are awarded an A.A.S. Degree in Nursing and qualify to sit for the R.N. licensure exam (NCLEX-RN).
By the end of the program students will be able to:
- Provide safe, quality evidence-based patient-centered nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings to diverse patient populations
- Engage in critical thinking and clinical reasoning to make patient-centered care decisions
- Implement quality measures to improve patient care
- Participate in collaborative relationships with members of the interdisciplinary team, the patient, and the patient’s support persons
- Use information management principles, techniques, and systems, and patient care technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision-making
- Provide leadership in a variety of healthcare settings for diverse patient populations
- Assimilate professional, legal, and ethical guidelines in practice as a professional nurse
- Promote a culture of caring to provide holistic, compassionate, culturally-competent care
For Nursing degree plan, please consult the Degree and Certificate section of this catalog. NOTE: Students must be 16 years of age or older to qualify to take the licensure examination.
For additional information regarding LCC’s nursing program, including admission requirements, see the Nursing Student Handbook on LCC’s website at www.lamarcc.edu/nursing
The Renewable Energy Technologies Associate of Applied Science degree is a program designed for students interested in the manufacturing, repair, installation and maintenance of photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, solar thermal systems and biofuel equipment. By the end of the program students will be able to describe design requirements and installation guidelines, identify materials and resources, and provide information on green buildings, safety issues, maintenance and trouble shooting. Students will be able to install solar and other kinds of energy equipment and demonstrate basic welding skills. This program will include training in energy auditing for commercial and residential applications. Students also demonstrate professionalism in the workplace, a sound understanding of ethical business practices, and communication with clients.
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify symbols and dimensions (lines) for ANSI/ASME/ISO standards as it relates to Computer Aided Drafting.
- Ability to describe various layouts, materials calculations and cost estimates for rafters (roofs and trusses).
- Understand the fundamentals of AC and DC circuits.
- Identify key elements in electrical systems from generation to end consumer consumption.
- Demonstrate knowledge of principles of active and passive solar systems, generating systems, bio-mass, wind, geothermal, electrical power generation and energy storage.
- Understand the movement of energy, energy audits tools and conservation techniques to include creating a sales proposal of suggestions to the consumer.
- Synthesize a complete (indentify system components) of an on-paper photovoltaic system based on knowledge of regulatory principles.
- Provide a working knowledge of sizing, installation and maintenance of solar domestic hot water systems.
- Understand and the ability to apply OSHA Regulation, 29 CFR 1926.
- Understand plumbing systems, materials, joints, fitting, values and tools.
- Operate shielded metal arc welding equipment in order to perform basic designs in a safe manner and to understand basic application of metal arc welding applications.
- The ability to define and explain wind energy specific terms, identify the different classifications of wind turbines, understand the mechanics of converting a moving fluid (wind) into more useful electrical energy and estimate the potential wind energy available at a specific site.
This degree program is designed to train students in basic, intermediate and advanced welding applications. Students who complete this degree will be qualified for a variety of career opportunities in the welding industry. Students who complete this program will be able to describe and demonstrate proper safety procedures, proper use of welding equipment, and safe work habits. They will be able to perform Gas Metal Arc Welding/Flux Core Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, and Shielded Metal Arc Welding in flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions. Students also demonstrate professionalism in the workplace and communication with clients.
Upon completing the welding program, students will be able to:
- Describe proper safety procedures in welding environments.
- Demonstrate the proper use and applications of welding equipment.
- Demonstrate the appropriate and correct application of blueprints in welding.
- Perform Gas Metal Arc Welding/Flux Core Arc Welding (GMAW/FCAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) welding procedures from flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions.
- Demonstrate safe work habits that reflect concern and care for self, others and the environment.
- Apply the skills necessary to secure employment and be successful in the welding workplace.
Certificate Options
In addition to the four types of degrees available through Lamar Community College, students may earn a Certificate of Study by successfully completing specific sequences of coursework. Certificate programs are designed to prepare students for entry level jobs in occupational and professional areas. They also provide the opportunity to upgrade skills or acquire additional skills in occupational fields. Students enrolling in certificate programs are subject to the same basic skills requirements as those enrolling in degree programs.
Certificates are available at LCC in the following programs/areas:
Program |
Credits |
Accounting |
32 |
Advanced Horsemanship |
28 |
Agriculture |
25.5 |
Barber |
50 |
Building Preservation Specialist 1 |
16 |
Business Certificate |
16 |
Construction Trades Essentials (*pending approval) |
16 |
Construction Trades Exterior Building (*pending approval) |
17 |
Construction Trades Interior Building (*pending approval) |
16 |
Construction Trades Mastery (*pending approval) |
|
Computer Technician I |
16 |
Cosmetology |
60 |
Desktop Publishing and Business Graphics |
18 |
Emergency Medical Technician - Basic |
12 |
Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate |
15 |
Fundamental Horse Training |
24 |
Hair Stylist |
40 |
Nail Technician |
20 |
Nurse Aide |
6 |
Practical Nursing (Level I ADN) |
60 |
Starting Colts |
28 |
Veterinary Science |
36 |
Welding: Basic |
16 |
Welding: Intermediate |
16 |
Welding: Advanced |
16 |
This one year program teaches the student basic accounting and payroll skills and offers more accounting theory than the bookkeeping certificate program. It augments a student’s basic writing skills as well. With electives, the student may pursue additional knowledge in income tax, business law, business report writing, and/or accounting software packages. The certificate prepares the student to be a full charge bookkeeper in an accounting department and equips the student with the skills needed to advance beyond that level. The program gives the student the necessary academic background to complete an associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting, if one so desires.
This one-year certificate within the Horse Training and Management program builds upon skills and knowledge acquired in the Starting Colts certificate program. It combines hands-on experience with a one-semester internship with a professional trainer. For the Advanced Horsemanship Certificate plan, consult the Degree and Certificate section.
Admission to this certificate program requires successful completion of the Starting Colts certificate program, or permission of the program instructors.
This one-year certificate allows students to focus solely on agriculture studies. It introduces students to the basics of animal science, agronomy and ag business. For the Agriculture Certificate plan, consult the Degree and Certificate section.
The Barber certificate is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to complete the exam for licensure as a barber, including working with the scalp and hair of the head, performing face shaving and beard trimming and basic barber facials. Instruction is provided through classroom, clinical, and applied learning activities. It offers the newest techniques and hands-on experience needed, as well as the business skills and management preparation to launch a successful career in the barbering industry. The course of study has been approved by the Colorado State Office of Barbers and Cosmetology.
This certificate prepares graduates to pursue a variety of career opportunities in construction, sustainable building, and historic preservation industries. The curriculum stresses a balance of classroom, lab, and experiential learning.
Today’s business support personnel perform functions in coordination of various activities in an organization. Upon successful completion of the Business Certificate program, students possess basic skills and knowledge necessary for an entry-level position in a business organization. For the Business certificate plan, consult the Degree and Certificate section.
This Certificate provides entry-level as well as upgrading skills courses for a solid foundation in construction. This certificate includes an introduction to construction work for all crafts, computer-aided drafting, types and use of various hand and power tools, and safety standards outlined by OSHA. in
This Certificate provides entry-level as well as upgrading skills courses in for a solid foundation of exterior building renovation and new construction. This certificate includes hand-on learning in framing, sizing and installation of windows and exterior doors, and the various materials and techniques used for exterior finishes and trim.
This certificate provides entry-level as well as upgrading skills courses for a solid foundation of interior building remodeling and new construction methods. This certificate includes hands-on learning of renovation of existing spaces to include design elements and estimations of costs, drywall installation, interior door installation, and the selection and application of interior trim choices.
This certificate provides entry level as well as upgrading skills courses for a solid foundation of the industry’s current practices to include the practitioner’s licensing requirements, types and content of construction documents, liability and management-labor functions, design techniques, roles and responsibilities of professionals in the industry. The individual enrolling in this certificate will have an option of taking a course in shielded metal arc (welding) or solar as it relates to installation at renovation or new building construction.
This certificate prepares a student for an entry level position as a computer technician. It focuses on computer repair, installation and maintenance of operating systems, and basic security principles. Electives allow the student to learn more about networking for the small and home office, advanced security, computer forensics and/or data recovery.
The Cosmetology Department offers four certificate programs designed to provide the successful graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to acquire licensure in these fields. The course of study in each field has been approved by the Colorado State Office of Barbers and Cosmetology. The Cosmetology certificate is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills necessary to complete the exam for licensure as a cosmetologist. Instruction is provided through classroom, clinical, and applied learning activities delivered in three phases: introduction, intermediate, and advanced. Students may enter the program in the fall, spring, or summer semester.
This certificate program prepares students for jobs requiring knowledge of and skill in word processing, image manipulation, font selection and use, and other small-scale publishing tasks. For the Desktop Publishing/Business Graphics Certificate plan, please consult the Degree and Certificate section.
Successful completion of the Emergency Medical Technician - Basic certificate allows a student to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Basic Exam. The curriculum includes basic trauma and medical assessment as well as treatment of the sick and injured. Note: Students must be 18 years of age or older to qualify to take the licensure exam for EMT-Basic.
This certificate program builds on the Emergency Medical Technician - Basic Certificate and is designed to prepare the student for eligibility for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians -Intermediate Exam. NOTE: Students must be 18 years of age in order to qualify to take the licensure exam for EMT Intermediate.
This one-year certificate within the HTM program is designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge and skills to prepare them for introduction to the Horse Training industry. Students will complete the 100 level courses found in the Horse Training AAS degree but earn a certificate of study.
The Hair Stylist Certificate is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to complete the exam for licensure as a hair stylist. Instruction is provided through classroom, clinical, and applied learning activities delivered in three phases: introduction, intermediate, and advanced. Courses are offered in the fall semester only. For the Hair Stylist Certificate plan, please consult the Degree and Certificate section.
The Nail Technician Certificate is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to complete the exam for licensure as a nail technician. Instruction is provided through classroom, clinical, and applied learning activities delivered in three phases: introduction, intermediate, and advanced. Courses are offered in the summer semester only.
This program prepares students for employment as nurse aides in hospitals, skilled care and other health care facilities. Students will learn to become direct caregivers as a part of a team. Entering students must pass a background check through LCC prior to enrollment. Additionally they must complete CPR (Basic Life Support for Health care Providers) and provide documentation of immunization (2 MMR’s, at least 2 Hepatitis B, Chickenpox, and current TB test) as a requirement for clinical courses. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the Colorado National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) for certification through the Board of Nursing. Approximately an eight week course of study. For more information see https://lamarcc.edu/academics/occupational-programs/nursing/ NOTE: Students must be 16 years of age or older to qualify to take the licensure examination.
As an option to the two year ladder R.N. program, students may choose to obtain a Practical Nurse Certificate after successfully completing Level I. This certificate will allow the student to sit for the PN Licensure Exam (NCLEX-PN). For information see https://lamarcc.edu/academics/occupational-programs/nursing/ NOTE: Students must be 16 years of age or older to qualify to take the licensure examination.
This one-year certificate within the HTM program is designed to provide students, through hands-on experience, with the skills and knowledge needed to break colts for riding.
This program is designed to prepare individuals, under the supervision of veterinarians, and animal science professionals, to learn techniques of patient management and clinical procedures.
The Basic Welding Certificate provides entry-level skills courses in welding technology. Students who complete the basic welding certificate will be qualified for entry level positions in the welding industry.
This certificate provides entry level and advancing skills courses in welding technology. Students who complete this certificate following completion of the basic welding certificate will be prepared for more complex applications in the welding industry.
This certificate provides training in intermediate and advanced skills courses in welding technology. Students who complete this certificate in addition to the basic and intermediate welding certificates will be qualified for a variety of careers in the welding industry to include pipeline welding in the oil and gas industry.
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