Program Details

Career Studies Certificate in Technology Essentials

Career Studies Certificate

Laurel Ridge Community College

This Career Studies Certificate program will offer students the opportunity to explore technology topics within the fields of Computer Science, Cybersecurity and Information Systems Technology.

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

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External Link

Delivery Mode

In-Person

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Delivery Mode

Online

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Delivery Mode

Hybrid

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Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree	This program is beneficial to the student who is uncertain about the specific area of technology they wish to explore. The student explores technology topics within the fields of Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Information Systems Technology.
Considerations When Selecting Courses	This career studies certificate program will offer students the opportunity to explore technology topics within the fields of Computer Science, Cybersecurity and Information Systems Technology. Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year Connect with an advisor at your community college and Laurel Ridge Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses	This program is G3 eligible. IN-DEMAND and STACKABLE credentials and education programs that are eligible for more funding than ever before through the G3 Scholarship.
Doing More With Your Degree	This CSC provides courses that are also required courses or approved IT electives leading to the Associate of Applied Science degree in Information Systems Technology.
Program Successes & Highlights

Related Programs & Certifications

On Completion You Are Ready For

Credential

Career Studies Certificate in Networking Specialist

Link

Certifications You Can Now Complete

CompTIA Network+

Certifications You Can Now Complete

CompTIA Security+

Program Credit Requirements

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	Students transferring to Laurel Ridge with an Associate Degree or higher already completed will be able to transfer in applicable credits to their degree and will have SDV 100 waived.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	Laurel Ridge does not distinguish between students earning an associate degree while in high school or after high school graduation.
Credit for Prior Learning	https://laurelridge.edu/credit-for-prior-learning/
Did You Know That...	Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree? Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Laurel Ridge Community College

College Level Information

Transfer Center

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External Link

Transfer Admission Application

Transfer Students - Apply Here

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Transfer Student Aid

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

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College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	Our classes feature up-to-date technology and course content to prepare you for a competitive job market. We offer many courses that will transfer to colleges all over Virginia and the nation. Our student life team offers many ways for students to get involved including clubs, activities, and volunteer opportunities.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	The catalog year in effect at the time a student was formally admitted into their curriculum at Laurel Ridge.
First Year Student Catalog Year	Catalog placement is tied to semester start selected in the application.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	https://laurelridge.edu/transfer/

Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays VCCS degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to most efficiently transfer your current course work. So, you can use this list to find a degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.

Institution	Title	Degree	Award Name	Award Level	Delivery Mode
Blue Ridge Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer & Electronics Tec	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Blue Ridge Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Computer and Electronics Technology: Secure Computer Networking	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Central Virginia Community College	AAS in Computer and Electronics Technology - Computer Networking	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Germanna Community College	Associate in Science Degree in Engineering	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Mountain Empire Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Networking Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
New River Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Southwest Virginia Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Electrical/Electronics	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	Hybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	Hybrid
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Applied Science - Electrical Technology (Programming and Logic Control)	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Applied Science - Electrical Technology (Industrial and Business Management)	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Applied Science - Electrical Technology (Renewable Energy Technologies)	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Applied Science - Electrical Technology (Fiber and Data Cabling)	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Applied Science - Electrical Technology (Occupational Safety)	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
17-3021.00	Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians	Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.	Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-3028.00	Calibration Technologists and Technicians	Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.	Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-3023.00	Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians	Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.	Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-3012.00	Electrical and Electronics Drafters	Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.	Architecture and Engineering Occupations
49-2095.00	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay	Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.	Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations
17-3024.00	Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians	Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.	Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-3024.01	Robotics Technicians	Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.	Architecture and Engineering Occupations

Cost To Complete

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 19 credits remaining to be completed

Residence State

Delivery Mode

Service Member?

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GI Bill (for Spouses/Dependants)

Disability Discharge

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Hours to Complete Degree *

Minimum Term of Active Duty

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Estimated Cost for the Career Studies Certificate in Technology Essentials at Laurel Ridge Community College These costs are based on an estimated 1 semesters or 0.5 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category	Cost	Basis	Cost (To You)	Estimated Benefits	Net Cost	Notes
Tuition	$163	Per Credit	$3,097	$0	$3,097
Fees
Student Activity Fee	$2	Per Credit	$38	0	$38
Auxiliary Fee	$4	Per Credit	$76	0	$76

*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.

Tuition & Fee Notes:

Additional Fees
- Some courses include materials fees in the cost of tuition or use free materials, and other courses require students to purchase texbooks or other materials. Laurel Ridge does not charge fees for parking or graduation. Tuition and fees are the same regardless of whether students attend online or in person. Tuition and Fees are subject to change.

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:

You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.