Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)

The Associate in Applied Science Degree prepares the individual for career entry immediately upon completion of the degree, and as such, is not considered a transfer degree program. Some fouryear colleges and universities will take course work pursued for an A.A.S. Degree toward similar majors of concentration, but no articulation agreements for guaranteed Junior-level status have been established.

Emphasis in the Associate in Applied Science Degree program is placed upon the specialized skills that prepare the individual for employment at the professional/technical level. The program requires the successful completion, with a minimum of an overall C (2.00) grade point average, of a minimum of 60 semester hours (depending on program selected). All courses submitted for graduation must be numbered 101 or higher; students transferring to Kennedy-King College from other institutions of higher education must earn a minimum of 15 semester hours in residence before they are eligible to receive an Associate in Applied Science Degree.

In addition, the School Code of Illinois states that students planning to graduate from Kennedy-King College must receive a passing grade on a special examination on the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Illinois, the Code of the American Flag, and the Declaration of Independence. This requirement also can be met by proof, on an official transcript, of successful completion of the Constitution examination for high school graduation, or the completion of Political Science 201, with a grade of C or higher.

Fifteen (15) of the required minimum 60 semester hours must be distributed among the general education areas listed, with a minimum of three credit hours in each area except communications which requires six credit hours.
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The general education component enables students to understand and appreciate their culture and environment; to develop a system of personal values that lead to civic and social responsibility; and to attain skills in communication, computation, and thinking necessary for future growth as learners and productive members of society.

The City Colleges of Chicago has approved implementation effective Fall Semester 1996 of educational guarantees for occupational programs. The City Colleges of Chicago will provide an employed graduate of an Occupational Program (A.A.S., Advanced Certificate or Basic Certificate) up to nine additional, post graduation credit hours or the equivalent at no charge for tuition and specified fees.

The Educational Guarantee applies to graduates who lack the skills consistent with the position for which their A.A.S. degree or certificate is a requirement of employment. Graduates may apply for an educational guarantee through a written notice to the Office of the Vice President. The skills deficiency must be certified in writing by the employer within 90 days of initial employment. The Office of the President is responsible for the final approval of the graduate’s retraining plan. Please refer to the Student Policy Manual for specific conditions and procedures guiding the Occupational Program Educational Guarantee.

Associate in Applied Science Majors

Accounting
Study of basic business and accounting skills; can lead to employment as junior member of accounting staff, estimator, credit analyst, budget accountant, bank teller in public or
private firms and organizations.

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
Study of design, selection, maintenance, testing and installation of residential and commercial air conditioning, refrigeration and heating systems, plus business skills; can lead to employment as assistant to engineer in industrial or business facility, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic, furnace installer, oil burner mechanic, gas furnace mechanic with cooling and heating dealers, contractors, utility companies, or to self employment.

Automotive Technology
Study of modern automotive technology to meet the changing demands of industry. Students will learn the technical skills essential to employment in the field of maintenance technology, auto body care, chassis, diesel, and power train, leading to employment in service, maintenance, and areas of technological specialty such as detailing, auto body paint and refinishing, in addition to management occupations or self employment. Credits can be transferred to four year programs in Industrial Engineering Technology in many universities.

Child Development / Preschool Education Option:
The Child Development Program is designed to provide students with education in both theory and practice for careers in child care programs. Students will be prepared for employment in a variety of positions in home and group settings serving the needs of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school age and children with special needs.

Child Development / Teacher Aide in Elementary Education Option:
Study of child development theory and the skills needed to assist teachers of elementary school children; can lead to employment as teacher aide in public and private elementary schools.

Child Development / Teacher Aide in Special Education Option:
The Child Development Program is designed to provide students with education in both theory and practice for careers in child care programs. Students will be prepared for employment in a variety of positions in home and group settings serving the needs of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school age and children with special needs.

Computer Information Systems
Study of technical skills used in programming and computer operations, including the basic business skills, needed for entry level job placement in areas such as computer programming, microcomputer operations, programmer analyst, system analyst, operation manager, or unit supervisor in private and public firms or organizations of all sizes.

Dental Hygiene
Study of specialized educational, clinical, and therapeutic services in preventive oral healthcare preparing graduates for National, Regional, and State Board Examinations required for licensure as registered dental hygienists. Major responsibilities include examination of the teeth and oral structures; the removal of plaque, calculus and stain from teeth; exposing and developing x rays; and educating patients in home oral healthcare techniques. Can lead to employment opportunities in private dental office, managed care facilities, dental product sales, public health clinics, or the insurance industry.

Graphic Communications
Study of graphic arts and printing techniques including desktop/electronic publishing, offset lithography, electronic prepress, commercial art and design, duplicating services and finishing procedures; can lead to employment as an apprentice or intern graphic designer, desktop/electronic publisher or typesetter, electronic prepress technician, camera, stripper, platemaker, press operator, bindery operator, estimator, production operator, sales and supervisory/management in commercial and printing in plants, publishing, advertising agencies or service bureaus.

Management / Marketing
Study of basic business skills, along with more in depth study in a chosen field such as management, marketing, or entrepreneurship which can lead to employment as assistant, trainee, supervisor or manager in manufacturing, merchandising or service firms, or government service. Also prepare one to start a business or improve their operation of a currently existing business.

Mental Health / Addiction Studies
Study of theory and techniques needed to work with mentally handicapped children and adults; can lead to employment as assistant or aide to professional mental health workers in hospitals, institutions and community mental health centers and clinics.

Nursing
Study of nursing theory and patient care techniques required to take the State of Illinois Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing. Both classroom instruction and clinical experience in Chicago area hospitals and clinics are provided; which can lead to employment as a Registered Nurse in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, physicians' offices, schools, public health, government, the military or industry.

Social Work Generalist