Associate in Applied Science - Network Design and Administration

at MSM Group - Spokane Community College USA

The associate in applied science degree in Natural Resource Management prepares students to work in the forestry area. This program is conditionally accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Two additional options are available: Parks and Recreation or Wildlife Fisheries. The Parks and Recreation option prepares students for park maintenance and/or interpretive positions.  The Wildlife/Fisheries option prepares students to perform field sampling as well as habitat restoration work.

All students must complete an internship of at least 400 hours to complete the degree.  Second year: Student may remain in the main program which is forestry based, or they may select one of the two options for an AAS degree which requires a total of 105 credits.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify selected forest trees, shrubs, and forbs native to the Pacific Northwest.
• Use various instruments to measure the height, diameter and age of trees and apply this data to volume, site and growth determinations.
• Identify species and habitat needs of common northwest freshwater fish, birds and wildlife.
• Operate hand compasses, level, global positioning systems, and electronic instruments in determining slopes, turning angles, running traverses, locating ownership boundaries, and determining locations.
• Utilize maps and aerial photographs in the management of natural resources, including through the use of geographic information systems.
• Recognize common diseases and insect pests of forest trees and assess their damage.
• Use the computer as a tool for solving natural resources problems.
• Apply field techniques to sample, measure, and monitor wildlife, birds and fish species and their habitat.
• Demonstrate human relationship skills and professional behavior needed for successful job performance.
• Parks maintenance and equipment.
• Recognize and apply the various silvicultural systems and techniques used in ecosystem management.
• Understand concepts of ecology, conservation and management for fish and wildlife species and their habitats.
• Understand concepts involved in soil science including soil management, conservation, and use of soils in forestry and agriculture.
• Maintain and safely operate a chainsaw.
• Write technical reports and give presentations.

This regionally respected American Bar Association (ABA) approved program consists of basic and specialty legal courses designed to prepare students for employment in the legal services field. The program offers an Associate in Applied Sciences (AAS) in Paralegal Studies, and Paralegal Certificate.

The AAS in Paralegal Studies is awarded after completion of 90-98 credits of required coursework. If full class loads are taken each quarter, the program requires 6-7 quarters to complete. The supervised legal work experience required for graduation or the internship must be approved by the program director. A grade of 2.0 or higher in each class (including prerequisites) is required for both the AAS degree and the certificate.

Students may enroll in the certificate program instead of the AAS program if the student is in the process of or has completed an Associate in Arts degree (AA), a bachelor's degree, or advanced degree from an accredited college and/or university.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply knowledge of law and legal procedures through legal research, writing, document drafting, analysis of facts, interviewing and investigation.
• Develop skills in civil and criminal pretrial and trial practice, real estate, business, family law, commercial transactions and litigation, bankruptcy proceedings, intellectual property, estate planning, probate and other specialty areas.
• Develop technological and organizational skills, including categorizing and organizing documents, calendaring, assessing and prioritizing work; managing time; creating and maintaining databases; and using standard forms and checklists.
• Develop understanding of rules of professional and ethical conduct, competence, professionalism and client service.

The Machinist/CNC Technology program is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to gain employment in the manufacturing industry. The first year of the program will focus on skills used in a modern machine shop: machine shop math, blueprint reading, and conventional machine tool theory and lab. The last year offers advanced conventional machining and specialized training in CNC theory with introduction to CAD/CAM and procedures in quality control.

Each required course for graduation must be completed with a grade of 2.0 or higher before proceeding to the next quarter.

Learning Outcomes

• Operate a variety of CNC machines.
• Set up tooling for CNC machining operations.
• Perform quality control functions to ensure part compliance with required specification.
• Interpret blueprints.
• Possess knowledge of their role as an employee and factors that are critical to the company’s success.

The CAD Design and Drafting program prepares students with the skills necessary for drafting and design using both CAD drafting and solid modeling techniques. The course of study prepares students to work in a wide range of engineering disciplines, including engineering teams for large and small manufacturing firms, consulting engineering firms, testing, and research companies to gain employment as computer-aided drafters and engineering designers.

Students not only learn to draft using CAD and solid modeling techniques, but also get “hands-on” practical experience in 3D printing, engineering design projects, and by learning fabrication processes used in industry. Coursework includes a balance of basic skills in math and communications, as well as a practical application of relevant computer-assisted drafting skills in several engineering disciplines, including mechanical, civil and structural engineering; mechanical design in building systems; electrical and fluid power schematics; and fabrication/piping drafting.

Learning Outcomes

• Use the systems, symbols, language and mechanics of the drafting field.
• Skillfully apply computers and engineering office software for documentation, communication, design, and drafting.
• Identify, solve, and apply engineering calculations relevant to a full drafting and design project.
• Work productively in a team environment and/or as an independent drafter/designer when required.
• Work with the sense of responsibility and accuracy required in the field of engineering design and drafting.
• Develop individual and full sets of drafting projects including shop drawings, assembly drawings, schematics, and construction plans using 2-D CAD and 3-D CAD solid modeling.
• Create accurate solid model computer files to transfer to rapid prototypes, CNC use, shop drawings, or engineering designs.
• Identify and select appropriate materials and processing of materials used in industry for a design project.
• Demonstrate basic shop practices in woods, metals, plastics, and composites, including machining, fabrication/welding, assembly and testing for design prototypes.
• Demonstrate global awareness of the impact of efficiency, effectiveness, cost, and sustainability in design.

The Automotive Technology program prepares students for employment in many areas of the automotive field including dealerships, independent garages, fleet shops, service stations and specialty shops which cover areas such as tune-ups and brakes. Students may enter the program in any of the first five quarters.

Students interested in receiving special training in Toyota T-TEN (Technician Training and Education Network) may substitute specialized courses specifically catering to Toyota T-TEN option. Entrance into the program requires an interview with and permission of the instructor. Continuation within the course program requires permission of the instructor. Students must complete each AUTO course with a 2.0 grade or better before advancing to subsequent quarters.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand basic shop operation and safety principles.
• Diagnose mechanical malfunctions and performance problems and make necessary repairs.
• Operate precision automotive diagnostic and repair equipment.
• Interpret repair manuals and computer-based programs dealing with specifications and repair procedures.
• Understand the importance of good public relations with customers, employers, and fellow employees.
• Work with minimum supervision for or with a journeyman technician.
• Skillfully use tools and equipment.

The Greenhouse and Nursery Management program provides students with knowledge and practice in plant production.  Graduates of the program are experienced in topics including plant propagation, pest and disease management, greenhouse management, floral design, plant identification, and business management. At the successful completion of the second year, passing all required coursework, the student will receive the associate in applied sciences degree.

The following is a typical student schedule. Individual student schedules may differ slightly depending on course availability. Courses may only be offered in the quarter indicated.  Outlined curriculum assumes students begin the program fall quarter and continue winter and spring quarters, with summer quarter off. It is recommended that students work closely with the program advisor when planning classes.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply the concepts of floral design and management to a commercial florist business.
• Apply growing and maintenance practices to greenhouse and container grown stock during the course of the year.
• Identify and be able to care for the major indoor plants used in interiorscaping.
• Understand and apply the principles of business management and human relations to agribusiness management.

The invasive cardiovascular technologist is a health care professional who, through the use of specific high-technology equipment and at the direction of a qualified physician, performs procedures on patients leading to the diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease.

As a member of the cardiac catheterization team, the cardiovascular technologist is a surgical scrub assistant, monitors the patient's condition and operates other "CATH Lab." equipment.

The most important "CATH Lab" studies are coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention (where stents, balloons, plaque removal devices, and other treatments to restore blood flow are deployed), right heart catheterization (where blood flow measurements are made), electrophysiology (where irregular heartbeats are created, studied and treated) and pacemaker implantations.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate collaboration and effective communication among all health care team members in the delivery of cardiac care in all patient settings.
• Analyze information and research and apply it in the health care setting.
• Apply the principles of cultural awareness formulating appropriate modifications to health care plans to accommodate cultural differences.
• Design and implement appropriate treatment plans in all healthcare settings where cardiac care is delivered.
• Apply advanced cardiac care competencies in all health care settings.

The Marketing program is designed for students who want to specialize in fields involved with the distribution of goods and services from producer to consumer. Students take core business courses followed by marketing specialty courses such as marketing, retailing, advertising and international business. Students are also required to gain work experience as part of the program. There is opportunity for teamwork and leadership experience through participation in college DECA, international management and marketing organization.

All students graduating from this program must have a minimum grade of 2.0 on each of the management; accounting; economics; and general business required courses. Students must also have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average on all required courses in the program.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the position of contemporary marketing within the economy and recognize how it fits into the global economy and the world of e-commerce.
• Analyze strategies and tactics to develop a balanced marketing mix to reach targeted market groups in both the consumer and business to business sectors in order to create satisfied customers.
• Analyze and understand the elements of the marketing mix, which includes having the right products/services in the right place at the right price with proper promotion to position a product/service to reach the targeted groups.
• Understand how the functions of marketing (buying, selling, transporting, storing, standardization and grading, financing, risk taking, marketing research) support the marketing mix.
• Understand and appreciate how outside environmental forces (technology, political legal, competition, social cultural, economic) influence changes in a firm’s marketing mix.
• Understand the need for market information systems, understand consumer/buyer behavior and market segmentation.
• Understand the need to support marketing goals with management skills, communication skills, human relation skills, and ethical behavior.

The Arboriculture program provides a study of ornamental trees; from selection and installation to irrigation, fertilization, pruning and care. Students learn how to identify, assess, diagnose and treat tree problems, as well as learn how to use the advanced arboriculture equipment and techniques. At the successful completion of the second year, passing all required coursework, the student will receive the associate in applied sciences degree.

The following is a typical student schedule. Individual student schedules may differ slightly depending on course availability. Courses may only be offered in the quarter indicated.  Outlined curriculum assumes students begin the program fall quarter and continue winter and spring quarters, with summer quarter off.  It is recommended that students work closely with the program advisor when planning classes.

Learning Outcomes
 Apply planting and maintenance practices to lawns, trees and shrubs during the course of a year.

• Apply concepts of landscape design, construction, and installation of residential and small commercial projects.
• Understand and apply the concepts of residential irrigation.
• Diagnose causes of plant problems (i.e. insect, disease, and abiotic problems) and suggest appropriate remedies.
• Understand and apply the principles of weed science to landscape weed management.
• Understand and apply the principles of business management and human relations to agribusiness management.

The Administrative Office Management program is an associate degree program that prepares students to assume positions as office managers, supervisors, or as assistants to top executives.  Students will develop administrative skills necessary to participate as part of the management team; assist in planning, organizing, and controlling information related activities; and in leading or directing people to attain the objectives of the organization.  They may handle a wide range of daily responsibilities including the supervision of support services.

This program is recommended to experienced office staff as well as entry-level office workers who are looking to increase their potential for promotion.  Graduates with this degree receive training in a variety of office management functions including those in communications, information resources, and management.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the principles of human resources supervision and administration including the recruiting and hiring process, training and development, motivating the workforce, completing an appraisal, and improving productivity.
• Organize and plan office work and exercise leadership skills that encourage successful teamwork.
• Demonstrate organizational, planning, and project management skills.
• Appreciate the scope of business operations and economic systems.
• Handle multiple deadlines and priorities in an office setting.
• Think critically and act logically to evaluate situations, solve problems, and make decisions.
• Understand the tools used to make business decisions using quantitative data.
• Compile and analyze data, prepare concise reports and presentations, and use information processing technology and software.
• Compose drafts and final responses to inquiries, letters, and questionnaires.
• Handle a variety of internal and external business forms and understand their purpose.
• Acquire comprehensive knowledge of and ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Project, and Outlook software.
• Operate a variety of business machines, including computer equipment, copy machines and scanners, transcribing equipment, facsimiles, printers, telephones, and calculating machines.