Technical Education Division

TECHNICAL PROGRAMS AND COURSES OF INSTRUCTION ARE DESIGNED TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR EMPLOYMENT IN SPECIFIC OCCUPATIONS AFTER ONE OR TWO YEARS OF STUDY.

The technical programs offered through the Technical Division are college-level programs of study which have been developed by advisory committees comprised of representatives from the fields of education, business, and industry. Students who complete all courses prescribed in a particular curriculum receive an Associate of Applied Arts degree, Associate of Applied Science degree or Certificate of Proficiency. These courses are not intended for transfer to a university for credit toward a baccalaureate degree. However, many universities accept certain technical courses for transfer. Students should contact the transfer university to verify acceptance of technical courses for credit.

Students who enter the Technical Division and work toward an Associate of Applied Science degree have the option of receiving the Enhanced Skills Certificate in specific Tech Prep articulated programs. Students holding the Enhanced Skills Certificate will have advanced technical skills combined with a strong academic foundation that will enhance the transition to either the world of work or further education.

Additionally, South Plains College offers a number of occupational career programs which award a Certificate of Proficiency upon successful completion. These college-level certificate programs are designed to provide specialized training for a particular career field in a relatively short period of time. Most certificate programs can be completed in one year. The courses in these programs are designed to prepare persons for employment in the current job market or in emerging occupations. All occupational programs are approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the State Approval Agency for the Veterans Administration.

With the recommendation of the instructor, a student may be given advanced standing in certain certificate programs. The student is not expected to repeat training in which he or she exhibits sufficient skill and expertise.

Minimum competency levels for graduation have been established for all technical and occupational programs. These competency levels have been established by business and industry advisory committees comprised of employers and representatives from local business, industry and the professional community. Competency levels generally are acquired over the prescribed course length unless the program instructor grants a student advanced standing on the basis of previous experience and/or education or certifies the student has reached a demonstrated proficiency level sufficient for early graduation.

Technical programs on the Levelland Campus, Byron Martin Advanced Technology Center and the SPC Reese Center are under the supervision of the Dean of Technical Education.

Departments and Programs of Study

South Plains College offers technical programs on its Levelland Campus, at the SPC Reese Center and at the Byron Martin Advanced Technology Center in the areas of business, computer information systems technology, creative arts, industrial technology and professional services. The division is organized into four departments on the Levelland Campus which offer 48 individual program and curriculum options. At the SPC Reese Center and Byron Martin Advanced Technology Center in Lubbock, the division is organized into two departments which offer 25 individual program and curriculum options. Some programs are offered at more than one SPC location, while others are limited to a particular college location.

Special Supplies and Equipment

Certain supplies and hand tools are required in laboratory work in specified technical programs. Supply and tool lists are determined at the discretion of the instructor. Equipment and supplies purchased by the student are the responsibility of the student. Since the requirements and costs vary according to the specific program, students should contact the program instructors for information regarding required supplies and tools.

Verification of Workplace Competencies

To qualify for associate degrees or certificates, students must demonstrate eligibility for a credentialing exam, capstone experience, or an external learning experience during the last semester of the student’s educational program.

New Student Orientation

Students who are enrolling in college for the first time are strongly encouraged to attend the New Student Experience held prior to each semester. Programs to assist new students in making the transition into college are available at SPC’s Levelland, Reese and Plainview locations. New students are also encouraged to enroll in HUDV 1100 Introduction to Learning Frameworks during the first semester of enrollment. HUDV 1100 is offered at all SPC locations. This course is not a degree requirement for graduation. However, the grade earned for HUDV 1100 does count toward your cumulative GPA and may count toward the total semester hours required for graduation.