Associate in Applied Science in Technical Studies

Associate in Applied Science in Technical Studies

Transfer up to
53 Credits
A median of 41 credits accepted
Receive credit for military training

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Online AAS in Technical Studies

This fully online Associate in Applied Science in Technical Studies program focuses on preparing students to be employed as technicians in technology-related industries such as nuclear, energy, computer, electronics, and electrical.

Designed specifically to meet the needs of students with military backgrounds by recognizing college-level learning that takes place in military training, the AAS in Technical Studies program may also be appropriate for nonmilitary students. The program’s four technical concentrations provide you with a broad professional and technical foundation in the various functional components of technology.

The concentrations are a group of related college-level courses within a technical component that combine depth and breadth of study in a recognized math/science-based technology discipline. The concentrations foster your ability to apply what you have learned within the degree program to the real-world contexts of a technology-based industry.

Concentrations

Computer Technologies, Electromechanical Technologies, Electronic/Instrumentation Technologies, Nuclear Technologies/Power Plant Technologies

Fast Facts:

AAS degree holders can pursue further education or a career in electronic, nuclear, or computer technology (Source: BLS)


The average median salary for a computer support specialist is $52,810 (Source: BLS)


AAS degree holders earn, on average, 64% more than those with no degree (Source: BLS)


60

credit hours

Online AAS in Technical Studies Program Details

The Associate in Applied Science in Technical Studies requires a minimum of 60 credits.

  • Cornerstone Course
  • Written English Requirement
  • Humanities: Ethics
  • Technical Writing
  • Social Sciences/History
    • Behavioral Sciences
    • Technology and Society
  • Natural Sciences/Mathematics
    • Natural Sciences
    • College-level Mathematics
  • Arts and Sciences electives

Core Component:

  • Introduction to Computing
  • Introduction to Engineering Analysis

Technology Component:

  • Computer Technologies
  • Electromechanical Technologies
  • Electronic/Instrumentation Technologies
  • Nuclear Technologies/Power Plant Technologies

Work with your academic advisor to choose electives that best meet your goals.

Integrated Technology Assessment

In this online portfolio development experience, you will reflect on your academic and professional experiences and work with a faculty mentor to develop learning statements, compile evidence that supports those learning statements, and create an integrated technology assessment report.

Computer Technologies

Choose this concentration if you’ve learned how to build, test, operate, and maintain computer networks, or install, configure, and update software applications. Credits that count toward this concentration indicate knowledge of analog and digital electronics, computer design, development, troubleshooting, and maintenance of computer hardware, databases, and network systems.

  • IT 200 Hardware and Software Essentials
  • IT 211 Fundamentals of Programming
  • IT 250 Business Data Communication
  • CYS 220 Cloud Computing and Virtualization
  • Computer Technologies elective

Electromechanical Technologies

This concentration conveys your knowledge of mechanical technology, electrical and electronic circuits, and automated, servo-mechanical, or electromechanical tools, equipment, and processes. Credits that count toward this concentration reflect coursework or training in the design, assembly, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrading of electronic and computer-integrated mechanical components and instrumentation systems, such as automated manufacturing tools and engineering service equipment.

  • TECH 185 Blueprint Reading
  • TECH 225 Applied Instrumentation and Control
  • TECH 233 Electrical Power Distribution
  • EGR 280 Introduction to 3-D Modeling
  • Electromechanical Technologies elective

Electronic/Instrumentation Technologies

Highlight your knowledge of electrical, electronic, and digital circuits, microprocessors, and programmable controllers, and the assembly, testing, maintenance, repair, and upgrading of electrical and electronic components and systems used in medical technology, analytical instruments, and industrial process control equipment. Credits applied to this concentration signify prior training in the operation of continuous and discrete systems and the use of electrical/electronic devices and instrumentation in troubleshooting analog and digital communication systems.

  • TECH 185 Blueprint Reading
  • TECH 225 Applied Instrumentation and Control
  • TECH 240 Job Task and Troubleshooting
  • IT 250 Business Data Communication
  • Electronic/Instrumentation Technologies elective

Nuclear Technologies/Power Plant Technologies

This concentration features your education in the design, operations, and maintenance of radiation shielding, radiation detection instrumentation, and emergency planning and implementation of radiation protection procedures and regulations pertaining to safe operation of nuclear systems and power generation facilities. Credits applied to these requirements reveal knowledge of the role of control performance, human interface, and quality assurance in nuclear system operation and maintenance; procedures used to record and interpret measurements; protocols of power plant systems equipment start-up, maintenance, and shut-down; and basic operation, testing, and troubleshooting of boilers, turbines, electric generators, pumps, and other auxiliary equipment.

  • TECH 250 Renewable Energy Overview I: Solar and Geothermal
  • TECH 251 Renewable Energy Overview II: Wind and Water
  • TECH 260 Energy Industry Fundamentals
  • NUC 210 Health Physics and Radiation Protection
  • NUC 240 Atomic and Nuclear Physics

View additional details about programs and courses:

Download the Liberal Arts and Sciences Catalog

Common Careers with an
Online AAS in Technical Studies

  • Database Specialist
  • Equipment Maintenance Specialist
  • Hardware Technician
  • Machine Operator
  • Maintenance Technician
  • Plant Operator

Explore Common Careers

Excelsior College was referred to me by several people from work. Excelsior took a lot of my military experience and applied it to my degree. After that, I only had 18 credits left to earn.

Bridgette Austin
Associate in Applied Science in Technical Studies, Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts
2007, 2018

Recognitions & Accreditations

Middle States Commission on Higher Education logo

Institutional Accreditation

Excelsior University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801 (267-284-5011) www.msche.org. The MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Phase: Accredited
Status: Accreditation Reaffirmed
Accreditation Granted: 1977
Last Reaffirmation: 2022
Next Self-Study Evaluation: 2029-2030

All of Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered (i.e., approved) by the New York State Education Department.