Vance-Granville Community College: Programs and Opportunities

Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) is dedicated to educating, inspiring, and supporting a diverse community of learners to achieve professional and personal success. Since its establishment in 1969, VGCC has grown to serve an area the size of Rhode Island, offering a variety of programs and services to meet the educational and career goals of its students. With a commitment to developing strong communities, VGCC provides real-world opportunities, support services, and flexible learning options to cater to the needs of a challenging economy.

Comprehensive Educational Programs

VGCC offers more than 40 curriculum programs, along with Continuing Education opportunities and College & Career Readiness programs for adult learners. These programs are designed to prepare students for entry into a career or transfer to a university. The college serves students in various settings, including classrooms and labs on its four campuses, on-site locations throughout the community, and online.

Transfer Programs

VGCC provides several Associate degrees designed for students planning to transfer to four-year institutions. These programs are approved for transfer through the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA). Community college graduates must obtain a “C” or better in each course and an overall GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in order to transfer with junior status. These programs are also offered as a Career and College Promise (CCP) Pathway for eligible high school students.

Associate in Arts (A.A.): This degree requires a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit in college transfer courses.
Associate in Science (A.S.): Similar to the A.A. degree, the A.S. degree also requires a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit in college transfer courses.
Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation: This degree requires a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit and an overall GPA of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale to transfer with a junior status.
Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation: Similar to the Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation, this degree requires a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit and an overall GPA of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale to transfer with a junior status.
Associate in Fine Arts- Visual Arts (A.F.A): This degree requires a minimum of 60-61 semester hours of credit with a specialization in visual arts. Students must obtain a “C” or better in each course and an overall GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in order to transfer.

Career and Technical Education Programs

VGCC offers a wide array of Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for direct entry into various professions. These programs combine theoretical knowledge with practical applications to meet industry demands.

Accounting & Finance A.A.S.: This curriculum prepares students for entry-level accounting positions in various organizations, including accounting firms, small businesses, and governmental agencies. Students study accounting principles, business law, finance, management, and economics.
Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology A.A.S.: This program covers mechanical refrigeration, heating and cooling theory, electricity, controls, and safety.
Biotechnology A.A.S.: The Biotechnology curriculum provides students with the knowledge and skills related to biological and chemical techniques.
Business Administration A.A.S.: This curriculum introduces students to the free enterprise system, covering accounting, business law, economics, management, and marketing.
Carpentry curriculum: Individuals learn how to apply technical knowledge and skills to lay out, cut, fabricate, erect, install, and repair wooden structures and fixtures, using hand and power tools.
Cosmetology curriculum: Students gain competency-based knowledge, scientific/artistic principles, and hands-on fundamentals associated with the cosmetology industry. Graduates can qualify to sit for the State Board of Cosmetic Arts examination to get their license.
Criminal Justice Technology A.A.S.: This curriculum focuses on criminal justice systems and operations, including law enforcement, judicial processes, corrections, and security services.
Culinary Arts A.A.S.: Provided theoretical knowledge/practical applications that provide critical competencies to meet industry demands, including environmental stewardship, operational efficiencies and professionalism. American Culinary Federation certification is available to graduates.
Early Childhood Education A.A.S.: This curriculum prepares individuals to work with children from birth through eight in diverse learning environments, focusing on child growth and development, nutritional needs, and communication skills.
Electronics Engineering Technology A.A.S.: This curriculum prepares students with the knowledge and skills for electronics engineering.
Histotechnology A.A.S.: Graduates may be eligible to apply to take the national examination given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC).
Information Technology A.A.S.: This program prepares students for entry-level positions in businesses, educational systems, and governmental agencies that rely on computer systems to manage information.
Mechatronics Engineering Technology A.A.S.: Course work will prepare students to use basic engineering principles and technical skills in developing and testing automated, servomechanical, and other electromechanical systems.
Medical Assisting curriculum: This curriculum prepares multi-skilled health care professionals qualified to perform administrative, clinical, and laboratory procedures.
Medical Office Administration A.A.S.: This program prepares individuals for administrative roles across a variety of healthcare settings, with concentrations in general administration and medical billing & coding.
Office Management A.A.S.: This program prepares students for administrative careers in a technology-driven workplace, covering word processing, office editing, and project management.
Paralegal Technology A.A.S.: This curriculum prepares individuals to work under the supervision of attorneys, performing routine legal tasks and assisting with substantive legal work.
Pharmacy Technology A.A.S.: Employment opportunities include retail, hospitals, nursing homes, research laboratories, wholesale drug companies, and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.
Practical Nursing: Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) which is required for practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Public Safety Administration A.A.S.: This program offers tracks in Corrections, Emergency & Fire Management, and Law Enforcement.
Radiography A.A.S.: Graduates of accredited programs are eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists’ national examination for certification and registration as medical radiographers.
Social and Human Services A.A.S.: This curriculum prepares students for entry-level positions in institutions and agencies providing social, community, and behavioral health services, with tracks in General, Addiction and Recovery Studies, and Gerontology.
Supply Chain Management curriculum: This curriculum prepares individuals for a multitude of career opportunities in distribution, transportation, warehousing, trucking operations, supply chain, and manufacturing organizations.

Online Learning Opportunities

VGCC is a leader in providing individual online courses and fully online degree programs. These asynchronous courses allow students to complete coursework in a flexible manner, accommodating demanding schedules. While online courses offer convenience, they are fully as comprehensive as seated courses and create unique challenges for students and their families.

Key Aspects of Online Learning at VGCC

Asynchronous Courses: Students do not have to attend online classes at a specific time, although some instructors may offer virtual classes at set meeting times.
Syllabus Tool: Each course is outlined in a syllabus located in Moodle, providing instructor information, course descriptions, grading policies, and course objectives.
Weekly Assignments: Students complete readings, discussions, group activities, exams, and other activities designed to enhance the learning experience.
Moodle Orientation: Students are encouraged to complete the VGCC Introduction to Moodle Course to familiarize themselves with the online learning platform.

Skills for Online Success

Successful online students at VGCC require:

Self-discipline: Adhering to weekly due dates without set meeting times.
Time Management: Allocating sufficient study time, as online classes can be as demanding as face-to-face classes.
Excellent Reading & Writing Skills: Independently learning through assigned readings and writings.

Student Support Services

VGCC is committed to supporting students both in and out of the classroom. The college offers a range of support services, including:

Academic Advising and Counseling: Providing guidance and support to help students meet their educational and career goals.
Free Tutoring: Offering assistance to students who need help with their coursework.
Mentoring Programs: Connecting students with mentors who can provide guidance and support.
Food and Clothing Pantry: Providing assistance to students and employees facing emergency or crisis situations.

Articulation Agreements

VGCC has established articulation agreements to facilitate the transfer of students to four-year institutions.

Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (ICAA)

The ICAA between the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) and the Signatory Institutions of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) ensures smooth transfer for community college students who wish to continue their education at an NCICU Signatory Institution, minimizing loss of credit or repetition of work.