Virginia Peninsula Community College: Programs and Courses Overview
Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) offers a wide array of academic programs and courses designed to cater to diverse educational and career goals. These programs range from those preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions to those focused on immediate workforce entry. VPCC is committed to providing high-quality, affordable education with flexible learning options to meet the needs of its students.
Transfer Programs: Building a Foundation for a Bachelor's Degree
College transfer programs at Virginia Peninsula Community College are meticulously crafted to mirror the initial two years of a four-year program in arts and sciences, as well as pre-professional programs. These programs adhere to standards that facilitate seamless transfer to a baccalaureate degree program. The content and quality of these programs are on par with those offered at four-year, degree-granting institutions, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their continued studies.
VPCC offers three main types of associate degrees designed for transfer:
- Associate of Arts (AA): This two-year degree program mirrors the first two years of a Bachelor of Arts degree at a four-year institution.
- Associate of Science (AS): This two-year degree program parallels the first two years of a Bachelor of Science degree at a four-year institution.
- Associate of Fine Arts (AFA): This two-year degree program prepares students for transfer to a four-year institution, specifically in fine arts disciplines.
Students are expected to follow the curriculum outline for their chosen major and specialization when selecting courses. It is highly recommended that students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university familiarize themselves with the specific requirements of the institution and major department to which they intend to transfer. Careful planning can enable students to satisfy both general education requirements and prerequisites for their major with the same course(s), thereby allowing greater flexibility in elective course selection. Even if Virginia Peninsula Community College courses do not fulfill core requirements, many can be transferred as general electives.
Career-Oriented Programs: Preparing for the Workforce
VPCC's career-oriented programs are designed to meet the increasing regional demand for technicians, paraprofessionals, skilled craft workers, and specialized office workers across various sectors, including industry, business, government, and other professional fields. The curricula are specifically tailored to address the needs of employers in the college's service region.
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These programs typically require two years or less of post-high school training, equipping students with the skills necessary to succeed in business, engineering, health, industry, service, and other technical and occupational fields. Associate degree programs might also fulfill credits at the four-year college/university level.
VPCC also offers shorter-term programs:
- Career Studies Certificates: These certificates represent less than one year of study (9-29 credits). They are designed to provide focused training and prepare students for certification and/or immediate employment in various technical fields.
- Certificate Programs: These programs also prepare individuals for certifications and credentials, enhancing their employability and career prospects.
Students are expected to adhere to the curriculum outline for their chosen program and specialization when selecting courses. In some cases, students may be able to choose from lists of approved courses provided by their division office to meet requirements in their major.
Stackable Credentials: A Pathway to Advancement
VPCC offers stackable credential programs, allowing students to complete a short-term certificate and/or career studies certificate and gain the necessary credentials to enter their desired field. Students can then continue their education by taking additional courses in the same area of study to earn an additional certificate or an associate degree. This approach enables students to enhance their opportunities for advancement and/or increase their earning potential in their chosen career field.
Assessment and Course Information
Virginia Peninsula Community College is committed to measuring the effectiveness of its academic services. As such, students are expected to participate in assessment activities such as exit interviews, surveys, licensure examinations, portfolio preparation, or other activities that demonstrate the achievement of program and/or general education competencies.
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VPCC's course numbering system provides important information about the level and applicability of courses:
- Courses numbered 1-9: These are developmental studies courses. Credits earned in these courses do not count toward associate degrees and are not transferable to four-year colleges. However, with approval from the Chief Academic Officer, some developmental courses may provide credit toward diploma or certificate programs.
- Courses numbered 10-99: These are basic non-degree courses designed for diplomas and certificate programs. The credits earned in these courses are applicable toward diploma and certificate programs but do not count toward an associate degree and are not transferable to a four-year college.
The credit value for each course is indicated near the title in the course description. One credit is equivalent to one collegiate semester hour. Each semester hour for a course is based on the "academic hour," which consists of 50 minutes of formalized, structured instructional time in a course weekly for fifteen weeks. The number of lecture hours in class each week (including lectures, seminars, discussions, and other similar activities) and/or the number of laboratory hours, supervised study, coordinated internship, and other similar activities are indicated in each course description. The number of lecture and laboratory hours required in a course each week are called "contact" hours, representing the time spent under the direct supervision of a faculty member. In addition to these contact hours, students are expected to dedicate time to out-of-class assignments under their own direction.
Distance learning courses must include the same content and deliver the same student outcomes as courses taught in the classroom. All courses at Virginia Peninsula Community College have reading prerequisite(s), except those that are specifically exempted. Students who are placed into ENG 1, ENF 2, or ENF 3, Preparing for College English I-III, must complete these courses before enrolling in any non-exempt course. Any other required prerequisites will be identified in the course description. Unless otherwise specified, courses in a special sequence (usually identified by numerals I-II) must be taken in order. Prerequisites or their equivalent must be completed satisfactorily before a student may enroll in a course, unless special permission is obtained from the major division chair and the instructor. A co-requisite course must be taken simultaneously with another course unless the student has already completed it successfully. General usage courses apply to multiple curricula and to all disciplines. Courses may be repeated for credit and may include lecture, laboratory, out-of-class study, or a combination thereof.
The college catalog includes course information as listed in the Master Course File, including course number, title, credits, and description. More specific information may be published in the class schedule. Courses apply to multiple curricula and all disciplines and may carry a variety of prefix designations. Specific course information may be included in class schedules. Courses may include lecture, lab, out-of-class study, or a combination.
Special Course Types
VPCC offers several special course types to provide students with unique learning experiences:
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- Supervised on-the-job training: This involves supervised on-the-job training in selected business, industrial, or service firms, coordinated by the college. The credit/practice ratio does not exceed 1:5 hours per week and may be repeated for credit.
- "Studies in" courses: These are experimental courses designed to test the viability of new course content and instructional methods. Each offering of the course must be approved by the Chief Academic Officer or designee. An experimental course may be offered twice, after which it must be approved under the appropriate discipline.
- "Topics in" courses: These courses cover topics of an evolving nature or short-term importance in the discipline. The course shall be approved by the academic VP or designee for a period of up to two years.
- Career orientation and training: This offers opportunities for career orientation and training without pay in selected businesses and industries, supervised and coordinated by the college. The credit/work ratio does not exceed 1:5 hours per week.
- On-the-job training with pay: This provides on-the-job training and pay in approved business, industrial, and service firms. It applies to all career-technical curricula at the discretion of the college. The credit/work ratio does not exceed 1:5 hours.
- Project or research report: Requires completion of a project or research report related to the student's occupational objective and a study of approaches to the selection and pursuit of career opportunities in the field.
- Independent study: Assigns problems for independent study outside the normal classroom setting under the guidance and direction of an instructor. It incorporates prior experience and instruction in the discipline.
Electives
In addition to general education and courses required for their major, students may also have the opportunity to enroll in a credit course as a general elective. The curriculum outline for each program lists specific courses students must take to complete the degree or certificate, and most programs limit student choice to lists of approved courses. Some programs, however, may provide flexibility for students to select any credit course at the 100- or 200-level in which they have an interest.
Online Learning
Virginia Peninsula Community College recognizes the importance of flexibility in education. Its online programs offer the same high-quality degrees and certificates as its on-campus options, taught by dedicated faculty committed to student success. With a wide range of programs available, including Business Administration, Cybersecurity, Health Science, and Liberal Arts, students can pursue their passion from anywhere.
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