Associate of Technical Studies

Eric Mason, EdD, MSN, RN, Dean
Phone: (419) 995-8265
Email: Mason.E@RhodesState.edu
Office: 205 Keese Hall

The Associate of Technical Studies (ATS) is designed for students whose career goals do not match exactly with those of existing programs.  It enables the design of a personalized course of study using content from existing technical programs. By blending technical courses with general and basic studies selections, students can create a coherent arrangement of courses across program majors to produce a customized learning experience.

Student Admission

When it becomes clear that the student’s educational goals cannot be accomplished through one of the existing technical programs, the Office of Advising may assist with the initiation of the Associate of Technical Studies (ATS).  The student must complete an application for entrance into the ATS, outlining the proposed plan to meet program requirements.  This should be created with assistance from the Division Dean, Program Chair, and/or academic advisor.  The completed application is submitted to the Academic Dean overseeing the major program of study for review with the student and academic advisor to determine that the proposed plan meets the overall objectives of the ATS degree and the needs of the student.  

Students pursuing an ATS program of study at Rhodes State must enroll in one of the following courses: ATS 1000 ATS Degree Plan Seminar in Allied Health, ATS 1010 ATS Degree Plan Seminar in Business/Public Service, ATS 1020 ATS Degree Planning Seminar in Information Technology/Engineering Technology, or ATS 1030 Degree Planning Seminar in Nursing.

Note:  Students may not bring more than 50 completed credit hours to the ATS program.

Degree Requirements

Candidates for the degree of Associate of Technical Studies must meet the following general and specific requirements:

1. Achieve a 2.0 overall grade point average.
2. Complete 20 technical semester hours of residency.
3. Declare intent to pursue and complete the degree prior to the completion of 40 credit hours of study.
4. Complete 60 to 65 semester credit hours based on the agreed upon plan of study.

Specific Requirements

1. Satisfactory completion of ATS Seminar course (ATS 1000 ATS Degree Plan Seminar in Allied Health, ATS 1010 ATS Degree Plan Seminar in Business/Public Service or ATS 1020 ATS Degree Planning Seminar in Information Technology/Engineering Technology)
2. Twenty-five percent of the agreed upon curriculum must be in General Education including English Composition, selected coursework in Behavorial Sciences, Mathematics, and either Humanities or Life and Physical and Biological Sciences. (see here).
3. Twenty-five percent of the agreed upon curriculum must be in Basic/ Related Studies credit hours or the equivalent. One hour must be SDE 1010 First Year Experience and  CPT 1040 Introductory Computer Applications or CPT 1250 Computer Applications in the Workplace. See academic advising for exceptions.
4. Fifty percent of the agreed upon curriculum must be in Technical Studies credit hours or the equivalent.
5. The degree must have a minimum of six writing assignments submitted to the college e-portfolio system (Exceptions may include: courses transferred in, or a course receiving credit for experience).
6. Completion of an appropriate Capstone course including the CAAP test.