Bucks County Community College

Accountancy

Students who successfully complete the Accountancy Certificate Program develop competencies for financial and managerial accounting, finance, business law, and tax accounting enabling them to pursue an entry-level accounting position in corporate or public accounting. Completers of this program may attain the 36 accounting and business credits required to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.

Accounting & Analytics

This major is designed for two-year accounting paraprofessionals, junior accountants and full- charge bookkeepers. Students should work closely with their academic advisors in the selection of courses.

Advanced Technology

This certificate program is designed to prepare students to seek employment as an industry technician in concentrations such as electrical, mechanical, process control, environmental, biotechnology, computer science, and chemical. Through laboratory-based science, technology, engineering, math, business courses, and technical electives, students develop technical skills and professional development needed for immediate employment.

Advanced Technology

This program is designed to prepare students to seek employment as technicians in industry fields. Concentrations include electrical, mechanical, process control, biotechnology, environmental, computer science, and chemical. Through a sequence of laboratory-based and professional development courses, students develop technical, interpersonal, and communication skills needed for immediate employment in industry.

Art and Art History

In the Art and Art History transfer major, students experience the process of making artistic objects, as well as the practice of interpreting historical objects through the study of art history. Students develop skills in drawing and then explore other artistic media. Students also apply the methodologies used by art historians as they analyze and research various kinds of art and/or architecture.

Baking and Pastry Arts

This certificate program prepares students to pursue employment as a baker, decorator, or pastry professional. Bakers and decorators work in retail bakeshops or supermarket bakeries. Positions as a pastry professional are available in restaurants, hotels, casinos, foodservice locations, and country clubs. Graduates of this program can enter the industry as a cake decorator, baker or pastry cook.

Baking and Pastry Arts

The Baking and Pastry Arts degree qualifies individuals to compete for various entry-level culinary positions in bakeries, restaurants, catering or institutional foodservice or hospitality management.

Biology

The Biology major provides an understanding of fundamental biological concepts. This major is for students planning to earn a baccalaureate degree in biological science or seeking employment as a technician in areas such as ecology, environmental health and sanitation, pollution control, plant science, or animal science.

Biomedical Sciences

This major prepares students for transfer into baccalaureate degree majors in allied health fields. These may include: occupational therapy, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, medical technology, or dental hygiene. Students are advised to review the entrance requirements of the baccalaureate institutions. In order to ensure that students make proper decisions, advising by the Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Department is required.

Biotechnology

The strength and continued growth of the Biotechnology industry in the Philadelphia metropolitan area has created a need for technicians with cell culture expertise. Students completing the certificate will be prepared for employment as skilled technicians in biotechnology, biomanufacturing, pharmaceutical, and academic laboratories. Workers currently employed as biotechnology technicians can benefit by enhancing their skill sets.

Biotechnology

A graduate of the program can expect to find entry-level employment as an industrial or academic biotechnology technician.

Brewing & Fermentation Science

The Associate of Applied Science in Brewing and Fermentation Science program prepares students for employment within the brewing and/or fermentation industries.

Business

Business Administration

This program of study prepares students for upper-division course work leading to a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. The program parallels the first two years of study required by similar programs offered at baccalaureate institutions and universities. Students select the area of concentration best suited to their interests and aptitudes.

Business Analytics

This certificate program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to apply analytic tools to real-world business contexts for improved decision-making and problem-solving. It prepares students who are currently employed and who need their skills enhanced, as well as those who are seeking employment where analytical skills are required.

Chemistry

This major provides a broad but quantitative understanding of matter and the physical and chemical transformations of matter, based on an understanding of chemical, physical, and mathematical principles. The major is for students planning to transfer to baccalaureate majors in chemistry, chemical engineering, and other fields requiring an emphasis on chemistry such as environmental science, forensic science, and oceanography.

Communication Studies

Embark on a fulfilling career path with our Communication Studies program, designed to equip you with a robust understanding of communication, media, and technology. This program lays the groundwork for advanced study and careers in public relations, advertising, journalism, broadcasting, and beyond. You will sharpen your oral and written communication skills, explore intercultural communication and conflict resolution, and analyze the evolving relationship between technology and media.

Computed Tomography

The Computed Tomography Certificate program prepares the post-graduate registered radiologic technologist to use x-rays and computed radiologic technology to produce cross-sectional anatomical images of the human body. Computed Tomography (CT) technologists operate CT scanners, picture archiving and communication systems and related equipment. The Computed Tomography Certificate program is a two-semester program.

Computer Hardware Installation and Maintenance

This certificate prepares the student to sit for two industry standard, vender independent certifications, the A+ certification and the Network+ certification. Students receiving their certificates possess the knowledge, skills, and customer relations experience needed to enter the computer or network technician area, as PC support technicians, help desk technicians, and PC installer.

Computer Networking Technology

This certificate prepares students for a career position as a Network Technician, Network Administrator, Sales Support and related occupations.

Computer Networking Technology

This associate degree major enables graduates to qualify for entry-level advanced positions in computer communications. Major requirements can be met in a two academic year period of full- time study. Graduates might be employed in positions with job titles such as network administrator, network technician, field service engineer, or related occupations.

Computer Science

This major prepares students for upper-division course work leading to a bachelor's degree in computer science. The major parallels the first two years of study required by similar majors offered at four-year colleges and universities.

Creative Arts and Entrepreneurship

Creative Arts entrepreneurship is an interdisciplinary field combining the skills and mindset of the entrepreneur and the creativity and innovation of artists to create work that answers a market need. Students in the program refine their creative skills through coursework in the arts. They are introduced to the skills needed to enter the business world through courses in business. This blending of skills positions students to take their creative ventures to the marketplace.

Criminal Justice

Culinary Arts

This certificate prepares students for such careers as hotel/restaurant/catering management trainee, foodservice production assistant, shift supervisor, cook or baker.

Culinary Arts

The Culinary Arts degree prepares individuals to compete for various entry-level culinary positions in restaurants, lodging, catering or institutional foodservice or hospitality management. Graduates seek employment in positions with job titles such as cook, sous chef, chef, foodservice production supervisor, kitchen manager, garde manger chef or lead cook.

Cybersecurity

This major prepares students for upper-division course work leading to a bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology or Information Science. The major parallels the first two years of study required by similar majors offered at four-year colleges and universities. Students pursuing this major develop an understanding of the challenges and requirements for securing information systems.

Dance

Students in the dance transfer major develop skills in dance techniques, choreography, and performance. Students apply their technical and creative skills to choreograph individual and group performances. This degree is designed to prepare students for transfer to a four-year college or university. The major serves students interested in careers in performance, choreography, fitness, dance instruction, or studio ownership.

Data Science

This major prepares students for upper-division course work leading to a bachelor's degree in Data Science. Data Science uses hardware and software to solve problems involving massive data sets, focusing on the development and implementation of efficient algorithms and data structures, as well as the emphasis on the statistical techniques used for data analysis.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The Associate Degree of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program is designed to prepare the student to perform diagnostic ultrasound examinations required of an entry-level sonographer in the abdomen-extended and obstetrics & gynecology concentrations. Sonography uses sound waves to generate an image for the assessment and diagnosis of various medical conditions on a broad spectrum of patients.

Education - Paraprofessional Instructional Assistant

Leading to the Associate of Arts degree this major prepares students to work effectively as instructional assistants in public and private schools in Pennsylvania. Graduates prepare to assist teachers in instructional activities including implementing lessons under the supervision of the teacher, providing adaptations and accommodations for students with learning differences lessons as directed by the teacher, monitoring of student progress, and checking assignments and homework .

Emergency Management

This certificate program provides students an opportunity to pursue a career in emergency management or for professional development for those currently employed or who already have a degree in another field. The Emergency Management Certificate Program, which is aligned with the Emergency Management Institute’s Higher Education Program and the Principles of Emergency Management, prepares the student for a position in Emergency Management, Business Continuity, and related disciplines.

Emergency Management

The Emergency Management Associate Degree Program, which is aligned with the Emergency Management Institute’s Higher Education Program and the Principles of Emergency Management, prepares the student for a position in Emergency Management, Business Continuity, and related disciplines. In addition to the courses that prepare the student to plan for all-hazards, the courses in this curriculum provide the student with technical information on a wide range of topics.

Engineering

The academic major for the first two years of engineering is similar for all branches of the discipline. This major provides a foundation for all phases of engineering as well as for physics and prepares students to continue their education at a four-year institution.

Engineering Technology

This program is designed to prepare students to seek employment as technicians in the various engineering technology fields. Through a sequence of laboratory-based and business courses, students develop technical, interpersonal, and communication skills needed for immediate employment in the field. Upon successful completion of the program students will be awarded the Associate of Applied Science degree.

English

This program is designed for students who seek a general education with a focus on the study of English. English majors investigate a variety of literatures and hone their academic writing skills, preparing themselves for transfer to a four-year institution or entry into the workforce in fields such as public relations, technical writing, and the non-profit sector.

Entrepreneurship

This certificate program is designed for students seeking the skills and knowledge to become an entrepreneur, start their own business, or improve an existing business. It provides the essential knowledge that is the foundation of a successful business.

Environmental Science

Decisions on the transferability of courses are made by the four-year colleges and differ from school to school. Students enrolled in this major should contact the Transfer Services Office early in their academic program to determine which courses will transfer to the college of their choice. The Environmental Science major provides an understanding of a wide range of environmental and ecological concepts.

Event Planning and Management

This Associate of Arts degree program prepares graduates to compete for various careers in meeting and event planning.

Exercise Science

The Exercise Science major prepares undergraduate students for transfer to a four year institution where they major in any allied healthcare field including, but not limited to physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, exercise physiology and nursing. Other possible professions include strength and conditioning coaches, health and fitness specialists and chiropractors.

Film, Photography, and Digital Arts

The Film, Photography, and Digital Arts transfer major contains Cinema Video Production, Photography, and Multimedia Arts courses. The major equips the art student with the skills, and knowledge necessary for further training in a four-year professional or liberal arts institution and develops mastery of digital and lens-based arts and design in the student whose formal education ends after two years at the College.

Fine Arts

Students interested in an Associate of Fine Arts: Fine Arts or Fine Woodworking track at Bucks need to meet with a Visual Arts faculty member for advising. The Associate of Fine Arts contains both Fine Arts and Fine Woodworking tracks.

Fire Science

This certificate program provides students an opportunity to pursue a career in fire science or for professional development for those currently employed or who already have a degree in another field. The Fire Science Certificate, which follows the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) and the National Fire Academy models, prepares the student for a position in the fire service.

Fire Science

The Fire Science Associate Degree Program, which follows the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) and the National Fire Academy models, prepares the student for a position in the fire service. In addition to the courses that prepare the student to manage a complex emergency scene, the courses in this curriculum provide the student with technical information on a wide range of topics.

Furniture and Cabinetmaking

This two-to-three semester certificate program develops essential entry-level skills required in the furniture/cabinetmaking business. An introduction to the history and theory of making functional wooden objects is combined with studio practices related to handling materials and employing safe working methods. The program provides students with practical experience in using hand tools, power tools, and other equipment routinely used in the industry.

General Education

The General Education Certificate Program provides college courses to promote a lifetime commitment to learning and growing in a complex and changing world. This certificate also provides a firm foundation in general education for many degree programs both within and outside of the College and largely follows the guidelines of the transfer framework, as approved by the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Oversight Committee (TAOC).

General Education - STEM

The General Education – STEM Certificate Program provides college courses to promote a lifetime commitment to learning and growing in a complex and changing world. This certificate also provides a firm foundation in general education for many STEM-oriented degree programs both within and outside of the College and largely follows the guidelines of the transfer framework, as approved by the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Oversight Committee (TAOC).

General Studies

PLEASE NOTE: Students who are “undecided” about a major should be in the Guided Studies major, not the General Studies major. The Guided Studies major is designed to help students explore their interests and find their path while earning credits and starting course sequences needed for the 2-year and/or 4-year major degree they eventually declare.

Global Studies/World Languages

This interdisciplinary program is designed for students who seek a general education with a focus on the study of a world language and global or international studies. Students in the major complete their degrees with a strong background in global or international perspectives in the history, culture, geopolitics, economics, and language of various world regions.

Graphic Design

This major begins with the traditional Fine Arts Foundation experience and then introduces students to the field of graphic design using up-to-date technology and industry-standard software applications.

Guided Studies

The Guided Studies major provides an efficient vehicle for exploring possible majors while completing some/many courses that will meet requirements of an Associate degree at Bucks and/or earn credits that will transfer as requirements or electives at another institution.

Health Coach

The Health Coach Certificate Program prepares students to work in the health coaching field by providing students with the essential skills of a health and wellness coach. It prepares students who are currently employed and need to enhance their skills, as well as those seeking employment in the health and wellness coaching area.

Health Information Technology

The Health Information Technology Associate degree program is designed to prepare the student to function effectively in a technical manner in health information departments in a wide variety of healthcare settings.

Health/Physical Education

The Health and Physical Education program prepares undergraduate students for a career in teaching health and physical education. The major is for students planning to transfer to a four- year institution as a health and physical education major. It provides the fundamental courses for students to successfully transfer into upper division course work. Students should plan their major to parallel that of the transfer college.

Health Science

The Associate Degree in Health Science is designed to prepare the graduate to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs in health fields. The degree also provides the student with pre- requisite courses necessary to enter one of the College’s health care programs.

Historic Preservation

The Historic Preservation occupational program provides opportunities for individuals seeking a career in historic preservation to build knowledge, skills, and behaviors appropriate to the field.

History

The study of history and the practice of historical reasoning assist the development of higher level thinking - an intellectual ability with academic and everyday applications. Through research and writing, history majors at Bucks County Community College constantly develop higher level thinking by exercising their critical and analytical muscles.

Holocaust and Genocide Studies

This multidisciplinary certificate provides students with the basis for a historical, sociological, psychological, philosophical, and political understanding of the Holocaust and other genocides. This program encourages students to use this understanding for genocide prevention, awareness and education.

Hospitality Management

The Hospitality Management degree prepares graduates to compete for various entry-level management careers in the hospitality management, commercial and non-commercial foodservice and tourism/lodging industries.

Information Science

This major prepares students for upper-division course work leading to a bachelor's degree in computer or information science. The major parallels the first two years of study required by similar majors offered at four-year colleges and universities. Students pursuing this major develop an understanding of the business environment and its information processing needs.

Information Technology Studies

This major is for students whose educational and occupational goals are not met by the Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics Department's other occupational and transfer majors. It allows students to build a sequence of computer-related courses to satisfy specific skills needed for employment. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be awarded the Associate of Applied Science degree. This program is not for students planning to transfer.

Journalism

Students interested in Journalism at Bucks need to meet with a Journalism faculty member for advising. The Journalism major prepares students for news reporting, writing, copy editing, and page layout in both print and online journalism. The courses parallel the offerings in the first two years of most four-year journalism programs. The weekly campus newspaper provides practical workshop experience.

Liberal Arts

This major is designed for students who intend to transfer to a four-year college and complete a liberal arts major. This major requires students to explore multiple humanities and humanistic social science fields, enabling them to make informed choices about more-focused related majors at Bucks or elsewhere. The Liberal Arts major includes a robust General Education program, including courses in science and mathematics.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Certificate program prepares the post-graduate registered radiologic technologist to use magnetic field and radio waves to produce cross-sectional anatomical images of the human body. MRI technologists operate MRI scanners, picture archiving and communication systems and related equipment. The MRI Certificate program is a two-semester program. The program consists of online didactic courses and a clinical practicum experience.

Management

This certificate program provides students with the supervisory skills, knowledge, and techniques to develop and lead effective teams, departments, and/or organizations. Credits earned in the Management Certificate can be applied to our Business AAS degree.

Mathematics

This major prepares students for upper division course work leading to a bachelor's degree in mathematics or a mathematics-related area. Upon completion of the appropriate bachelor's degree, graduates are qualified for entry-level positions in actuarial science, statistics, applied mathematics, operations research, economic forecasting, teaching, and graduate study.

Medical Assistant

The Medical Assistant Certificate program offers complete training for students to receive a Certificate with specialization in clinical and administrative medical assisting. Medical Assistants assist physicians and patients in medical offices, clinics, and hospital outpatient departments.

Medical Assistant

Medical Assistants work in medical practices, clinics, and hospitals. Medical Assistants have cross- training for both administrative and clinical responsibilities. Their administrative duties include keeping patient records, managing financial matters, handling insurance arrangements, processing correspondence, and managing an office. In the clinical setting, the medical assistant prepares and assists in patient examination, records laboratory data, and obtains patients' vital signs.

Medical Coding/Billing

The Medical Coding/Billing Certificate program prepares graduates for positions as ambulatory care coders (Current ICD Curriculum, CPT/HCPCs), as well as billers, patient accounts representatives, and other support positions in medical offices, hospitals, and other health care facilities.

Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical Laboratory Technicians are employed in both hospital and clinical laboratories, performing and reporting vital laboratory tests to enable doctors to diagnose disease. This associate of applied science degree prepares the graduate entering the profession of medical laboratory science. The degree provides the student with a variety of sound clinical experiences in which the student develops competency in skills, and personal and professional growth in the discipline.

Music

The Music major, which is designed to prepare students for transfer in Music to four-year institutions, is a curriculum that culminates in an Associate of Music degree. Numerous courses in the program fulfill Core Curriculum requirements for general students, and students enrolled in other majors are encouraged to participate in any course or performing ensemble for which they qualify.

Neuroscience

Neuroscience encompasses the neural foundations of normal and abnormal behavior and the application of this knowledge to the diagnosis and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders, as well as to the development of brain-based methods and models in fields ranging from education to economics.

Nursing

The Program in Nursing offered at Bucks County Community College can be completed in two years if the student chooses to be a full-time student, or it can be completed on a part-time basis, and leads to an Associate of Science in Nursing Degree. Graduates of the Program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX®RN).

Occupational Therapy

The Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy program prepares students for transfer into baccalaureate degree programs within the field of Occupational Therapy or affiliated areas of study.

Paralegal

This all-inclusive certificate paralegal program requires graduates to complete the same law courses required in the associate degree program.

Paralegal/Legal Studies

This major will qualify students to serve as paralegals for employment by attorneys, law offices, governmental agencies, or other entities in capacities or functions that involve the performance, under the ultimate direction and supervision of attorneys, of specifically delegated substantive legal work.

Paramedic

This program prepares students to deliver care in the prehospital setting at an advanced level. On completion a candidate sits for Pennsylvania State EMS Paramedic certification. Must be 18 years old and hold a current Pennsylvania State EMT or EMT-A Certification.

Paramedic

The Associate Degree Program is intended to offer graduates the opportunity to advance in the field of Paramedicine by adding roles in management or education. If completed simultaneously with the certificate program, students will be prepared to deliver care in the prehospital setting at an advanced level. Candidates are eligible to take the exam for Pennsylvania State EMS Paramedic certification. Must be 18 years old and hold a current Pennsylvania State EMT or EMT-A Certification.

Phlebotomy

The Phlebotomy Certificate program prepares students to collect and process blood samples for medical laboratory analysis. The program provides students with information about basic anatomy, the healthcare delivery system, blood collection equipment, venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques, and medical, legal and ethical implications of blood collection.

Pre K-4 Early Education

Psychology-Interpersonal Emphasis

Psychology Pre-Professional Emphasis

The Psychology Pre-Professional program of study is designed for students who intend to transfer to a four-year college and continue for a bachelors degree in psychology. Often these students intend to pursue a graduate degree in professional psychology. This major emphasizes the scientific foundations of psychology including data analysis and experimental design.

Public Health

The Associate of Science in Public Health program prepares students for transfer into baccalaureate degree programs within the field of Public Health or affiliated areas of study.

Radiography

The associate degree of applied science in radiography prepares the graduate entering the profession of radiography. The degree provides the student with a variety of sound clinical experiences in which the student develops competency in skills, and personal and professional growth in the discipline.

Science

The Science major is designed for students who wish to major in a branch of science in a four-year institution, but are undecided about the specific discipline during their stay at Bucks. The major will enable students to broaden their experience in mathematics and different areas of science. Transferring students will lack specializations but will be able to transfer into any science major with a suitable selection of electives.

Secondary Education: History

The Secondary Education History major is designed for students who plan to teach history in a high school setting. The program provides the first two years of an undergraduate degree leading to a baccalaureate degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in history. Prospective students with academic deficiencies should be aware that they will need additional time to acquire the necessary academic background. Prerequisites and corequisites for required courses must be followed.

Secondary Education - Mathematics

The Secondary Education – Mathematics major is designed for students who plan to teach Mathematics in a high school setting. The program provides the first two years of an undergraduate degree leading to a baccalaureate degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis on Mathematics. Prospective students with academic deficiencies should be aware that they will need additional time to acquire the necessary academic background. Prerequisites and co-requisites for required courses must be followed.

Social Media Marketing

This certificate program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to plan, create, and implement effective social media and digital marketing campaigns for small businesses, corporations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations. It prepares students who are currently employed and need to enhance their skills, as well as those who are seeking employment in social media and/or digital marketing.

Social Science

The Social Science program of study is designed for students who intend to transfer to a four-year college and continue for a bachelor’s degree in one of the following majors: Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology or Geography. This major emphasizes the theoretical and scientific foundations of the social sciences including research methodology and data analysis.

Social Work

The Social Work program of study is designed for students who intend to transfer to a four-year college and continue for a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. This major emphasizes social work theory and practice with a strong general education foundation.

Sport Management

The Sport Management major prepares the undergraduate student for a career in sport management, athletics, marketing, campus recreation, intramurals, student activities, as well as other related areas. It serves as a foundation for upper division course work. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution as a sport management major should plan a major parallel to that of the transfer college.

Technical Entrepreneurship

This major is ideal for students who possess validated technical competencies/trade skills as evidenced by at least one third party credential and an advanced score on a third party assessment such as NOCTI. Students can attain up to 23 Prior Learning Assessment credits and acquire the specific skills needed to run a business through coursework. Successful completion results in the award of the Associate of Arts degree.

Theater Arts

The Theater Arts major is designed to serve the needs and interests of students who want to better understand theater as an art form and acquire basic skills of performance. Students in this major learn the foundation of theater, its history, the roles required to create a theater production and the aspects of creating a live theater performance. The degree is designed for students preparing to enter a program leading to a baccalaureate degree at a four-year college or university.

Veterinary Technician

The Veterinary Technician Program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to pursue a career as a competent and compassionate veterinary technician. This program is structured to meet the rigorous standards set forth by accreditation bodies and prepares students for successful entry into the field of veterinary medicine.