Southwestern Community College (IA)

Accounting

The accounting program is designed to provide students with the fundamentals necessary to obtain entry-level positions for a career in the field of accounting. Program instruction provides students with a systematic approach to analyze and track financial information through the accounts and records of a business. An accounting and information technology degree is also available at Southwestern.

Accounting and Information Technology

This two-year applied program prepares students to work in the accounting profession by providing a foundation of principles of accounting and technology basics. The emphasis is on strong information technology skills in order to enhance the use of accounting information systems and enterprise resource planning systems. The accountants of tomorrow will find it necessary to extract data and present it in a way that can be used for decision making.

Administrative Office Management

Office careers have great growth potential in the state of Iowa. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many secretarial and administrative duties are of a personal, interactive nature and therefore are not easily automated. Responsibilities such as planning conferences, working with clients and instructing staff require tact and communication skills.

Agricultural Business

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in agricultural business is a career-oriented program that combines business courses with agricultural science courses. Continuing technological and other advances have increased the need for future workers to gain specialized training prior to beginning careers in agricultural business.

Applied Engineering Technology

The applied engineering technology certificate program provides students with the opportunity to learn basic skills in the industrial maintenance field. This certificate can be stacked and earned credits can be applied to the applied engineering technology diploma and applied engineering technology AAS degree.

Applied Engineering Technology

Maintenance technicians are the lifeline of manufacturing facilities and are tasked to keep plants running safely and smoothly. This program is designed to develop skills in various areas of manufacturing and troubleshooting while looking on from an engineering mindset. Students in this program will hone their skills in tasks such as welding, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatics, and blueprint reading.

Applied Engineering Technology

Maintenance technicians are the lifeline of manufacturing facilities and are tasked to keep plants running safely and smoothly. This program is designed to develop skills in various areas of manufacturing and troubleshooting while looking on from an engineering mindset. Students in this program will hone their skills in tasks such as welding, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatics, and blueprint reading.

Associate of Arts

To obtain the Associate of Arts degree, students are required to take courses in five areas: communications, humanities, mathematics, sciences, and social sciences. Students can select electives based on an area of interest to round out the degree. Completion of 64 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required to graduate.

Associate of General Studies

The Associate of General Studies (AGS) degree is a broad course of study designed for those students who have unique educational needs. Students should check with potential employers and institutions to which they might transfer to determine if the AGS degree will be compatible with their future goals.

Associate of Science

To obtain the Associate of Science degree, students are required to take courses in four academic areas--communications, humanities/social sciences, mathematics, and sciences--with an emphasis in mathematics or science. Students can select electives based on an area of interest to round out the degree. Completion of 64 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required to graduate.

Auto Collision Repair/Refinish

The auto collision repair/refinish certificate program provides students with the opportunity to learn in areas of panel straightening, refinishing, structural and non-structural repair, plastic repair, welding, mechanical repairs, and estimating. This certificate can be stacked and earned credits can be applied to the auto collision repair/refinish diploma and auto collision repair/refinish AAS degree.

Auto Collision Repair/Refinish

This program balances the I-CAR Enhanced Delivery curriculum with actual hands-on experience in the lab/shop. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified staff will train students in areas of panel straightening, refinishing, structural and non-structural repair, plastic repair, welding, mechanical repairs, and estimating. The latest technology and quality workmanship are incorporated into the curriculum.

Auto Collision Repair/Refinish

This program balances the I-CAR Enhanced Delivery curriculum with actual hands-on experience in the lab/shop. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified staff will train students in areas of panel straightening, refinishing, structural and non-structural repair, plastic repair, welding, mechanical repairs, and estimating. The latest technology and quality workmanship are incorporated into the curriculum.

Automotive Repair

In this program, students will learn theory, diagnostics and repair procedures in basic automotive areas such as air conditioning, electricity, brakes, and steering and suspension systems. Maintenance and light repairs are the fastest growing segment in automotive repair technology. Salaries and benefits reflect this need as independent repair shops, dealerships and franchised shops are employing technicians specializing in one-day repairs.

Automotive Repair Technology

The automotive repair technology certificate program provides students with the opportunity to learn theory, diagnostic, and repair procedures in basic automotive areas, including air conditioning, electricity, brakes, and steering and suspension systems. This certificate can be stacked and earned credits can be applied to the automotive repair technology diploma and automotive repair technology AAS degree.

Automotive Repair Technology

In this program, students will learn theory, diagnostics and repair procedures in basic automotive areas such as air conditioning, electricity, brakes, and steering and suspension systems. Maintenance and light repairs are the fastest growing segment in automotive repair technology. Salaries and benefits reflect this need as independent repair shops, dealerships and franchised shops are employing technicians specializing in one-day repairs.

Business Administration

The business administration curriculum consists of specific course work in business, accounting, economics, management, and law. Graduates of this program will be able to display a knowledge of business concepts required for today's ever-changing business environment with a background in critical thinking skills and team building. The job opportunities are varied and may include finance, management, marketing, sales, or small business ownership.

Business Leadership

The leadership certificate program is designed for working professionals who are preparing themselves for leadership positions in government, business or not-for-profit organizations. It balances practical leadership skills with a strong business foundation. The program will introduce students to fundamental leadership theories, concepts and practices and will enhance leadership practice in order to increase effectiveness.

Carpentry and Building Trades

The carpentry and building trades certificate program provides students with the opportunity to learn basic skills in the carpentry and building trades field. This certificate can be stacked and earned credits can be applied to the carpentry and building trades diploma and carpentry and building trades AAS degree.

Carpentry and Building Trades

The carpentry and building trades program will prepare students for entry into all carpentry fields from residential home construction to commercial building. This program offers students opportunities to complete all four levels of apprenticeship training as recommended by the Bureau of Apprenticeship Training and recognized by the Associated Builders and Contractors, Incorporated.

Carpentry and Building Trades

The carpentry and building trades program will prepare students for entry into all carpentry fields from residential home construction to commercial building. This program offers students opportunities to complete all four levels of apprenticeship training as recommended by the Bureau of Apprenticeship Training and recognized by the Associated Builders and Contractors, Incorporated.

Computer Networking and Information Technology

The computer networking and information technology certificate program provides students with the opportunity to learn basic skills to install, configure, manage, and maintain a networking operating system. This certificate can be stacked and earned credits can be applied to the computer networking and information technology diploma and computer networking and information technology AAS degree.

Computer Networking and Information Technology

The computer networking and information technology program is designed to provide the graduate with the skills necessary to install, configure, manage and maintain a network operating system. These are the skills necessary to pass the CompTia A+ Helpdesk Exams and Microsoft Certified IT Professional Certification Exams. Graduates will be prepared to work for any organization that currently has, or is planning to install, a network configuration for their computer system.

Computer Networking and Information Technology

The computer networking and information technology program is designed to provide the graduate with the skills necessary to install, configure, manage and maintain a network operating system. These are the skills necessary to pass the CompTia A+ Helpdesk Exams and Microsoft Certified IT Professional Certification Exams. Graduates will be prepared to work for any organization that currently has, or is planning to install, a network configuration for their computer system.

Criminal Justice

Criminal justice is an exciting and rewarding career choice for those who desire to find employment in a field which offers variety and new challenges on a daily basis. Individuals involved in criminal justice have opportunities to make contributions to their communities as well as society as a whole.

Crop Production

The crop production program provides a blend of crop-related courses and practical application, ensuring a well-rounded agricultural education. During the program, students obtain knowledge of current practices in crop production and technology within the production field, gaining confidence in producing locally grown crops. Students take courses in topics such as agronomy, grain and forages, precision farming, soils, and equipment management.

Early Childhood Education

The early childhood education certificate is comprised of five courses and can be completed in one or two semesters in an online delivery format. The ECE certificate is intended to provide the latest information and skills needed for an entry-level position in a child care program. This certificate meets the requirements for clock hours of formal child care education required for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

Electrical Technology

The electrical technology certificate program provides students with opportunities to learn basic skills in the residential electrical field. This certificate can be stacked and earned credits can be applied to the electrical technology diploma and electrical technology AAS degree.

Electrical Technology

The electrical technology program provides students with the training essential for entry-level positions such as residential or commercial electricians or industrial maintenance electricians. Students will become familiar with the electrical operations of alternative energy systems. This program may be used as a springboard into apprenticeship training. The electrical technology program is approved by the Iowa Electrical Examining Board Post-Secondary Electrical Program (PSEP).

Electrical Technology

The electrical technology program provides students with the training essential for entry-level positions such as residential or commercial electricians or industrial maintenance electricians. Students will become familiar with the electrical operations of alternative energy systems. This program may be used as a springboard into apprenticeship training. The electrical technology program is approved by the Iowa Electrical Examining Board Post-Secondary Electrical Program (PSEP).

Graphic Design

The impact of graphic designers can be seen everywhere—in logos, brochures, newsletters, posters, websites, packaging, and much more. Southwestern's graphic design program will help you learn how to effectively and professionally arrange various elements to convey information to an audience. In just two years, you will gain skills using the latest graphic design software to put your designs in print and on the web.

Licensed Practical Nursing

Southwestern offers the licensed practical nursing program (LPN) and the registered nursing program (RN). These programs are offered as a “ladder concept,” meaning students take the LPN program, and upon completion are eligible to apply for the RN program. Graduates are eligible to take the LPN or RN certification exam at the end of their respective program.

Livestock Production

The livestock production program provides a blend of animal science courses and practical application, ensuring a well-rounded agricultural education. During the program, students obtain knowledge of current practices in the livestock industry, gaining confidence in being able to raise, produce, or market livestock. Students take courses in topics such as production, reproduction, nutrition, health, breeding, and genetics.

Management Information Systems

This two-year program provides students with a balanced background of both business and information technology courses. This unique combination of courses will prepare students to effectively manage people, technology and change within the organization. Possible areas of employment include help desk or technical services positions, corporate trainer, office manager, or information technology manager. Software certifications may be obtained upon completion of the program.

Nurse Assisting

The certificate in nurse assisting prepares students for employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). The program combines classroom instruction with clinical laboratory practice and long-term care and/or acute care experience. Students who complete the program are eligible to take a written and hands-on skills examination to become certified as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

Paraeducator

The paraeducator certificate program prepares students for employment as paraeducators. The program combines classroom instruction with observation experiences in K-12 classrooms. Students who complete the program are eligible for generalist paraeducator certification from the Iowa Department of Education.

Pesticide Application

The pesticide application certificate is designed to serve individuals who want to apply chemicals in the private or commercial agriculture sector. Students who earn this short-term certificate will specialize in one area of agriculture. This certificate can be stacked and earned credits can be applied to the crop production AAS degree.

Professional Music

The first two years of college music study are, in many ways, the most important years in the education of a musician. Well-learned skills and understanding provide an adequate base for a successful music vocation. Because of this, the music curriculum focuses on thoroughly developing these most essential musical skills in the student. This program is committed to preparing its students for music careers in a dynamic environment.

Registered Nursing

Southwestern offers the licensed practical nursing program (LPN) and the registered nursing program (RN). These programs are offered as a “ladder concept,” meaning students take the LPN program, and upon completion are eligible to apply for the RN program. Graduates are eligible to take the LPN or RN certification exam at the end of their respective program.

Small Business Accounting

The small business accounting certificate is designed to serve current small business employees who want to improve their accounting skill set. This certificate can be stacked and earned credits can be applied to the accounting AAS degree.

Welding Technology

The welding technology certificate program provides students with basic welding and thermal cutting skills. Students will also learn to operate shop tools, identify different metals, and interpret blueprints. Safety skills are also emphasized. This certificate can be stacked and earned credits can be applied to the welding technology diploma and welding technology AAS degree.

Welding Technology

Welding holds the world together. From agriculture to construction and manufacturing to aerospace, welding is involved. A welding career is ideal for students who have good hand and eye coordination, enjoy working with their hands, and take satisfaction in a job well done.

Welding Technology

Welding holds the world together. From agriculture to construction and manufacturing to aerospace, welding is involved. A welding career is ideal for students who have good hand and eye coordination, enjoy working with their hands, and take satisfaction in a job well done.