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Applied Arts and Sciences


E. Dennis Lerum, Dean

Claudia Moore, Associate Dean

The College of Technology provides opportunities for individual growth and an education that meets the demands of business and industry. This educational opportunity is unique in that its frame of reference is in occupational terms and dimensions. The College is committed to an ongoing relationship with the national, regional, state, and local business and industry communities. This challenge is met by being responsive to business and industry workforce needs through developing and offering relevant occupational programs that address those needs.

College of Technology facilities are divided among two separate campuses. The East campus at 909 South Avenue West houses the academic and registrar offices, Admissions & New Student Services, Career Services, counseling office, Financial Aid and the Academic Support Center, as well as the business and computer technology, culinary arts and health professions programs. A library, bookstore, dining room, and computer center also are located at the East campus. The West campus at 3639 South Avenue West houses the electronics and industrial programs and a satellite library.

The Associate of Applied Science degree and certificate programs offered in the College are designed to lead an individual directly to employment in a specific career or career cluster. In some instances, particularly in allied health, the degree or certificate is a prerequisite for taking a licensing examination. The Associate of Applied Science is not typically considered a transfer degree, although such arrangements do exist in some baccalaureate degree-granting institutions.

The College's Surgical Technology and Respiratory Therapy Technology programs are reviewed by their respective Joint Review Committees and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The Food Service Management program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation Educational Institute Accrediting Commission, and the Practical Nursing program is approved by the Montana Board of Nursing.

Department of Applied Arts and Sciences

Jim Wenderoth, Chair

The Department of Applied Arts and Sciences provides instruction in subject matter related to occupational programs which includes communication, mathematics, social science, and science. A core of these related subjects must be completed prior to graduation and is included with each program's scope and sequence.

The Academic Support Center (ASC) is staffed and directed by the Department and offers a wide range of services including study skills training, tutoring, academic and career advising, study and speed-reading, and resource information designed to increase the retention and success rate of students enrolled in the College of Technology.

The Department also offers the Step Ahead program. Its purpose is to simulate classes and prepare students academically and mentally for their college experience before actual college enrollment. Students acquire a realistic view of what it takes to be successful in college and obtain assistance in making academic and personal adjustments before beginning a certificate or degree program. At the completion of the program, recommendations are given regarding the direction students should follow to achieve their career aspirations.

For additional details regarding either the Academic Support Center or the Step Ahead programs, call 406-243-7825 or 406-243-7826.

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