Occupational/Vocational Certificate Programs
Vocational Certificate General Information
While the primary design of certificate curriculums are to prepare students for immediate employment, certain occupational education courses which are equivalent to college level academic course offerings may be accepted by some college disciplines later if the student decides to transfer to a four year institution.
The primary purpose of the Occupational Certificate Programs is to provide the student with the skills that are necessary to obtain entrance level employment in the field of their educational program. Training includes job skill development as well as the necessary related technical information that is necessary to enhance an individual’s productivity in the world of work.
Vocational Certificate Programs
- Agricultural Marketing and Financial Analysis
- Agricultural Mechanics and Machinery
- Correctional Officer
- Early Childhood Education
- Farm and Ranch Business Management
- Livestock Technology
- Office Assistant
- Web Development
- Welding Technology
Minimum Competency Standards for Program Admission
Research indicates that students who participate in, and apply the results of basic skills assessment in a program of study, have a much higher rate of academic success than those who do not follow or utilize such advice. Therefore, Dawson Community College uses the results of a basic skills assessment test (COMPASS) to direct students into appropriate English, reading and mathematics course(s) and to advise students in the selection of other courses.
Exceptions which preclude the necessity for the basic skills assessment and placement include documentation of one or all of the following criteria: if a student has a college degree or acceptable ACT or SAT test score, the assessment test is not required; an exemption is granted if the student has an ACT composite of 22 or an SAT score of 468 in math and 425 in English.
Certificate Requirements:
• Completion of coursework that is outlined in the Program.
• Earning a minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average from Dawson Community College.
• Completion of the Application for Graduation form by the end of the first week of Spring semester.
• Meeting of all financial obligations to the College.
Agricultural Marketing and Financial Analysis
This program is intended to develop risk management, commodity marketing, value-added marketing, and financial analysis skills for Montana’s agricultural producers. Students will learn principles and research skills in these areas and concentrate in particularly relevant areas for their farm or ranch with one or more major, long-term project(s).
Upon completion of the program, all students will be able to:
• Identify and describe the critical components of a risk marketing plan.
• Compile the necessary financial data for a complete financial analysis.
• Interpret the results of their financial analysis to improve performance.
• Identify the economic reasons for the consideration of a value-added product or service.
• Identify the necessary components of a value added business venture.
• Complete one or more major projects relevant to the student’s farm or ranch, including, but not limited to:
a. Develop a commodity marketing plan and monitor, reevaluate, and adjust that plan, and/or,
b. Develop a value added agricultural product or service feasibility study, and/or,
c. Develop a long-range plan for alternative enterprises, including short- and long-term projected cash flows and financial statements.
Note: it is necessary for time to pass during this one-year certificate program as it utilizes the student’s actual financial records, therefore, it is designed to be taken as a part-time instructional program over two years. After completion of the program, students will have continuing education opportunities available to insure long-term success.
| First Year | Fall | Spring | |
| AF121 | Intro Value Added Mkt I (or) | ||
| AF131 | Intro Commodity Mkt I | 1 | |
| AF141 | Marketing/Fin Analysis I | 6 | |
| AF145 | Financial Analysis in Ag I | 1 | |
| BU110 | Practical Math for F/R | 1 | |
| AF122 | Using Internet as Mkt Tool (or) | ||
| AF132 | Marketing Plan Development | 1 | |
| AF142 | Marketing/Fin Analysis II | 6 | |
| AF146 | Financial Analysis in Ag II | 1 | |
| BU112 | Practical Communication for F/R | 1 | |
| 9cr | 9cr | ||
| Second Year | Fall | Spring | |
| AF123 | Market Research Skills I (or) | ||
| AF133 | Contracting/Risk Mngt | 1 | |
| AF151 | Marketing/Fin Analysis III | 5 | |
| AF155 | Financial Analysis in Ag III | 1 | |
| BU111 | Practical Hum Rel for F/R | 1 | |
| AF124 | Market Research Skills II (or) | ||
| AF134 | Long-Term Mkt Strategy Dvlpt | 1 | |
| AF152 | Marketing/Fin Analysis IV | 5 | |
| AF156 | Financial Analysis in Ag IV | 1 | |
| 8cr | 7cr | ||
| Suggested Electives: | |||
| Other electives may be determined necessary for a particular student based on the judgement of their advisor. | |||
| CA125 | Intro Computer Technology | ||
| CA201 | Desktop Publishing | ||
| CA214 | Spreadsheet Applications | ||
| CA215 | Intro to Web Design | ||
| CA235 | Database Applications | ||
Agricultural Mechanics and Machinery
This program is designed to provide training and employment opportunities in the broad field of mechanized agriculture. The scope of the curriculum includes both academic and skill based courses to best prepare students for the world of work. Program courses will expose students to a range of knowledge and skills related to the major components of agricultural powered machinery.
Students will be able to:
• Work safely and efficiently in a shop environment.
• Assemble, adjust, and repair common farm machinery.
• Become skilled at preventative maintenance, diagnostics, and the principles of operation of gasoline and diesel engines.
• List the functions and requirements of the lubrication and cooling systems in agricultural equipment.
• Describe and apply basic principles of electrical and hydraulic systems.
• Perform metal fabrication and welded repairs on agricultural equipment.
• Apply appropriate academic knowledge to their employment in mechanized agriculture.
First Year |
Fall |
Spring |
|
AP101 |
Tools Measurement/Safety |
3 |
|
AP175 |
Service Fundamentals |
3 |
|
CM110 |
Information Literacy |
1 |
|
HL103 |
Standard First Aid/CPR |
1 |
|
MA105 |
Math for Liberal Arts |
3 |
|
WT100 |
Introduction to Welding |
4 |
|
AP205 |
Hydraulics |
|
3 |
AP230 |
Farm/Ranch Machinery |
|
4 |
AP250 |
Farm/Ranch Engines |
|
4 |
BU220 |
Human Relations in Workplace |
|
3 |
EN101 |
Composition I |
|
3 |
| 15cr | 17cr | ||
Correctional Officer
The Correctional Officer Certificate is designed to provide students with a foundation of knowledge in the field of corrections and the institutionalization of criminal offenders. The certificate program prepares students for entry level employment in both public and private correctional or detention facilities.
This program will:
• build a strong base of knowledge in the field of corrections.
• prepare students for entry-level employment in public and private corrections-related organizations.
• assist students in the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and the ability to conceptualize ideas.
• expose students to courses in computation, communication, and human relations, and will assist students in developing an understanding and appreciation for diversity, social responsibility and the participation in public affairs.
• serve those students seeking a career in corrections by providing in-depth and practical skills-based exposure to the corrections component of criminal justice.
Freshman Year |
Fall |
Spring |
|
CJ205 |
Corrections |
3 |
|
EN101 |
Composition I (or) |
|
|
EN095 |
English Essentials |
3 |
|
SO103 |
Principles of Sociology |
3 |
|
SO207* |
Criminology |
3 |
|
CJ203 |
Criminal Evidence/Procedure |
|
3 |
LE109 |
Police Report Writing |
|
3 |
LE112 |
Defensive Tactics |
|
1 |
LE245 |
Security Systems |
|
3 |
SO225* |
Deviant Behavior |
|
3 |
At least 3 of the following must be taken fall semester, remaining must be taken spring semester:
CA109 Software Applications 3
CM101 Public Speaking 3
HL103 First Aid & CPR 1
BU165 Business Math (or)
MA100 Intermediate Algebra (or)
MA105 Math for Liberal Arts (or)
MA095 Beginning Algebra 3
PY103 General Psychology 3
Degree must total 35 credits
* Students must take SO207 Criminology or SO225 Deviant Behavior
Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education Certificate program provides a competency based curriculum and practicum experience for students who wish to work in a professional childcare setting. When entering the Early Childhood Education Program proof of immunization and a criminal background check are required for the practicum experience at a registered childcare facility.
Students completing this program will be able to:
• Use knowledge of how children develop and learn to provide opportunities that support the physical, social, emotional, language, cognitive, and aesthetic development of all young children from birth through age eight.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and instructional practices based on knowledge of individual children, special needs, the community, the importance of play, and curriculum goals and content.
• Use individual and group guidance techniques to develop positive and supportive relationships with children, encourage positive social interaction among children, promote positive strategies that will develop personal self-control and self-esteem in children.
• Establish and maintain physically and psychologically safe and healthy learning environment for young children.
• Use informal and formal assessment strategies as an on-going integral part of planning and individualizing curriculum and teaching practices.
• Establish and maintain positive family and community relationships by communicating effectively, demonstrating sensitivity to differences, respecting parental choices and involving families in planning for their children.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the early childhood profession by being informed about professional development, legal issues, resource information, state and national regulations and opportunities that would improve quality of programs and services for young children.
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively during at least 300 hours of supervised practicum experience in appropriate settings serving infants, toddlers, preschoolers, or school age children.
Freshman Year |
Fall |
Spring |
|
ED/CC102 |
Intro Early Childhood Ed |
2 |
|
| CC103 | Observation and Assessment | 1 | |
| CC112 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
|
| CC113 | Child Growth Practicum | 1 | |
CC111 |
Social/Emotional Practicum |
1 |
|
CC210 |
Creating Environment Learning |
3 |
|
CC211 |
Creating Environment Practicum |
1 |
|
| CC232 | Family and Cultural Connections | 2 | |
| CC233 | Family and Cultural Practicum | 1 | |
| CC122 | Positive Child Guidance | 2 | |
| CC123 | Positive Child Guidance Practicum | 1 | |
CC130 |
Health/Safety/Nutrition |
3 |
|
CC131 |
Health/Safety/Nutrition Practicum |
|
1 |
| CC220 | EC Curriculum and Methods | 3 | |
| CC221 | EC Curriculum/Methods Practicum | 1 | |
| CC240 | Professionalism in EC | 3 | |
| 14cr | 14cr | ||
Competencies Required: 9 credits
Communication: 3 credits
EN101 Composition I or
CM159 Interpersonal Communications 3
Human Relations: 3 credits
PY103 General Psychology or
SO103 Principles of Sociology 3
Computation: 3 credits
BU165 Business Math or
MA100 Intermediate Math or Above
3 Certificate to total 36 credits
Each Practicum requires 3-4 hrs of work experience per week at a licensed or registered early childcare facility (45 hours =1 credit hour).
Farm and Ranch Business Management
This program is intended for those who are actively engaged in farming or ranching enterprises. The courses are planned to help the individual better understand the business management aspects of their agricultural operation. The program is unique it that it includes classroom instruction, instructor visits to the farm/ranch and practical application of knowledge and skills. This is an employment related program with minimal intent for students to continue into higher education. Academic courses are included to assure proficiency in communication, computation, and human relations.
After completion of the program students will be able to:
• Use a computer to perform basic business functions such as searching the web, emailing, and word processing.
• Complete the entire accounting cycle for their business, including entering transactions and preparing financial statements.
• Utilize double entry accounting software.
• Read, comprehend, and analyze their business’ financial statements.
• Express in writing their business plan.
• Use spreadsheet software as a decision aid for analyzing management choices.
• Make informed decisions on the use of risk management tools for their commodity marketing or be able to use the computer to enhance value-added marketing opportunities for their business.
First Year |
Fall |
Spring |
||
BU110 |
Practical Math for Farm/Ranch |
1 |
|
|
FR141 |
Farm/Ranch Business Mngt I |
13 |
|
|
BU112 |
Practical Communications for F/R |
|
1 |
|
FR142 |
Farm/Ranch Business Mngt II |
|
13 |
|
| 14cr | 14cr | |||
Second Year |
Fall |
Spring |
||
BU111 |
Practical Human Relations for F/R |
1 |
|
|
FR151 |
Farm/Ranch Business Mngt III |
13 |
|
|
FR152 |
Farm/Ranch Business Mngt IV |
|
15 |
|
| 14cr | 15cr | |||
Livestock Technology
This program is designed for the person who plans to return to the farm or ranch to pursue a career working in the livestock production industry. The curriculum stresses production techniques that can be applied immediately to the livestock enterprise. Basic academic courses are included to provide a well-rounded education.
Upon completion of the program a student will:
• Be familiar with livestock production techniques that include selection, breeding, feeding, and marketing of livestock.
• Learn to apply modern methods of range management.
• Define the basic principles of plant science.
• Possess a basic knowledge of computer applications in agriculture.
First Year |
|
Fall |
Spring |
AG104 |
Range and Range Plants |
3 |
|
AG114 |
Range and Range Plants Lab |
1 |
|
AG110 |
Animal Science |
3 |
|
AG230 |
Economics of Ag Marketing |
3 |
|
AG232 |
Technology in Agriculture |
3 |
|
EN101 |
Composition I |
3 |
|
SO103 |
Principles of Sociology |
3 |
|
AG111 |
Plant Science |
|
3 |
AG225 |
Range Livestock Production |
|
3 |
AG208 |
Anatomy of Domestic Livestock |
|
3 |
AG218 |
Anatomy of Livestock Lab |
|
1 |
AG220 |
Feeds and Feeding |
|
4 |
BU165 |
Business Math (or) |
|
|
|
Higher Level Math |
|
3-4 |
| 19cr | 17-18cr |
Office Assistant
Office Assistant
This program prepares students for entry-level positions in the field of business. Students complete courses in keyboarding, word processing, mathematics, communications, and office procedures and are prepared for employment as receptionists and clerks.
Students shall: gain proficiency in the following skills:
• gain proficiency general office skills
• gain proficiency computer skills
• gain proficiency telephone courtesy
• gain proficiency office accounting
• gain proficiency filing and record management
• gain proficiency written and oral communication
• gain proficiency interpersonal communication and relationships
First Year |
Fall |
Spring |
|
BT127 |
Business Office Procedures |
3 |
|
BU 165 |
Business Mathematics |
3 |
|
CA109 |
Software Applications |
3 |
|
CM101 |
Public Speaking |
3 |
|
EN101 |
Composition I (or) |
|
|
EN095 |
English Essentials |
3 |
|
BT102 |
Intermediate Keyboarding |
|
3 |
BT211 |
Office Administration |
|
3 |
BU220 |
Human Relations Workplace |
3 |
|
CA210 |
Word Processing Applications |
|
3 |
CA214 |
Spreadsheet Applications |
|
3 |
|
Electives |
|
3 |
| 15cr | 15cr | ||
Web Development
The Web Development Certificate program provides training in Web site planning, effective design and development, and successful marketing strategy. Students who complete this certificate program will be able to create and maintain their own personal or business Web site, and be aware of Internet marketing strategies.
Students successfully completing this certificate program are able to:
• Create a Web site that is aesthetically pleasing;
• Create an effective navigation system for a Web site;
• Integrate JavaScript, XML, and other web programming techniques;
• Collaborate with clients to constantly improve sites;
• Effectively market Web sites.
| First Year | Fall | Spring | |
| BU165 | Business Math (or) | ||
| MA100 | Intermediate Algebra or higher | 3 | |
| CA140 | Graphics Applications | 3 | |
| CA215 | Intro to Web Design (or) | ||
| CA262 | Intro to Dreamweaver | 3 | |
| CS125 | Intro Computer Tech or equivalent | 3 | |
| CS160 | Markup Languages and Scripts | 3 | |
| BU236 | E-Marketing/E-Commerce | 4 | |
| CA278 | Web Capstone Project | 4 | |
| EN095 | English Essentials (or) | ||
| BU125 | Technical Writing (or) | ||
| EN101 | English Composition | 3 | |
| PY103 | General Psychology (or) | ||
| SO103 | Principles of Sociology (or) | ||
| BU220 | Human Relations in Workplace | 3 | |
| 15cr | 14cr | ||
Welding Technology
This program will help the student learn the basics of welding technology that will permit the individual to enter the field at entry level as a fabrication/welder. The student will also take academic courses to provide a well-balanced curriculum. Graduates may enter the workforce immediately or transfer for more advanced training.
Upon completion of the program, the student will be able to:
• Demonstrate safe work habits in welding/metal fabrication.
• Identify and use a variety of techniques and materials to achieve the desired weld.
• Perform quality welds on mild steel using arc and gas methods.
• Layout and cut flat and structural steel.
First Year |
Fall |
Spring |
|
CM159 |
Interpersonal Communications |
3 |
|
HL103 |
Standard First Aid/CPR |
1 |
|
MA101 |
Technical Math (or) higher |
2-4 |
|
WT100 |
Introduction to Welding |
4 |
|
WT130 |
Metal Fabrication/Layout |
4 |
|
BU220 |
Human Relations in the Workplace |
|
3 |
WT115 |
Structural Welding |
|
4 |
WT150 |
MIG/TIG Applications |
|
4 |
WT170 |
Advanced Welding Techniques |
|
4 |
| 14-16cr | 15cr | ||