Cecil College Skilled Trades Degrees - Workers wearing safety gear.

Program Description

The Skilled Trades degree program offers an in-depth exploration of hands-on technical skills essential for a successful career in various trades. This program will advance students who currently hold credentials in transportation or construction and want to advance their careers, transitioning from labor to supervisory roles. The program will teach practical skills and theoretical knowledge to excel in these roles and also includes opportunities for apprenticeships and certifications, ensuring that students are prepared to meet the demands of the workforce and excel in their chosen fields.

Associate Degree Programs in Skilled Trades

Skilled Trades with Areas of Concentration (Associate of Applied Science)

The Skilled Trades, Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program offers students the opportunity to gain specialized skills and knowledge in Transportation and Construction. This comprehensive program is designed to prepare students for a successful career in skilled trades, equipping them with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen concentration. Students can choose from two significant concentrations, Transportation or Construction, with multiple sub-concentration options within each category.

Required Courses & Learning Outcomes

Refer to the college catalog for a list of required courses and learning outcomes for the Skilled Trades degree program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a skilled trades degree?

A Skilled Trades degree prepares students for supervisory positions in technical trades industries, such as First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers and First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers. This degree will also prepare students for positions as Construction Managers.

How do I know which concentration is right for me?

It depends on the student’s area of interest.

Students who choose the Transportation concentration will complete two of the four areas below and provide certification to receive 22 credits through credential assessment.

  • Automotive Repair:

    • Engine Repair – ASE Certification A1
    • Suspension & Steering – ASE Certification A4
    • Brakes – ASE Certification A5
    • Electrical/Electronic Systems – ASE Certification A6
    • Engine Performance – ASE Certification A8
  • Diesel Technology (complete all 5 Diesel Technology modules):

    • Diesel Engines – ASE Certification T2
    • Electrical/Electronic Systems – ASE Certification T6
    • Preventive Maintenance Inspection – ASE Certification T8
  • Marine Service Technology:

    • Marine Technician Certification – ABYC
  • CDL A:

    • CDL (Commercial Driver License) – A License

Students who choose the Construction concentration will have two options. The first option is to complete two areas: NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research), HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), NCCER Welding, or Basic Electrical. The second option is to complete a 2-year internship in the HVAC/R Apprenticeship Program. For both options, students must provide certification to receive 22 credits through credential assessment.

  • NCCER HVAC/R (includes Basic Construction course):

    • NCCER HVAC/R - Level 1
    • EPA 608 Certification
  • NCCER Welding (includes Basic Construction course):

    • Welding - Level 1 NCCER
    • American Welding Society Welder Qualification Card in one of the following processes: AWS (American Welding Society) D1.2 Structural Welding Code - GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding), D1.1 Structural Welding Code - GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) or D1.1 Structural Welding Code – SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding)
  • Basic Electrical:

    • NOCTI Electrical Occupations Credential
    • OSHA 10

OR

  • HVAC/R Apprenticeship Program:

    • Complete years 2 and 3 or years 3 and 4 of the HVAC/R Apprenticeship Program for a minimum of 4,000 on-the-job training apprenticeship hours.

I already completed and earned the credentials required from one of the skilled trades programs. Can I use that to go towards my concentration?

Yes. If you have completed one of the eligible skilled trades programs and can show proof of the listed credentials, these can be applied to your concentration. For more details, please get in touch with the Program Coordinator, Amanda Pringle, at apringle@nullcecil.edu or (443) 907-1379.

Admissions & Advising

Cecil College is an open enrollment institution. Get more information, find out how to apply, or meet with an advisor.

Transfer

Whether transferring coursework to Cecil College or transferring your completed degree or certificate to a four-year institution, transfer is a viable option to help meet your educational goals.

Transfer information for Maryland colleges and universities is available through the Articulation System of Maryland (ARTSYS) website at www.artsys.usmd.edu. Additional transfer information can be found on the Transfer Agreements page.

Faculty

Full-time Faculty

Susan Bernadzikowski
Department Chair
M.A., The Ohio State University (English Literature)

Jennifer Casper
Associate Professor of Sociology
Ph.D. University of Missouri – Columbia (Sociology)

Adele Foltz
Associate Professor of Business
M.B.A. Wesley College (Business)

Christopher Gaspare
Assistant Professor of English
M.A. Washington College (English)

Adam Jacono
Assistant Professor of Art
M.F.A. East Carolina University (Photography)

Thomas Keller
Professor of Environmental Science
Ed.D. Johns Hopkins University (Mind, Brain, and Teaching)

Mark Krysiak
Lecturer in Business
M.B.A. University of Baltimore (Business)

Carlos Lampkin
Assistant Professor of Business
M.B.A. Wilmington University (Business)

Jennifer Levi
Professor of English
Ph.D. University of Delaware (English)

Meredith Lutz Stehl
Professor of Psychology
Ph.D. Drexel University (Clinical Psychology)

John Murphy
Professor of Engineering
Ph.D. University of Texas, Dallas (Materials Science and Engineering)

Candace Vogelsong
Associate Professor of Business
MBA Wilmington College (Business)

Adjunct Faculty

Cecil College's adjunct skilled trades faculty are working professionals who bring real world experience into the classroom.