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Academic & Career Foundations
Academic and Career Foundations offers coursework and pathways to prepare students for college and career success. Comprehensive Studies coursework includes developmental and transitional math, English, and reading. The division also offers courses in college, career, and life skills. Our Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) pathways offer students the opportunity to earn a college certificate as well as industry-recognized certifications and training, all in one semester.
Comprehensive Studies’ mission is to cultivate in students the foundational knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors necessary for success in their college, career, and life experiences. The division focuses on helping students successfully transition from where they are to where they want to be, preparing students with the hard skills to succeed in college and work careers while also instilling in them the soft skills needed to reach their goals now and after college.
Comprehensive Studies
Comprehensive Studies is a part of the Academic and Career Foundations Department at Tri-County Technical College.
The mission of the Comprehensive Studies Department is to cultivate in students the foundational knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors necessary for success in college and life. The department focuses on helping students successfully transition from where they are to where they want to be, preparing students with the hard skills to succeed in college and work careers while also instilling soft skills needed to reach their goals now and after college.
Comprehensive Studies offers developmental and transitional courses in math, reading, and English to prepare students for success in their college-level coursework. The department also offers College Skills classes, which aim to teach students valuable college and life skills for success.
The Comprehensive Studies Department has a variety of course offerings and learning experiences designed to best meet students’ needs. Students placed into developmental coursework have three tracks to choose from to complete their requirements: the Traditional Track, the Fast Track, or the Express Track. Which track is right for a student depends on a variety of factors. Developmental students should choose which track to start with the assistance of an academic adviser.
Traditional Track
Traditional Track developmental courses include ENG 032, MAT 031 [Inactive], MAT 032, RDG 032 [Inactive], and RDG 100. Each course is a 14-week class delivered in the traditional lecture format in the classroom, following standardized syllabi and topical outlines. Upon successful completion of a traditional track course, students either move to the next course in the sequence or, with the permission of the Comprehensive Studies Department Head, can retest to determine if a higher placement is appropriate. Students who begin on the Traditional Track can stay on that track or opt to switch later to the Fast Track or Express Track.
Fast Track
Fast Track classes allow students to complete a sequence of courses in a shorter, faster-paced time period, allowing students to move through a developmental sequence and into college-level courses more quickly. Fast Track courses are offered in 6-week back-to-back sessions. For example, students who place into MAT 101 may elect to take a 6-week MAT 101 followed by a 6-week MAT 102 and attempt to complete both requirements in one semester instead of spending 14 weeks on each.
English Plus Co-Requirement
The ENG Plus Co-Requirement (Co-Req) model allows students to complete developmental (ENG 150) coursework and curriculum (ENG 101) coursework simultaneously rather than sequentially. Students receive additional support for ENG 101 within the ENG 150 course, increasing the likelihood of success. Eligibility must be determined by the English/Reading program director for Comprehensive Studies.
Express Track English and Math
Students who place into pre-curriculum English or math courses (MAT 031 [Inactive], MAT 032, MAT 101; or ENG 032, ENG 100) can enroll in one of the Express Track classes (MAT 150 or ENG 150). Express Track classes utilize computer software in a computer lab setting. After completing a diagnostic test to determine exactly what the student knows and doesn’t know, each student will be placed on an individualized “Learning Path.” These classes are designed to take the instructors “off the stage” and put them in the classroom to offer individualized, on-demand instruction based on individual student needs.
Why Express Track?
Express Track students spend over 80% of their time doing math and English work. Because they will be practicing, learning, and mastering what they individually need to know, students can progress through as much of their pre-curriculum sequence as possible and move into the credit classes required for their programs more quickly.
After Express Track
A student’s math and/or English placement after completing the Express Track experience is based on the successful completion of the modules on an individualized Learning Path. Because of the individualized nature of the Express Track, students exit at different levels. The class instructor or a Comprehensive Studies advisor will help students determine their next steps.
Developmental Courses
Developmental courses are courses designed to help students prepare academically for college-level learning. Developmental courses (those numbered less than 100) generate no credit hours, do not affect the GPA, and do not count toward graduation. Comprehensive Studies offers the following developmental classes:
College Skills Courses
College Skills courses are courses designed to give students the tools needed to succeed in college. Some College Skills courses transfer to some (but not all) universities. Students are responsible for determining whether one of these courses is transferable to any potential transfer institutions. A student cannot receive credit for both COL 103 and COL 105. Comprehensive Studies offers the following college skills courses:
Transitional Courses
Transitional courses are designed to help students transition into college-level work more effectively. Comprehensive Studies offers the following transitional courses:
This English Express course develops practical oral and written communication skills at an accelerated pace through modular learning and covers the material covered in ENG 031, ENG 032, and ENG 100. Successful completion of the required modules in this course enables students to progress to college-level English.
This Math Express course covers the material included in MAT 031 [Inactive], MAT 032, MAT 101, and MAT 102. This course utilizes a modified Emporium model of modularized learning to help students who need developmental classes more quickly and successfully move into college-level math classes.
Standards of Progress for Comprehensive Studies Students
- Reasonable progress is determined by the completion of one 0-level course within a maximum of three (3) terms and entry into a higher-level developmental course (i.e.MAT 031 - Developmental Math Basics [Inactive] is a first course and MAT 032 - Developmental Mathematics is a second course; RDG 032 - Developmental Reading [Inactive] is a first course and RDG 100 - Critical Reading is a second course).
- The total number of credits in which students may enroll in developmental coursework may not exceed 30 semester hours.
- If students enroll late or withdraw from 0-level courses and the enrollment time is less than, but not including, 50 percent of the term, the term will not be counted as one of the three allowed to complete a 0-level course. If students enroll late or withdraw from 0-level courses and the enrollment time is 50 percent or more, the term will be counted as one of the three allowed to complete a 0-level course.
- Exceptions to these guidelines must be evaluated by the Dean of Academic and Career Foundations.
I-BEST
The I-BEST (Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training) program meets students where they are and helps them get to where they want to be in education and the workforce. I-BEST is a nationally recognized workforce development program designed by Washington State community colleges and adapted for Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties by Tri-County Technical College. Through partnerships with local Adult Education Centers, community organizations, and local industry leaders, I-BEST offers students a fully funded pathway tailored to their needs. The program’s pathways have many “on-ramps” that can culminate with an associate’s degree completion at TCTC. Students have the opportunity to earn college credit, industry-recognized certifications, and other career-focused credentials.
All I-BEST students receive comprehensive and individualized support services, including academic and career advising, to help ensure success in college and careers. The program focuses on STEM career fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) -where jobs and opportunities are growing in the surrounding area.
Students may enroll in I-BEST upon completion of their high school diploma or GED. Students in partnership with their local adult education center may enroll in I-BEST while working on their GED study and testing. Students who enter a pathway can earn 8 hours of college credit, industry-recognized certificates, and other valuable tools to help them succeed academically and professionally. In addition, they will qualify to graduate with a Tri-County Technical College certificate. From there, I-BEST students can continue their personal pathway by entering the workforce, continuing their studies, or combining work and study towards additional degrees.
Manufacturing Pathway: The I-BEST Manufacturing Pathway includes three courses:
MFG 101 - Introduction to Manufacturing (3 credit hours), MFG 102 - Applied Learning in Manufacturing (2 credit hours), and COL 120 - STEM: College and Career Readiness (3 credit hours). These eight semester credit hours earn the Manufacturing Production I Certificate. In addition, industry-recognized skill certifications are embedded into the curriculum.
Healthcare Pathway: The I-BEST Personal Care Aide Pathway includes three courses:
AHS 101 - Introduction to Health (2 credit hours), AHS 190 - Fundamentals of Personal Care (3 credit hours), and COL 120 - STEM: College and Career Readiness (3 credit hours). These eight semester credit hours earn the Personal Care Aide I Certificate. In addition, industry-recognized skill certifications are embedded into the curriculum.
Smart Start: Smart Start (COL 120) is a free tuition, one-semester, 3-credit hour course designed for those who are considering attending Tri-County Technical College. Students will learn skills and habits of mind needed for success in the workplace and in college. The curriculum builds awareness of local opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) careers. Additionally, personal education and career planning are integrated with a Personal Success Plan (PSP).
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Arts & Sciences
As the largest academic unit at TCTC, the Arts & Sciences Division supports students across the College with general education courses, unique bridge transfer programs with university partners, and dual enrollment learning experiences with our K-12 partners. Two associate degrees are offered: Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS). In addition, a University Studies Certificate is available. These flexible credentials are designed for students who intend to transfer to a four-year institution. A range of opportunities are provided for students to develop relevant, real-world skills through experiential learning, study abroad, and high-impact educational practices. Expert faculty create a robust learning environment that prepares students to achieve their potential and contributes to a nationally recognized transfer rate.
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Business & Public Services
The Business and Public Services Division offers a variety of associate degree, certificate, and diploma programs and courses that prepare students for successful employment in a number of industries upon graduation. These programs serve as an excellent way for students to learn skills that will allow them to prepare to contribute immediately to organizations. Graduates can enter the workforce as gainful employees with skills mastered through their course of study. The division’s highly qualified full-time and adjunct faculty provide real-world experience, which allows students to envision the intricacies of their career choices and provides them with current knowledge and skills. Classes are offered at the Pendleton, Anderson, Easley, and Oconee campuses. The division also provides instruction in many of the programs during the evening hours, as well as online and hybrid, to complement the busy schedules of students. Students seeking to achieve personal, academic, and professional goals will benefit from excellence in teaching and advising. Division programs are highly recognized in industry. In addition to the regional accreditation, the division also has programs accredited through ACBSP and NAEYC.
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Engineering & Industrial Technology
The Engineering and Industrial Technology degree and certificate programs prepare students for exciting careers as automation specialists, multi-skilled technicians, supervisors in a manufacturing environment, automotive technicians, HVAC technicians, facilities technicians, industrial maintenance technicians, designers, CNC programmers, welders, or engineering technicians. The skills learned here can be used on the job in manufacturing, residential and commercial construction, facilities maintenance, facilities management, automotive service centers, energy-producing facilities, and more. With increasing technology, companies need more and more workers with advanced training and skills. The highly qualified faculty provide real-world experience through project-based learning. Day, evening, online, and hybrid courses are available to accommodate busy schedules.
Students may receive credit toward a certificate or degree based on prior educational experience, work experience, and military experience. Students interested in obtaining advanced standing for coursework should contact their academic advisor. More information is available under “Academic Information - Acceptance of Credit and Awarding of Advanced Standing” in this Catalog.
The Engineering and Industrial Technology Division provides rigorous, hands-on learning experiences that require the regular participation of the student. As such, the Engineering and Industrial Technology Division has a more rigorous attendance policy than the College. Any student who accumulates more absences during the term than the class is scheduled to meet in a two-week period is subject to being withdrawn from the class. The number of allowable absences during the summer term or other sessions of varying length will be 10% of the total number of class meetings. Students who arrive late may, at the discretion of the instructor, be marked absent for that class. Students who continually arrive late to class are subject to being withdrawn from the class. In extenuating circumstances, a student may request re-admittance to class by meeting with the instructor and explaining the circumstances of the absences. If the instructor agrees to re-admit the student, the student will be informed of the requirements which must be met to successfully complete the course. Individual departments or programs may have a more rigid attendance policy. Those policies must be communicated in writing to students on the first day of class.
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Health Education
The Health Education Division offers a variety of associate degree programs, certificates, diplomas, and courses that prepare students for successful employment in a number of health care industries upon graduation. These programs serve as an excellent way for students to learn skills that will allow them to contribute immediately to the organizations. Graduates can enter the workforce as gainful employees with skills mastered through their course of study, practicums, and externships. Highly qualified full-time and adjunct faculty provide real-world experience, which allows students to envision the intricacies of their career choices and provides them with current knowledge and skills. Health Education classes are offered at the Pendleton and Easley campuses. Instruction in many of the programs is also offered during the evening hours, as well as online and hybrid formats, to complement the busy schedules of students. Students seeking to achieve personal, academic, and professional goals will benefit from excellence in teaching and advising. The Division’s programs are highly recognized in the industry. All programs in the Division are accredited through national agencies.
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TCTC Full-Time Faculty
TCTC’s full-time faculty are at the heart of “transforming lives and building a better South Carolina, one student at a time,” by providing the essential knowledge and skills that drive economic development in our region. Each faculty member is not only deeply committed to student success but also rigorously qualified to deliver outstanding instruction. TCTC ensures that all faculty meet, and often exceed, the comprehensive academic and professional standards set by our accrediting bodies. These qualifications typically include advanced degrees in a teaching discipline, extensive related professional experience, and certifications, demonstrating expertise and the ability to prepare learners for both career readiness and further academic pursuits.
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