The Associate in Applied Science degree program in Technical Studies is a WV State-wide degree program (non-transfer) designed to meet the following needs: (1) to provide for cooperatively sponsored educational opportunities leading to associate degrees for employees/students participating in quality education and training programs sponsored by business, industry, labor, government, or other education agencies within Pierpont’s service area; (2) to provide a timely and efficient mechanism for Pierpont to deliver educational programs in a variety of occupational fields to employers; (3) to increase the abilities of the use of technology effectively and responsibly, of communication of information effectively through reading, writing, speaking, and listening, and of ability to solve problems through reasoning, information, retrieval, and productive teamwork.

The specific course of study for each program is determined by agreements between the employer/agency program sponsor and Pierpont. For programs being developed to address a specific occupational need, the college will form an advisory committee made up of representatives of the business or industry to be served by the proposed program and representatives of the college to provide advice in the design of an appropriate program of study. In 2011 the rule was made to cap newly developed AAS Technical Studies Programs at 60 credit hours.

This program is a useful option for individuals who wish to earn an applied degree and who have been trained in areas such as building construction, carpentry, automotive, masonry, electrical, agriculture, information technology and other technical trades. The institution will work with Career & Technical Education Centers in the service area to develop educational pathways for degree completion. Students complete general education requirements and coursework from restricted content area based on background. Technical electives used to complete the program of study can be a combination of approved credits earned from previous college coursework trade-based training, or vocational studies, and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.