Liberal Arts Viewbook

L I B E R A L A RT S CURRICULUM AND CAREER GUIDE

You’ll love learning here!

ERIE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Mission

Erie Community College is a comprehensive provider of quality, flexible, affordable, and accessible academic and training programs, along with related services, that meet the needs of a diverse student body and promote regional economic growth.

Liberal Arts - A Foundation For Success

T

hink independently. Create your own questions and answers. Challenge your ideas and assumptions

about yourself and the world around you.

As essential core of education, liberal arts promote intellectual and personal growth. You will learn to think critically, to communicate effectively and to analyze, synthesize and evaluate information in order to make decisions and solve problems.

A liberal arts education is all-inclusive: it is understanding history and becoming aware of artistic and literary traditions; it is learning about the physical and biological world. It is helping individuals work together despite their differences; it is embracing diversity and multiculturalism.

The liberal arts weave through a variety of disciplines, allowing you to explore a broad range of interests and ideas. At Erie Community College, you will build a strong foundation for continuing your education at a four-year institution and embarking on one of countless career possibilities.

But whatever path you choose, a liberal arts education will provide you with the knowledge, skills, habits and values to be successful in the classroom, the workplace and beyond.

You can be confident in the solid educational foundation you will build in Erie Community College’s liberal arts programs. You’ll love learning here!

Liberal Arts and Sciences Associate Degree Programs

• Mathematics and Science Math Interest

• Communication and Media Arts

• Mathematics and Science Science Interest

Communication Arts • Computer Science • Engineering Science • General Studies • Humanities and Social Science Childhood Education 1-6 • Humanities and Social Science Humanities Interest

Liberal Arts and Sciences Certificate Programs • Geographic Information Systems Software Application Specialist • Human Services • Teaching Assistant • Web Network Technology

• Humanities and Social Science Social Science Interest www.ecc.edu

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Communication and Media Arts Communication Arts What You’ll Learn Communication persuades, informs and educates. It is an integral part of our daily lives - at home, at school and at work.

The communication and media arts program at Erie Community College introduces students to the broad range of disciplines within the communications field. Students will develop and use critical thinking and effective communication skills in an atmosphere that promotes intellectual and artistic expression.

This versatile program will prepare students to transfer to baccalaureate programs in areas such as print and broadcast journalism, media and public relations, corporate communications, film production, graphic design and advertising. Graduates with an associate degree will be ready for challenging and rewarding careers in a variety of communications-related occupations, including production assistants, media technicians, media sales representatives, writers, on-air personnel and photographers.

What You’ll Need Students should possess an interest or aptitude in television or radio broadcasting, journalism, public relations, graphic design, advertising or film/video production. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.

Where Our Graduates Have Transferred Howard University Indiana University at Bloomington Medaille College State University of New York College at Buffalo State University of New York at Buffalo State University of New York at Fredonia State University of New York at Geneseo

Career Paths Our Graduates Have Chosen Advertising Executive Copywriter Graphic Artist Journalist Media Sales Representative Photographer Public Relations Assistant Television Reporter

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Television Production Assistant

Computer Science What You’ll Learn Constantly evolving, computer science is a field with unlimited applications and countless educational and employment opportunities.

The computer science program at Erie Community College will provide students with an education that will inspire the technology of tomorrow.

In this program, students will learn the fundamental issues and concepts of computer science, including problem analysis; data abstraction; algorithm development; designing, testing and implementing programs; computer organization and basic system control. Students will work as a member of a project team to analyze problems and propose solutions, using state-of-the-art computers with all the latest technology.

Graduates will be prepared to transfer to a computer science program at a four-year institution.

What You’ll Need Students interested in computer science should have a strong background in mathematics.

Three years of high school math, including algebra and trigonometry and one year of science are required. A fourth year of math and one year of physics are strongly recommended.

Students should also have strong problem solving and critical thinking skills.

Where Our Graduates Have Transferred Canisius College Medaille College Rochester Institute of Technology State University of New York College at Buffalo State University of New York College at Brockport State University of New York at Buffalo State University of New York at Fredonia

Career Paths Our Graduates Have Chosen Computer Programmer Computer Software Engineer Computer Systems Manager Computer Technician Database Administrator Software Developer Systems Analyst

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Engineering Science What You’ll Learn The engineering science program is designed for students interested in transferring to an engineering program at a four-year institution.

Students, by taking courses in a variety of disciplines, including engineering, chemistry, physics, social science and English, will not only learn the fundamentals of engineering theory and principles, but will develop an appreciation of the non-technical, human aspects of the field.

In this program, students will attack and solve problems using the traditional engineering method of “given, find, solution.”

Math will become a second language and the computer will be an invaluable tool. Upon graduation, students will be able to enter a wide variety of engineering degree programs, including aeronautical, ceramic, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, industrial, manufacturing, materials, mechanical and metallurgical engineering.

What You’ll Need Students should have an interest in, and excel at, science and mathematics, and want to use those skills to find creative and concrete solutions to complex problems. Individuals who study engineering want to make things work better, more efficiently and less expensively; they want to make new discoveries that advance technology, products and services. Communication, critical thinking, computer and technical skills are also emphasized.

Where Our Graduates Have Transferred Alfred University Clarkson University Purdue University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rochester Institute of Technology State University of New York at Buffalo Syracuse University

Career Paths Our Graduates Have Chosen Chemical Engineer Civil Engineer Computer Engineer Environmental Engineer Electrical Engineer Industrial Engineer Mechanical Engineer Nuclear Engineer

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General Studies What You’ll Learn From accounting to education and social work to sports medicine, the general studies program is ideal for students who would like to explore a variety of academic options before transferring to a four-year institution or entering the workforce.

With courses in areas such as English, math, science, humanities and social science, along with a diverse set of electives, students will learn about people, historical events, the physical and biological world and ideas from antiquity to the present. Students will learn to read critically, write correctly and effectively and analyze and solve problems. Regardless of academic or career interests, students will develop the skills necessary for lifelong learning, building a strong foundation for continuous growth and development.

What You’ll Need Students should have an inquisitive mind and be willing to grow and appreciate new interests and ideas. A commitment and motivation to learn, along with basic reading, writing, math and computer skills, will help students achieve success.

Where Our Graduates Have Transferred Canisius College Clarkson University Daemen College D’Youville College Ithaca College Niagara University State University of New York at Buffalo State University of New York at Fredonia State University of New York at Geneseo University of North Carolina University of Pittsburgh University of Tennessee

Career Paths Our Graduates Have Chosen Accounting Business Management Communications Economics Education Human Services Marketing Nursing Pharmacy Psychology Social Work www.ecc.edu

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Humanities and Social Science Childhood Education 1-6 What You’ll Learn Erie Community College’s childhood education 1-6 program will give students the valuable skills they need to get started on the path to a rewarding career working with children. In this program, students will receive a solid foundation in the theory and practice of teaching, including a thorough understanding of child learning and development, child psychology, teaching methodology, ethical and legal requirements and classroom management. In addition to the core education curriculum, students can choose a concentration in a subject area, including mathematics, English, science, social studies or foreign language. Required courses will vary depending on the choice of concentration.

The program also includes 45 hours of classroom observation, giving students exposure to an educational setting prior to student teaching. The childhood education program is in the process of being approved by the New York State Education Department. When approval is granted, the program will allow students to achieve an associate degree at ECC and complete the first two years of a program that will ultimately result in a Bachelor of Science education degree from the State University of New York College at Buffalo.

What You’ll Need Students must have an interest and aptitude in working with children. Students must have a high school academic record that demonstrates the ability to complete courses toward an associate degree within three years. An interview with the head of the childhood education teacher preparation program is also required.

Where Our Graduates Have Transferred Daemen College Hilbert College Medaille College State University of New York College at Buffalo State University of New York at Buffalo

Career Paths Our Graduates Have Chosen Assistant Teacher Child Care Center Education Coordinator Child Care Center Manager Child Care Specialist Elementary School Teacher Kindergarten Teacher

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Preschool Teacher

Mathematics and Science Math Interest What You’ll Learn Mathematics, the cornerstone of modern science and technology, is the foundation of many fields. Jobs for individuals with mathematical training are available in industry, education and scientific research.

The mathematics program at Erie Community College provides the coursework necessary for the first two years of a four-year degree in mathematics or a related field, such as statistics, mathematics education, actuarial science, applied technology, natural science or applied math.

In this program, learning comes from doing: students work together to think critically, analyze problems and propose creative solutions using a blend of classic techniques and the latest technology. This program also includes courses in English, science, humanities and social science, giving students an appreciation and understanding of different disciplines.

What You’ll Need Strong problem-solving skills are essential in this program. Students should have previously taken pre-calculus and have at least an 85 percent average in math. Those who do not meet these requirements may provisionally be accepted into an extended program that would include math courses as a prerequisite to calculus.

Where Our Graduates Have Transferred Arkansas State University Canisius College Rochester Institute of Technology State University of New York College at Buffalo State University of New York at Buffalo State University of New York at Fredonia

Careers Paths Our Graduates Have Chosen Actuary Computer Programmer Computer Software Engineer Electrical Engineer Financial Analyst Math Teacher Mechanical Engineer Software Developer

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Humanities and Social Science Humanities What You’ll Learn The humanities program provides a foundation for a variety of baccalaureate degree programs in fine arts, education and pre-professional programs, including English, art, drama, music, foreign languages, philosophy and teacher certification at the elementary or secondary school level in English.

Through the study of multiple disciplines, students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as gain the ability to understand humanity and adapt to a changing environment. Individuals who study humanities develop a broader view of the world, how it works, and an understanding of the people in it.

What You’ll Need Students should have an inquisitive mind and be willing to grow and appreciate new and different cultures, interests and ideas. Students should possess an interest or passion in literature, art, dance, drama, languages, music or philosophy. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential to academic success.

Where Our Graduates Have Transferred Arizona State University Canisius College Daemen College Niagara University Rochester Institute of Technology State University of New York College at Buffalo State University of New York at Buffalo State University of New York at Geneseo St. Bonaventure University

Careers Paths Our Graduates Have Chosen Art Historian Elementary School Teacher Foreign Language Teacher Graphic Designer Lawyer Psychologist Secondary School English Teacher Social Worker Speech Pathologist

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Humanities and Social Science Social Science What You’ll Learn Through the study of a broad spectrum of disciplines, including anthropology, economics, geography, government, history, human services, psychology and sociology, the social science curriculum allows students to design a course of study specifically related to their academic and career goals.

Students work collaboratively to pursue important questions across the boundaries of disciplines, developing a broad understanding of the social, cultural and intellectual world. The development of critical thinking and communication skills is also encouraged. With the growing complexity and interdependence of societies in the modern world, social science students are uniquely qualified to adapt to rapid technological and social change. Graduates will be prepared to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program at a four-year institution.

What You’ll Need Students should possess an interest or aptitude in government, politics, business, media, education or law, along with a desire to learn and an interest in the world around them. Strong critical thinking, written and verbal communication skills are important.

Where Our Graduates Have Transferred Canisius College Cornell College of Agricultural Life Science Daemen College Medaille College Niagara University State University of New York College at Buffalo State University of New York at Buffalo State University of New York at Geneseo University of Utah

Careers Paths Our Graduates Have Chosen Business Manager Counselor Early Childhood Specialist Lawyer Nurse Occupational Therapist Psychologist Public Policy Manager Social Worker Teacher

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Mathematics and Science Science Interest What You’ll Learn As the demands of technology increase, students in the science program are provided with the skills, knowledge and understanding to adapt to today’s rapidly changing world.

In this interdisciplinary program, which includes electives in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics, students relentlessly pursue scientific knowledge.

Through hands-on laboratory experience and classroom lectures, students will learn the fundamental laws of nature; to collect, analyze and interpret experimental data and to use mathematical skills to solve problems. The science curriculum is intended for those who wish to transfer to a four-year institution. Graduates generally continue their studies in programs such as biology, chemistry, engineering, physical therapy, physics, pre-med, pre-pharmacy and other pre-professional fields. Close contact with faculty advisers at their future college ensure students will receive an individually tailored program with enhanced flexibility and transferability.

What You’ll Need Students should have an interest in investigating the world around them, how it works and how this knowledge can be applied. Students should also have a background in mathematics, along with strong analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills.

Where Our Graduates Have Transferred Canisius College Cornell University Ithaca College Rochester Institute of Technology State University of New York College at Buffalo State University of New York at Buffalo State University of New York at Fredonia Syracuse University

Career Paths Our Graduates Have Chosen Biologist Doctor Engineer Licensed Practical Nurse Pharmacist Physical Therapist Physician Assistant Secondary School Teacher

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Honors Concentration The honors concentration at Erie Community College offers intellectually stimulating learning opportunities for academically outstanding students.

Open to full-and part-time students in any program, the honors concentration is grounded in the traditions of the liberal arts and emphasizes the connections among various disciplines.

This concentration develops critical thinking skills, as well as a greater appreciation for the richness and complexity of one's social, political, cultural and natural environment. Students will expand their academic horizons, explore new directions, develop leadership skills and join a vibrant community of learners.

Honors students are inquisitive, goal-oriented, enthusiastic, supportive and eager to ask questions and discover their potential.

A variety of honors courses are offered each semester to meet the general education requirements of the college. The honors concentration courses provide an enriched academic experience through small classes and the colloquium allows students to have experiences beyond those of the normal classroom, such as lectures, trips, debates and discussions.

To graduate as an honors concentration fellow, a student must complete at least five honors courses, three semesters of honors colloquium and maintain a QPA of at least 3.25. To graduate as an honors program associate, a student must complete at least three honors courses, one semester of honors colloquium and maintain a QPA of at least 3.25.

All students can be accommodated, but please note that students in the liberal arts and sciences program, as well as those in other transfer programs, will be able to complete the honors concentration requirements more easily than those who are enrolled in other academic divisions of the college.

Participants in the honors concentration may be eligible for additional scholarship opportunities and membership in Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.

Students who attain at least a 3.25 QPA and have completed all requirements as an honors fellow will graduate with the designation of honors concentration on their transcript.

Admissions Requirements Although a student’s high school record is strongly considered in admitting an individual into the honors concentration, it is not the only consideration. Those students with ability and a keen interest in learning are also encouraged to apply. Final screening is done through the college placement test and a personal interview.

Students are invited to apply to the honors concentration through the admissions office through the campus honors coordinator.

City Campus

Honors Coordinator: (716) 270-5149

South Campus

Honors Coordinator: (716) 270-2892

North Campus

Honors Coordinator: (716) 851-1259

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Certificate Programs Geographic Information Systems Software Application Specialist Geographic information systems technology is more than just a computer mapping tool – it is a tool for capturing, storing, managing and analyzing data identified according to location. GIS might allow emergency planners to easily calculate emergency response times in the event of a natural disaster, or to find wetlands that need protection from pollution.

The geographic information systems – software applications specialist certificate program at Erie Community College will prepare students to enter directly into the workforce as a GIS technician or to continue in more advanced GIS academic programs. Students will develop GIS skills in a hands-on learning environment, learning how GIS operate and how they are applied to make decisions and solve problems. GIS can be used in a broad range of career fields outside of the traditional bounds of geography, including law enforcement, business, health care, transportation, resource management and development planning.

Students may also combine the geographic information systems program with a variety of associate degree programs at ECC.

Human Services The human services certificate program is designed to prepare students for employment in entry level staff positions at human service agencies serving children, adolescents, the elderly and families.

Students will be exposed to a variety of theoretical, as well as practical human services skills and concepts in order to meet the demands of the workplace. It is expected that students completing the certificate program will be familiar with, and able to apply, an understanding of human behavior, a variety of communication skills and a diverse array of therapeutic approaches to their chosen clientele.

Students who successfully complete the human service certificate program may apply to transfer their credits into ECC’s associate degree program in social science.

Teaching Assistant The teaching assistant certificate program is designed for individuals who wish to begin a career in education, as well as for individuals presently employed in area school districts, who need to upgrade their professional credentials to meet federal, New York State or local district guidelines. The program has two tracks, one for teaching assistants in childhood education and the other for teaching assistants in secondary education.

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In this program, students will gain an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the teaching assistant in the educational process; the ability to assist teachers in the core subject areas of English and mathematics; the ability to assist teachers in other educational areas and the ability to work effectively with students and with other members of the educational team.

All courses may be applied to an associate degree program at ECC and have been certified transferable for a Bachelor of Science education degree at the State University of New York College at Buffalo.

Students who successfully complete the program will be eligible for Level Three Teaching Assistant New York State certification when combined with successful completion of the New York State Teacher Certification Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills exam and one year employment in a teaching assistant position.

Students must meet all of the following prerequisites: Must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent; must be in good academic standing if previously attended ECC and must be able to pass a criminal history record check, including fingerprinting, in accordance with New York State education law.

Web Network Technology The web network technology certificate program is intended for individuals who want to prepare for an information technology career, industry personnel who desire skills training or upgrading and students enrolled at Erie Community College who want to augment their chosen program with an IT specialty.

The web network technology certificate program provides training in state-of-the-art web network technology, including network fundamentals, distributed and clientserver architectures, interactive dynamic multimedia human-computer interfaces and presentations and relevant development tools and languages. This program will provide coverage of the complete end-to-end Web technology spectrum from multimedia user clients to information servers.

The courses may also be used as electives for an associate degree in computer science.

This program requires that the student has a background that includes a working knowledge of some current computer programming language. This prerequisite can be fulfilled by CS 121 or the equivalent by permission.

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Transfer Opportunities Many students planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree begin their academic careers at Erie Community College. And many of our graduates choose to pursue their bachelor's degree at SUNY institutions.

Many ECC courses are SUNY-approved general education courses and can be transferred to any SUNY school. In fact, transfer of credit and entrance into a parallel major at a SUNY four-year college or university is guaranteed following the completion of an associate degree at ECC. In addition, ECC maintains comprehensive transfer agreements, also called articulation agreements, with many of the finest private colleges and universities.

But wherever you choose to continue your education, ECC’s more than 60 articulation agreements, dual-degree and joint admissions programs ensure students a hassle-free, seamless transfer to school of your choice.

With a 90 percent transfer rate to four-year colleges and universities, students choose ECC for a solid start on a bachelor’s degree.

And as the most affordable education in Western New York, getting started on coursework at ECC allows students to save money while earning the exact same credit they would at any other institution. ECC students can explore their academic choices before continuing their education at a four-year school.

During the first semester at ECC, students meet with a transfer counselor to learn more about the various transfer and joint admission options that are available.

ECC’s transfer counselors have developed contacts with many of the four-year colleges and universities where students transfer to complete their undergraduate and post-graduate degrees. This valuable resource allows the counselors the unique opportunity to guide students through the transfer process. As students consider four-year institutions, counselors will advise and assist students throughout the application process, ensuring a smooth transition.

Students should indicate their interest in joint admissions by the end of their first semester of attendance.

Joint Admissions Agreements Daemen College D’Youville College State University of New York College at Buffalo State University of New York at Buffalo

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Articulation Agreements

SUNY Articulation Agreements

Alfred University

Alfred State College of Technology

Bryant and Stratton College

Canton College of Technology

Canisius College

State University of New York College at Buffalo

Clarkson University

State University of New York at Buffalo

Daemen College

State University of New York at Fredonia

D’Youville College

State University of New York Institute of Technology

Franklin University Hilbert College Kettering University Medaille College Niagara University Paul Smith’s College Rochester Institute of Technology Villa Maria College

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You’ll love learning here!

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Erie Community College is committed to equal opportunity in educational programs, admissions and employment. It is the policy of ECC to provide equal opportunity for all qualified applicants, students and employees, and to prohibit discrimination. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, sexual orientation, marital status or veteran status. Discrimination of this nature is unacceptable and impermissible conduct which will NOT be tolerated.

Erie Community College deplores such conduct as an abuse of authority. Allegations leading to conviction can result in suspension or termination of employment. Related inquiries should be addressed to: Title IX, ADA and Section 504 Compliance Coordinator, Director of Affirmative Action, 851-1119.