Vocational Degrees
Vocational degrees generally result in either a certificate program or associates degree. They are referred to as vocational, because they are considered job where you use your hands to make something.
For information about the salary you can expect with one of these degrees, we recommend JobWeb Salary Survey and The US Department of Labor and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The following is a brief description of the major Bachelor degree types and the kind of careers for which they prepare the student.
vocational Study Areas:
- Automated Manufacturing Systems Technician
- Diesel Equipment Technology
- Electromechanical Technology
- Industrial Welding Technician
- Natural Resources Technician
Automated Manufacturing Systems Technician
Business and industry need technicians with knowledge of computers, industrial electronics, control devices and communications and the ability to integrate computers with control technologies into automated systems. Technicians will understand, program and integrate industrial equipment such as robots, programmable controllers, computers, vision systems and conveyors.
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Diesel Equipment Technology
Diesel equipment technicians repair and maintain electronic controlled diesel engines, air conditioning systems, electronic controlled air brake systems and drive lines that power heavy-duty trucks, buses and construction equipment. You may also service diesel farm tractors and a variety of other diesel-powered equipment, including compressors and pumps used in well drilling, irrigation and emergency power engines. Experts estimate a current shortage of 45,000 diesel technicians nationwide and growing.
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Electromechanical Technology
The electromechanical technician installs, troubleshoots, and repairs machinery used in business and industry. The complexity of most of this machinery requires an understanding of electricity-electronics, pneumatics, hydraulics, mechanical devices, industrial computers, sensors, instrumentation equipment, and automated systems.
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Industrial Welding Technician
The industrial welding technician will assist engineers, supervisors of production and journeyworkers in the smooth and efficient production of quality welded and metal fabricated product and piece parts.
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Natural Resources Technician
The occupational category of Natural Resources Technician includes a variety of job titles: soil and water conservation technician, fish and game management technician, forestry aide/technician, campground manager, surveying assistant, mapping and appraisal technician, and wastewater technician.