Academics
Academics
Academics to Launch You in High Demand
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology has been changing the lives of students since 1905. We provide a well-rounded, two-year education that nearly guarantees a good job and the opportunity for a better life. While most students accept one of several job offers they receive upon graduation, some choose to further their education. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology offers associate degrees and one-year certificates in a range of technical majors. The College also offers short-term training programs in six months or less leading to in-demand jobs at our Workforce and Economic Development Center.
Associate Degrees
Each of the two-year associate degrees at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology includes general education classes and hands-on labs daily for practical, job-ready skills. Our programs focus on applied sciences – using STEM knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Certificate Programs
The College also offers four certificate programs, which can be completed within one school year. These involve similar hands-on technical lab spaces and experienced industry faculty leadership throughout the year.
Short-Term Training
Not only does Thaddeus Stevens College offer degrees and certificates, we also provide short-term training for those unemployed, under-employed, or looking to expand their skillset in a way that can still balance other life commitments. Our short-term training programs are six months or less, and we also offer customized employer trainings.
General Education Requirements
In addition to technical training, associate degree programs at Thaddeus Stevens College include a theoretical and general education class load as well. Students must successfully complete at least one general education class in each of the following four areas: English, math, science, and humanities. A total of 25 general education credits are required to earn a degree.
Review general education details.
Course Catalog
The course catalog at Thaddeus Stevens College includes each academic major and a description, full curriculum for each program, financial aid information, and student life details. It also includes information on our campus, admissions and enrollment, and student organizations.
Academic Support
The College offers academic support through free tutoring, academic coaching, and academic seminars. Students are encouraged to seek assistance as soon as challenges arise, and can come to the tutoring labs in the Academic Support Center in the Learning Resources Center, no appointment is necessary.
Learn more about academic supports.
Calendar
The College maintains a calendar with important dates for academic semesters, including orientation, class start dates, drop or add periods, last day of classes, and grade due dates. It also notes days the College is closed for holidays or breaks.
Course Selection
Students are responsible for fulfilling their graduation requirements, with support from faculty advisors. Students register themselves for their required courses, both general education and technical labs, following a recommended model schedule. Deviations from the required requirements must be approved by both the student’s faculty advisor and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Textbooks
Textbooks may be purchased directly or online from the Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) Lancaster bookstore at http://bookstore/hacc.edu/ under ‘Textbooks’. You can select Stevens and the current semester from the ‘Select a campus’ dropdown menu. Stevens Grant students receive loaned textbooks.
Learn more about how to access textbooks.
Library
The Library is open to all members of the College community, including alumni who have paid dues and our Emeritus retirees. We have resource guides by subject, many online resources, and a reference librarian able to help with specific inquiries.
Registrar
The College’s Office of the Registrar supports students, alumni, and employees. You can verify a degree or enrollment, order a transcript, and understand steps to continue your education or transfer. Our Registrar’s office also includes steps to withdraw.
Get in touch with the Registrar’s Office.
Academic Overload
An academic or credit overload happens when a student registers for more than 19 credits per semester, such as three general education courses of three credits each in addition to the required technical subjects. This tends to occur when a student is trying to make up a required course. Those trying to schedule an overload credit level must have permission from their advisor.
Transcripts
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide online transcript ordering services 24 hours a day. The National Student Clearinghouse website provides information on how to place an order, delivery options, and associated fees.
Order a transcript from the National Student Clearinghouse.
Continue Your Education
If you are planning to continue your education after you graduate from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, we’ve created pathways through articulation agreements with other colleges and universities. These pathways can support you in transferring to another higher education institution.
View continuing education pathways institutions.
Occupational Advisory Committees
Each of our programs includes oversight from an Occupational Advisory Committee. These committees are comprised of industry and professional leadership, helping to advise on curriculum, equipment, and advocate for the program’s advancement. Our committees help us build stronger programs and a thriving College!
Learn more about our Occupational Advisory Committees.
Home Construction Project
One of the essential ways we help students gain hands-on experience in our trades programs is through the process of building a home from the ground up each year. Nearly a dozen faculty and ~200 students from nine programs collaborate to construct a duplex in Lancaster County.