Community Development & Public Services Education

The Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation is a specialized transfer degree for students interested in pursuing teacher licensure in elementary, middle, high school, or special education.  Within the degree program, the student will have learning opportunities for the achievement of competence within the general education coursework such as reading, writing, oral communication, fundamental mathematical and natural science, social and behavioral sciences, and the humanities.

• Develop a strong foundation in key subjects, such as literacy, communication, and math, to prepare for your teaching career.
• Take advantage of transfer opportunities through agreements with universities, ensuring a smooth path to advanced degrees and teacher licensure.
• Gain the knowledge and experience needed to excel in a rewarding teaching career and positively impact the next generation of learners.

The Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation is a specialized transfer degree for students interested in pursuing a teacher licensure in elementary, middle, high school in the STEM related fields.  Within the degree program, the student will have learning opportunities for the achievement of competence within the general education coursework such as reading, writing, oral communication, fundamental mathematical and natural science, social and behavioral sciences, and the humanities.

• Build a strong foundation in core subjects, including math, science, and communication, essential for a successful teaching career in STEM.
• Take advantage of transfer opportunities through agreements with universities, ensuring a smooth path to advanced degrees and teacher licensure.
• Gain the knowledge and experience needed to excel in a rewarding teaching career and positively impact the next generation of STEM learners.

The Catawba Valley Community College’s Basic Law Enforcement Training Certificate Program is designed, developed, monitored, and constantly updated by the Criminal Justice Training and Standards Division of the North Carolina Department of Justice. Minimum time for completion is approximately six months. Classes meet during weekdays.

• Gain a broad exposure to each of the functional areas of business.
• Elective courses allow you to dive deeper on one or more business disciplines.
• Minor stresses the important of courage and conviction in a global environment.

The Cosmetology program curriculum is designed to provide competency-based knowledge, scientific and artistic principles, and hands-on fundamentals associated with the cosmetology industry.

• Gain practical, hands-on experience in a simulated salon environment to develop industry-relevant skills.
• Learn from expert instructors in our state-of-the-art Cosmetology Center and get the preparation needed to pass the State Board Exam.
• Open doors to a wide range of career opportunities in the beauty industry, from hairstyling to nail care, skin care, and beyond.

The Criminal Justice Technology curriculum is designed to provide knowledge of criminal justice systems and operations. Study will focus on local, state, and federal law enforcement, judicial processes, corrections, and security services. The criminal justice system’s role within society will be explored.

• Gain in-depth knowledge of criminal justice systems, law enforcement, corrections, and security services.
• Prepare for high-demand roles in law enforcement and corrections, with opportunities to transfer to a four-year university through partnership programs.

Forensic Science is a concentration under the curriculum of Criminal Justice Technology, which focuses on the application of the physical, biomedical, and social sciences to the analysis and evaluation of physical evidence, human testimony and criminal suspects. Study will focus on local, state, and federal law enforcement, evidence processing and procedures.

• Become an expert analyst using physical, biomedical, and social sciences.
• Gain hands-on experience in examining crime scenes using fingerprint classification, chemical development techniques, and recording, casting, and recognizing footwear and tire-tracks.
• Prepare for a variety of careers in law enforcement, corrections, and other criminal justice-related fields.

The Early Childhood Education curriculum prepares individuals to work with children from infancy through middle childhood in diverse learning environments. Students will combine learned theories with practice in actual settings with young children under the supervision of qualified teachers. Course work includes child growth and development; physical and nutritional needs of children; care and guidance of children; and communication skills with parents and children.

• Gain a broad exposure to each of the functional areas of business.
• Elective courses allow you to dive deeper on one or more business disciplines.
• Minor stresses the important of courage and conviction in a global environment.

The Emergency Management curriculum is designed to provide students with a foundation of technical and professional knowledge needed for emergency services delivery in local and state government agencies. Study involves both management and technical aspects of law enforcement, fire protection, emergency medical services, and emergency planning. An Associate of Applied Science Degree is awarded on completion of this degree.

• Develop the technical and administrative skills needed for a career in emergency management.
• Gain hands-on experience through laboratory training and coursework in fire protection, law enforcement, and emergency medical services.
• Prepare for career opportunities in public safety, emergency services, and government agencies.

Emergency Medical Science (EMS) is an education in a branch of medicine that focuses on having a general knowledge in many other fields of medicine and the capacity to provide emergency care to critically ill or injured patients in order to stabilize them for further care. The professionals within this discipline are sought for many positions in the healthcare field, such as: ambulance services, flight crews, emergency rooms, urgent cares, doctor’s offices, and more. The opportunities in emergency medicine are as diverse as the skills these professionals provide.

• Gain specialized training to become a paramedic and deliver life-saving care in emergencies.
• Learn through hands-on experiences and practical coursework that reflects real-world scenarios.
• Prepare for a rewarding career in EMS, working in hospitals, ambulances, and other emergency medical services. This program also offers an Associate degree for those seeking career enhancement.

The Fire Protection Technology curriculum is intended to offer individuals professional and technical knowledge to make decisions regarding fire protection in both public and private domains. It provides a stable foundation for continuous higher learning in fire protection, administration, and management.

• Gain expertise in fire protection systems, arson investigation, hazardous materials, and more.
• Learn from experienced faculty with real-world industry knowledge.
• Pave the way for career advancement in fire protection or further education with a bachelor’s degree.

The Health and Fitness Science Associate Degree is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the fitness and exercise industry.

• Develop expertise in exercise science, fitness assessments, and wellness program implementation.
• Gain hands-on experience and practical training, preparing you to work in diverse environments like gyms, wellness centers, and community health programs.
• Turn your passion into a rewarding career with growth opportunities, supported by CVCC Career Services to connect you with local employers.

The Human Services Technology curriculum prepares students for entry-level positions in institutions and agencies which provide social, community, and educational services.

• Gain hands-on experience and skills to work effectively in mental health, family services, and other human services fields.
• Learn to support diverse populations through cultural competency and client care best practices.
• Prepare for rewarding careers in agencies that make a difference, with opportunities for continued education and professional growth.

Are you committed to protecting and serving your community? CVCC’s Public Services Continuing Education programs provide advanced, in-service training for professionals in fire and rescue, law enforcement, emergency medical services, corrections, and public safety communications.

• Train with experienced instructors in real-world scenarios that strengthen your skills and confidence.
• Stay current with state and federal requirements through courses in emergency management, medical response, CPR, and more.
• Prepare for leadership roles in public safety with a curriculum designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s emergency and law enforcement professionals.