Technology and Design - AAS

S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

About This Degree

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Technology and Design is a flexible, stackable degree designed for students with diverse educational and career goals.

Whether you are beginning your studies at Utah State University (USU) or transferring in with a certificate from a Utah technical college, this degree allows you to combine hands on technical training with college level coursework. Students work closely with an academic advisor to build a customized program that supports employment, career advancement, or continued education.

Degree Options & Pathways

Transfer with a Technical College Certificate

Students who have completed a certificate at a Utah technical college may apply that coursework toward the A.A.S. in Technology and Design. With the support of an academic advisor, students select additional courses that deepen their skills and align with a chosen emphasis area.

Available emphasis areas include:

  • Technology and Design: Health Sciences
  • Technology and Design: Design and Creative Arts
  • Technology and Design: General Business
  • Technology and Design: Technology Systems

Start at USU

Students who do not have technical college credit complete their coursework entirely at USU. Through advisor guided course selection, students tailor their degree to match their career interests while gaining practical, transferable skills.

What You Will Learn

Graduates of the Technology and Design A.A.S. develop a balance of technical expertise and academic skills applicable to a wide range of industries.

By the time you complete the program, you will be able to:

  • Apply industry relevant skills in areas such as technology systems, business, health sciences, or design
  • Communicate effectively in written, digital, and professional environments
  • Use digital tools and manage projects efficiently
  • Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills across technical and general education contexts

Pathway to a Bachelor’s Degree

This degree provides a seamless pathway to a bachelor’s degree in Technology Systems, allowing students to complete their bachelor’s in approximately two additional years. This pathway helps students move efficiently toward advanced technical knowledge and leadership opportunities.

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ADVISING

At a Glance

College: S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

Department: Technology, Design and Technical Education Department

USU Locations:

Program Requirements

Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Technology and Design A.A.S. are prepared for entry level and technician level roles across a variety of industries. Career outcomes vary based on the emphasis area selected and the technical or academic coursework completed.

Technology Systems

  • Systems Technician
  • Field Service Technician
  • IT Support Specialist
  • Network or Help Desk Technician

Design and Creative Arts

  • Graphic Designer
  • Digital Media Assistant
  • Visual Communications Technician

General Business

  • Administrative Assistant
  • Operations or Project Assistant
  • Customer Service or Sales Support Specialist

Health Sciences

  • Medical Office Assistant
  • Patient Services Representative
  • Health Services Support Technician

Career Preparation & Advancement

This degree is designed to:

  • Prepare students for immediate employment in technical, business, creative, or applied science roles
  • Support career advancement for working professionals
  • Provide a strong foundation for continued education, including a bachelor’s degree in Technology Systems

Career opportunities may vary by emphasis area, prior training, and work experience.

Job Outlook

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Advising

We will build on your goals and experiences while working together to design an individualized semester-by-semester plan. Your personalized plan will help you see a path from where you are now on to graduation. Even if you are unsure of the major you would like to pursue, we can help with resources and ideas.

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I am not a current USU student

I have not applied or been admitted, even if I've taken a USU Concurrent Enrollment course

I am a current USU student

I have been admitted and plan to attend, or continue attending USU

USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

STATEWIDE CAMPUSES*

USU ONLINE**

*This degree is available at various USU locations.

**This degree is 100% available online. USU is a SARA-approved institution offering fully online programs nationwide; please visit USU's state authorizations for details.

Admission

Admission Requirements

Students are admitted into this program through the university’s regular admission process.

  1. First-Year students admitted to USU in good standing (a 2.5 GPA) qualify for admission to this major.

  2. Transfer students from other institutions and from other USU majors need a 2.2 total GPA for admission to this major in good standing.

For additional information, or to complete an online application, visit: www.usu.edu/admissions/applyonline/index.cfm

Students who have completed a 900-hour program at a UCAT institution or a certificate of completion/proficiency from USU may apply to USU for admission to this program. There are four degree emphasis area for students which include: General Business, Allied Health Systems, Technology Systems, and Design and Creative Art.

Certificates of Proficiency and Completion from USU also count toward the General Technology AAS in place of a UCAT 900 hour certificate.

Program Requirements

A student will complete 15-16 credits of general education, including one course in English composition, a math course, and nine credits of breadth area courses (humanities, physical science, and economics). In addition, the student will complete an emphasis area listed above (usually 19-24 credits). The remainder of the student’s credits will be made up of transfer credits from a UCAT institution (30 credits). The minimum number of credits needed for the AAS degree is 63. A student must have an accumulated GPA of at least 2.0 in order to graduate.

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How to Apply

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