Academic Divisions

The General Studies and Transfer Division, which is comprised of five departments – Biology, Business/Information Systems, Communications, Liberal Arts, and Math/Engineering/Physical Sciences is committed to providing excellence in all areas of instruction and offer educational opportunities that meet or exceed the standards set forth by all appropriate accrediting agencies. The Transfer/General Studies Division endeavors to provide an educational environment that is accessible to and meets the needs of all students including providing educational opportunities via distance learning as well as traditional classes.

This division strives to:

• offer developmental education in mathematics and English, if needed, in order to prepare students for upper level courses.
• offer high-quality transferable courses for students who intend to transfer to a senior university.
• offer relevant courses to support the needs of students in other divisions of the college.
• coordinate with other institutions within the Alabama Community College System to maintain articulation agreements.
  

The mission of the Nursing Education Program at Jefferson State Community College is as follows:

• To contribute to the continuing provision of health care in the community by offering quality associate degree and practical nursing programs.
• To provide the organization through which the philosophy, program objectives, curriculum and program policies may be developed, implemented, evaluated, and revised within the framework of the College's organization in a manner which maintains approval by the Alabama Board of Nursing and accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
• To interpret the purposes of the Nursing Education Program to other institutions, organized groups, or individual members of the community.
• To promote an environment conducive to satisfaction and professionalism of the nurse faculty and staff.

The mission of the Distance Education Department is to provide accessibility to education through a broad range of quality courses in various disciplines via a variety of non-traditional delivery methods such as internet, videoconferencing, dual enrollment. Distance education courses are comparable to traditional courses and are taught by qualified Jefferson State instructors. Upon successful completion of these courses, students receive credit equivalent to traditional courses. The department strives to:

• provide flexible learning opportunities tailored to meet the needs of students.
• provide learning opportunities to a population of students who have difficulty accessing the campus for a variety of reasons including childcare, transportation, and physical disabilities
• meet the needs of various community populations by designing both credit and non-credit courses delivered
• via various distance learning formats prepare students to continue their education at four-year institutions or

Students can satisfy general education core requirements for transfer programs with courses offered through the Department of Biology for pre-professional and professional programs listed in the Catalog and Student Handbook.

The mission of the Center for Professional, Career, and Technical Education is to provide educational and workforce training experiences that are designed to prepare students for immediate employment and upgrade current worker skills. The Center is committed to offering high quality programs and services that support the mission of the college. The Center offers the following professional, career, and technical programs: Biomedical Equipment Technology; Construction and Building Science Technology; Child Development; Clinical Laboratory Technology; Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement; EMS/Paramedic; Fire Science; Funeral Service; Hospitality Management/Culinary Apprenticeship; Manufacturing and Technology; Physical Therapist Assistant ; Radiologic Technology Program; and Veterinary Technology (Distance Learning).

The Center strives to:

• provide relevant professional, career, and technical programs, courses, and training opportunities that are designed to meet the educational and training needs of students and employers
• update curricula, laboratories, and technology as necessary to remain current with industry standards and to ensure that students are provided quality learning opportunities
• explore new teaching methodologies and delivery modes that may enhance student learning and expand access to educational offerings
• establish partnerships and maintain relationships with schools, colleges and universities, business/industry, municipalities, and other external groups
• provide quality advising and guidance to students to enhance student success
• maintain a professional and knowledgeable faculty
• maintain standards of excellence in programs content