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School of Business and Applied Technologies

Learn more about our degrees and certificates!

The School of Business and Applied Technologies (BAT) offers majors with pathways that lead to careers in agriculture, business, computer and information technologies, digital arts, engineering and manufacturing technologies and mechanical trades. Our programs provide hands-on application of theory to give students real-world experience to prepare them for success in the workforce. Students have the options of bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and certificates.

Grants and Projects:

  • Modeling and Simulation Project: This project, funded by the Department of Labor's Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), is developing Modeling and Simulation curriculum for short-term certificates, a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree, and potentially a Bachelor of Applied Science degree.  This program serves the ever-growing need for expertise in digital engineering solutions, such as creating highly accurate digital models and precise simulation based on measurable criteria, which in turn will create and manage resources more efficiently and effectively.  This project works closely with industry partners to ensure that degree earners have the latest and most relevant knowledge and skills to support national defense activities and regional manufacturing. 
  • Metallica Scholars: This opportunity from the All Within My Hands foundation is a major workforce education initiative that provides direct support to community colleges to enhance their career and technical education programs. These programs provide skills and services to students looking to enter a traditional trade or other applied learning program. Clark State, the first institution in Ohio accepted into the program, joined in the 2022 year-4 cohort which brought the Metallica Scholars network 32 schools in 27 states. The resources provide full funding scholarships for students in the Welding and Laser Material Processing programs.
  • ARCTOS Project: The goal of this Department of Defense funded program is to develop new training models that enable the U.S. industrial base transition to a digital manufacturing environment rapidly and successfully. Coordinated by that regional industry partner ARCTOS, Three Ohio community colleges are working with industry and DoD partners to define, develop and deploy stackable fit-for-purpose training packages that reduce the barriers to adoption of I4.0 technologies. Each community college has a unique but complementary focus area: Lorain County Community College (Elyria, OH) –Automation & Robotics; Sinclair Community College (Dayton, OH) – Digital Thread; Clark State College (Springfield, OH) – Laser Material Processing/Photonics (LMP). To date, Clark State has acquired the necessary equipment and initiated its LMP curriculum in the 2023 fall semester. Additionally, we are working with both four-year and secondary learning institutions in order to solidify training pathways for this industry technology, which includes curriculum sharing and train-the-trainer programs.
  • H-1B One Workforce Grant: This Department of Labor award is designed to develop replicable, comprehensive workforce strategies for preparing the workforce for advanced manufacturing. This grant provides resources to work with industry stakeholders to develop dynamic workforce strategies that train workers and jobseekers in order to build proof of concepts of innovative training models that can be replicated by the broader workforce system.

Designations and On-Campus Labs

  • Cybersecurity Center of Academic Excellence: With labs located at both the Leffel Lane main campus and our Greene Center located in Beavercreek, this designation by the Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency is bestowed upon institutions that meet a rigorous set of requirements and commit to producing cybersecurity professionals that will reduce vulnerabilities in our national infrastructure.
  • Sweet Advanced Manufacturing Center: Named after the Sweet family, the center, located in Shull Hall, opened in 2015 and has helped the college grow its manufacturing capabilities. The center is comprised of additive manufacturing, welding, and CNC labs, as well as classroom space for students studying manufacturing. The labs allow individuals to apply their skills directly on state-of-the-art equipment.
  • Directed Learning Lab (DLL): This lab, located in Shull Hall, houses the equipment for the Industrial Technologies program. With flexible hours in the day, evening, and on weekends and staffed with experts in the field, students can visit on their own time to practice and demonstrate technical abilities that complement online portions of courses.
  • Ohio Center for Precision Agriculture: This designation from and National Science Foundation (NSF) funded project is designed to serve as the precision agriculture clearing house of information in Ohio. This is housed along with the Agriculture programs in Shull Hall.
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems Collegiate Training Initiative (UAS-CTI): A designation bestowed by the Federal Aviation Administration, this acknowledges that the institution has a degree with a minor, concentration, or certificate which provides training in the fundamentals of UAS.
  • The associate degree options in our Agriculture cluster allows for the pursuit of careers in Agricultural Business, the Horticulture Industry, and Precision Agriculture. There are additional options in the Horticulture pathway to specialize in golf course operations, landscape design, natural resources, nursery operations, and turf and landscape operations. The Clark State campus becomes the classroom for many of these pursuits.
  • Pursue a career in business by earning certificates and associate degrees in our Accounting, Judicial Court Reporting, Office Administration, Paralegal, or Management programs. Our Management program offers additional specialties in Banking, Human Resources, Insurance, Logistics and Supply Chain, Marketing, and Real Estate.
  • Our computer and information technology cluster has diverse programs in Computer Networking, Computer Software Development, Cybersecurity, GIS/Geospatial Technology, and Library Information Services. Whether pursing a career in managing and securing computer systems, software programming, mapping and analysis, or assisting in research, we have the certificates and associate degrees to put you on that path.
  • Prepare for a career in the digital arts by earning certificates and associate degrees in our Graphic Design and New Media programs. Graphic Design is a computer intensive learning experience focusing on industry-standard practices and is dedicated to keeping up with technological advances affecting the visual arts with a fine arts sensibility. New Media brings together web design and development; social media; and digital content creation such as photography, video, audio, and animation to create interactive experiences for computer users.
  • For those interested in engineering and the mechanical trades, numerous pathways are available. Earn "stacking" short-term and one-year technical certificates on the path to an associate degree in both manufacturing and industrial technologies in our Computer Aided Design (CAD), Industrial Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, and Mechanical Engineering Technology programs. Certificate options include: Additive Manufacturing, CAD, Computer Numerical Control (CNC), Robotics, Welding, Electrical/Hydraulic/Mechanical/Pneumatic Systems, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). Even more, get to work in either our Diesel Technology or Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration programs.
  • Whether pursuing a bachelor's degree from scratch or continuing from an associate's degree, we have two Bachelor of Applied Science options: Web Design and Development (WDD) and Manufacturing Technologies Management (MTM. The WDD program is a combination of front-end (web design) and back-end (web development) curriculum with an emphasis on experiential learning. The degree is designed so that completers of our Computer Software Development or New Media associate degrees can transition seamlessly into the final two years of the program. The MTM program prepares students to pursue management, supervisor, and team leader roles in manufacturing, distribution, and engineering related facilities. The degree is designed so that completes of one of our engineering and industrial technologies associate degrees can transition seamlessly into the final two years of the program.

Dean Information

Dr. Adam John Parrillo, Dean, School of Business and Applied Technologies
937.328.6040

Kierre Brown, Assistant Dean, School of Business and Applied Technologies
937.328.8087

Questions? We're here to help!

Cathy Tagg Administrative Assistant to the Dean

937.328.6037 taggm@clarkstate.edu