Overview
Pierpont Community and Technical College Offers Academic Studies and Extracurricular Activities Within the Campus of FSU
Pierpont is found in the little town of Fairmont, West Virginia, on the campus of Fairmont State University. This community college offers students more than eighty different opportunities to explore special interests such as student government, professional and honorary organizations, fraternities and sororities, and music groups. Many students also enjoy expanding their network of contacts and friends outside of class through religious and arts clubs and intramural sports like flag football, softball, horseshoes, and even backgammon.
Fitness regimens are continued within the Falcon Center on campus, offering a multitude of fitness equipment, a pool, and indoor courts and tracks. The library is also within walking distance to allow students to study after breaking a sweat or simply release some steam while studying for finals.
Many students at Pierpont aim to explore the surrounding small town of Fairmont or the beautiful countryside of West Virginia on weekends and summer breaks. Resident students find that the Fairmont-Marion Transit Authority offers the best deal of a free ride to Fairmont, Clarksburg, and Morgantown with a student ID. In addition, students are allowed to park on or off campus, and are issued parking rates based on their load of credit hours.
Students enjoy exploring the local county parks and recreation centers, local festivals and events, as well as touring the historical downtown area of Fairmont. Shopping, dining, and a 70-acre water park attract many students during their "down" time at school. Weekend camping trips may lead to more expansive travel throughout West Virginia in search of resort amenities, canoeing, hunting, fishing, or golfing opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast.
Human Services and Health Careers are Possible with Work/Life Credit Opportunities and Transfer Options to Fairmont
Students at Pierpont are typically interested in human services or health careers, as well as business and aviation technology. The Administrative Support and Business Technology Program aims to prepare students by maintaining studies that are directly applicable to the ever-changing business environment and management practices in the "real" world.
Information systems studies teaches students about computer and network design as well as troubleshooting tactics. A major feature of Pierpont's information systems programs is that the high-technology firm, Cisco, issues students a letter to allow them to take certification tests to become a Certified Cisco Network Administrator, something highly sought after by employers.
Other study programs available to students include business certificate programs, aviation maintenance technology, electronics, and professional flight and administration management. This professional program allows for either a degree that leads to an FAA or FCC certification.
Computer studies such as commercial design and internet publishing offer up-to-date courses that are applicable to today's working environment. Drafting and engineering technology and graphics technology allows students to make use of the latest CAD software and publishing techniques while studying for an associate degree.
An Associate of Arts degree is awarded to liberal arts students after studying various courses aimed to help them prepare for future work opportunities. Many of these students also work while earning their degree, and later transfer to Fairmont University to complete studies for a bachelor's degree.
Special studies opportunities include the American Sign Language Communication Program and Interpreter Training Program. The Board of Governors Associate in Applied Science degree allows students who have no other post-secondary degrees to begin studies toward this degree two years after graduation from high school. This is a very flexible program that allows students to take on-campus or online classes, and also awards credit for previous work and life experience.
Aviation Technology Studies at the Fairmont State National Aerospace Education Center Lead to FAA-Certified AMT Status
Pierpont's Aviation Technology School is found at the Fairmont State National Aerospace Education Center in the Harrison Marion Regional Airport. This allows real experience with the aircraft and environment of the airport while earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in aviation maintenance technology. At the end of this program, a student will be an FAA-certified Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT). These AMTs inspect, service, and maintain all parts of an aircraft, including its electrical and mechanical systems.
Every graduate from the AMT program may apply earned credits toward a special 2+2 Bachelor of Science degree in aviation maintenance management at Fairmont University. Graduates from both the bachelor's and associate program report finding employment with major and regional airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration, corporate aviation programs, the U.S. armed forces, and even aircraft manufacturers.
Pierpont Offers Financial Aid to Meet a Variety of Student Needs to Complete an Education at Community College
The staff at Pierpont strives to create and discover unique financing opportunities to ensure every student has the opportunity to accomplish his or her personal educational goals. Most students apply for financial aid that is awarded on a needs basis, such as federal grants and subsidized loans. Scholarships, traditional loans, and work programs also provide plenty of opportunity to finance and pursue an individual's chosen course of study at Pierpont.
