Course Information

Media advertising students discuss practical applications of what they have learned.

The Associate in Occupational and Life Skills (OLS) is a 90-credit degree designed to be completed in four years with a course load of 9 credits per quarter. All OLS courses are college-level with maximum class size of 15.  The small class size allows for the use of teaching techniques that consider the whole student.

All students are required to complete the same learning experiences such as coursework, field work, homework, and assessments.  Time in class is longer per credit to allow for creative explanation of concepts, scaffolding, and exploration of topics as they relate to the student's life.

Coursework is carefully sequenced throughout the four year program. Individual advising each quarter helps students make informed choices about balancing school, work, volunteer, and other obligations. Students develop an educational plan that takes their interests and abilities into account while fulfilling minimum progress requirements.

First Year Courses:

    Computer skills are assessed in each course.
  • Learning Strategies I & II
  • Introduction to Communication
  • Communication in the Workplace
  • Critical Thinking Through Science
  • Healthy Relationships
  • Introduction to Computers
  • Fundamentals of Computer
  • Career Portfolio
  • Self Determination
"I have been in OLS-Venture since 2003 and it has been an exceptional experience. When I first started I didn't have as much self-confidence as I do today. It has matured myself in the workplace and in the public. OLS-Venture has made me grow and think more of challenging ways to solve problems." --Amanda

Second & Third Year Courses:

Small groups work together to enhance learning.
  • Career Exploration
  • News for Daily Living
  • Critical Thinking Through Media
  • Disability Awareness
  • Nutrition, Health & Fitness
  • Human Sexuality
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment and Our Community
  • Citizenship
  • Self Determination in the Workplace
  • Critical Thinking Through Writing
  • Social Change in America
  • Cultural Awareness
  • Office Procedures & Customer Service
  • Workplace Problem Solvers
Discussing Controversial Issues in the Workplace

Fourth year courses:

  • Controversial Issues in the Workplace
  • Workplace Readiness
  • Winter and spring quarter internships, Field Experience I & II
  • Networking and job seeking