Stark State College is committed to providing the best education possible to prepare our graduates for career success in a technologically-sophisticated global economy.  Faculty who are credentialed and experienced in their fields, along with state of the art facilities and equipment, position Stark State to provide high-quality, technology-based education at an affordable cost to the northeast Ohio region.

Our mission is to provide high-value, student-centered associate degrees and professional development. The College is dedicated to individual learning, transferable higher education and career success. We advance quality of life in our region through accessibility and business and community partnerships.  Our vision is that Stark State College will be a first choice in higher education and a catalyst for economic growth.

With an official Fall 2009 headcount of over 12,000 credit and 4,000 noncredit students, Stark State College is the largest of five colleges and universities in Stark County, and is the sixth largest of Ohio’s 23 public two-year colleges in the University System of Ohio.  Stark State graduates are in demand by regional employers who recognize their high level of training and preparation for career success.  Well-trained employees spell success for employers, too!

The College offers over 200 associate degrees, options, one-year and career enhancement certificates in arts and sciences, business and entrepreneurial studies, engineering technologies, health sciences, information technologies and public service.  Degrees awarded are the associate of arts, associate of science, associate of applied science, associate of applied business and associate of technical studies. The College also offers degrees in conjunction with Kent State University in associate of arts, associate of applied business and associate of science. A wide range of short-term career enhancement certificates help employees improve skills and gain a competitive edge in a society with rapidly-changing technology.  Career enhancement certificates lead to associate degrees and one-year certificates in various fields of study.

AFFORDABLE, TRANSFERABLE EDUCATION
Students often get their start at Stark State College through its affordability and transferability. The associate of arts (A.A.) and the associate of science (A.S.) degrees open a multitude of pathways for graduates to pursue a baccalaureate degree in virtually any area of study.  These degrees are designed to promote higher educational attainment and the establishment of successful careers. Both the A.A. and the A.S. degrees may be earned directly through Stark State College or through a partnership with Kent State University-Stark Campus that awards the degree jointly.
The A.A. and A.S. degrees are perfect for those who:

• plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution,
• are undecided about a career path, or
• are seeking retraining for career growth.

Both degrees provide the opportunity to pursue a baccalaureate degree or move directly into the workforce. The associate of arts degree focuses on the social sciences and the humanities.  It is the perfect degree for the student interested in pursuing a bachelor of arts degree in social sciences, communications, business, education or the arts. The associate of science degree provides a solid background in mathematics, natural sciences, or technology and leads to career paths in those fields, as well as transfer options to bachelor of science programs at four-year institution

Stark State also offers a transfer module, which is comprised of up to 37-39 semester hours of credit courses, guaranteed to transfer to all state-supported colleges and universities in Ohio. In addition, the College has a number of articulation (degree transfer) agreements with universities and colleges that enable students to smoothly move from associate degree programs into baccalaureate degree programs.
And, Stark State’s affordability is enhanced by knowledgeable financial aid specialists who help students explore the many grants, loans and scholarships that can help them finance their education.  Approximately 60% of all Stark State students received some form of financial aid.

PARTNERS IN ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Well-respected in the community, Stark State College plays a vital role in the economic growth and development of the region through its strong tradition of providing educational and training services to employers and residents. Through our Division of Corporate Services and Continuing Education, we provide customized contract training programs to area employers. The Division also offers a wide-range of continuing education courses, seminars and workshops to the community.  

Community and business partnerships are vital to Stark State’s success. A partnership with Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems (US) Inc. resulted in the opening of the Fuel Cell Prototyping Center in 2006. This Center positions Stark State as a leader to support the research, development and commercialization of fuel cells. Stark State also works closely with other emerging technologies headquartered on our campus such as Defense Metals and Contained Energy.

STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES
Serving the community is a strong part of Stark State’s heritage.  The College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic provides dental hygiene services to the community at reduced rates by students-in-training who are under the expert supervision of dentists and faculty members. The Massage Therapy Clinic offers the community affordable therapeutic massage while providing our massage therapy students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills by working directly with the public in a supervised setting.  Those same students are often at community events providing free chair massages as a public service and as training for students.
Several new state-of-the-art buildings have opened in recent years to accommodate Stark State’s rapid growth. A $9 million Health Sciences building opened in 2009 to accommodate the region’s growing need for highly-skilled health care workers.  The W.R. Timken Center for Information Technology houses the information technology and engineering technology majors. The Ralph Regula Wellness and Therapy Center is an educational center for students studying physical therapy assisting and occupational therapy assisting. The Automotive Technology Center, located off-campus at 5600 Whipple Ave. N.W., is a 40,000 square-foot facility housing the automotive and transportation technologies.

EXPERIENCED, CREDENTIALED FACULTY SERVE OUR DIVERSE STUDENTS
The average Stark State student fits the profile of the typical two-year college student in the nation: 57% of SSCT students are female; 62% attend college part time; 76% work while attending college; and 53% are the first generation in their families to attend college. The average age of Stark State’s students is 27. The number of minority students at SSCT has grown in recent years and today represents over 19% of total enrollment – higher than minority representation in Stark County.

The College has approximately 180 full-time faculty and, during peak enrollment, more than 350 adjunct faculty. More than 60% of the College’s full-time faculty have masters degrees and 9% have doctorate degrees. The fact that many faculty are hired with extensive expertise in their fields strengthens the College curriculum and provides students greater opportunity for “real world” application of both technical and general knowledge in their majors.

The College also operates with an extensive advisory committee system. Some 300 individuals representing more than 170 companies and organizations serve the College in an advisory capacity on more than 35 committees that support academic programs and student services. Advisory members review curriculum and provide input on current trends in their industries.

Stark State College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Many technology programs are also accredited by their respective licensing/accrediting organizations.

Stark State is located in northern Stark County adjacent to Interstate 77, conveniently located for students from Stark, Carroll, Columbiana, Holmes, Medina, Portage, Summit, Tuscarawas and Wayne Counties. Satellite centers and off-campus course sites are located in Alliance, Barberton, Carrollton, Downtown Canton, Massillon, Navarre, Plain Township, Portage Lakes and Uniontown/Hartville.

Rev. 3/10