»¨½·Ö±²¥

Skip to main contentSkip to main navigationSkip to footer content

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies or Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with Trade School Partnership

Workers at construction siteThere is a shortage of skilled professionals in the construction industry. The University of »¨½·Ö±²¥ is dedicated to bridging this gap by offering comprehensive training for the next generation of construction professionals.

USM's unique partnership with the allows students to earn valuable certificates in the trades while also working toward a bachelor's degree in either liberal studies or interdisciplinary studies. 

  • Electrical Technology
  • HVAC
  • Construction Technology

Developing Critical Thinkers and Problem Solvers

In today's professional landscape, it's not just about wielding tools; it's about critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective leadership. Our program focuses on honing technical skills and cultivating attributes crucial for success in the field. USM graduates possess the ability to think critically, analyze data, develop innovative solutions, and lead teams effectively.
Apply to the USM/KCKCC Program
Program Information
  • Take part in everything USM has to offer while enrolled in the trade parternship program – including living on campus, participating in student life activities, and playing a varsity sport
  • Limited space available
  • Some summer classes required
  • Application and official transcripts are required at both institutions. Contact your USM admissions representative for more information
  • Note: students with transfer work should connect with a USM Academic Advisor regarding eligibility to enroll in the program, possible degree plan alterations, and financial aid eligibility restrictions
  • Transportation required
  • Trade School Partnership Program is not eligible to those with VA benefits or International Students on F1 Visa

Schedule a USM Campus Visit


Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (120 Credits)
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (120 Credits)
  • General Electives (KCKCC Certificates) – 45 Credits
  • USM Major Requirements – 39 Credits
  • USM General Education Requirements – 36 Credits

​

  • Electrical Technology: Certificate B (44 Credits)
  • HVAC: Certificate A (16 Credits)
  • Construction Technology: Certificates A and B (36 Credits)

Option 1 – Three Areas of Concentration
+ Two areas with a minimum of 12 credits in each area (6 credits must be upper-level)
+ One area with a minimum of 15 credits (9 credits must be upper-level)

Option 2 – Two Areas of Concentration
+ One area with a minimum of 18 credits (9 credits must be upper-level)
+ One area with a minimum of 21 credits (9 credits must be upper-level)

Concentration courses cannot be used to satisfy general education requirements.

The approved professional areas of concentration include: Business Administration-Management, Business Administration-Marketing, Criminology, Cybersecurity, Education, Exercise Science, Nursing, and Sport Management

The approved professional areas of concentration include: Art, Biology, Chemistry, English, History, Math, Psychology, Political Science, and Theology

  •  Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communications
  •  English Comp I
  •  English Comp II
  •  Introduction to Spirituality
  •  Arts
  •  Math 134 or higher
  •  Humanities x2 (from different areas of study)
  •  Natural Science with Lab
  •  Social Behavioral Sciences x 2 (from different areas of study)
  •  Theology
Student-athlete swimming

Balancing Academics and Athletics

Play, Learn, and Live at USM

We understand that education is not solely confined to classrooms. That's why we offer students the opportunity to participate in intercollegiate athletics while enrolled in trade courses. Being a member of a varsity team develops leadership skills, teamwork, and resilience – all qualities that are invaluable in the professional world. Participants in this joint KCKCC/USM program can also live in a »¨½·Ö±²¥ residence hall and take part in campus life activities.

Lisa HershQuestions?

Contact Your Admissions Representative
Lisa Hersh at
lisa.hersh@stmary.edu
913-758-6266

Academic Advisor


Karenbeth Zacharias, J.D., Ph.D.Karenbeth Zacharias, J.D., Ph.D.

Liberal Arts and Humanities Division Chair, Lawrence D. Starr Center for Peace & Justice Director
Karenbeth.Zacharias@stmary.edu
913-758-4367
»¨½·Ö±²¥ Hall 312
Read Bio

Sample Academic Plans

 

 

Freshman Year

Summer Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
1 KCKCC: CONS0101 Safety Orientation

 

Fall Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3 EN110/111 Principles of Composition or English Composition I
3-4 MA134/135 Quantitative Literacy with Basic Principles or Quantitative Literacy: Math in the Real World
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3 KCKCC: CONS0106  Intro Craft Skills
4 KCKCC: CONS0109 Floors, Walls, Ceilings

 

Spring Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3 EN 112 English Composition II
3   Social/Behavioral Course
3 COM 120/125 Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communication
3 KCKCC: CONS0111  Roof Framing
4 KCKCC: CONS0108  Carpentry Basics
Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3   Fine Arts Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3 TH 112 Introduction to Spirituality
3 KCKCC: CONS0112  Drywall Level 1-2
3 KCKCC: CONS0110  Concrete Finishing Level 1

 

Spring Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3-4   Natural Science with Lab
3   Humanities Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3 KCKCC: CONS0113  Windows, Doors, Stairs
3   General Elective Course

 

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3   Humanities Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3 KCKCC: CONS0140  Painting Level 1
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course

 

Spring Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3   Theology Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3 KCKCC: CONS0142  Plumbing Level 1
3 KCKCC: CONS0115  Electrical Level 1
3   General Elective Course
Senior Year

Fall Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3

 

Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3

 

Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3

 

Social/Behavioral Science Course
3

 

General Elective Course

 

Spring Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course

3

KCKCC: CONS0208  Carpentry Level 2

 

 

Freshman Year

Summer Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
1 KCKCC: HVAR-0100 Safety

 

Fall Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3 EN110/111 Principles of Composition or English Composition I
3   Social/Behavioral Course
3 COM 120/125 Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communication
2 KCKCC: HVAR-0102  Refrigeration Fundamentals
4 KCKCC: HVAR-0101  Electrical Fundamentals
1 KCKCC: HVAR-0125  Workplace Skills

 

Spring Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3 EN 112 English Composition II
3-4 MA134/135 Quantitative Literacy with Basic Principles or Quantitative Literacy: Math in the Real World
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
4 KCKCC: HVAR-0115  HVAC Fundamentals
3 KCKCC: HVAR-0120  Heating System Fundamentals
1 KCKCC: HVAR-0130   EPA 608
Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3   Fine Arts Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3 TH 112 Introduction to Spirituality
3   General Elective
3   General Elective 

 

Spring Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3-4    Natural Science with a Lab
3   Humanities Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3   General Elective Course

 

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3   Humanities Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3   General Elective Course
3   General Elective Course

 

Spring Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3   Theology
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3   General Elective Course
2   General Elective Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
Senior Year

Fall Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3

 

Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3

 

Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3

 

Social/Behavioral Science Course
3

 

General Elective Course

 

Spring Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course

3

  General Elective Course

3

  General Elective Course

 

 

Freshman Year

Summer Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3 KCKCC: ELET-0100  Electrical Safety

 

Fall Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3 EN 110/111 Principles of Composition or English Composition I
3   Social/Behavioral Course
3 COM 120/125 Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communication
3 KCKCC: ELET-0120  Electrical Math
4 KCKCC: ELET-0130  AC/DC Circuits I

 

Spring Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3 EN112 English Composition II
3-4 MA134/135  Quantitative Literacy with Basic Principles or Quantitative Literacy: Math in the Real World
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
2 KCKCC: ELET-0104  Print Reading
4 KCKCC: ELET-0150   Residential Wiring
2 KCKCC: ELET-0203  Analog Circuits
Sophomore Year

Summer Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3 KCKCC: ELET-0253  Motor Controls
2 KCKCC: ELET-0245  Troubleshooting Techniques
2 KCKCC: ELET-0255  Programmable Controllers

 

Fall Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3   Fine Arts Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3 TH 112 Introduction to Spirituality
4 KCKCC: ELET-0200  Commercial Wiring I
2 KCKCC: ELET-0101  Electromechanical Systems
2 KCKCC: ELET-0265 Generators & Transformers

 

Spring Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3-4   Natural Science with a Lab
3   Humanities
3   Liberal Arts Concentration
4 KCKCC: ELET-0110  National Electrical Code I
4 KCKCC: ELET-0210  National Electrical Code II

 

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3   Humanities 
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3   Social/Behavioral Science Course

 

Spring Semester

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3   Theology Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
2 KCKCC: ELET-0232  Circuits, Instruments, Measurements
1 KCKCC: ELET-0105  Workplace Skills
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
Senior Year

Fall Semester 

Credit Hours Course Number Course Name
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
3   Liberal Arts Concentration Course
1   General Elective Course