Rio Salado College - Associate of Applied Science

SCTE has partnered with Rio Salado College (RSC) in Tempe, Arizona, to create a degree program for professionals working in the telecommunications industry. Through a combination of courses from both RSC and SCTE, learners can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Broadband Telecommunications.

SCTE online courses count toward the associate degree that can be completed through RSC. Rio Salado’s Telecommunication (TLT) courses align with SCTE’s training. Through this cooperative program, Rio Salado will award college credit for the below-listed SCTE courses based on Prior Learning Assessment.

“The growing demand for talent in the broadband industry requires creative solutions and we’re committed to increasing the number of the pathways our members can take to upskill and earn degrees,” said Mark Dzuban, CEO of SCTE. “We are pleased to work with Rio Salado to introduce another program to address the need to onboard, train and develop a fully skilled technical and operations workforce.”

Rio Salado College has decades of experience partnering with organizations to provide their employees the opportunity to earn college credit for successful completion of their extensive mandatory workplace training programs.

"Telecommunications is critical to daily operations across our communities, and the employees within the industry make the difference. Rio Salado College is honored to partner with the SCTE to provide flexible and accessible pathways that meet the requisite telecommunications workforce demands while providing supported pathways to career mobility," said Dr. Kate Smith, Rio Salado College President. “Supporting people to realize their greatest potential is the most important work we do, and we are excited to work with SCTE to do just that for the industry that keeps us all connected.”

Learners can receive credit for coursework completed at SCTE and transfer credits from other colleges or universities. The credits can then be applied toward the total needed to achieve a degree.

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Get College Credit for your SCTE Training

Rio Salado College offers Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) for students with existing industry certifications, licenses, and approved training. As a telecommunications professional, you can receive 9 credits at no cost toward your 61-63 credit Associate of Applied Science Degree in Broadband Telecommunications for completion of the SCTE Broadband Premises Installation (BPI) Bundle and Broadband Wireless Specialist (BWS) Bundle.

In order to receive Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), you will need to:

Be admitted to Rio Salado College with a Student ID
Allow a day for admissions to be processed.
Complete Credit for Prior Learning by Evaluation or Certification Form (SCTE will be contacted for verification of Certification and course completion)
Please allow two weeks for verification and processing.

Credit for prior learning allows you to receive college credits for learning that you acquired through your work or other experience. Prior learning can be evaluated for college credit through national standardized tests or departmental credit by evaluation, existing certificates and licenses.

If you have prior college or university credits, please have your official transcripts sent directly from your previous schools to the Admissions, Records, and Registration Department. This will start the process to see how your previous credits will transfer and apply to your program.

When you're pursuing a degree or certificate at Rio Salado college, you will have an assigned Academic Advisement | Rio Salado College who specializes in your field of interest. Your advisor will be your main point of contact for selecting the academic program and courses to set your goals.

SCTE Courses

The below list includes all courses that have been pre-determined for college credit. As a reminder, learners may receive credit for other classes completed by working through the Credit for Prior Learning Process.

Broadband Premises Installation (BPI) Bundle

Broadband Wireless Specialist (BWS) Bundle

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Bundle

CCNA1v7: Introduction to Networks (4 credits)
CCNA2v7: Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials (4 credits)
CCNA3v7: Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation (4 credits)

Please note that these courses must be completed in the last 3 years.

About Rio Salado College

Rio Salado College is one of ten Maricopa Community Colleges and one of the largest online public community colleges in the nation, serving over 35,000 students annually with more than 18,000 online in 50 states. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, Rio Salado College offers nearly 600 online classes, 135+ degree and certificate programs and general education courses. The college also provides support for dual enrollment, military and incarcerated students, and serves as the largest provider of adult education in Arizona.

Financial Aid

Contact Rio Salado to identify additional financial aid opportunities.
Learners may be eligible for tuition reimbursement through their employer. The maximum payable is $5,250 annually. Contact your organization’s Human Resources department for additional details.
Students can also apply for a grant from the SCTE Foundation for up to $1,500 toward their tuition and fees.

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