Johnson College is a vital resource for career and technical education in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The College was founded by Orlando S. Johnson, a wealthy coal baron from Scranton who left the bulk of his estate to form a trade school for secondary-level students, teaching them “useful arts and trades that may enable them to make an honorable living and become contributing members of society.” In 1964, the school transitioned to a post-secondary institution offering certificates. Throughout the century, new buildings were constructed, and degree programs added.
Today, Johnson College offers associate degree programs, academic certificates, and numerous job training opportunities. The Workforce Advancement and Value-Added Education (WAVE) department offers non-credit training programs to upskill the local workforce in areas of machining, carpentry, drafting, and automotive repair. The College also supports the area’s youth by offering STEM training through summer camps, after-school activities, and other special events. The College honors multiple articulation agreements with post-secondary institutions and dual enrollment agreements with multiple secondary schools. The College also participates in the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Students Occupationally and Academically Ready (SOAR) Program of Study (POS) educational plan that aligns secondary career and technical programs to a post-secondary credential or associate degree. The College’s faculty and staff are dedicated individuals who support the student experience, either through teaching or through educational support services and administration.
Johnson College is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), 1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801 or www.msche.org. Johnson College’s accreditation status is Accreditation Granted. MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Several Johnson College programs maintain additional accreditation through agencies such as the American Design Drafting Association International, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.
Mission Statement
Johnson College provides industry-focused, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into and advance in their careers.
Vision Statement
To make the world our campus through industry partnerships and experiential learning by teaching the students of today the skills of tomorrow.
Institutional Goals
Goal I
Foster a culture of innovative instructional practices to enhance students’ academic performance.
Goal II
Promote an inclusive environment to expand and support a diversified population.
Goal III
Integrate student support systems in a meaningful way to foster success.
Goal IV
Enhance industry and community relationships for the mutual benefit of students and the marketplace.
Goal V
Optimize resources to reflect our continued commitment to responsible growth.
Shared Values
Forward-thinking: We strive to be the leaders of change. We anticipate hurdles, innovate, and make incremental improvements by embracing an innovative and proactive attitude.
Equity: We adopt an equity framework that proactively seeks to make Johnson College accessible, affordable, and inclusive for all people.
Student-centered: The best interest of our students is a central consideration in all we do.
Collaboration: We interact with dignity and respect for those with whom we work, inside and outside the College, to ensure productive and quality partnerships.
Advancement: We have the courage and curiosity to challenge the status quo, innovate and take calculated risks. We find new ways to move forward which translates into growth for our students, our campus, and our community.
The institutional goals and shared values of our organization are those on which we build the foundation, perform work, and conduct ourselves.
Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Act
The Perkins Grant program is a federal grant that enables Johnson College to provide support services to students who qualify within the program’s guidelines. The program includes a comprehensive system of supporting students attending Johnson College Programs.
Any action taken by Johnson College in implementing the Perkins Grant program may be appealed by current students, parents of current students, teachers employed by Johnson College, or local area residents, in writing, to the Director of the Perkins Grant at the address listed below. The appeal must be received in the office of the Director of the Perkins Grant within ninety (90) calendar days from the date the action is taken or announced, whichever occurs first.
The Director of the Perkins Grant will present the written appeal to the Perkins Committee of Johnson College at a session convened within fourteen (14) calendar days from the receipt of the appeal. The Perkins Committee will review the appeal and determine if further action is necessary. The Committee will notify the person(s) in writing within ten (10) calendar days of the Committee’s decision.
If the Committee’s decision is adverse to the person(s) filing the appeal, the written appeal will be presented to the full Perkins Advisory Board at its next regularly scheduled session. The Board will vote on the action to be taken. A majority of the full Advisory Board will be necessary to reverse the decision recommended by the Executive Committee.
The Director of the Perkins Grant will notify the person(s) of the full Advisory Board’s decision in writing within ten (10) calendar days. The next level of appeal is the Commissioner of Post-Secondary Education, Bureau of Post-Secondary Services, Division of Program Services, Pennsylvania Department of Education, 333 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333.
A copy of this procedure will be provided to faculty and staff.
Petitions may be sent to:
Director of the Perkins Grant
Johnson College
3427 North Main Ave
Scranton, PA 18508
Johnson College is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action College.
Educational Plan
Students attend Johnson College to prepare for entry-level technician roles in industry and the professional community. To achieve this goal, students pursuing an associate degree complete over 40 credits of major-specific coursework and more than 20 credits of core career coursework. The student-faculty ratio is 8:1.
Faculty members bring a blend of professional education and practical experience to each program. They take a personal interest in the progress of every student, and provide encouragement and support to help them reach their full potential.
The physical facilities include modern classrooms, occupational spaces, and laboratories, all equipped with the tools, machines, equipment, and materials necessary to support a well-rounded educational program. The equipment used in each program reflects what is found in the industry and is selected to provide students with a comprehensive learning experience. This includes hand and power tools, specialized testing and repair equipment, industrial units, and clinical devices. Our academic programs further enhance this experience by requiring students to engage in experiential learning opportunities at off-campus locations.
Learning opportunities are enhanced by the college’s Resource Center, which is regularly updated with books, periodicals, and brochures, and offers high-speed internet access to students. The Resource Center facilitates access to information from various external services and is a member of the Northeast Pennsylvania Library Consortium. Additionally, the college maintains strong connections with institutional and industrial libraries, providing further reference materials. Learning is also enriched through educational videos, field trips, and presentations by business and industry professionals.
Careers in technology are continually evolving due to advancements in products, materials, tools, machinery, equipment, methods, and techniques. To ensure College programs stay up-to-date, Program Advisory Committees, made up of representatives from business and industry, meet regularly with faculty and administration to provide recommendations on course content and program curricula.
Degrees Awarded
Johnson College is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the State Board of Education to award two degrees, the Associate in Science (A.S.) degree and the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. All programs of study prepare graduates for entry-level positions in their field of study.
The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree is awarded to students who graduate from the following programs:
– Computer Information Technology
– Physical Therapist Assistant
– Radiologic Technology
– Veterinary Nursing
The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is awarded to students who graduate from the following programs:
– Advanced Manufacturing Technology (not accepting new students)
– Architectural Drafting & Design Technology
– Automotive Technology
– Aviation Technology
– Biomedical Equipment Technology
– Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology
– Civil Design Technology (not accepting new students)
– Diesel Truck Technology
– Electrical Construction Technology
– Electronic Engineering Technology
– Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Technology
– Mechatronics Technology
– Welding Fabrication & Manufacturing Technology
Academic Certificates Awarded
The Certificate is awarded to students who graduate from the following programs:
– Building and Property Maintenance Technology
– Cybersecurity Analytics & Operations
– Diesel Preventative Maintenance Technology
– Industrial Technology
– Welding Technology