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 Continuing Education 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, Associated Equipment Distributors, 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.
Educational Plan
Students come to Johnson College to prepare themselves as entry-level technicians in the industry and professional community.
To accomplish this primary objective, students pursue 40+ credits of program major coursework and 20+ credits of core career coursework. The student-faculty ratio is 8:1.
Faculty members bring to each program a combination of professional education and sound, practical experience. The faculty exhibits a personal interest in the progress of all students, encouraging and assisting them to achieve the maximum benefit from their programs of study.
The physical facilities consist of modern classrooms, occupational areas, and laboratories that are furnished with tools, machines, equipment and materials that are required to provide a thorough program of education. Equipment used for training in each program of education is representative of that found in industry and is selected to provide the student with the broadest educational experience possible. Examples of this equipment include hand and power tools, specialized testing and repairing apparatus, industrial units, and clinical devices. Our academic programs provide an extension of this exposure by requiring students to participate in experiential learning opportunities at off-campus locations.
Learning opportunities are enhanced through the use of the college Resource Center which is kept current with books, periodicals, and brochures and provides students with high speed internet access. The Resource Center provides for the gathering of information from a variety of outside services and is a member of the Northeast Pennsylvania Library Consortium. In addition, close contact is maintained with institutional and industrial libraries in the areas which provide additional sources of reference information. Further learning comes from the use of educational videos, field trips, and presentations by business and industrial professionals.
Careers in technology are constantly changing as a result of new products and developments in materials, tools, machinery, equipment, methods and techniques. Program Advisory Committees, comprised of representatives from business and industry, meet regularly with the faculty and administration to make suggestions on course content and program curriculua so that College programs are kept current.
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 of the below 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
Architectural Drafting & Design Technology
Automotive Technology
Aviation Technology
Biomedical Equipment Technology
Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology
Civil Design Technology
Diesel Truck Technology
Electrical Construction Technology
Electronic Engineering Technology
Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Technology
Heavy Equipment 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
Diesel Preventative Maintenance Technology
Industrial Technology
Welding Technology