This descriptive report looks at Pensacola Junior College's (PJC's) efforts to: (1) define the competencies students are to acquire through the college's vocational and general education programs; and (2) map out a sequence of courses for each program, based on a hierarchical ranking of these competencies. The report first discusses an employer survey conducted to identify requisite, on-the-job skills for a variety of occupations, providing examples of survey instruments itemizing competencies for paramedics, draftspersons, and auto body repair workers. The report then describes the ordering of the identified competencies, starting with the highest-level competency and working backward through sequential, prerequisite skills. The program maps which were based on these hierarchies are presented for programs in paralegal training, building maintenance, and food service management. These maps graphically portray course sequences leading to associate degrees or certificates. After a discussion of the usefulness of these maps for communicating program content, the report examines the rationale upon which PJC plans to determine competencies, prerequisites, and course sequences for general education programs. Under this rationale, courses will progressively strengthen the students' decision-making skills by providing information on scientific, political, and cultural issues. A general chemistry course chart is provided as an illustration of how unacquired competencies delimit the student's decision-making capabilities. (JP)