Careers A to Z

While some may think a traditional Southwestern Michigan College student is a recent high school graduate, a look around our campuses will illustrate our students are of various ages and life experiences – all coming together in pursuit of academic achievement.

Students who choose SMC for their undergraduate studies will find highly qualified faculty who use active learning strategies, setting the foundation for academic success that will benefit students well after they have graduated from SMC. All of SMC’s faculty focus on student learning outcomes facilitated in small classes and enhanced by state-of-the-art technology and learning environments.

At SMC you can choose a curriculum that leads to one of three Associate degrees, certificates in a specialized field or pick from a number of selected courses. Our two-year Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees are highly transferable to many four-year colleges and universities.

In addition, SMC offers a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree that is designed primarily as a workforce preparation degree. Through our occupational certificate and specialty certificate programs, students can enroll in specialized training programs that can take from four months to one year to complete.

* Salary ranges are based on national averages taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Indicates 4-year degrees that can be obtained on the SMC campus.

Area of Study SMC Program/ Degree [Click Credential for Curriculum Guide]	Prepares you for:	National Median Salaries
SMC School of Technology
Technology careers are high-tech jobs that require high-tech training. The School of Advanced Technology offers one-year certificates and two year Associate in Applied Science degrees which lead to the latest careers in a global marketplace.
Automotive Technology - Certificate Program	Employment as an Automotive Service Technician in various settings such as automobile dealerships, independent service facilities, franchised repair facilities and specialty shops. Continuation into the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Automotive Technology.	$32,448*
Automotive Technology - Associate in Applied Science
Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology - Certificate Program	Employment or advancement in entry-level CAD positions in manufacturing, mechanical design, medical research, architecture, and product design.	$34,171*
Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology - Associate in Applied Science
Digital Home Technology Integration - Specialty Certificate Program	Digital Home Technology Integration is the installation and integration of various electronic systems in the home and business environment. It is recognized nationally as one of the fastest growing career fields with a current growth of about 15 percent annually. Career fields include security system technician, satellite, telecommunications cable and A.V. installers, and network administrators. Students completing the program are prepared to sit for a national certification examination. This 14-credit certificate can be taken as a stand-along program or as a valuable addition to degree programs in construction trades and computer sciences.
Electrical Systems Technology - Certificate Program	Entry-level employment as an Electrical Technician in construction, maintenance, manufacturing, and retail. Advanced employment in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical and electronic equipment.	$23,019*
Electrical Systems Technology - Associate in Applied Science
Industrial Technology - Associate in Applied Science	Career as a Industrial Technology Technician with the ability to set up and operate conventional tool machines, and program, test, troubleshoot, and repair electromechanical components within an automated manufacturing system.	$24,076*
Occupational Technology - Certificate Program	This certificate and degree program is designed to provide an opportunity to individuals who have various types of focused occupational credit and skill training in a specific career area.	Varies
Occupational Technology - Associate in Applied Science
Precision Production Technology - Certificate Program	Entry-level employment as a Production Machinist in the manufacturing industry using CNC machines to cut and shape precision products. Advanced employment as a Machinist or CNC Programmer in the manufacturing industry using machines such as mills and lathes to produce precision metal parts for a wide variety of services including aircraft, auto, and medical.	$30,324*
Precision Production Technology - Associate in Applied Science
Welding Technology - Certificate Program	Career in welding inspection, production/maintenance welding, or welding machine setting and set-up operating.	$25,686*
SMC School of Business
Accounting - Associated in Applied Science Leading to a Baccalaureate Degree in Accounting through Ferris State University	Entry-level employment in bookkeeping and accounting careers; launching a career in private, public and government accounting. Transfer to a university to continue studies in other areas of business. Advanced employment as a professional Accountant in business or government, or in business fields such as management consulting, and financial management.	$54,630*
Bachelor's of Science Degree in Accountancy with Ferris State University at SMC**	The Accountancy major integrates a liberal arts foundation with a professional field of study. Graduates are prepared for positions in public accounting, private/industrial accounting, governmental/nonprofit accounting and accounting education.
Office Assistant / Specialist - Certificate Program	Career as an Office Administrative Assistant composing routine correspondence, scheduling appointments, reading and routing incoming mail, filing correspondence, and using word processing.	$27,450*
Executive Assistant - Associate in Applied Science	Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, handling information requests, and performing clerical functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings.	$37,240*
Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with Ferris State University at SMC**	A career in commercial banking, corporate finance, financial planning, insurance, investment banking, money management, real estate, advertising, public relations, retailing, and product management.	$67,690*
Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management with Bethel College at SMC**	A career in management with a focus on communication, group behavior, decision making, human resource management, and ethics.
Small Business Management / Entrepreneurship - Specialty Certificate Program	This certificate has been designed to enable students to go right into a small business and become an immediate asset and provides students the opportunity to start their own business.
Special Event Planning - Specialty Certificate Program	This certificate is the first of SMC’s hospitality offerings. In 2004, hospitality accounted for 32.3 percent of occupations in Michigan. Now, travel, tourism and the restaurant industries are some of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the world and by 2014 the projected amount of occupations for the Tri-county area in hospitality alone will account for 34.3 percent of all workforce jobs according to the Michigan Works! Web site. The program can be taken as a stand-along certificate or as a part of SMC’s associate degree programs in business management or executive assistant.	$34,480
	Transfer Options
Advertising and Marketing - Associate in Arts	Transfer to a university to continue studies in art, business, communications, marketing, statistics, finance, communications, retail, or media.
SMC School of Nursing and Human Services
Some of the fastest growing occupations in the next seven years will be in the healthcare, education and human services fields. There are several career options in SMC’s School of Nursing and Human Services which lead to a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree. For students who want immediate employment, the Career in 4 Months (Specialty Certificate or Specialty Credential programs) and the one-year certificate option can be laddered towards the A.A.S. degree.
Education
Early Childhood Education - Associate in Applied Science Leading to a Baccalaureate Degree in Early Childhood Education through Ferris State University	Entry-level employment or advancement in schools, preschools, day cares, community centers, summer camps, social service agencies, and youth service agencies. Or transfer to a university to study early childhood education, family studies, elementary education, or psychology.	$20,220*
Education Paraprofessional - Associate in Applied Science	Individuals who complete this two-year program are qualified to work as a paraprofessional in K-12 school systems.	$15,410*
	Transfer Options
Elementary Education - Associate in Arts	Transfer to a university to continue studies in elementary education.
Physical Education - Associate in Arts	Transfer to a university to continue studies in athletic training, community health, health education training, exercise science, physical education, or recreation.
Secondary Education - Associate in Arts	Transfer to a university to continue studies in English, history, foreign language, mathematics, biology, environmental studies, political science, business, theatre, art, music, or information systems. A bachelor’s degree in one of these areas and teacher certification will qualify you to teach at the secondary level.
Special Education - Associate in Arts	Transfer to a university to continue studies in special education.
Emergency Services
Emergency Medical Technician - Specialty Certificate Program	Employment as an Emergency Medical Technician in hospital emergency rooms or emergency ambulance services. Employment opportunities are increased when you earn the EMT-Specialist ranking.	$21,938*
Medical First Responder - Specialty Credential Program	Licensure by Michigan Department of Public Health as Medical First Responder. Provides students with the basic skills and knowledge necessary to provide care prior to the arrival of the ambulance.	$27,070*
Paramedic - Associate in Applied Science	Career as a Licensed Paramedic in private ambulance services or fire and police departments; caring for and transporting sick and injured patients to medical facilities.	$27,070*
Fire Science
Fire Science - Certificate Program	Jump-start for certified Firefighters - designed to recognize the technical certifications and general education requirements of today’s firefighters.	$41,490
Fire Science - Associate in Applied Science
Health Sciences
Electrocardiogram (ECG) Technician - Specialty Credential Program	An electrocardiogram (ECG) technician operates the instrument that traces the electrical impulses of the heart.	$25,118*
Health Information Technology - Associate in Applied Science	The demand for health records technologists is expected to grow faster than average over the next several years. Technicians are charged with maintaining and safe guarding the information contained in individual health records.	$28,491*
Home Health Aide - Specialty Credential Program	Home health aides are also listed among the fastest growing occupations in the Tri-county region by MDLEEG. SMC’s new home health aide program was designed, in part, in response to a request by the local Michigan Works! office. This 12-credit certificate is a combination of SMC’s existing Competency Evaluated Nursing Assistant (CENA) program along with several other courses designed to provide students with the skills needed to work independently in the homes of their clients.
Medical Assisting - Associate in Applied Science	Career as a Medical Assistant performing routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians running smoothly. Typical office duties include answering telephones, scheduling appointments, handling insurance/billing, bookkeeping, as well as clinical duties such as taking medical histories, recording vital signs, preparing patients for treatments, performing basic lab tests, and administering medications.	$25,000*
Medical Assisting-Clinical - Certificate Program	Career as a clinical Medical Assistant performing duties such as taking medical histories, recording vital signs, preparing patients for treatments, collecting/preparing laboratory specimens, and performing basic lab tests, and administering medications.	$20,650*
Medical Assisting-Office - Certificate Program	Career as a Medical Assistant working in the office/administrative side of a medical office or clinic, performing routine tasks such as answering telephones, greeting patients, scheduling appointments, handling insurance/billing, performing basic bookkeeping, handling correspondence, and arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services.	$20,650*
Medical Billing & Coding - Certificate Program	Career in medical billing and coding according to federal and state guidelines in hospitals, clinics, long term care facilities, and health maintenance organizations.	$22,380*
Pharmacy Technician - Certificate Program	This one-year certificate can be completed after the student earns 32 credits and does require students to meet the minimum prerequisites in reading and mathematics. The program prepares students to sit for a national certification examination. Pharmacy technicians are listed among the “high growth occupations” for the Tri-county area by the Michigan Department of Labor, Energy and Economic Growth.
Phlebotomy - Specialty Certificate Program	A phlebotomist draws blood from the patient so various laboratory work can be performed to aid the physician with treatment.	$32,840*
	Transfer Options
Nursing Assistant (CNA) - Specialty Credential Program	Career as a Competency Evaluated Nurse Assistant (CENA) providing basic health care to long-term care patients under the direction of a Licensed Practical Nurse or a Registered Nurse.	$23,920*
Nursing (LPN to RN) - Associate in Applied Science	For Licensed Practical Nurses who wish to become Registered Nurses. Prepares you for a career as a Registered Nurse providing total patient care under the jurisdiction of a physician or dentist in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, physician’s offices, and home health care.	$43,370*
Nursing (Paramedic to RN) - Associate in Applied Science	Career as a Registered Nurse in physician’s offices, clinics, hospitals, long term care facilities, schools, industrial settings, home health agencies, mobile intensive care units, and traveling nurse programs.	$43,370*
Nursing (Practical Nursing LPN) - Certificate Program	Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) provides care to patients under the jurisdiction of a physician, dentist or a registered nurse (RN). Positions are available in extended care agencies, hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices and home health care. Employment opportunities are good to excellent depending on geographic location.	$30,000*
Nursing (RN) - Associate in Applied Science	Career as a Registered Nurse in physician’s offices, clinics, hospitals, long term care facilities, schools, industrial settings, home health agencies, mobile intensive care units, and traveling nurse programs.	$57,280*
	Transfer Options
Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN)	Transfer to a university to continue studies in enhanced patient care, nursing management, staff development, education, lab research, and administration.
Human Services
Social Work - Associate in Applied Science	Gain entry level employment in social services agencies administering financial assistance, emergency housing, utility assistance, and other needs-based programs to clients.	$29,590*
Other Options
Psychology - Associate in Arts	Transfer to a university to continue studies in psychology, education, retail/merchandising, advertising, communications or pre-medicine.
SMC Information Technology
Information Technology Application Development - Associate in Applied Science	Entry-level employment in programming, systems development, business applications, and project management. Transfer to a university to continue studies in computer programming, systems development, network technology, internet, consulting, education, or support.	$29,450*
Information Technology Help Desk - Certificate Program	Help-desk technicians respond to telephone calls and e-mail messages from customers looking for help with computer problems. In responding to these inquiries, help-desk technicians must listen carefully to the customer, ask questions to diagnose the nature of the problem, and then patiently walk the customer through the problem-solving steps. They also install, modify, clean, and repair computer hardware and software. Many computer support specialists start out at the help desk.	$43,450
Information Technology Networking - Associate in Applied Science	This degree has been designed to provide individuals with the opportunity to upgrade technical skills and promote career opportunities/advancement. This degree can lead to a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems through Ferris State University.	$101,580-$129,250*
Information Technology Support - Associate in Applied Science	This degree has been designed to provide individuals with the opportunity to upgrade technical skills and promote career opportunities/advancement. This degree can lead to a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems through Ferris State University.
Bachelor's of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems	The Computer Information Systems major provides an avenue for immediate employment in an area that is becoming increasingly essential to all aspects of business. Graduates of the program are prepared for positions as computer programmers, programmer/analyst, systems analysis, network administrators or microcomputer specialists.
Other SMC Options
Apprenticeship
English Proficiency - Specialty Certificate Program	Designed for English as a second language students who want to gain a greater awareness of their abilities before deciding on a specific program of study.
Graphic Design Technology - Associate in Applied Science	Entry-level employment in advertising, publishing, or design firms creating artwork to illustrate or promote products, services, and ideas.	$35,000*
Transfer Programs
Southwestern Michigan College’s transfer programs provide the same quality academic coursework a student would take during the first two years at any four-year college or university – but at less than 50 percent of the cost. It’s easy to continue your education at a four-year institution with no duplication of courses when you work with SMC advisors on a personalized transfer program.
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Agriculture - Associate in Science	Transfer to a university to continue studies in plant and soil sciences, wildlife and fisheries management, forestry, and animal science.
Environmental Science - Associate in Science	Transfer to a university to continue studies in environmental education and communication, solid/hazardous waste management, air/water quality management, land/water conservation, fishery/wildlife management, parks and outdoor recreation, forestry, or environmental law.
Arts, AV Technology and Communications
Art - Associate in Arts	Transfer to a university to continue studies in the fine arts, advertising, art history, education, art therapy, communications, merchandising, photography, or fashion/textile/interior design.
Architecture - Associate in Arts	Transfer to a university to continue studies in architecture, construction, engineering, landscape architecture, interior design, business or civil engineering.
Communications - Associate in Arts	Transfer to a university to continue studies in communications, advertising, publishing, broadcasting, public relations, or technical writing.
Dance - Associate in Arts	Transfer to a university to continue studies in performance, choreography, education or dance therapy.
English and Literature - Associate in Arts	Transfer to a university to continue studies in writing, editing, education, publishing, advertising, public relations, law or business.
Journalism - Associate in Arts	Transfer to a university to continue studies in publishing, journalism, writing, business or education.
Liberal Arts - Associate in Arts	Transfer to a university to continue studies in the program of your choice.
Music - Associate in Arts	Transfer to a university to continue studies in education, musical performance, musical arrangement/composing, conducting, music therapy, communications, or business.
Professional Communication (Communication Track) - Associate in Applied Science	The Professional and Technical Communication degree offers three tracks that will allow students to have a specialty within the degree. The three specialized tracks are professional writing, creative writing, or communications. This degree is designed to transfer directly into the Bachelor of Science degree program in Professional and Technical Writing offered on the campus of SMC by Ferris State University. The bachelor’s degree program can be used to prepare students for careers in technical writing, writing, and writing for marketing and advertising. The four-year degree also prepares students for graduate degree programs in a number of areas including communications, law, and other areas. In addition, the SMC two-year degree also prepares students for some entry level positions in the technical writing field after completion of the associate in applied science degree.
Professional Communication (Creative Writing Track) - Associate in Applied Science
Professional Communication (Professional Writing Track) - Associate in Applied Science
Theatre - Associate in Arts	Transfer to a university to continue studies in performing, directing, technical management, writing, business, or education.
Theatre Technology - Associate in Applied Science	This degree prepares students to work in careers in theatre, lighting or sound technician, costumer, stage manager, or set fabricator or production manager. This degree program can be used for transfer to a four-year program or to enter directly into the workforce. In addition, the theater technology program can be dovetailed with SMC’s Academy Program which offers college-level educational opportunities to current high school juniors and seniors. The Academy Program, developed in collaboration between SMC and the Lewis Cass Intermediate School District, gives high school students a jump start on a college education or career.
Government and Public Administration
History - Associate in Arts	Transfer to a university to continue studies in government, political science, law, public administration, journalism, education, or business.
Political Science - Associate in Arts	Transfer to a university to continue studies in government, law, political science, business, journalism, broadcasting, or education.
Law, Public Safety and Security
Criminal Justice - Associate in Arts	Transfer to a university to continue studies in criminal justice, social services, pre-law, law enforcement, business, and education.
Law (Pre) - Associate in Arts	Transfer to a university to continue studies in law, politics, education, government, finance, journalism, or library science.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Biology - Associate in Science	Transfer to a university to continue studies in biology, microbiology, genetics, botany, marine biology, education, medical illustration, or pre-medicine.
Chemistry - Associate in Science	Transfer to a university to continue studies in chemistry, engineering, education, technical writing, or
Engineering - Associate in Science	Transfer to a university to continue studies in aerospace, bio-systems, biomedical, chemical, civil engineering, electrical/computer engineering, industrial, materials science, mechanical, or nuclear engineering.
Engineering Technology - Associate in Applied Science Leading to a Baccalaureate degree in Engineering Technology through Western Michigan College	The field of engineering technology is a rapidly grow branch of the engineering. Jobs in engineering technology require a minimum of an associate or a baccalaureate degree. SMC’s new Associate in Applied Science in Engineering Technology prepares students for work as well as for transfer to engineering technology programs at a number of Michigan and Indiana colleges and universities. The program was developed in collaboration with the College of Engineering at Western Michigan University. SMC students who complete the Associate in Applied Science in Engineering Technology have the option of taking courses at WMU’s Southwest Campus in Benton Harbor or at the main campus in Kalamazoo.
Mathematics - Associate in Science	Transfer to a university to continue studies in mathematics, industry, market research, banking, or education.
Physics - Associate in Science	Transfer to a university to continue studies in astronomy, acoustical physics, astrophysics, biophysics, fluid/plasma physics, geophysics, health/medical physics, nuclear physics, optional physics, or education.

In order to view any PDF documents linked on this page, you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.