Southwestern Michigan College adds three new associate degrees and four certificate programs
Posted: 2/10/2010
Southwestern Michigan College adds three new associate degrees and four certificate programs.
All new programs among the fastest growing careers nationally.
The Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees reviewed details of three new associate degree programs and four shorter-term certificate programs to the college’s academic offerings during their regularly scheduled meeting on the College’s Dowagiac campus Tuesday evening.
According to College President Dr. David Mathews, “SMC is constantly evaluating our mix of programs to prepare our students for the workforce or to prepare them for baccalaureate degree programs. Every one of the new programs is among the fastest growing and hottest careers opportunities nationally and will begin with the upcoming fall semester.’
The three new degree programs being launched are: Professional Communication, Theatre Technology, and Engineering Technology. Each of these programs serve the dual purpose of preparing students for immediate employment and also lead seamlessly into four-year programs for students who wish to obtain a baccalaureate degree.
Associate in Applied Science in Professional Communication
This 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 Communication.
Associate Applied Science in Theatre Technology
This degree prepares students to work in careers in theatre, lighting or sound technician, costumer, stage manager, or set fabricator or production manager.
Associate in Applied Science in Engineering Technology
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.
Pharmacy Technician Certificate
This one-year certificate can be completed after the student earns 32 credits. The program prepares students to sit for a national certification examination.
Home Health Aide Certificate
SMC’s home health aide program is a 12-credit certificate designed to provide students with the skills needed to work independently in the homes of their clients, nursing homes, and other care facilities.
Special Event Planning Certificate
This certificate is the first of SMC’s hospitality. This certificate is 18 credits. 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.
Digital Home Technology Integration Certificate
Digital Home Technology Integration is the installation and integration of various electronic systems in the home and business environment. SMC’s new programs among the fastest growing careers nationally.
According to Dr. Fred L. Mathews, Chairman of the Board of Southwestern Michigan College, “The faculty and administration are to be commended for their work with Ferris State University, Western Michigan University, Michigan Works!, and area employers in putting together this impressive set of additions to SMC’s offerings. Southwestern Michigan College and other Michigan community colleges are critical to transforming Michigan’s workforce into a higher skilled-higher pay state. Elevating the skill level of our citizens is the key to Michigan’s economic revival. SMC will continue to play a vital role in this region to accomplish this goal.’
