Editor's Note: This previously published story was updated to reflect three additional certificate programs approved by the Higher Learning Commission.
Washtenaw Community College kicked off the Fall 2024 semester with two new associate degree and six new certificate programs to prepare students for in-demand jobs.
Registration is ongoing for late-starting sessions that begin on September 18, October 2 and October 18. Late-starting sessions cover the same curriculum at an accelerated pace. Visit wccnet.edu/enroll to get started.
With WCC’s tuition among the lowest in the state – at $99 per credit hour for in-district students – and Michigan programs such as the Reconnect scholarship for adults and the new Community College Guarantee for recent high school graduates, a college education is more accessible than ever.
The college offers more than 130 programs to prepare students for rewarding careers or transfer opportunities to a university to earn a bachelor’s degree. Nearly 50 programs are available completely online.
NEW PROGRAMS
Associate of Applied Science in Elementary Education (Transfer)— 60 credits
This program prepares students to transfer into an elementary education program at a four-year college or university. The degree includes the first two years of instruction in a bachelor’s degree program in elementary education, as well as courses for most elementary education programs in Michigan that prepare students for the required tests for certification.
The 2022 median pay for elementary teachers nationally was $61,620 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In Michigan, the median pay trends above the national median, at $66,130 per year.
Associate of Applied Science in Marketing – 60 credits
This degree offers a practical and theoretical background in daily marketing operations, spanning the major fields of practice in marketing. Students will gain knowledge and skills necessary to enter or advance in marketing with a focus on marketing management, digital marketing and marketing communications.
The 2022 median pay for associate degree-level jobs in marketing ranged from $47,609 annually for marketing associates to $50,130 annually or $24.10 hourly for retail supervisors, according to the BLS. In Michigan, the median pay for retail supervisors trends just below the national median, at $48,520 per year.
Cultural Research Management Certificate — 16 credits
The purpose of this certificate is to provide students with a foundation in field archaeology and the hands-on skills necessary to become employed in cultural research management. In addition to providing a stand-alone certificate, the required courses fulfill Michigan Transfer Agreement requirements in Social Sciences and Natural Sciences and meet the requirements for many introductory courses required by anthropology undergraduate degree programs.
The certificate provides students with the skills necessary to use field archaeology skills in a variety of occupations. Median earnings varied across occupations in which such skills would be useful, ranging from $47,180 annually for surveying and mapping technicians to $57,760 annually for social science research assistants.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Safety & Fundamentals Certificate — 10 credits
This program is being developed in coordination with the Electric Vehicle (EV) Department of Education (DOE) training grant known as the Power Project. This mini-certificate will provide introductory foundation in both automotive components and systems used specifically in EVs and safety preparations and precautions when working around EVs in a lab environment. This certificate will be nested within another EV program in development and within an existing two-year Transportation Technologies associate degree with an EV concentration (EVSR).
The 2022 median pay for automotive service technicians nationally was $46,970 annually or $22.58 hourly, according to the BLS. In Michigan, the median pay trends just above the national median, at $49,670 per year.
Electric Vehicle Service Technician Certificate — 22 credits
Developed in coordination with a Department of Education training grant, this program introduces students to the skills needed to perform as an entry-level technician within the rapidly growing electric vehicle market. Students will learn how to identify and practice the safety standards and precautions needed when servicing electric vehicles' components and systems. This program is nested within a Transportation Technologies associate degree with an EV concentration.
The certificate is designed to enhance student employability in the automotive maintenance sector. The 2022 median pay for automotive service technicians nationally was $46,970 annually. In Michigan, the median pay trends just above the national median at $49,670.
Esports Management Certificate – 9 credits
The esports certificate program addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in the industry, offering a structured pathway for education, skill development and career advancement. The program will cover key aspects of competitive gaming, team dynamics, strategy and related skills.
The 2022 median pay for event coordinators nationally was $43,711 annually, according to the BLS.
Marketing Essentials Advanced Certificate — 18 credits
This advanced certificate provides students with the essential skills for daily marketing management, spanning the major elements of practice in marketing, which allows students to be hired directly into this field. Prior completion of the Digital Business Management and Sales certificate is an admission requirement and the certificate is nested within the Marketing associate degree program.
The nationwide 2022 median pay for marketing account coordinators was $42,552 annually. There are myriad potential sales jobs, averaging nationally at about $56,440 annually.
Social Media Management Certificate – 9 credit hours
This program aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively use constantly evolving social media platforms for business or personal growth in the digital age.
The 2022 median earnings for jobs in social media ranged from $37,182 annually for Social Media Specialists to $44,138 annually for Social Media Managers, according to the BLS.
Current WCC students may register for classes, and prospective students may apply for admission online. WCC staff at the Student Welcome Center are available to answer questions about applications and class registration as well as help arrange an in-person or virtual campus visit.
Additional admissions and registration help is available by calling 734-973-3543 or emailing [email protected].
Tags: 2024, Fall, Fall semester, Student Success