Washtenaw Community College is introducing seven new programs – an associate degree in general studies, five new certificates in web design and development, and a new certificate in broadcast media arts.
Take a look at what’s new for the Fall 2019 semester, which begins on August 26!
Associate Degree in General Studies
The new Associate in General Studies is a multidisciplinary degree that allows students
to design a program that relates to their academic and career goals or explore options
if they are not sure of their career path. “This degree is motivated by the ever-evolving
needs of the 21st century workforce,” said Vice President of Instruction Dr. Kimberly
Hurns. “It allows students to combine occupational and general education courses while
digging into specific areas that will provide a strong foundation for a career path
and/or transfer.” The curriculum for the transfer pathway includes nine general education
classes to meet the requirements of the Michigan Transfer Agreement. The employment
pathway has six classes to meet WCC associate degree general education requirements.
Both pathways include six student-defined “concentration” classes and electives to
fill out the 60-credit minimum.
Web Design & Development Certificates
WCC will offer five new web-based certificate programs that range from 10 to 12 credits in response to demand from students for shorter, stackable certificate programs. “Our previous certificate was attempting to build a web design generalist, someone who learned some things about everything. Our new certificates follow the industry trend of allowing students to rapidly specialize,” said Web Design & Development department faculty member Jason Withrow. “It’s a change in how the department operates, from building amazing generalists to building amazing specialists who can stack these certificates and become multi-specialists.” The new certificate programs being offered in Fall 2019 include Client-Side Web Developer (10–11 credit hours), Interface Designer (11–12 credit hours), User Experience Designer (11–12 credit hours), Server-Side Web Developer (11–12 credit hours) and Digital Strategist (11 credit hours). The Client-Side Web Developer Certificate and User Experience Designer Certificate programs can both be completed entirely online. The college also offers a 3+1 transfer agreement with Eastern Michigan University that results in a WCC associate degree and a Bachelor’s of Science in Communication Technology from EMU. Under that articulation agreement, 86 credits can be completed at WCC and 38 at EMU.
Broadcast Media Arts Certificate
WCC will begin offering a new 12-credit certificate program designed to set the groundwork for a career in radio. The program’s four classes cover live production, editing, vocal delivery and scriptwriting. The required coursework can expand the skillset of people already working in related industries, such as journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising and media productions. Or it can help people who’ve already earned a degree but are looking to be retrained for a career switch. “Offering a certificate in Broadcast Media Arts will allow this population to be ready to make a career change, with just a few core courses,” said Dena Blair lead faculty member for the Broadcast Media Arts department.