Faculty and administration at Washtenaw Community College are consistently compiling insight from student feedback, industry research and educational analyses to determine the need for curriculum changes.
Sometimes that insight can result in slight tweaks to existing programming and sometimes it can result in the formation of a totally new program.
Heading into the Fall 2019 semester, which begins on August 26, both of those scenarios are true.
Programs recently approved by the WCC Board of Trustees and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission include:
Associate in General Studies
The General Studies degree allows students flexibility to design a program that relates to their academic and career goals, and to explore options if they are not sure of their career path.
“This degree is really motivated by the ever-evolving needs of the 21st century workforce,” said Vice President for Instruction Dr. Kimberly Hurns. “It allows students to combine occupational and general education courses while digging into specific areas for a strong foundation in a career path or transfer.”
The program offers two different pathways, determined by the student’s post-associate degree intentions — a transfer pathway or an employment pathway.
It can be completed entirely online.
Web Design & Development
WCC’s Web Design & Development faculty discovered a demand from students and industry to offer shorter, layered certificate programs. In response, the department is offering five new programs ranging from 10 to 12 credit hours.
“These new certificates follow the industry trend of allowing students to rapidly specialize,” said faculty member Jason Withrow.
The programs include Client-Side Web Developer, Interface Designer, User Experience Designer, Server-Side Web Developer and Digital Strategist.
The department continues to offer its Web Design & Development Associate in Applied Science Degree program, which would include the completion of one or more of the new certificate programs.
There’s also a 3+1 transfer agreement with Eastern Michigan University that allows students to complete 86 credits at WCC on the way to a Communication Technology bachelor’s degree.
Broadcast Media Arts
Dena Blair, lead faculty member for WCC’s Broadcast Media Arts department, realized the industry need for a new 12-credit Broadcast Media Arts certificate program.
Its four classes cover live production, editing, vocal delivery and scriptwriting, the skills Blair says “set the groundwork for a career in radio.”
The coursework required to earn the certificate can expand the skill set of people already working in related industries or help those who’ve earned a degree but are making a career switch.
More on the horizon
Another associate degree and related certificates have been approved by the WCC Board of Trustees for Fall 2019, but is still being reviewed by the Higher Learning Commission.
Upon accreditation from the HLC, those additional new programs will be featured on the News & Event page at wccnet.edu.
For a complete list of WCC programs, visit wccnet.edu/programs.
Tags: August 2019, Broadcast Media Arts, On The Record, Programs, Web Design, ousearch_News_On The Record