Courses in College

Plenty of degree programs offer a better fit for those who aren’t cut out for office politics and team-building activities. Introverts will find a wealth of options at their local community college that prepares them for jobs where they can fly solo much of the time. Whether your passion is art or analytics, check out these community college options to launch a career that fits you to a “T.”

Accountant

If crunching numbers is your forte, the job of an accountant may be a good option. This career, which can be launched with an associate degree, provides many opportunities, from balancing the books for small businesses to huge corporations. These professionals keep company ledgers up to date, pay bills, and file taxes annually. It is a job that requires inordinate attention to detail – and plenty of solo office time. According to AOL Jobs, the average annual salary for an accountant is $61,690.

Paralegal

Fascinated by the legal profession? Introverts who love dabbling in law but cringe at the idea of representing a client in a courtroom might enjoy the paralegal role. These professionals often enter the industry with a two-year degree that prepares them to analyze legal documents, conduct research for a specific client, and write briefs. The job can also be a way to get a foot in the door to other interesting positions within the legal profession. AOL cites the average annual salary for a paralegal as $62,853.

Technical

Pennsylvania is a state with a high unemployment rate and a large number of frustrated displaced workers. It is also a place where numerous industries are unable to fill positions because of the lack of untrained workers. How does the state plan to remedy these two problems quickly and effectively? Thanks to recent federal funding into the state’s community college system, training for in-demand jobs is on the way for Pennsylvania residents that need those jobs the most.

What is JobTrakPA?

JobTrakPA is a new Pennsylvania program created with federal dollars from the Department of Labor. The agency recently awarded the state a $20 million grant through the Department of Labor Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College Career Training (TACT) program. The program allows displaced Pennsylvania workers to train for in-demand jobs within the state by pairing community college course offerings directly with the needs of the community. The program has awarded grants to states across the country that demonstrated a need for job re-training and the necessary resources to provide the right kind of training to displaced workers in the community.

“Pennsylvania employers tell us that they have jobs waiting for workers with career-specific skills in several high-growth industries,” Dr. Alex Johnson, president of the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges, told the Herald Online. “Community colleges are part of a nationwide effort to provide a new skill-set to our workforce that will create career pathways for qualified workers in the shortest possible

With so much talk about the value of a STEM education today, many students have the misconception that a four-year degree is necessary to gain good employment in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. However, community colleges are also answering the call for STEM training, through associate degree and certificate programs that prepare students for in-demand jobs in these industries. Check out these 10 exciting STEM degrees you can earn right at your local community college.

A.S. Natural Science – Kapi’olani Community College

The ASNS degree program offered through Kapi’olani Community College in Hawaii is specifically designed to deepen STEM learning at the community college level. This program provides a basic overview of natural science, with a two-year degree that can be transferred to a four-year school after graduation. The program offers students the option of specialization in either Life or Physical Science, with a broad curriculum that spans the science field no matter which specialty path is chosen.

A.S. General Physics – Waubonsee Community College

Waubonsee Community College in Illinois offers an Associate of Science with a specialization in a variety of fields of study, including physics. Students that choose this academic path will complete coursework in general physics and mathematics, as well as classes in chemistry, life sciences, and physical sciences. The school also provides a list of STEM classes that have been approved by the National Science Foundation, which can be taken towards completion of this degree program.

Associate of Technical

Looking for a new career but don’t have the time for re-training? Think again. Community colleges across the country offer fully online degree and certification programs that allow you to hone your skills or train for a whole new profession right from home. These online programs are flexible without sacrificing quality training you need to move ahead in the professional world. Whether your interests lean toward education, law enforcement, business or manufacturing, check out these online degree programs that could launch you on a whole new career path.

Forensic Studies

Hudson Valley Community College offers an online degree program in forensic studies for those who want to learn the finer points of this area of criminal justice. The program is available fully online and is designed specifically for students interested in transferring to a four-year program after earning an associate degree. The school has arranged for a seamless transfer process with John Jay College of Criminal Justice, one of the top institutions for forensic science training in the country. Coursework will include interesting subjects like biology, criminal investigation, and forensic evidence.

Teaching Assistant

Another online option at Hudson Valley is training toward certification as a teaching assistant in New York. The 18-hour course is available fully online, in the classroom, or as a hybrid program combining both online and classroom learning. The program is focused on training educators

Do you have a creative spirit waiting to be unleashed on the world? Then put your talents to lucrative use with a degree from your local community college. With many artistic degree programs waiting for you, get ready to explore the many avenues you can pursue with your ability. These 10 community college degree programs represent just a smattering of the many possibilities waiting for students who want to let their artistic side shine.

Photography

Document your world in photos with a photography degree from the community college of your choice. Many schools across the country offer degrees in photography, including coursework in studio photography, black-and-white photos, and digital color techniques. Many will include photography history and theory classes to round out your studies. This degree can launch a career in your own studio or work on staff as a photographer with a larger company.

Jewelry and Crafts

Create beautiful accessories to match any style and mood with a degree program in jewelry and crafts. El Camino Community College in California is just one of the schools that offer a degree program in jewelry making and design. This program teaches students to work with gems and precious metals to express their own artistic style. Coursework might include stone cutting and polishing, metal finishing, enameling, and gemology. Students may also delve into basic design concepts and guidelines for establishing their own personal style.

Theatre Arts

William Shakespeare once said, "all the world’s a stage, and all