Degree Programs

Community colleges offer a plethora of program options today, ensuring everyone who enrolls in one of these two-year schools can embark on the career of their dreams. For some, community college is a stepping stone into higher education that allows them to transfer to a college or university and pursue a four-year degree. For others, community college is the whole ball of wax – the training necessary to launch an exciting career path. For those who fall into the latter category, here is a list of 10 exciting fields you can enter with only a two-year degree under your belt.

Hospitality Manager

Hospitality managers can work anywhere there is a restaurant, hotel, or cruise ship – which means just about anywhere in the world. While many work their way up the hospitality hierarchy without formal training, an associate degree and on-the-job experience will get you where you want to go much faster. According to a report by Fox Business, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates the average salary for a food-service manager to be $46,320, while a hotel manager averages $45,800 annually.

Graphic Designer

Let your creativity shine with a position as a graphic designer. This professional works with a wide range of mediums, from print publications to film and the web. Graphic designers consider the vision of each individual client while weighing the needs of the target market to create messages that are attractive and effective. A two-year degree program is

A potential college student interested in pursuing the performing arts as a career or hobby may not look to a community college as their first choice in realizing that dream. However, many community colleges nationwide offer state-of-the-art facilities and first-class instructors in theatre and music today. Whether you are looking for a college major program or simply a place to ham it up onstage after class time, a community college might be the perfect place to explore your creative side.

The Benefits of Music in Higher Education

Music is a beneficial component to add to the higher education experience, whether it is a major course of study or something to enjoy on the side. According to Tarpley Music, some of the benefits of music in education at any level include:

• Social Benefits – Studies show that students who participate in some sort of music program while in school have a lower incidence of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse.
• Scholastic Benefits – Music students also tend to score higher on standardized examinations, whether in primary, secondary or post-secondary schools. They also earn more “A’s” and “B’s” in their coursework than students who are not in music.
• Behavioral Benefits – Research from the National Data Resource Center shows that students in music programs are less likely to be classified as “disruptive” in school.
• Intellectual Benefits – One study suggested that music training is superior to computer training in enhancing abstract reasoning skills used in math

Aerospace is big business in the state of Washington, with more than 600 aerospace-related businesses currently residing there. To ensure a sufficient influx of quality, trained workers, new grants are coming to community and technical colleges in order to provide necessary training as quickly as possible. Funding will come from both state and federal sources, with millions of dollars coming to colleges across the state. The additional money will be a boon to the aerospace industry in Washington, as well as institutes of higher education supplying the training.

Federal Funding Distributed to Washington Technical College

The Obama Administration offers the first grant for aerospace training to Renton Technical College in Renton, Washington. According to a report in the Renton Reporter, the $2.1 million grant was a portion of the funds awarded to the Spokane Community College system through the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grants program, or TAACCCT grants. These grants are part of the workforce development plan created by the White House to help displaced workers get the training they need to find new lines of work. Community Colleges of Spokane were given $20 million for this purpose, according to the U.S. Department of Education website.

This video offers a look at the aerospace program in the District of Columbia Community College.

The Air Washington Consortium

A portion of the Spokane funds was given to Renton

Leisure has become a multibillion-dollar business in the United States, with camps, cruises, and other recreational activities gaining steam across the country. As the industry grows, so does the need for qualified professionals working in the various aspects of leisure and recreation. To answer the call, community colleges are beginning to offer degrees in "leisure" to help those interested in this profession get started on a lucrative, rewarding career.

About the Leisure Industry

Recreation workers deal with a wide range of environments and duties, from organizing arts and crafts at a children's camp to running organized sports leagues for corporations or communities. Jobs may be seasonal or permanent, and the large majority of positions are part-time. Because competition is stiff for full-time positions within this industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, additional education and training can go a long way in helping you secure the position you want.

Recreation employees may work in a wide range of settings, including:

• Cruise ships
• Nature parks
• Summer camps
• Community centers

While many employees in this industry spend many of their working hours outdoors, directors and managers primarily enjoy a desk job, organizing activities, and managing staff from an office. The employment outlook for this industry is good, with faster than average growth expected in many areas.

This video reports on the recreation and leisure services programs at Georgian College.

Training in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City Community College