New jobs need new degrees

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - If you need a new career, you may need a new degree. GVSU Communications instructor Ann Byars looks at the area colleges and what they offer for you. Here is what Byars found:

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As enrollments surge, local colleges and universities have added new degree programs to help students become equipped for upcoming in demand careers. And some of the existing programs have taken on new popularity. Here are a few options:

Aquinas College

• Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Business. This program was created in 2003, but has seen a surge in demand due to the environmental, or “green” movement.
• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Physics. This program relates to solar cell development, hydrogen technology, and wind or wave energy. With America actively seeking alternative energy sources, this program hits the mark.
• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Business. Seemingly an odd match, chemistry and business go together nicely to work in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Bachelor of Science in Conductive Education. This program is designed to help educators work with students who have motor impairment.

Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State

• Design and Innovation Management, a certification program within the MBA degree. This certificate has gained popularity due to the flexibility and cross functionality it provides.

ITT Technical Institute

• ITT offers a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security online. This major works with digital crimes and computer forensics.
• At their Wyoming campus, bachelor programs include Information Systems Security and Software Applications Development and the associates program in Paralegal Studies.

Grand Rapids Community College

• GRCC is working with several West Michigan colleges and universities focusing on wind energy solutions, and developing classes to transfer into 4-year programs.
• The nationally recognized culinary program at GRCC is offering courses on being a personal chef (the only public school in the U.S. to do so) and a class on culinary competitions (think Iron Chef).
• GRCC offers eight job training/certification programs at the M-Tec locations including: Automotive Technician, Computer Applications Specialist, Computer Support Technician, Green Construction Remodeling, Introduction to Construction, Machinist/CNC Technician, Residential Construction, and Welding/Fabrication Technician.

Grand Valley State University

This fall GVSU rolled out an abundance of new programs which include:

Seidman College of Business

• Supply Chain Management (BBA)

College of Health Professions

• Diagnostic Medical Sonography (BS)
• Radiation Therapy (BS)
• Radiologic and Imaging Sciences (BS)
• Nursing (DNP)

College of Education

• Educational Leadership (MED)
• Higher Education (MED)
• Instruction and Curriculum (MED)
• Literacy Studies (MED)

New Minors

• Applied Linguistics
• Archaeology
• Chinese Language
• Environmental Studies
• Information Security Systems

At all of the above schools, financial aid is available to those who qualify.