New Programs Fill Regional Needs & Expand Career Opportunities
Posted January 9, 2019 at 2:00 pmThe Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Board of Trustees recently approved four new programs: Engineering Technology, Sustainable Hydroponic Agriculture and Rural Entrepreneurship, Substance Abuse and Addiction Technician, and Paralegal Studies.
“These new programs are designed to meet the needs of the region,” stated Dr. Barbara Zaborowski, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs. “They give students access to exciting new hands-on learning opportunities and provide paths to in-demand careers.”
Engineering Technology (A.A.S.) is an associate degree that offers two tracks: Architectural and Civil. Students will work with Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Computer Aided Drafting & Design (CADD) software to facilitate the design and drafting of buildings and building components. This program offers opportunities to work with professional architects and engineers in the design, drafting, and layout of buildings, roads, and utilities.
Sustainable Hydroponic Agriculture and Rural Entrepreneurship is a two-semester (one year) certificate that prepares individuals for work in the sustainable agricultural industry, including traditional agribusiness and the emerging field of controlled environment agriculture. In partnership with Sandyvale Memorial Park, this program will be able to offer both theory and practical hands-on application in a greenhouse using actual hydroponic equipment.
Substance Abuse and Addiction Technician is an 18-credit certificate that enables graduates to work in an entry-level position in the varied field of addiction treatment. Students will be introduced to the effects that substance abuse and chemical dependency have on society; and gain an understanding of what addiction is, the different drugs that are used, how to work with those who have physical and psychological addictions, the various types of treatment, and counseling approaches.
Paralegal Studies (A.A.S.) is an associate degree that teaches the philosophy and methodology of legal practice so graduates can understand the principles of law and policy that affect government, business, and nonprofit organizations. Graduates may pursue careers as legal assistants and paralegals. Unlike the three other new programs that begin in Fall 2019, Paralegal Studies is set to begin in Fall 2020.
Pennsylvania Highlands has six locations throughout the Southern Alleghenies region that serve residents of western Pennsylvania.