While many people may be under the impression that community colleges only offer standard liberal arts or science majors, the truth is there are plenty of unique, diverse programs out there!
Sometimes finding your niche means exploring careers outside the box. It can be fun and exciting as you discover the interesting career options that stem from the most unexpected majors. Plus, not all of them require additional schooling.
Check out these five associate’s degrees offered nationwide:
Horse Training and Equine Business Management (2 year degree)
Who should consider this?: Students interested in the equine industry, specifically the business end. That includes people who enjoy taking a leadership role and aren’t afraid to be entrepreneurs.
What does this major include?: This program is designed to develop skills needed in order to succeed in the equine industry. Horsemanship skills are also studied to some degree, though the emphasis is placed on management and business-related classes. After initial courses, students complete their degrees by interning with a business of their choice, exposing them to an active role in business management.
Classes may include: Principles of Animal Science, Equine Behavior, Business Law, Business Operations, Personnel Management, Oral Communication and Agricultural MarketingSome career options: managers, horse trainers, and ranch owners.
Check out: Lamar Community College (Colorado), Dodge City Community College (Kansas), Laramie County Community College (Wyoming), or Linn-Benton Community College (Oregon).
Electronics Technology
Who should consider this?: Students interested in working with electronics, including the development and testing of the latest technology. This degree may also be a helpful foundation for specialization.
What does this major include?: This program provides students with a variety of academic and laboratory training, building the base for a career as an electronic technologist. Eventually, this may lead to a specialization or the ability to transfer to a four-year program in the field.
Classes may include: Computer Fundamentals, Electronic Circuits, Telecommunications, Teamwork and Project ManagementSome career options: technicians, engineers, sound effects editors, and acoustics specialists.
Check out: Southeastern Community College (Iowa), Seattle Community College (Washington), or Wake Technical Community College (North Carolina).
Respiratory Therapy (2 year degree)
Who should consider this?: Students interested in working in the health care field. Students should have an interest in human biology, caring for others and medical environments.
What does this major include?: This program prepares students for the skills needed for a profession in respiratory care. Students will cultivate the ability to evaluate, treat and manage patients with respiratory diseases and other cardiopulmonary disorders. Students also learn clinical decision-making, patient education and ethical treatment techniques.
Classes may include: Anatomy and Physiology, Respiratory Pharmacology and Concepts in Critical Care. Some career options: working in hospitals or physicians offices, providing home care, and working in nursing facilities.
Check out: Kennebec Community College (Maine), Roane State Community College (Tennessee), Borough of Manhattan Community College (New York), or Moraine Valley Community College (Illinois).
Deaf Studies (2 year degree)
Who should consider this?: Students interested in collaborating with the deaf community. Students should expect to become fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and/or sharpen their signing skills throughout the program.
What does this major include?: This program is designed to provide students with a diverse academic experience in ASL. Students are guided in developing an understanding of American Sign Language, Deaf Culture, and the experience of the deaf community.
Classes may include: Advanced American Sign Language, Deaf Literature/ASL Folklore, Introduction to the Interpreting Field, and Introduction to Deaf Culture. Some career options: working in group homes or sheltered workshops, moving on to four-year schools, becoming a deaf teacher and becoming an interpreter
Check out: Northern Essex Community College (Massachusetts), North Hennepin Community College (Minnesota), Portland Community College (Oregon), or Community College of Baltimore County (Maryland).
Internet Services Technology — Web Development Specialist (2 year degree)
Who should consider this?: Students interested in working with the Internet for a profession, specifically on development. An interest in exploring the use of the Internet as well as sharpening knowledge of the mechanics of internet technology is necessary.
What does this major include?: This program explores and utilizes standard industry software and equipment that will be necessary in the workplace. Students are exposed to techniques and training on a broad base of computer systems and Internet technology.
Classes may include: Microcomputer Operations Systems, Database Concepts for Business, Programming in JavaScript and Web Page Authoring.
Some career options: Internet/Intranet technicians, website developers or moving on to study masters programs
Check out: St. Johns River Community College (Florida), or Coastline Community College (California)
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