College Offers Paths to Fastest Growing STEM Jobs
November 15, 2016
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released a report on fast-growing jobs in STEM fields that require just a two-year degree or certificate. Hudson Valley Community College offers programs and pathways to nearly all the job titles that made the list.
According to the Bureau's report, more employers are hiring workers with the right skills and credentials for a specific job, rather than simply hiring candidates with four years of schooling. With college costs on the rise, more workers are turning to community colleges for the workforce training required for in-demand fields.
The jobs that made the list represent the fastest-growing positions with the most projected openings between now and 2024 that require a two-year degree or less. The list includes computer user support specialists; web developers; computer network support specialists; electrical and electronics engineering technicians; electrical and electronics drafters; civil engineering technicians; chemical technicians; environmental engineering technicians; environmental science and protection technicians; industrial engineering technicians; forest and conservation technicians; and mechanical engineering technicians, to name a few.
Computer Information Systems
Aspiring web developers, computer user support specialists, and computer network support specialists—all jobs that made the list—can study in Hudson Valley's School of Business' Computing and Information Sciences Department. Check out the degree and certificate programs offered by the department and see how they match up to the list of fast-growing careers.
Electrical, Civil, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering
Hudson Valley's School of Engineering and Industrial Technologies houses degree and certificate programs that lead to several careers that made at least one of the lists. These academic programs focus on practical, hands-on training alongside theoretical knowledge. Hudson Valley's A.A.S.. in Civil Engineering Technology can lead to careers in building design and construction, highway and infrastructure design and construction and construction management under the supervision of engineers, designers and builders. The college's Electrical Engineering Technology - Electronics A.A.S. degree is designed to meet the demand for employees with electronics skills. Students learn electrical and electronic theories and how to apply those theories in a laboratory setting. Graduates of the program can go on to become electrical and electronics engineering technicians.
The A.A.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology provides a foundation for graduates to perform tasks related to product testing, research and design working under the supervision of an engineer or product designer. This program would also be a good first step for those interested in industrial design at an entry-level position, which the Bureau projects will have more than 16,000 new job openings through 2024.
All of these technology-related programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, which means they reach the highest standard for technical education.
Environmental Science and Forestry / Biotechnology
The pathway to becoming an environmental science and protection technician is through the college's Environmental Science associate degree, offered by the Biology, Chemistry and Physics Department. Students in the Environmental Science program study biological, physical and social sciences as well as courses that focus on environmental issues. The associate degree incorporates a blend of theoretical concepts, policy analysis and laboratory experience.
The department also offers a 1+1 agreement with SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, for those interested in becoming forest rangers. The first year of the program takes place on campus in Troy and the second year is spent immersed in nature at the SUNY-ESF Wanakena Ranger School, located in the northwestern corner of the Adirondack Park. The Ranger School curriculum educates students for outdoor careers in the areas of environmental conservation, forestry and surveying, while also providing preparation for continued education in related bachelor's degree programs.
The college's Biotechnology degree and certificate programs can lead to another career that made the list of STEM careers with the most projected job openings – chemical technician. These programs offer a pathway to positions working in biological, chemical, food science labs assisting in testing and laboratory analysis.
Are you looking for a career in one of these STEM fields? More information can be found at www.hvcc.edu/programs. For enrollment information, contact the college's Office of Admissions at (518) 629-7309.
Read the Bureau of Labor Statistics report.