There's an Opp for That!
Do you want to study green energy and produce bio-fuel for a world-class race car? At Muskegon Community College, there’s an opp for that! Want to learn the latest trends in designing the video games of the future? There’s an opp for that! Want to study instrumental music with one of the nation’s best musicians? There’s even an opp for that! Want to join a national champion Jayhawk athletic team? MCC offers opportunities for that, too! At the heart of the mission of Muskegon Community College is our dedication to meet the educational needs of individuals and communities. Over the last two years, MCC has implemented 25 new opportunities that respond to our evolving marketplace, emerging industries, and local needs.
New Areas of Study
Biofuels - The Biofuels certificate also readies students for employment by involving them in the actual production of ethanol, biodiesel, and methane, which are commonly used alternative sources of fuel. Students are trained in the technical monitoring and management of systems that create these fuels. Students can also be involved in the MCC Motorsports club, which has developed a corn-powered dragster called White Lightning. Learn more by contacting Jeff Stipes at (231) 777-0335.
Alternative Energy (Solar, Wind) - Students working on the Wind and Solar Energy certificate will be trained in the installation, maintenance, and repair of residential and light commercial wind and solar systems. Actual installation of MCC's SWIFT wind turbine and a solar array ensure students are ready for the job market. Learn more by contacting Jeff Stipes at (231) 777-0335.
Tutor Training Literacy – This coop experience will help prepare you for the next steps of your academic and professional career and will help you stand out when applying for jobs. As a Read Muskegon tutor, you will make a positive impact on the lives of adults through improved literacy. This cooperative learning and volunteering experience provides you with training, support, and ongoing mentoring as you engage with adult learners.
Autism (teacher training and student programming) – Offered by the MCC Early childhood Education Department there are three new Autism classes for Winter 2011. The classes are: Fundamental Concepts of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) This course will explore Autism Spectrum Disorders from birth through adulthood. It is designed to assist caregivers, family members, educators and other professionals in recognizing autistic characteristics and understanding the effects of implementation of early intervention strategies and programs. Learn more by contacting Papa N’jai at (231) 777-0693.
Film Production – A continuing Education offering MCC’s Film Production class is set up to provide students with skills for employment as production assistants, grips, set electricians and in film art departments. One of the four sections of the course will include information on resume building and the skills necessary for potential job placement. An emphasis will be put on understanding industry terms and on-set protocol. Please contact Mary Ann Williams at (231) 777-0348 to learn when this CE class will be offered again.
Instrumental Music – The music program has recently expanded to include new performance based ensembles as well as additional music curricula and instructors including award winning jazz musician Tim Froncek. The three new ensembles include the 'Jayhawk Sound,' the athletic or activities band of the campus, the Jazz Ensemble which is a select big band ensemble featuring contemporary and traditional big band jazz, and the Wind Ensemble which is a select ensemble dedicated to preparing and performing the finest traditional, contemporary and transcribed literature. With respect to music curricula expanded course offerings in music theory and instrumental/vocal conducting are also being offered with courses in jazz improvisation, guitar and world music coming next year. Please contact Music Director Dan Meyers at (231) 777-032 to learn more about music classes at MCC.
Entrepreneurial Studies – This is a two year program designed to prepare students from all areas of study for starting a business. First semester students evaluate their personal skills, create and analyze business ideas, and determine if they are ready to make the commitment necessary to become a successful entrepreneur. Continuing students study and apply financial, marketing, operational, and human resources concepts to their specific business idea. Students choose from special topic classes that further develop specific business skills. They can also compete in local and national business plan competitions. Throughout the program, students will meet local entrepreneurs and area leaders as a prelude to joining the local business community. They finish the program with a comprehensive business plan which may assist them in seeking financing and launching their business. Learn more by contacting David Stradal at (231) 777-0304.
New Certificate Programs at MCC
Road Construction Apprenticeship Readiness – This apprenticeship certificate program provided students with the skills needed for jobs in the field of road construction. This course was offered exclusively to select residents of Muskegon and Muskegon Heights through special funding from the Michigan Department of Labor, Energy and Economic Growth and is not currently accepting students.
Energy Conservation Apprenticeship Readiness - An innovative apprenticeship certificate program, ECAR helped develop math and construction skills of students while connecting them with construction firms for further training and employment. This course was offered exclusively to select residents of Muskegon and Muskegon Heights through special funding from the Michigan Department of Labor, Energy and Economic Growth and is not currently accepting students.
Pharmacy Tech – This 120-hour pharmacy technician program, offered through a partnership with MCC, Fremont High School, and Michigan Works! West Central office, is designed to prepare students to enter the pharmacy field and to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam. Learn how you can get certified by contacting Mary Ann Williams at (231) 777-0348.
New Articulation Agreements with our Partners at the Stevenson Center for Higher Education
To learn more about these programs, contact a representative from Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, or Western Michigan University. Each university has offices in room #1106 of MCC’s Stevenson Center for Higher Education.
Liberal Studies Leadership, in partnership with GVSU - Designed for the student who is interested in learning leadership principles applied directly to the business and nonprofit sectors. Liberal Studies is an interdisciplinary major; it brings together coursework from various academic disciplines. The program allows you to design a personal emphasis area in Leadership to suit your specific interests, talents, or career goals.
Engineering, in partnership with WMU - In an effort to help meet the personnel needs of regional manufacturers, the BSE program was developed in partnership with numerous local industries. The curriculum is designed to enhance the skills of current employees as well as prepare students for future employment. Courses are offered in Muskegon and online. Foundation and pre-engineering courses are offered by MCC, and the manufacturing core classes are offered by WMU. Resident faculty are available for advising.
Recreation Management, in partnership with WMU - The program offers Muskegon Community College students a path to obtain a bachelor’s degree in recreation, once they have completed an Associate of Science and Arts degree. The recreation program focuses on educating students about recreation and leisure leadership, program and service development, delivery and management. The curriculum includes major/minor core courses including specific academic service learning opportunities. In addition, the major includes electives, 225 hours of field experience (practicum) and a 600-hour internship.
Dual Degree Enrollment, in partnership with WMU – details to follow
Computer Information Systems, in partnership with FSU – online - The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems, offered in partnership with Ferris State University, prepares students to be team leaders in the development and maintenance of Business Information Systems. Starting positions include application programmer/analyst, business analyst, systems analyst, networking administrators, consultants, software developers, computer support specialist, systems administrators, project leaders and web developers.
Computer Information Systems Administration & Security, in partnership with FSU – online - The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems Administration & Security , offered in partnership with Ferris State University, is for students who want to work in the business world and provide technical assistance for computer systems and to users . Individual business departments, corporations, or multi-national enterprises need professionals who can combine their technical skills and knowledge in solving computer systems issues. The CIT-SAS curriculum provides you with a broad understanding of core business functions and computer support specialist, help-desk support, network and computer systems administration, and computer security skills.
Criminal Justice, in partnership with FSU - The Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Generalist Option, offered in partnership with Ferris State University, provides general education in criminal justice. The program is designed to provide an understanding of criminal justice, while allowing students to obtain special work-related skills necessary for work in a variety of criminal justice positions with police, courts, and corrections. Graduates may also pursue a post-graduate or professional degree.
Business Admin Professional Track, in partnership with FSU - The Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with Professional Tracks, offered in partnership with Ferris State University, is uniquely designed to facilitate transfer from unrelated AAS programs with maximum credit for prior academic work. A Business Administration major provides an avenue for immediate employment and potential for advancement to upper levels of management. Employers seek graduates for positions ranging from business manager, supervisor, and sales representative to production supervisor and project planner.
Television & Digital Media, in partnership with FSU - In the Bachelor of Science degree in Television and Digital Media Production (TDMP) program, offered in partnership with Ferris State University, students acquire skills in film, audio, and video production, interactive media production and authoring, instructional design, editing, script writing, and graphics. Graduates learn communication skills in visual media that apply to a wide range of careers. Graduates of the program have been employed in television and digital media production positions in broadcasting, cable, corporations, manufacturing facilities, hospitals, professional sports venues, independent production companies, post-production firms, education, government, and industry.
New Articulation Agreements with Other Higher Education Partners
Maritime, in partnership with NMC Great Lakes Academy - Students, (maritime cadets), will benefit from a partnership the Academy has with Ferris State University. Cadets graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from FSU, a four-year educational experience, in addition to their Maritime Technology degree that includes three semesters at sea--learning while underway aboard ship. Graduates are qualified to sail upon the Great Lakes or oceans as Licensed Merchant Marine Officers in charge of managing and operating the largest ships in the world. According to the 2008-2009 Occupational Outlook Handbook, water transportation occupations will increase 16 percent from 2006-2016. Learn more by contacting Dan Rinsema-Sybenga at (231) 777-0569.
New Athletic Programs
For questions about new Athletic programming at MCC, please contact Marty McDermott, Athletic Director at (231) 777-0462.
Men's Bowling – New team winter sport at Muskegon Community College coached by Bill Bowen.
Women's Bowling – New team winter sport at Muskegon Community College, coached by Bill Bowen.
Men's Cross Country – New team fall sport at Muskegon Community College, coached by Mike Smith.
Women's Cross Country – New team fall sport at Muskegon Community College, coached by Mike Smith.
Men Soccer – This new team fall sport at Muskegon Community College is coached by Ben Ritsema.
Women Soccer – This new team fall sport at Muskegon Community College will begin Fall 2012.