Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
In response to the needs of local industry , Blue Ridge Community and Technical College has added a new program in applied laboratory technology .
Available as both a one-year certificate and two-year degree , the applied laboratory technician program prepares students to enter a variety of high-demand laboratory careers . Applied laboratory technicians perform tasks to ensure items produced meet the outlined standards and specifications for each product .
Technicians are in great demand , particularly in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia and surrounding regions . Although this program does not guarantee employment with a specific production-based manufacturer , the skills obtained by students do provide an advantage when seeking positions in the quality assurance field .
Bluefield State College
With $ 1.5 million in Appalachian Regional Commission grants and another $ 850,000 in robotic equipment for research labs , Bluefield State College has moved to the forefront of bringing manufacturing jobs to West Virginia with its new Center of Excellence in Manufacturing Engineering .
The center , its labs and a new manufacturing engineering technology degree program will help prepare existing workers and new students to meet the demands of new manufacturing technology and processes . The center will also offer certificate training programs and provide technical assistance related to 3-D printing , design for manufacturability and adaptive manufacturing .
The Center of Excellence in Manufacturing Engineering will serve 15 businesses and 210 students and lead to the creation of approximately 100 jobs .
BridgeValley Community & Technical College
In the aftermath of disastrous weather , communities depend on utility linemen to safely and quickly restore services to neighborhoods , schools and hospitals . BridgeValley Community & Technical College is now offering an accelerated class to quickly prepare graduates for an exciting and highpaying career in this field .
Utility linemen install and repair electrical power lines and distribution systems . During this new course , students learn about safety equipment , electric distribution fundamentals , emergency response , electrical equipment installation and troubleshooting circuits .
In West Virginia , electric power line installers and repairers have a median income of $ 65,500 and telecommunication line installers and repairers have a median income of $ 64,900 , showing the opportunity jobs in this field provide .
Concord University
Concord University ’ s bachelor ’ s degree in sociology with an emphasis in criminology encourages students to think critically about crime and justice issues while preparing them for a career or graduate school .
Students enrolled in the program will learn the major theoretical perspectives and research methods used by criminologists and tackle such questions as why crime exists and which social policies reduce crime .
“ This is a good choice for students who wish to pursue careers in criminal profiling , victim advocacy , the analysis of crime data and policy or corrections or to pursue graduate study in criminology ,” says Dr . Tracy Luff , professor of sociology at Concord . “ It is also a good background for students who plan to attend law school to pursue a career in criminal law or medical school to become a medical examiner or forensic medicine specialist .”
Davis & Elkins College
As West Virginia increases its appeal as a destination for adventure travel , students pursing a bachelor ’ s degree in outdoor recreation management at Davis & Elkins College will have a leg up on their competition in the job market . This newly revised major prepares students to manage or own a recreation-focused business .
Students will use West Virginia ’ s natural surroundings to learn traditional recreation skills like climbing and whitewater rafting and will also study accounting , macroeconomics , marketing and other business courses .
Graduates may pursue career paths in managing clubs , commercial recreation areas and outdoor centers ; owning a recreation business ; or working as an adaptive recreation specialist at rehabilitation centers , veterans ’ hospitals or senior centers .
Fairmont State University
Fairmont State University ’ s master of education degree now offers a concentration in multi-categorical special education with autism , which prepares teachers to address the needs of learners with mild to moderate disabilities . The need for teachers who are fully certified in multi-categorical special education and autism has grown , and as this need continues to increase , this certification will enhance an educator ’ s marketability and options for employment .
This fully accredited program is available to candidates who hold a valid teaching license and seek certification as well as those holding a bachelor ’ s degree in any field who seek a master ’ s degree in education and certification . All coursework for the program is online , and candidates will participate in intensive clinical experiences either in their own school or in a local school .
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