various educational opportunities for students to contribute to the economic development of the local community. With the addition of the new credit programs and the chat show, HCC hopes to assist students in acquiring high-demand skills while also assisting local companies in matching job opportunities with competent and qualified personnel.
HCC recently received authorization from the Maryland Higher Education Commission for four credit programs, namely: a certificate in geospatial technology; an associate of applied science (AAS) degree program in biotechnology; and an associate of science degree program and certificate in data science. Additionally, the commission also authorized a major redesigned biotechnology certificate program.
A press release from the college said, “Harford’s refreshed certificate and new A.A.S. degree in biotechnology will allow graduates to join the growing biotechnology workforce of Maryland, Virginia and DC, which has been predicted to double from its current level of 300,000 by 2023”. It added, “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has increased demand for highly-skilled employees in the biotechnology workforce.”
According to the college, the biotechnology certificate and degree programs enable faster credential completion and direct entry into employment, or they enable students to transfer to a four-year program at the University of Maryland Baltimore County at Shady Grove or the University of Maryland Global Campus. The geospatial technology certificate program equips students with the necessary skills, expertise, and practical experience to seek careers in geospatial technology. The program includes a broad range of geographic information systems, remote sensing, and global positioning systems.
The data science certificate is designed for individuals with existing credentials who intend to advance their skills in this field, while the associate’s degree in data science is designed for students interested in transferring to a four-year program at Loyola University Maryland or the University of Maryland Global Campus. The institution just debuted HCC 360, which is a radio show on its campus radio station, WHFC 91.1 FM. The chat show will feature career development and training, forensics workshops, and new biotechnology programs, among other offers. According to the statement from the college, “HCC 360′ reflects that there’s something for everyone at Harford”. HCC 360 airs on WHFC 91.1 FM on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. and is also accessible as a podcast.
