New Degree & Certificate Programs Announced by Trustees

May 14, 2012 - In a move designed to meet local workforce needs, Brevard Community College will begin offering several new two-year degrees and certificate programs in 2013.

The programs were announced May 14 to BCC’s Board of Trustees in the College’s latest effort to provide students with careers in fast-expanding fields and help Space Coast businesses grow by expanding the pool of trained employees.

The new programs are:

• Associate of Science Degree in Cyber Security, starting in spring 2013.
• Associate of Science Degree in Health Information Technology, starting in spring 2013.
• Post-Secondary Adult Vocational Certificate in Police, Fire, Ambulance, 911 Dispatcher, starting in spring 2013.
• Post-Secondary Adult Vocational Certificate in Electrical Repairs, starting in August 2013.

“These programs are further evidence of our commitment to work closely with Brevard businesses to determine their workforce needs and to create pathways to success for our students,” said BCC President, Dr. Jim Richey.

“We’re going to stay on the cutting-edge with this kind of program development for years to come, doing what’s best for students and the community to help revitalize the Brevard economy.”

The programs follow the College’s decision in March to begin offering four-year degrees for the first time in its history starting in August 2013. Students will have the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Organizational Management with two concentration options – general management or health care management.

BCC also will start offering a Concurrent Nursing Program in August 2013. It provides students entry into the University of Central Florida’s College of Nursing after they successfully complete their first year of nursing studies at BCC.

The decision to develop the additional degrees and programs announced May 14 was based on the same criteria used to launch the four-year degrees in March:

• The College surveyed a wide cross-section of businesses of all sizes throughout Brevard to gauge their workforce needs.
• College officials also closely examined a state list that targeted sectors where job growth was expected in Central Florida, with a specific emphasis on high-need jobs.

The research showed that cyber security is a rapidly emerging area of expertise in both the private and public sector, with an average $69,100 annual salary, if the student continues on to earn a Bachelor's Degree.

The push to provide electronic health care records for all U.S. residents by 2014 also makes health information technicians in demand, with an average $32,350 annual salary.

Meanwhile, people with electrical repair skills earn an average of $48,250 a year, if they become licensed electricians, and public safety dispatchers average $37,460 a year.

The new degrees and programs will join the nearly 100 that BCC currently offers. To see the complete list visit: www.brevardcc.edu/academics/degrees-certifications/

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