Jackson College

3D Design and Animation

Along with the film industry, the gaming production industry is one of the fastest growing markets to begin your career as a digital artist. Traditional hands-on skills and appreciation for the virtual and digital realms are highly desirable. Artists who want experience with challenging, creative work that is action-packed, collaborative and exhilarating should inquire here.

Accounting

Accountants and auditors prepare, analyze, and verify financial reports and taxes and monitor information systems that furnish this information to managers in business, industry and government. The accounting/finance major prepares students for initial employment and develops competencies for those already in the field.

Advanced Manufacturing

The Advanced Manufacturing – Associate in Applied Science degree prepares students for careers in the manufacturing field. Students that enter this field can expect employment in the areas and job titles such as: welding, mechanical design, production management, process management, project management, system technicians, machinery repair, maintenance technicians, and machine tool design.

Advanced Manufacturing – CAD/CAM

The Advanced Manufacturing CAD/CAM program focuses on combining Computer Aided Design (CAD) technology with Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) technology. Students will learn how to design and model complex parts in CAD software and then use those models to program machines that will create the parts. Students will learn the ins and outs of 3D printing and CNC technology while learning how to design and create parts that meet real world quality standards.

Advanced Manufacturing – Industrial Systems

The Industrial Systems Certificate builds on the Certified Production Technician certificate by focusing on the processes that drive modern industrial facilities. Classes focus on robotics, automation, and the Industrial Internet of Things. Students will learn how to program robots and machines and build industrial communication networks that gather and manage data.

Advanced Manufacturing – Welding

The Advanced Manufacturing - Welding - Certificate prepares students for careers in the manufacturing field. Students who enter this field can expect employment in the areas and job titles such as: welding, mechanical design, production management, process management, project management, system technicians, machinery repair, maintenance technicians, and machine tool design.

Agribusiness

The Agribusiness Certificate program prepares students to actively engage in agribusiness. This degree will provide students with the diverse skill set necessary to work competently within the various sectors of the agriculture-food industry, including agricultural production (plant or livestock), agribusiness and finance, sales management, and agricultural entrepreneurship.

Agriculture Technology

The Agriculture Technology Associate in Applied Science program prepares students for careers in skilled agricultural and agribusiness areas. This degree will provide students with the diverse skill set necessary to work competently within the various sectors of the agriculture-food industry, including agricultural production (plant or livestock), precision farming, agribusiness and finance, sales management, soil or other conservation management, and food processing.

Allied Health

The Associate in Applied Science in Allied Health program is specifically designed for those who have completed a Health Sciences Certificate, courses from Jackson College that lead to a credential, or have earned a third-party certification or licensure in an allied health profession and are looking to obtain an associate degree in order to further their education or employment opportunities.

Associate in Arts

This pre-baccalaureate degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree. It is selected by students planning to pursue a career in such fields as the arts, business, creative writing, criminal justice, economics, education, history, interdisciplinary humanities, literature, philosophy, political science, psychology, social work, speech communication and world languages.

Associate in General Studies

This pre-baccalaureate degree is an interdisciplinary program adapted to a student’s needs, interests and capabilities. NOTE: Only courses with a 2.0 or better transfer to most four-year colleges and universities. If students want to complete the Michigan Transfer Agreement, they need to plan their courses carefully. Completion of the Associate in General Studies degree does not guarantee the Michigan Transfer Agreement designation.

Associate in Science

This pre-baccalaureate degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree. It is selected by students planning to pursue a career in engineering, medicine, health sciences and other science-related professions. Note: Only courses with a 2.0 or better transfer to most four-year colleges and universities. To complete the Michigan Transfer Agreement, students must carefully plan their courses.

Behavioral Sciences

This certificate is designed for students who plan to transfer to four-year institutions as psychology majors. Certificate graduates could also find entry-level employment as clinic technicians in human services fields. This coursework also fulfills many general education requirements for the Associate in Arts degree. Students should verify requirements with their transfer institutions.

Business Administration (A.A.)

This pre-baccalaureate degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s in business administration degree. Courses provide the foundation for transfer and admission into most four-year schools’ College of Business, as well as the skills necessary for success in the business world.

Business Administration (A.A.S.)

This is a broad-based program of business studies. This program allows the student to customize a program of study that meets the specific employment and/or transfer needs of the student.

Business Management

The Business Management Certificate will develop your awareness and hone your skills in many of the functional aspects of the business world. People with business and management skills are employed in every industry in the career world. Therefore, the focus of this program is on the principles, theories and application of today’s business while also concentrating on the legal, management, and human resource components found in today’s dynamic, diverse, and global organization.

Cardiac Sonography

A cardiac sonographer (echocardiographer) is the allied health professional who, after an extensive and comprehensive educational process, is qualified to perform an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). The primary role of the cardiac sonographer is to obtain diagnostic recordings and measurements from the ultrasound image of the heart, including hemodynamic information. This individual assumes great responsibility for the performance of this exam.

Certified Production Technician

This program covers fundamental skills used in the manufacturing industry, including safety, quality, production processes, maintenance awareness, and CAD drafting. Students who complete this program will have the skills needed to work in manufacturing and production. At the end of each course, students will have the opportunity to earn a stackable Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) credential, certifying their knowledge.

Cloud, Networking, Security and Administration

The Associate Degree Program in Information Technology provides students with a comprehensive foundation in cloud technologies, cybersecurity, and networking. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving field(s) of IT.

Communication

The Communication Associate in Arts pre-baccalaureate degree is designed for students to transfer seamlessly to a baccalaureate institution and major in an area such as mass communication or journalism. Communication students apply fundamental communication concepts by creating media content, crafting messages for business, government, and education organizations, and analyzing relationships between individuals and organizations.

Computer Automated Design

This program prepares students for drafting and design roles in the fields of manufacturing, energy, architecture, and construction. Students will master multiple 2D and 3D design software programs and will use this software to generate blueprints and program additive and subtractive manufacturing machines. Courses within this program will expose students to a variety of complex, real-world design problems, and advanced techniques for solving them to prepare them for the workplace.

Computer Support Specialist

Students completing this certificate are prepared to assume a variety of positions in a computerized office setting. The certificate contains most of the core computer classes in the Computer Support Specialist Associate Degree. Students completing this certificate may find jobs as a computer support specialist, computer applications specialist, information office manager, end-user support technician, information systems associate, personal computer (PC) coordinator, or software specialist.

Corrections

This certificate program offers an opportunity to begin a study of all of the components of corrections. Students will explore institutions, private security, and the general safekeeping of all individuals detained. It provides a starting point to continue with an associate degree or become employed in many sectors. Employment includes prison guards, jail correction officers, juvenile facility youth specialists (both public and private) and private security.

Corrections

Corrections officers are charged with safekeeping any person who has been arrested, is awaiting trial or is in a correctional institution. Officers maintain order within the institution, enforce rules and regulations and often supplement counseling that inmates receive from mental health professionals. In addition to being prison/jail guards, corrections officers can work in other related positions, such as juvenile facilities.

Dental Hygiene

The Dental Hygiene Associate in Applied Science program consists of integrated lectures, labs and clinical experiences. As a graduate of the Jackson College dental hygiene program, the student will have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide preventive and periodontal treatment.

Digital Marketing

Digital marketers communicate with the public through platforms that promote content engagement and sharing online. They use business acumen, creativity, communication, and technology skills to create digital marketing campaigns. Content is posted – such as images, text, and videos – to spark interest in a topic, build a brand and engage with the target market. Digital marketers may interact with the public in real-time, mediate criticism and share positive engagements.

Digital Photography

The Digital Photography Certificate will provide students with the foundational skills to expand their photography portfolio and help them develop skills needed to apply to a fine arts degree program or a career in the field. Typical job opportunities are: sports photographer, school photographer, news photographer, advertising work, small business owner in photography, designer, illustrator, magazine/catalog photographer, portrait photographer or photo lab technician.

Electrician

Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in residential construction and commercial buildings. They also work in manufacturing settings, often servicing highly automated industrial processes. Increasingly electricians will be required to wire computer networks and telecommunications. This program will prepare students to work on each of these applications of electricity.

Electrician

Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in residential construction and commercial buildings. They also work in manufacturing settings, often servicing highly automated industrial processes. Increasingly electricians will be required to wire computer networks and telecommunications. This program will prepare students to work on each of these applications of electricity.

Emergency Medical Services: EMT Basic

The Emergency Medical Services: EMT Basic Certificate program prepares the student to be entry- level in delivering safe, high quality emergency patient care. The EMT-B is trained to respond to emergency calls to provide efficient and immediate care to the critically ill and injured, and to transport the patient to a medical facility.

EMPOWER Lineworker Pre-Apprentice

This certificate was created in partnership with Consumers Energy.

Energy Systems Management

This is a 120-credit, four-year program providing the advanced technical, interpersonal and managerial skills necessary to embark on a professional career in the energy industry and to become an effective decision maker, manager and leader within this diverse and challenging field.

Energy Systems Technology

The Energy Systems Technology - Associate in Applied Science program prepares students for careers as technicians within the energy industry. This 60-credit degree will provide students with the diverse skill set necessary to work competently within the various sectors of the industry: energy production, energy transmission and energy distribution. Students will achieve a certification in Energy Industry Fundamentals (Center for Energy Workforce Development).

Entrepreneurship

This program begins applying the analytical skills which will assist students in creatively solving problems and meeting the needs of constituents either in their own company or in another organization in which they serve. Students can adapt these skills to whatever field(s) of endeavor they decide to pursue.

Environmental Science

The Environmental Science Certificate prepares students to transfer to, or enroll in, four-year institutions as environmental science majors. The certificate fulfills most of the first-year academic entrance requirements for science programs. Certificate graduates could also find employment as laboratory technicians.

Environmental Science

The Environmental Science Associate of Applied Science degree prepares students to transfer to, or enroll in, four-year institutions as science majors.

Esport Game Design

The Esport Game Design Certificate prepares students for careers in the global business of esport. This program focuses on the creation and design aspect of esport. Students learn 3D modeling, animation, and lighting in video game production. Students are taught the skills necessary to develop and program single and multiplayer video games for gaming consoles, personal computers and networks.

Esport Management

The Esport Management Certificate prepares students for careers in the global business of esport. This program focuses on the business aspect of esport. Students will learn how to market and promote events. Graduates gain knowledge in planning events, esport culture, brands, fans and gaming industry trends.

Fundamentals of Engineering

The Fundamentals of Engineering Certificate prepares students to transfer to, or enroll in, four-year institutions as engineering majors. The certificate fulfills many of the first two years of academic requirements for engineering programs. Certificate graduates could also find employment as engineering technicians.

General Sonography

A sonographer is the allied health professional who, for diagnostic purposes, uses high frequency sound waves to create cross sectional images of the patient’s anatomy. Sonographers work in professional harmony with both the radiologist and the clinical physician. Sonographers are required to demonstrate a great deal of independent judgment. The general sonography program accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP) in the United States.

Graphic Design

The process of graphic design uses art and technology for the visual organization of information. The intent is to connect with a specific audience to communicate or expose ideas. This program allows for an understanding of the practical application of graphic design, as it exists in both digital and print environments in the industry today.

Graphic Design

The graphic design program prepares students for entry-level positions in design organizations. Graphic design graduates find employment in a variety of settings including the publication and printing industries, advertising and marketing organizations, and graphic design department of corporations, government agencies and retailers.

Health Sciences Foundations

This program helps students acquire basic knowledge and skills in math, foundational sciences, healthcare terminology and general education courses. It provides students applying for a high demand healthcare associate degree program with a certificate for the completion of most general education and/or pre-admission course requirements of the intended program. Students who plan to enter a healthcare program are encouraged to work with a student success navigator to develop a plan.

Industrial Agricultural Systems

This program covers fundamental skills used in agricultural systems, including safety, class A driving, welding, electrical wiring, systems software, precision agriculture and integrated pest management. Students who complete this program will have the skills needed to work in applied agricultural occupations.

Law Enforcement

Careers in law enforcement, including police officers and deputy sheriffs, are ever changing. Police officers help prevent crimes, investigate crimes and control traffic. Detectives and special agents gather facts and evidence for criminal cases. In Michigan, students must complete police academy training to be eligible for employment as a police officer. In many cases, police agencies require a minimum of an associate degree for new employees.

Medical Assistant

The Medical Assistant Certificate program prepares the student for an entry-level position as a medical assistant in a medical office, clinic, hospital or other health care facility. Clinical (diagnostic and treatment), administrative (communication and business) skills and transdisciplinary knowledge and skills are included in the course work. A non-paid externship experience with a licensed health care practitioner is the culmination of the program.

Medical Office Support

The Medical Office Support program prepares students to provide administrative support in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, medical offices or outpatient clinics, insurance companies, and other private and public sector healthcare settings.

Networking Specialist

Networking involves the hardware, software, and communication channels necessary to allow computers to talk to each other. Students will study various components of computer networking. Each 200-level networking class helps prepare students with the skills and knowledge to take vendor-sponsored certification exams. Students who pass the related core exams will be CompTIA Network+ certified and recognized as a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA).

Nursing

The Associate in Applied Science, Nursing (AAS) program consists of integrated lectures, labs and clinicals conducted in approved clinical education affiliates. The program prepares students to demonstrate competency in providing nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings and for employment in the field of registered nursing.

Nursing – LPN to AAS

The Associate in Applied Science, Nursing – LPN to AAS program consists of integrated lectures, labs and clinicals conducted in approved clinical education affiliate settings. The program is designed to educate students to provide competent nursing care in a variety of health care settings and for employment in the field of registered nursing.

Occupational Studies

This Associate of Applied Science is designed specifically for students who have completed an apprenticeship program and received a certificate of completion from the U.S. Department of Labor/Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. Apprenticeship occupations accepted are carpenter, cement mason, structural draftsman, machine builder, machine repair and maintenance, millwright, wood model maker, mold maker (plaster and die cast), operating engineer, plumber, pipe fitter, tool and die maker.

Patient Care Technician

The patient care technician program provides students with the training needed to provide basic care to patients in a hospital or nursing home setting. Upon completion, students will be eligible to take the national certification exam.

Practical Nursing

This program prepares students to provide direct nursing care, under supervision, to individuals in a variety of health care settings. The program consists of integrated lectures, labs, clinical experiences, and simulations. Students who successfully complete the curriculum receive the certificate in practical nursing and are eligible to take the state licensing examination (NCLEX-PN) required for licensure as a practical nurse (LPN).

Pre-Professional Science

The Pre-Professional Science Certificate prepares students to transfer to four-year institutions either as science majors or as pre-professional students (pre-veterinary, pre-medical, pre-dental, physical and occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physician’s assistant, etc.). Certificate graduates could also find employment as laboratory technicians. The certificate fulfills most of the first-year academic entrance requirements for pre-professional programs.

Professional Medical Biller

The Professional Medical Biller Certificate program prepares the student to work in a medical office, clinic, surgical center, emergency center, or hospital. Emphasis is placed on medical terminology, legal and regulatory issues, use of electronic medical management systems, and the different reimbursement methodologies.

Professional Medical Coder

The Professional Medical Coder Certificate program prepares the student to work in a medical office, clinic, surgical center, emergency center, or hospital. Emphasis is placed on medical terminology, use of electronic medical management systems, medical financial management, disease conditions, diagnostic and procedure coding, and medical office and hospital coding.

Public Leadership and Administration

Completion of certificate program in public administration meets the needs of employees of government or non-profit agencies and those desiring employment or advancement. The program covers the history, present, and future of public administration. Courses include topics on public policy, finance, human resources, organizational behavior, and government.

Public Leadership and Administration

Public leadership and administration degrees provide the highest quality for undergraduate education for students interested in working in the public and private sectors and non-profit organizations. Public Leadership and Administration programs strive to achieve local, state, and national prominence through the contemporary curriculum, innovative instruction, scholarly and applied research, and community service.

Radiography

A radiographer is the allied health professional who uses ionizing radiation to image patients in hospitals and various clinical settings. Radiographers perform general x-ray imaging of the body and may also go on to perform advanced imaging procedures such as CT, MRI, mammography and more. It is a two-year program leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree. The curriculum consists of integrated didactic and clinical course work in an approved clinical education affiliate.

Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory Therapy is an allied health profession whose practitioners focus on diagnosis and treatment of cardiopulmonary disorders and diseases. A respiratory care practitioner can be instrumental in assisting a physician in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a wide spectrum of disorders affecting the heart and lungs and specializes in the application of scientific knowledge and theory to practical, clinical problems of respiratory care.

Software Engineering

Software engineering is the process of analyzing user needs to design, develop, test, deploy and manage software applications systems. Software applications systems connect you to a computer, tablet, smartphone or mobile device. Coursework will include studies in databases, cloud computing, systems design, and multiple programming languages to create scalable programs, web applications, and cloud-based software.

Sport Management

The sport management program prepares students for careers in the global sport industry. The associate degree curriculum explores the cultural and business impact of sport through hands-on, real-word case studies and internships. This program develops strong skills in critical business areas of sport including management, communication, marketing, accounting, leadership, entrepreneurship, and human resource management.

Studio Art

The Studio Art Certificate provides students with the foundational skills to expand their portfolio and helps equip them for application to fine arts degree programs or a career in the arts. The curriculum encourages individual creativity and expression while emphasizing the development of basic studio skills.

Surgical Technology

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Surgical Technology provides graduates the training to work in the operating room of hospitals and surgery centers alongside surgeons, nurses and anesthesiologists while assisting the surgeon. Graduates may work as surgical technologists, sterile processors, or sterile processing managers. After gaining clinical experience, graduates may teach or become a certified first assistant.

Vascular Sonography

A vascular sonographer is a highly skilled allied health professional who performs arterial and venous diagnostic procedures using high-frequency sound waves. A vascular sonographer operates a variety of complex diagnostic and monitoring equipment and many ancillary devices.