College expands degree programs

Georgia Gwinnett College introduced two new bachelor degree programs in response to local needs and changing demographics.

“Both degrees offer multiple career options,” said Dr. Adolfo Santos, dean of the School of Liberal Arts, where the new degree programs are housed. “Whether students choose to enter the workforce after graduation or pursue advanced degrees, these programs will prepare them for careers in fields expected to experience significant growth in coming years.”

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND AGING SERVICES

The bachelor of science degree in human development and aging services (HDAS) prepares graduates to work with the state’s growing elderly population.

Career opportunities in the government, business or non-profit sectors include the areas of education, social work, counseling, advocacy, health and human services, criminal justice/criminology, research and more.

“This program will help meet a vital community demand for trained professionals in these areas,” said Santos. “HDAS graduates also will be prepared to pursue graduate degrees in gerontology, social work, sociology, psychology and other disciplines.”

The HDAS arena is expanding because of national issues in the aging population, social pressures on young adults and the rapidly changing profile of the American family.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs in the social and community services sector will grow 21 percent between 2012 and 2022. By 2030, the number of Georgians age 65 and older will have increased by about 142 percent over 1990 levels, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Continued population growth in Gwinnett and the greater Atlanta region should ensure a healthy job market for years.

“Our graduates will be well-positioned for adapting their education and skills to society’s changing needs,” Santos said.

CINEMA AND MEDIA ARTS PRODUCTION

Established to prepare students for Georgia’s thriving film industry, GGC’s bachelor of arts in cinema and media arts production (CMAP) offers interdisciplinary studies suitable for a variety of careers including broadcasting, social media management, public relations and publishing.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, positions as film/video editors, producers, directors and camera operators are growing at a rate faster than the national average for most fields. Georgia is a hotbed of activity in the industry.

“In fiscal year 2015 alone, film and television production generated about $6 billion for Georgia’s economy,” Santos said.

The unique program offers concentrations in design and production, entertainment industries studies and writing for stage and screen, as well as a minor in film. CMAP students may gain practical experience through strategic internships tailored to their area of interest.