New Certificate and Degree Programs at Harford Community College

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) recently approved four new credit programs at Harford: A Certificate in Geospatial Technology, an Associate of Applied Science degree program in Biotechnology, and an Associate of Science degree program and Certificate in Data Science. MHEC also approved a substantially revised Certificate in Biotechnology.

The Certificate in Geospatial Technology (GST) program provides students with the skills, knowledge and hands-on experience to pursue a career in geospatial technology. The GST Certificate offers a comprehensive array of geographic information systems, remote sensing, and global positioning systems. The skills and knowledge acquired from the GST Certificate can be applied in a variety of fields including, but not limited to, education; public safety; local, state, and federal government; banking; health and human services; transportation; utilities; natural resources; business; manufacturing; and telecommunication to make informed data-driven decisions by analyzing geospatial data.

Harford’s refreshed certificate and new AAS 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. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has increased demand for highly-skilled employees in the biotechnology workforce. The MHEC-approved certificate and AAS degree allow shorter times to credential completion and direct entry into the workforce or to transfer to a four-year program at University of Maryland Baltimore County at Shady Grove or University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC).

Data science is an emerging field at the intersection of statistics, computer science, and mathematics, and involves the ability to generate insights from data to help guide strategy at organizations in fields as diverse as agriculture, banking, business, cloud computing, health care, marketing, military operations, professional sports, and education. It includes skills in data visualization and ethical use of data. The MHEC-approved certificate is most appropriate for those with existing credentials who may wish to upskill in this area, and the AS degree is designed for students who might wish to transfer to a four-year program at Loyola University Maryland or University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC).

Both biotechnology and data science are high-demand disciplines with relatively high wages.

Harford Community College students now have affordable access to courses, hands-on training, and employment opportunities within in-demand career fields. In addition, these efforts contribute to the economic growth of the local community and help area employers match high-demand jobs with skilled, qualified talent.