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Staying Ahead of the Game
Area colleges respond to changing economy with new offerings
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Business New Haven
11/26/2001
By:
Lisa Micali
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Given the barrage of corporate layoffs, plummeting stock-market values and overall economic decline, more working adults are finding they need to update their skills to keep pace with changes in the workplace or become the victim of a corporate “right-sizing.”
Universities are responding with academic programs designed especially for working adults that accommodate their hectic schedules. They are constantly enhancing or developing new courses, majors and concentrations.
Special-interest courses, such as certification programs, are among the most popular choices for creating new career prospects. Learner-centered programs and services give you the knowledge and skills not only to help you meet today's challenges in your professional and personal lives, but to thrive on them.
Online courses, on-site work programs and extended-learning programs meet the evolving needs of the lifelong learner. Taking continuing educational courses can expand awareness of an emerging career, upgrade essential job skills, or enrich professional knowledge in general.
Credit for life and work experience, degrees for independent study, and accelerated and weekend programs are available as well. And if you're considering returning to school, you won't be alone. According to the state's Department of Higher Education,, more than a third of undergraduates in Connecticut are age 27 or older.
This year the University of Buffalo (N.Y.) offered a crash course in winter survival to MBA students from warmer climates (who never lived in a place where the average snowfall amounts to eight feet a year), the more than 45 Connecticut colleges and universities are serving up new educational offerings centered around the projected fastest-growing occupational clusters through 2008.
According to the state's Department of Economic & Community Development, the ten fastest-growing occupations include: computer science and engineering; systems analysis; electronic data-processing; biological science; database administration; sales; securities, commodities and financial services; physician assistants; chiropractors; residential counseling; metallurgical studies; and ceramic and materials engineering.
Smart educational decisions start with monitoring employment trends. Despite uncertainty in the job market, some positions are newly in-demand. Among those seeking workers since September 11: security firms, health-care and pharmaceutical companies, defense contractors and some government agencies like the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Though security guards traditionally have been viewed as low-paying jobs with limited career prospects, experts say guards will likely enjoy better pay and benefits as companies beef up security. Especially in demand will be workers who develop specialties in languages or in areas such as safety in skyscrapers. Meanwhile, demand for some health-care workers, such as nurses and medical technicians, remains strong.
Government agencies like the FBI and Federal Aviation Administration also are likely to be hiring. If the FAA assumes responsibility for airport security, it could create as many as 28,000 new positions. Already it has posted openings for federal air marshals at salaries from $35,100 to $80,800.
Meanwhile, the federal Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS) is looking for workers who speak multiple languages. Recruiters also recommend applying to companies that may need workers to fill in, at least temporarily, for military reservists who have been called up.
But to land a job in tough times you need to be unusually flexible. You might need to move or even take lower pay than you'd like if you see opportunity down the road.
Employers today want the “total package” of skills, which includes business and technical skills but also strong communications ability, basic computer aptitude, leadership skills, teamwork skills, interpersonal abilities and personal accountability.
But some employers are looking for even more than that. Recruiting studies also reveal several new sought-after skill sets to give some employees an edge over peers.
Most important among these “hot” skills is critical-thinking ability. Breakthrough thinking shows employers that you can think creatively and solve problems - something needed more today than ever before.
Other hot skills are computer proficiency and an understanding of electronic commerce and systems. Computer skills - particularly in Web development software and graphics programs - as well as the ability to understand evolving concepts of e-commerce, might brand you indispensable. Employers profit from workers who can adapt to change, demonstrate a commitment to learning new skills, and an ability to work independently.
With some additional coursework, or other online self-learning efforts, you may just make yourself more valuable by mastering new ideas or business practices that promote sustainability - not to mention profits.
New program highlights from around the state:
• Hamden's Quinnipiac University now offers “Quinnipiac Online,” an e-learning distance education initiative that provides students with the ability to take courses via the Internet. In this form of instruction, faculty and students are physically separated by distance but are technologically connected. Communication takes place via the Internet, and the “classroom” takes shape within discussion groups and chat sessions.
Syllabi, course material, academic hyperlinks, lesson plans, class discussion groups and grades are organized in a Web-based platform that enables students and faculty to communicate effectively from any location with Internet access. If your job prohibits you from attending regular classes, e-learning gives you access to learning on your own schedule. Quinnipiac Online provides fully accredited courses via the Internet ranging from graduate to undergraduate courses in a variety of disciplines, with a duration of from to 15 weeks.
• Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) launched a new online master's degree program in data-mining, available completely online. The data-mining program is the first such offering available completely online, according to Daniel T. Larose, associate professor of statistics and program coordinator for data-mining at CCSU.
Aimed at meeting a growing national need for skilled information-technology professionals who analyze database information crucial for business decision-makers, the CCSU program is distinctive. “Ours is the first such program in the world to be offered completely online,” says Pearl Bartelt, CCSU's provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Its concentration on case studies and real-world problems and its use of state-of-the-art software like Clementine further distinguish CCSU's extraordinary new program.”
Offered through the Connecticut State University's (CSU) virtual classroom, OnlineCSU, the program “puts Connecticut in the forefront of information technology education,” adds William J. Cibes Jr., chancellor of the CSU system. “Data-mining is an exciting and evolving field of study, and we believe the cutting-edge programs developed by CCSU's faculty will prepare students exceptionally well to apply data mining expertise in the workplace.”
The program comprises 11 courses (33 credits) and can be completed in two years. The thrust of the program is to provide students with practical, hands-on experience with data-mining techniques. Students will apply such methodologies as decision trees, market basket analysis, neural networks, classification rules and cluster detection. Students will gain strong exposure to the Clementine data-mining software suite, which is well-suited to an online program. Student versions are available.
CCSU also offers the only program of study in technology education, industrial technology, and engineering technology in the CSU system. Each degree program has a variety of technical specializations designed to provide students with a balance of classroom learning and activity-based laboratory courses.
The “Technology Pathway Program” enables students to begin their studies at Southern Connecticut State in New Haven and advance directly to any program in CCSU's School of Technology. SCSU's Pathway Program provides the foundation courses taken during the first two years of study that leads to a B.S. degree at Central upon completion of all requirements.
Other new degrees include Adaptive Technology, a new master's degree concentration. Students will learn how to use computers and software to enhance the learning of students with learning, physical and sensory disabilities. Computer experience is not a prerequisite for this exciting new concentration, which incorporates hands-on training on the latest adaptive hardware and software at Southern's nationally recognized Center for Adaptive Technology.
Charles Small will head SCSU's proposed new Center for Urban Studies (currently in the approval stage at the school). While Urban Studies is not a new undergraduate and graduate program, Small's proposed program would add an interdisciplinary foundation and encompass courses in economics, cultural studies, sociology, politics and business.
New urban studies courses in 2002 include: “Education in the Urban Community,” “Reading the City: The Challenge of Globalization,” and “Public Budgeting & Fiscal Management” (January intercession).
The center will become a resource for research projects, visiting scholars, student projects, conferences and seminars and consulting with urban communities.
• The Professional Studies Programs at the University of Connecticut partners with business interests to provide a breadth of timely, demand-driven professional development programs. For example, College of Continuing Studies (CCS) developed the Pharmacy Technician Program in partnership with CVS Pharmacy, in response to legislation that has changed the roles of pharmacists and increased the need for pharmacy technicians. It is the only program of its kind devoted to retail pharmacy.
CCS' Paralegal Litigation Certificate Program provides students with marketable skills as identified by prominent Connecticut attorneys, and job prospects for students who complete the program are promising: The legal community remains in continuous contact with CCS' Professional Studies to learn of potential hires. Professional Studies also offers licensing courses in real estate and insurance and administers the “Stock Market Game,” a risk-free simulation of investing and trading.
If you are interested in enhancing your computer skills, UConn offers plentiful technology courses and certificate programs in fields such as e-commerce. Courses in paralegal litigation, real estate, insurance, travel or medical services also top the list. UConn also offers professional certificate programs taught by industry-experienced practitioners that will give students the knowledge and skills they need to get started in these fields.
This fall, the School of Allied Health and the College of Continuing Studies offer a new Allied Health focus within the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) program at UConn/Waterbury.
The BGS Allied Health focus is for those who have previously earned an A.S. in allied health, or for anyone who wishes to earn a bachelor's degree that will prepare them to pursue graduate study in health-related fields. This new focus will also enable allied health professionals to expand and broaden their knowledge and credentials to stay current with today's rapidly evolving health-care system.
Last spring, UConn began offering MBA courses in accounting finance and marketing at the Waterbury campus. These courses were listed under the Hartford MBA program spring 2001 schedule.
Just this month, UConn trustees approved two new interdisciplinary programs: a master's degree in survey research, and an undergraduate major in cognitive science. The survey research program would recognize the size, quality and reputation of the current program, a concentration in the M.A. in political science program. Administered by the Institute for Public Affairs, the new program would be linked with both the Center for Survey Research and Analysis and the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research, and would involve faculty from political science, marketing, educational psychology, communication sciences, economics, psychology and sociology. A one-year program, it would be offered first in Storrs, and then (possibly as early as 2003) at the Stamford campus.
It's the first of its kind in New England. Cognitive science - the study of how intelligent beings, including people, animals and machines, perceive, act, know and think - has been a popular individual major for years.)
Another new development at UConn: the College of Continuing Studies launched the Connecticut Workforce Development Institute (CWDI), a one-stop shopping source for employers. Through CWDI, employers can identify their development needs, obtain real-time answers concerning workforce education options and identify the appropriate training solution from one of 45 colleges and universities across Connecticut. Harnessing the resources of UConn and with other continuing-education providers, CWDI can customize work-based learning services in areas such as information technology, management development, customer service, e-business, allied health and insurance.
Also, the College of Continuing Studies has developed an online certificate program that will make occupational safety training readily accessible to Connecticut's working population. The program is offered through Labor Education Center (LEC) and the School of Allied Health, and includes five undergraduate courses: “Occupational Safety & Health Regulations,” “Ergonomics,” “Safety & Health Management,” “Accident-Prevention Techniques” and “Industrial Hygiene.”
• Rensselaer at Hartford offers new certificate programs designed to provide students with comprehensive, interactive skill training in specific areas of executive development. Certificates are offered in business communication, innovation, team leadership, change advocacy, conflict mastery, customer advocacy and/or emergent leader, as well as a “Leadership Essentials” certificate program.
Other new courses include:
• “World-Class Helpdesk” - A series of innovative classes designed to provide helpdesk professionals with the skills needed to build a world class helpdesk.
• “Networking For Professional Effectiveness” - A session to demystify the entire networking process from specific tips regarding what to do before, during and after a networking opportunity
• “From Survival to Success in the Workplace”: A 20-hour program that teaches students ten specific techniques on how to get ahead.
• Two new Internet security courses: “Encryption Technology” and “Virtual Private Networking (VPN).” “Encryption Technology” provides students with an understanding of current and future encryption technologies for use on the Internet, local area networks (LANs), Web servers and computers. The VPN course provides students with a fundamental understanding of VPN technology, and examines the practical considerations when deploying VPN, while allowing experience of actual demonstrations of a VPN in a classroom environment. These courses are well-suited for managers, IT professionals, administrators of network or Web servers, or others who want to grasp the basics of Internet security.
• The University of Hartford offers a bachelor's degree in Interactive Information Technology (IIT). The program offers specializations in advertising, marketing, media arts, network administration and professional and technical writing.
While IIT incorporates aspects of both computer science and management information systems (MIS), the emphasis is different. The primary focus of the IIT major is on understanding and developing skills in computer technology as it is used for creating, processing and communicating various types of information. Unlike computer science and management information systems, IIT is interdisciplinary in nature with the primary goal of preparing graduates to excel at Internet- and multimedia-aware jobs spanning all employment sectors.
What will students learn in the new IIT program?
How to develop problem-solving strategies using interactive information technology.
How to leverage Web technology in business, education and communications.
How to design solutions using the latest in multimedia and Internet technology.
How to develop, organize, support and work within organizations connected by local and wide-area networks.
Fairfield University's new certification program for financial planners was established to meet the need for professionals appropriately trained to assist clients in planning for present and future financial security. The program is designed for workers in financial planning, insurance, banking, investments, accounting and law as well as professionals interested in learning more about financial planning.
The curriculum is designed to meet and exceed the criteria set by the Certified Financial Planners Board of Standards. The “Certified Financial Planners” certification is the best-known credential in the financial-planning community.
The FU program has been registered with the Certified Financial Planners Board of Standards Inc. as acceptable education for the CFP Certification Examination. Students who complete the six courses may sit for the two-day CFP Certification Examination. Fairfield University awards a Certificate in Financial Planning upon completion of the six required courses in the financial planning program. Each course meets one night for each of ten weeks from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
In June, Gov. John G. Rowland signed a bill conferring on Western Connecticut State University and other members of the Connecticut State University system the authority to offer applied doctoral degrees in education. Pending approval of the Board of Governors for Higher Education, WestConn expects to enroll its first students in the program next year.
“You can't stop progress, and this is quite obviously another critical step in the university's progress,” said James R. Roach, WestConn's president. “It's also indicative of the university's continued growth, which is the natural result of our commitment to provide needed educational services to the community.”
WestConn's new professional writing major, recently approved by the Department of Higher Education, is unique to the CSU system. Students can choose among five concentrations for the B.A. degree: general writing, creative writing, professional writing/journalism & freelance, professional writing/business, and professional writing/public relations. In addition, a B.S. in teaching of writing/elementary and teaching of writing/secondary will be offered to students preparing to teach writing in schools.
Another new program, the Direct/Interactive Marketing Certificate Program, fills a need for managers with comprehensive knowledge of direct-marketing basics and how they apply to e-commerce. It offers those working in the direct marketing field (or those wishing to do so) a way to learn all the elements of this fast-growing discipline at a conveniently located university, or at an in-house class at your company.
Courses include “Lists & Databases,” “Product Development,” “Offer Formulation,” “Media Overview,” “Creative Dynamics of Direct Marketing” and “Direct Marketing: Testing & Research.” Also, “Catalogue Marketing,” “Financial Analysis,” “Database Management,” “Internet & e-Commerce,” “Telemarketing,” “Strategic Planning,” “Fulfillment & Customer Service.” For particulars, contact 203-837-8637.
The Institute for Holistic Health Studies will offer two new holistic health studies weekend workshops on WestConn's Waterbury campus in January. HSC 292: “Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Herbs & Nutritional Self-Care” is offered from 5:30 to 9:45 p.m. on January 4, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on January 5.
HSC 293: “Cross-Cultural Health & Healing” will be offered from 5:30 to 9:45 p.m. on January 11, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on January 12. Classes will be in Room 208, Founders Hall, WestConn/Waterbury. If taken for personal enrichment or CEUs for nurses, teachers and counselors, the cost is $25 per module (with four modules per course) or $90 for the entire course (a ten-percent discount). If taken for academic credit, the cost is $195, plus a $30 service fee per semester. For more information, call 203-596-8784 or 203-837-8361.
The Center for Collaboration offers a number of new certificate programs. In an effort to help families avoid traumatic court battles, legal fees and emotional distress often associated with traditional divorce proceedings, the Center for Collaboration at WestConn launched a “Separation & Divorce Mediation” workshop in November. Participants from professional counselors to community service representatives learned about using mediation as an alternative to separation and divorce during the two-day workshop.
“Following the workshop, participants must also complete three supervised sessions and a court visitation before receiving a divorce mediation certificate of training,” explains Daniel Joynt, the center's director. “With that certification,” Joynt adds, “I hope the participants will become a resource for struggling families.” For details, call the Center for Collaboration at 860-354-9164.
What is the meaning of life? What happens when we die? Where does religion figure into the picture? Students who want to ponder those weighty questions and learn about the role in religion in society will be able to pursue a minor in religion studies at WestConn. Eugene Buccini, WestConn's vice president for academic affairs, announced the approval of the minor earlier this year. In order to pursue the minor, students must earn 18 credits from a list of courses which include examination of sacred texts, philosophy and religion and exploration of specific religions such as Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism and Judaism.
The Master of Fine Arts program at WestConn developed a partnership with the Weir Farm Trust, enabling the program to host regular visiting artist appearances. Weir Farm National Historic Site in Wilton is the only national park in the state and the only one in the U.S. devoted to American painting. The Weir Farm Trust works in partnership with the National Park Service to provide outstanding programs for the public and preserve the farm's one-of-a-kind environment.
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