Say What: Certificates and Degrees

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Knowing the difference can help you decide what path to pursue

Learning, of course, is the goal of any college experience. Part of that education means familiarizing yourself with some unfamiliar terms. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

As part of an occasional series, we’ll explain phrases, lingo or topics to add to your college vocabulary. We call it “Say What?” If there’s a topic you’d like to see covered, please send suggestions to [email protected]. 

Today we’ll learn about some of the differences between the certificates and degrees that Schoolcraft College offers. The College has over 130 different programs leading to either a skills certificate, certificate, associate degree, or post-associate certificate. We also offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary and Dietary Operations Management.

Skills Certificates and Certificates

Skills Certificates and Certificates are viable credentials for improving your salary and career outlook. They are approved by the Schoolcraft College accrediting organization, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and by the Department of Education/Federal Financial Aid. The Skills Certificates and Certificates are earned by many students and can help you gain a job in your chosen field or can help advance your career in an industry. They do not require as much time, or as many classes, and so are an economical way to begin and achieve.

Students in regalia holding up degrees
Schoolcraft College offers a variety of credentials – Certificates, Skills Certificates, Associate Degrees and a Bachelor of Science degree – to help students attain their goals.

The Skills Certificate will help provide you with an introductory view of the field and may help you to obtain an entry-level position in a variety of roles. The Certificate can assist with entry-level positions as well as enter more concentrated career paths.

The credits earned are also stackable so that you can go on from earning the Skills Certificate (most are about 16 credits), to then earning the Certificate (about 16 additional credits). 

By achieving these certificate milestones, you will have access to potential entry-level positions, advancement in current positions, and advancement toward further degrees and professional certificates. It also will allow for new career paths for workers of any industry that have been displaced and are seeking a career change with a positive growth potential.

With success comes more confidence and the boost in confidence, career and earnings make these credentials very attractive.

Degrees

The majority of students at Schoolcraft College are working toward graduating with one of these four associate degrees:

  • Associate in Arts (AA)
  • Associate in Science (AS)
  • Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
  • Associate in Business Administration (ABA)

What are the differences?

Both the Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS) degrees are designed for students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a particular discipline. Many, if not all, credits can be transferred to four-year institutions. Check with your Academic Advisor, but in some cases it’s possible to enter a four-year school as a junior with all general education courses already completed. Earning an AS or AA at Schoolcraft College first can result in tremendous cost savings compared with attending a college or university for all four years to complete a bachelor’s degree.

An earlier Say What? explains these transfer possibilities in further detail.

An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is designed for those interested in entering the workforce right away and establishing a career in health care, business, manufacturing and more. Professionals already working in these fields find that completing an associate degree can lead to career advancement. In some cases, apprenticeships are available and employers may pay for classes.

An AAS is considered a “terminal degree” – that is, the courses are designed to get students the education they need to succeed in the workforce right way rather than serving as a foundation or stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree. While it’s possible to transfer AAS courses to a four-year institution, it’s not the usual path.

The Associate in Business Administration (ABA) is the best of both worlds, providing a foundation to both a bachelor’s degree and the knowledge to enter the workforce in a variety of business-related fields, including:

  • Accounting
  • Business Administration
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Finance
  • Human Resources Management
  • International Business
  • Management
  • Marketing

In addition, Schoolcraft College also confers the following degrees:

  • Associate in Engineering (AE)
  • Associate in Fine Arts (AFA)
  • Associate in General Studies (AGS)
  • Bachelor of Science (BS)

Like the AA and AS degrees, the Associate in Engineering (AE), Associate in Fine Arts (AFA), and Associate in General Studies (AGS) degrees are designed for students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution.

Schoolcraft College’s Bachelor of Science degree program, usually completed in four years, is in Culinary Arts. Students on this track earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary and Dietary Operations Management. As the name suggests, it prepares graduates for management positions in the food and nutrition industries. This program also combines business and science courses to broaden the knowledge base beyond culinary and improve the student’s career opportunities. 

There are many programs at Schoolcraft College offering certificates and degrees that will make a positive difference in your career opportunities and earnings. Continue to meet with your Academic Advisor to ensure you’re on the right path for all that you want to achieve with your education at Schoolcraft College. 

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The Lunar New Year begins February 1

In the United States, “Holiday Season” refers to the period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. For some countries and cultures, however, an important holiday is on the horizon. That holiday is the Lunar New Year, which is celebrated in many Asian countries as well as by people of Asian descent living in other nations. Heddy Worden, Director of Strategic Enrollment, graciously provided the following story on the Lunar New Year.

Colorful strings of lanterns
The Lantern Festival includes lit lanterns, representing family reunion and society, illuminating the night sky.

On Tuesday, February 1, over 1.5 billion people around the world will gather in celebration of the Lunar New Year—the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar!

This year celebrates the year of the Tiger, specifically the Water Tiger, a symbol representing strength, vitality and courage.

Also known as the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, this ancient tradition was established millennia ago during the Han Dynasty and remains one of the most honored celebrations among Asian countries, including China, South Korea, and Singapore. Other Asian countries celebrate this time by a different name. In Vietnam, for example, the Lunar New Year is known as Tết, and in Tibet as Losar.

The Lunar New Year is, first and foremost, a time of family and gathering. It is a time to reunite with loved ones, solidify relationships, honor those who have gone before and rejoice in all that is new and positive. With over 1.5 billion travelling at one time, the Lunar New Year has been regarded as the single largest annual migration on the planet. This extraordinary period of travel even has a special name, Chunyun.

Colorful dragon costumes and presentation
Dragon dances are used to ward off bad omens.

During this time the special Chinese character Fù, printed on red paper and hung upside-down, adorns several city streets and households. The character represents fortune and good luck, while the diamond signifies that fortune is arriving.

Households undergo a thorough cleaning prior to the start of the Lunar New Year. All debts are paid and extravagant meals consisting of several dishes accompany the celebration, as do dances and astounding acrobatics. Among the most anticipated are the Lion and Dragon dances. These mythical figures, encased in red and accompanied by fireworks, are used to ward off bad omens and the ancient monster known as Nian. 

Numbers like 8 and 7, colors like red and gold, and fruits hold special meaning during the celebration and are intended to attract good luck.

Other practices and superstitions include:

  • Wearing new clothing in bright colors – black and white clothes are associated with mourning. 
  • Eating dumplings – the word dumpling is jiao zi, which closely resembles the Chinese adage of “out with the old and in with the new.”
  • Refraining from using scissors as they signifying severing rather than reuniting.
  • Not purchasing or gifting books during the celebration as the word for book, shứ, sounds too close to “lose.”
Two children smiling
Children receive red envelopes containing money.

The Lunar New Year celebration lasts for 16 days during which elders and parents present children and unmarried adults with red envelopes or pockets, hóng bāo, containing money and their well wishes for the new year. 

The celebration concludes with the much-anticipated Lantern Festival, during which millions of lit lanterns, representing family reunion and society, illuminate the night sky and herald in a bright new future.

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The play is a classic by Neil Simon

Schoolcraft Theatre is pleased to announce open auditions for a live performance of Neil Simon’s comedy “Barefoot in the Park.” Auditions will be in the James R. Hartman Theatre (Liberal Arts 500) on the Livonia Campus at 7:00 p.m. February 1 and 2 (Thursday and Friday). The play will be directed by faculty member Paul Beer.

“We are thrilled to prepare to welcome a live audience back to the James R. Hartman Theatre,” Beer said.  “We have missed the interaction with our live audiences, and hope to charm them with this Neil Simon classic.”  

Beer hopes to fill the following roles in the auditions:

  • Corie Bratter, a young newlywed
  • Paul Bratter, her new husband, a young lawyer
  • Mother, Corie’s mother, a suburban housewife
  • Victor Velasco, Corie and Paul’s eccentric older neighbor
  • Telephone repairman

Schoolcraft Theatre auditions are open to the entire Schoolcraft community – students, faculty, staff and community members. No prior experience is required. 

Barefoot in the Park
“Barefoot in the Park” premiered on Broadway in 1963.

Those auditioning are invited to prepare a 60-120 second comedic monologue, and will be asked to read from the script. Audition sides, and more information, are available at www.schoolcraft.edu/theatre. Please see the website for COVID-19 precautions.

Barefoot in the Park will be performed live in the James R. Hartman Theatre on March 25 and 26 (Friday and Saturday) and April 1 and 2 (Friday and Saturday). A matinee performance will held on Sunday, March 27.

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Prestigious program now in 14th year

Michael Williams, Director of Financial Aid

Michael Williams, Director of Financial Aid, has been named a member of the Michigan Chronicle’s latest class of Men of Excellence.

The Michigan Chronicle Men of Excellence Awards, in its 14th year, recognizes local African American men who inspire others through their vision, leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in community service. They are men who exemplify extraordinary stature, poise and integrity who continue to break the mold and effect change in their professions and community.

Williams’ leadership, ability and overall professional excellence as Director of Financial Aid at Schoolcraft College are vital to connecting Schoolcraft College students to the financial resources they need to complete their educational goals. The basic responsibilities of his role include ensuring compliance with federal and state legislation, Title IV administration, and regulatory requirements for all student aid programs.

Of particular note, Williams oversaw the department that dispersed a total of $14,192,651 of federal aid from three waves of the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, with every dollar accounted for in an independent audit.

Williams also actively develops plans to inform and educate students about all aspects of financial aid as well as streamlining processes to deliver financial aid. Williams’ acumen and passion have been noted by his peers as he has been elected to serve in leadership roles in several prominent state and regional organizations, including:

  • President and Vice President of the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association
  • State of Michigan Representative of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
  • State of Michigan Representative of the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

“I’m extremely honored to be one of this year’s Men of Excellence,” Williams said. “I’m deeply appreciative of the role the Michigan Chronicle plays in our community to ensure Black voices are heard and acknowledged, and I sincerely thank them for including me in this year’s class of Men of Excellence.”

In addition to his work at Schoolcraft College, Williams willingly gives back to the community and acts as a mentor in several ways. As a youth football coach for nearly 20 years, for example, including the last seven with the Detroit Spartans, he has mentored hundreds of young people. He’s helped them on a path of success that includes college scholarships, doctors, entrepreneurs and even pro football players – all with a message of becoming positive and productive members of their community. Williams also has willingly lent his professional expertise to adults in teaching them the principles of saving to help secure a more stable financial future.

Williams and the rest of this year’s Men of Excellence class will be inducted on Thursday, January 27, at The Eastern in the Eastern Market area of Detroit.

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Today for our Faculty Spotlight story we’re sitting down with Jufauri Ely, Program Director/Instructor for Radiologic Technology (RAD), and Faculty Representative for Medical Imaging Programs, to learn more about the many programs related to Radiology that Schoolcraft College has recently added and will be taught in the new Health Sciences Center.

Schoolcraft College: Hello, Jufauri! Please tell us a little about your background and what led you to Schoolcraft College.

Jufauri Ely: I have been a registered radiographer for over 21 years with history working as a Technologist, Lead Technologist, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging and currently an educator. I hold an Associate Degree in Applied Science Radiology from Ferris State University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration from Madonna University, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. It was essential for me to find a position that helped students know their role as a health professional and how they could positively improve the lives of patients.

I wanted to work with Schoolcraft College specifically because they were responsive to the vast need for medical imaging professionals. They have created new in-demand occupational programs, designed a state-of-the-art imaging facility, and secured the latest equipment in diagnostic imaging. When the students complete these programs, they will find gainful employment and earn excellent salaries in a short period of time.

Schoolcraft College: What inspired you to become a certified radiologic technologist?

Jufauri Ely: I always wanted to be a scientist. When I was 16 I broke my thumb and went to Children’s Hospital to get it diagnosed and set. I thought it was interesting watching the doctors and technologists work, and I thought it would be a great job with two years of school and an associate degree. I received my degree and kept going for nine more years because medical imaging is an exciting field!

Schoolcraft College: Please give a high-level description of what will be taught and what students will learn.

Jufauri Ely: Schoolcraft College has added some of the most in-demand imaging programs in existence. We currently have a Radiologic Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and a Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS degree, which prepare students to use specialized equipment to create diagnostic images of the internal structures of the human body. Though these technologies are quite different, they both can provide information to a radiologist to interpret. Through interpretation we find pathology, function and information that we can use to the patient’s benefit.

We also offer post-primary certifications in Mammography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Computed Tomography (CT). These programs allow students to further their education while gaining a new skill. Students will learn how to create 2D and 3D images in varying anatomical planes. They may be imaging cross-sectional anatomy or helping to identify a tumor.

Imaging technologists provide essential services to the community. We make the invisible visible, while being on the front lines. We are there prior to the diagnosis and we are involved in a multitude of health areas for the well-being of patients. We are part of the health team participating where there are injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and for injury prevention and generalized pain.

Jufauri Ely, Program Director/Instructor for Radiologic Technology (RAD), and Faculty Representative for Medical Imaging Programs

Schoolcraft College: Please tell us about some of the equipment.

Jufauri Ely: Schoolcraft College is providing advanced facilities, labs and equipment that are the standard in any major hospital. We will have the latest digital X-ray equipment and sonography machines. We also will be housed in a brand-new facility that allows for collaboration group work and real-world experiences. Other occupational health programs, such as Nursing, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Surgical Technology, also will be housed in the Health Sciences Center. This essentially allows the health team to work together as a unit.

Schoolcraft College: What are some of the careers that students enter after leaving your program? How does this program help in their career path?

Jufauri Ely: Upon completion of the program, students will become Radiographers, Sonographers, Mammographers, CT/MRI Technologists, Medical Imaging applications specialist or technical sales representatives. There are a plethora of paths that one can take in this field. We ensure that the imaging programs have rigor, work experiences, and a positive learning environment. We meet with hospital system administrators to build relationships and affiliation agreements. We help students to identify what types of positions they want, and we track their success at finding related employment.

Schoolcraft College: What do you want people to know most about your program? Are there any misconceptions people might have that you’d like to address?

Jufauri Ely: Medical imaging programs are high in demand because of the employment and salary opportunities. With the employment outlook being positive and median salary close to $60,000, it’s hard to find anything comparable.

One misconception is that these programs are easier to complete than other health programs. They require tons of commitment and empathy, and a passion for helping others. Medical imaging professionals work in surgical areas and perform exams after traumatic events. We do a lot more and see a lot more than most people realize.

Schoolcraft College: What advice might you give students who are interested in the medical imaging programs?

Jufauri Ely: You should enjoy technology, work to excel in math, anatomy, physiology and have a strong interest in science. The program is limited by our clinical availability, so if you are interested, first work with a Schoolcraft advisor. You can also work on the prerequisite classes and make sure you keep your grade point average up to become enrolled in the program.

Learn more about the Medical Imaging programs at Schoolcraft College.

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All are welcome to attend

Pageturners Book Club will kick off its winter 2022 schedule with a discussion of “The Magician’s Lie” by Greer Macallister from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 26, in Liberal Arts 200.

Pageturners is the book club of Schoolcraft College. It is open to all students, faculty, staff, administrators and community members. Discussion sessions are facilitated by Schoolcraft students.

About “The Magician’s Lie”

The Amazing Arden is the most famous female illusionist of her day, renowned for her notorious trick of sawing a man in half on stage. One night in Waterloo, Iowa, with young policeman Virgil Holt watching from the audience, she swaps her trademark saw for a fire ax. Is it a new version of the illusion, or an all-too-real murder? When Arden’s husband is found lifeless beneath the stage later that night, the answer seems clear.

book cover of woman in a red dress
“The Magician’s Lie” by Greer Macallister

But when Virgil happens upon the fleeing magician and takes her into custody, she has a very different story to tell. Even handcuffed and alone, Arden is far from powerless – and what she reveals is as unbelievable as it is spellbinding. Over the course of one eerie night, Virgil must decide whether to turn Arden in or set her free . . . and it will take all he has to see through the smoke and mirrors.

English Professor Denise Schell and Reference Librarian Wayne Pricer are co-coordinators of Pageturners Book Club. For more information, please contact either Professor Schell by email at [email protected] or by phone at 734.462.7189 or Mr. Pricer by email at [email protected] or by phone at 734-462-5317.

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Proceeds enhance scholarships and grants

One of the most prestigious annual events at Schoolcraft College is returning in February.

The Culinary Extravaganza (CulEx), billed this year as the Diamond Jubilee Culinary Extravaganza, will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 24, in the VisTaTech Center. The Diamond Jubilee Culinary Extravaganza will showcase the skills of the distinguished and award-winning students and faculty of Schoolcraft College’s Culinary Arts and Brewing and Distillation Technology programs.

chefs preparing plates in a kitchen
The Diamond Jubilee Culinary Extravaganza will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 24, in the VisTaTech Center.

Proceeds from this fabulous strolling dinner will enhance scholarships and grants for the benefit of students and programs through the Schoolcraft College Foundation (SCF).

A wide array of sponsorship and ticket options are available. For more information, contact Carole Booms, Director of Annual Giving & Scholarship Administration, at 734-462-4455 or [email protected].

For more information, visit the Schoolcraft College Foundation website.

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Registration is now open

A collaboration with Google to offer the Google IT Support Certificate is one of many new courses available from Schoolcraft College’s Personal and Professional Learning (PPL) department for the Winter 2022 schedule. Registration is now open.

The Google IT Support Certificate is:

  • Designed to help those with no experience prepare for entry-level jobs in IT Support in less than six months
  • Taught by Google employees who began in IT Support
  • Facilitated by a Schoolcraft College instructor with CompTIA A+ certification, who provides direct support for students

“We are extremely pleased to offer the Google IT Support Certificate for the Winter 2022 schedule,” said Dr. Jodie Beckley, Director, Personal & Professional Learning. “This course is open to students 16 years and older, so this is a great way for high school students to prepare for a career in IT.”

Potential careers the Google IT Support Certificate prepares students for include:

Google and Personal and Professional Learning
The Personal & Professional Learning (PPL) Winter 2022 Schedule is now available.
  • Database administrator
  • IT specialist
  • Tech support specialist
  • Systems analyst
  • Network engineer
  • Help desk technician
  • IT support specialist
  • IT technician
  • Computer user specialist
  • IT assistant

Dr. Beckley noted several additional benefits for students who complete the Google IT Support Certificate.

“Upon completing the course, students can claim a Credly Badge to share on LinkedIn and other social networks,” she said. “Google also provides access to a local IT recruiter through Career Circle as well as access to Big Interview to receive assistance in preparing for job interviews.

“Finally, students will receive a 20% discount on the CompTIA A+ certification exam if they would like to take it.”

New courses offered; favorites return

Several other all-new courses as well as the return of some favorites also are part of PPL’s Winter 2022 offering.

“From the return of our full aquatics, to new languages, art and self-defense classes and more, PPL has something for everyone,” Dr. Beckley said.

The popular Dine & Discover series returns as well with two new topics: 

Coney Detroit: The Capital of a Coney Nation and Raising Butterflies in the Garden 

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Scholarships, on-campus jobs available

Registration for the Winter 2022 semester at Schoolcraft College is now open, with classes starting Monday, January 10, 2022. Here are a few reasons to make Schoolcraft College your choice to further your education.

Students wearing masks in a classroom
Classes for the Winter 2022 semester at Schoolcraft College begin January 10.

Build a better future

According to researchers, more education equates to a better, happier and more fulfilling life. And not just financially. Every. Thing. Check out this study from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that basically says more education means more earnings and less unemployment.

Invested in your success

Our team of Academic Advisors can help guide you on your path to success. They can explain what courses you need to graduate in a particular program, untangle questions about transferring to a four-year school and more. 

Student receiving guidance in an office
Faculty and support staff are invested in your success.

Not sure what you want to do or where you want to go? That’s OK. You talk. We’ll listen. Together, we’ll find your way forward. 

Know that once you’re on your academic journey, you’re not alone. Our team in Learning Support Services can help get you the resources you need to succeed. 

Take our money

Schoolcraft College currently has over 300 scholarships for students, so take a look and see which ones might be right for you.

Two nursing students holding awards
Schoolcraft College students can apply for a wide variety of scholarships, grants and other forms of financial aid.

For just about any sort of financial aid, the starting point is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as FAFSA, which you complete online. 

Many entities offer scholarships as well. Some students may qualify for the Detroit Promise scholarship opportunity. Other scholarship avenues students can pursue include Scholarship America and FastWeb!, which lists multiple scholarship opportunities any student can receive. 

A group of people eating food
With a number of student-run clubs, performances and events, there’s always something to do.

We also have on-campus student employment opportunities through our Career Services team. 

Lots to do and experience

College is more than classes. We offer intercollegiate sports, dozens of student-run clubs, high-energy performances and a full-service fitness center to entertain and/or engage you when you’re not busy working on your courses.

We have a cool mascot

We’re the Ocelots and we’re the only the school around here named after this endangered cat. Coming soon, we’ll also have an ocelot you can meet. Say hello to Ozzy, who will be seen on campus in 2022.

The ocelot mascot
Who else has an ocelot for a mascot? Say hello to Ozzy!

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Outstanding teaching, leadership recognized

Mary Donahee-Rader, Associate Professor of Medical Assisting and Program Director; and Kristin Fruth, Associate Professor of Biology and Department Chair, are Schoolcraft College’s 2021 League Excellence Awards recipients.

“Mary and Kristin are tremendous leaders on campus and in their respective departments. They take a genuine interest in the success of their programs and students.”

Stacy Whiddon, Chief Academic Officer

The award is sponsored by the League for Innovation in the Community College to celebrate outstanding contributions and leadership by community college faculty. Both will be honored, along with other outstanding faculty from community colleges across the country, at the annual Innovations Conference to be held online February 28-March 3.

“Mary and Kristin are tremendous leaders on campus and in their respective departments,” said Stacy Whiddon, Chief Academic Officer. “They take a genuine interest in the success of their programs and students.”

Professor Donahee-Rader was part of the first graduating class of Medical Assistants at Schoolcraft College and has been at the College for more than 20 years. She’s worked hard to maintain a high standard in her programs.

Mary Radar
Mary Donahee-Rader, Associate Professor of Medical Assisting and Program Director.
  • 95% of the 2018 Admission cohort of Medical Assistants have completed the program. 
  • 100% of the responding surveyed employers of Schoolcraft College Medical Assisting Graduates are highly satisfied with the graduates’ ability to perform their duties and their professional behavior.
  • The Medical Assisting program at Schoolcraft College has a job placement rate of 91% for students who graduated in 2018.
  • The national credential passage rate for 2018 graduates is 90%.

In addition, Professor Donahee-Rader has been instrumental in establishing apprenticeship relationships with IHA and Beaumont. Further, she is also very involved with the local community, including organizing drives for the Wayne County Family Shelter and Garden City Middle School.  

Kristin Fruth
Kristin Fruth, Associate Professor of Biology and Department Chair.

Professor Fruth became the Biology Department Chair during the pandemic. Despite the many challenges professors and students faced, she took on the responsibility with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. As Department Chair, she was organized, responsive and transparent, and as a professor, she was tirelessly eager to absorb and apply new ways to engage students remotely.  

Colleagues note that Professor Fruth continuously surprises them with her energy for learning new things to bring into the classroom and to share with her colleagues. She also has a genuine positivity and welcoming mindset interviewing and hiring new part-time colleagues to join the Biology department. Her leadership and teaching ability are valued and appreciated in the Biology department.

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Industry demanding increased technical competence 

To support its mission to ensure its students have the training and certifications needed to thrive in an ever-competitive market, Schoolcraft College is now a member of the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA).

SACA aligns education and training to meet the realities of the fourth industrial revolution, known as Industry 4.0. Students who attend classes in the Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC) will be among the first to take advantage. Opened in the fall of 2020, the MEC is the home of Schoolcraft College’s engineering and technology programs. This 48,000-square-foot facility more than doubled the space for occupational programs, including:

  • Biomedical Engineering Technology
  • Computer Aided Design (CAD)
  • Engineering Technology
  • Electronics
  • Manufacturing Technology/CNC (Computer Numerical Control)
  • Mechatronics
  • Metallurgy and Materials Science
  • Plastic Technology
  • Welding

The MEC also houses a 3D printing lab and robotics lab.

MEC student
Students who attend classes in the Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC) will be among the first to take advantage of Schoolcraft College being a member of the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA).

Amy Jones, Associate Dean of Occupational Programs, Engineering & Technology, believes joining SACA will be a great benefit for Schoolcraft College students.

“Today’s manufacturing environment is increasingly complex and computer-connected, and employers are seeking higher levels of technical competency from their employees,” she said. “The SACA certification gives students the technical information to understand and troubleshoot the complex systems found in industry. The certification will attest that the student has learned concepts and can perform various processes learned.”

Further, as a member of SACA, Schoolcraft College can administer the testing without additional fees to students and staff.

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

Industry 4.0 is resulting in reduced downtime and increased quality, productivity, and overall efficiency in industries of all kinds thanks to advanced technologies that make up what is known as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

IIoT technologies include advanced robotics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles and machines, cloud-based data analysis, and cybersecurity. As companies increase their use of networks and Internet technologies, they are connecting more devices, from smart sensors to smartphones. 

“The SACA certification gives students the technical information to understand and troubleshoot the complex systems found in industry.”

Amy Jones, Associate Dean of Occupational Programs, Engineering & Technology

While there are many certifications available today that address isolated competencies, SACA certifications are different. SACA’s Industry 4.0 certifications certify “connected systems” skills that address the integration of the many types of advanced manufacturing technologies with Industry 4.0 technology. 

Students will be able to earn SACA certifications at the Associate, Specialist, and Professional level in areas such as basic and advanced operations; robot systems; IIoT, networking, and data analytics; automation systems; production systems; and information technology (IT) operations.

“The certification is important to give students the right skills to gain employment in middle-to-high skill level position,” Jones said. “The various levels of the certification allows students to continue to master higher level skills which can lead to more advanced job opportunities. The certification shows employers what competencies the student can perform on the job.”

SACA student
The Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC) is the home of Schoolcraft College’s engineering and technology programs.

SACA will be part of Mechatronics program

The College plans on implementing the SACA certification in a number of ways. This includes structuring it into the credit programs for Mechatronics Technology, which is being revised for the Spring 2022 semester, so that students earn the credentials as they progress through the curriculum.

“We also have grant programs that will follow a ‘boot camp’ model for short-term training leading to a credential and employment or the student may articulate into our credit program,” said Sandra Miller, Project Coordinator, Business Development Center.

“Finally, SACA offers micro-credentials in a particular subject such as hydraulics. These micro-credentials can be offered by Schoolcraft’s Workforce Training Solutions as customized training for employers to upskill their current workforce.” 

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Program prepares students to enter the field immediately or transfer to a four-year institution.

To help students learn more about the variety of courses of study that Schoolcraft College offers, we’re introducing a new monthly feature called “Program Spotlight.” In each Program Spotlight, we’ll provide an overview of what students will learn, the expertise of our faculty and career outlook. For this installment, we take a look at Cybersecurity. Our thanks to Timothy S. Baron, Assistant Professor, Computer Information Systems (CIS)/Computer Networking Technology (CNT), for his insights. 

With data breaches, compromised personal and financial information and hackers in the news almost daily, the importance of cybersecurity has never been greater. Schoolcraft College offers two options in this vital field through the Computer Information Systems Program: A Cybersecurity Associate in Applied Science Degree and a Cybersecurity Certificate.

From a high level, cybersecurity involves protecting an organization’s networks, software and information from potential threats. 

“Our Cybersecurity programs prepare students for entry into the cybersecurity field,” said Timothy S. Baron, CIS Professor. “Like many fields there is no one-size-fits-all job description, and many specialties can be associated with ‘cybersecurity.’

Cybersecurity workers
Schoolcraft College’s Cybersecurity programs help students create a solid foundation of networking and software knowledge that leads to learning about advanced security topics, including design decisions, assessing weaknesses and implementing appropriate defenses.

“Information security always has been important. Cybersecurity is more specifically connected to any industry that uses a network or any digital device, which pretty much includes everything! This, in turn, provides students who have the requisite skills and knowledge a very large pool of potential employers.”

In particular, Schoolcraft College’s programs help students create a solid foundation of networking and software knowledge that leads to learning about advanced security topics, including design decisions, assessing weaknesses and implementing appropriate defenses.

Students learn this material from experts with professional experience.

“Each of the faculty teaching CIS and CNT courses within the program has applicable industry experience and credentials,” Professor Baron said. “This can be in the form of industry recognized certifications, demonstrated skills, or relevant and timely experience in the real world.”

In addition, the College has invested heavily in physical equipment and software needed to provide the best learning experience.

“Each of our programs have courses that align to widely recognized industry certifications from organizations such as CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, and (ISC)2”

Timothy S. Baron, Assistant Professor, Computer Information Systems (CIS)/Computer Networking Technology (CNT)

“Each of our programs have courses that align to widely recognized industry certifications from organizations such as CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, and (ISC)2,” Professor Baron said. “These certifications and the skills they encompass are in constant demand and give the students that achieve them a leg up when pursuing employment opportunities. This alignment also enables our courses to be transferable to many four-year institutions, with many students choosing to further their education after transferring from Schoolcraft.”

Although the subject of cybersecurity can be an intimidating one, Professor Baron emphasizes that it is approachable as well.

“Changing career fields, finding a new direction, and learning something completely new after many years or decades can be very scary,” Professor Baron said. “Our program, and many other programs at Schoolcraft, enable students to do just that and find new success.

“Cybersecurity-related skills are in constant demand, and many of cybersecurity’s most important tenets are familiar to someone with little to no technical experience. So if you’re interested in cybersecurity but find yourself being a bit intimidated, we can help you to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to pursue your goals.”