New programs for Fall 2023 at Seminole State support workforce development

With the start of classes for Fall Term on Aug. 21, Seminole State College of Florida is poised to kick off the 2023-24 academic year with new programs supporting workforce development and educational advancement. Here’s a look at what’s to come this fall. 

Finish Faster with Fall A and B Session Courses

For students who want to fast-track their degree, Seminole State is offering more A and B Session courses to fit their schedule. By taking courses in the A and B sessions this fall, students can take fewer classes at one time but still earn the same number of credits as a student taking Full Session courses. By attending college full-time (12 credit hours per semester) students can shorten their time to graduation but do so with convenient scheduling in the eight-week A and B Sessions. Students interested in finishing faster can attend a Registration Lab on campus or online to speak with an advisor for assistance. 

Industry-Driven Curriculum: Computer-Aided Design

Thanks to faculty and industry partners, the computer-aided design programs are getting a curriculum update this fall. With over 36,000 statewide openings projected through 2030, the need for technicians has increased dramatically across the architectural, engineering and construction industries. Emerging technology is constantly pushing these sectors farther, helping them design, plan and construct built environments, so Seminole State formed a taskforce with representatives from local construction, design and engineering firms to ensure its students are industry ready. 

The Associate in Science (A.S.) in Computer-Aided Design Technologies will offer specialized electives so students can customize their pathway toward engineering, interior design or construction, and will require an internship so students can gain real-world expertise and connections. Additional electives were created focused on cutting edge Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) technologies, as the department has secured over $350,000 in equipment from a Perkins grant. The quicker certificate programs offer options for those looking to explore this career field or upskill in a related profession (Computer-Aided Design Technician Certificate) and for those who are looking to advance their training in the field (Computer-Aided Design Technician II Certificate). 

Community Paramedicine

For people in underserved communities access to quality health care can be hard to come by, but Seminole State’s new Community Paramedic Certificate program is designed to change that. The program, offered in partnership with the Florida Department of Health, aims to address gaps in a community’s health care system by connecting residents with local, reliable resources to meet their medical needs. The College’s program is open to paramedics who hold a Florida certification and can be completed in as little as eight months entirely online. It also provides a pathway for paramedics to continue their education toward a bachelor’s degree in health sciences or public safety administration at Seminole State. FDOH will cover the cost of training (course instruction and materials only) for a limited number of qualified participants. 

Registered Apprenticeship Training 

Seminole State is expanding its apprenticeship programs this fall with a new Building Controls Installation Apprenticeship to support industry needs. The program will equip students with the skills to install, test, maintain and repair the key systems that make buildings function and will include on-the-job training as well as classroom instruction. Students who complete the apprenticeship training will obtain OSHA 10 certification, demonstrating compliance with construction and facility safety standards. 

The new apprenticeship program is offered in coordination with local contractors and was developed with funding from a $1.5 million Expansion of Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-apprenticeship (ERAP) Grant from the Florida Department of Education. 

New University Transfer Pathways 

Seminole State will offer two new university transfer pathways this fall as part of its Associate in Arts degree. The Management and Organizational Leadership and Theme Park and Attraction Management pathways are designed for students who want to continue their education and pursue these majors at Seminole State or a state university. 

The Management and Organizational Leadership pathway will introduce students to basic business principles and allow them to earn credits to apply toward a bachelor’s degree. The new pathway provides a direct path to the College’s Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Management and Organizational Leadership so students can start and stay at Seminole State for their four-year degree.

With Central Florida being home to some of the world’s most popular theme parks, Seminole State’s new Theme Park and Attraction Management pathway is designed to introduce students to the business side of our area’s premier attractions. The pathway includes prerequisite courses for this hospitality major so students will be prepared to pursue a related bachelor’s degree, such as University of Central Florida’s new bachelor’s in theme park and attraction management. With DirectConnect to UCF®, Seminole State students who earn an associate degree are guaranteed admission to UCF helping to make the transition easy and worry-free.  

Financial Aid Available

Students are encouraged to complete the 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov to determine their eligibility for financial aid and scholarships that can be applied toward their tuition and fees, reducing out-of-pocket costs. Seminole State’s FAFSA website provides the steps to apply for aid and a FAFSA checklist to help students get started. 

With a wide range of academic options for Fall Term, Seminole State is preparing students for the workforce and helping them achieve their educational goals for professional and personal success. Registration for Fall Term is underway. Classes start Aug. 21.