COM Taking the Lead in Higher Education with New Initiatives
COM Taking the Lead in Higher Education with New Initiatives
By : By Ruth Rendon Communications Officer College of the Mainland
College of the Mainland in Texas City is a comprehensive accredited community college offering certificates and associate degrees in 48 degree fields with more than 4,300 students . The most popular programs included General Studies , Petrochemical Process Tech , Fire Academy , Nursing , Cosmetology , Occupational Safety and Health , Medical Assisting , Business and Criminal Justice .
Student success is one of COM ’ s core goals . With this in mind , the college faculty and staff are always looking for ways to provide the best quality education and meet changing workforce demands .
The college ’ s academic master plan - Plan to Advance Student Success ( COMPASS ) - is designed to be a strategic road map for the physical development of the college ’ s campus over the next 10 years . The plan includes recommendations on program offerings based on the labor market needs of the Texas Gulf Coast and beyond . A crosssection of the community has been involved in creating the on-going master plan which will determine where to focus and invest in terms of facilities and infrastructure as well as programs of study .
As the region continues to grow , there is a larger demand for the college to provide a variety of classroom instruction for students earning a two-year associate to meet the workforce needs .
One of the most successful programs at College of the Mainland is in process technology .
Over a course of five semesters , PTEC students earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and put themselves in a position to gain immediate employment . A degree in process technology can be used in a variety of fields including refinery operations , chemical plant operations , food processing , pharmaceuticals , offshore work and more . Many of the classes provide hands-on experience .
In line with process technology , COM ’ s Gulf Coast Safety Institute was established in 2007 to provide safety and health training and education to workers and employers .
Workforce ready classes are offered in electrical , HVAC , carpentry , drywall , painting , plumbing and masonry . Associate degrees can be had for such disciplines as well as welding and instrumentation and electrical .
The college serves the residents of Dickinson , Hitchcock , La Marque , Santa Fe and Texas City . The college also provides higher educational opportunities to residents of Friendswood , Kemah and League City . The COM Learning Center-North County in League City offers college credit , dual credit and continuing education classes for students of all ages . A second League City location also provides dual credit and academic classes .
Many high school students take advantage of dual credit courses where they can earn high school and college credits simultaneously . Students can earn 30 or more college credits in high school , plus receive a discount on COM ’ s affordable tuition .
COM academic courses within a student ’ s academic plan will transfer to public universities throughout Texas . Students can complete an associate degree in small classes at a fraction of the cost of a university .
For years now , high school students come to the Texas City campus and earn an associate degree and high school degree at the same time through the Collegiate High School program . Students may enroll from Clear Creek , Dickinson , Friendswood , Hitchcock , La Marque , Santa Fe and Texas City school districts , Premier Learning Academy , Odyssey Academy and home schools .
The college ’ s 50-Plus Program has more than 1,200 students that attend a variety of classes at its Gulfway Plaza facility in La Marque .
Learn more about College of the Mainland at www . com . edu .
11 MOMENTUM / April 2018