Academic Program Proposal

Date Proposal Activated	Institution and Proposal	Degree Awarded	Academic Program Name	Objection Deadline	MHEC Final Action	Final Decision Date
	Cecil College Proposal	Associate of Science (A.S.)	Geosciences with Area of Concentrations (A.o.Cs.) in Geology, Meteorology, and Ocean Studies	12/28/2018	Approved	1/22/2019
Geosciences with Area of Concentrations (A.o.Cs.) in Geology, Meteorology, and Ocean Studies Program Description
Formerly offered as Arts & Sciences Transfer "option", the proposed Geosciences program offers a selection of natural and geoscience courses for students wishing to pursue a program of study with concentrations in geology, meteorology, or ocean studies.  The curriculum meets the needs of students who plan to transfer to a 4-year college that grants Bachelor’s degrees in various areas of the geosciences. <br> <br>Geoscientists study the physical aspect of the earth to learn about its past, present, and future. Geoscience students have skills that are in high demand: data analysis, problem solving, and an ability to communicate complex ideas. Students with a bachelor’s degree in geoscience may continue their education, enter government, or industry.  Upon successful completion of this program, students will have a general understanding of the breadth and interdisciplinary nature of the fields included in the geo sciences; understand the physical environment and its relationships with human activities; and apply biological, chemical, mathematical, and physical principles to the study of the geosciences. <br>
	Harford Community College Proposal	Associate of Science (A.S.)	Exercise Science	3/10/2019	Approved	3/22/2019
Exercise Science Program Description
The A.S. in Exercise Science prepares students with the knowledge and experience required to complete any National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) certification, which affords students the option of direct workforce entry. Graduates may enter the work force directly, choosing from a wide variety of careers that include personal training, group exercise leaders, health club professionals, athletic training, community health leaders and more. <br> <br>The proposed program creates multiple transfer pathways to baccalaureate degrees in exercise science as well as kinesiology and employs experiential learning through the inclusion of an exercise science internship. The EXSC program also creates opportunities for careers in physical therapy and exercise physiology that will prepare students for employment in clinical settings such as hospitals or nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, sports-related businesses, and camps. <br> <br>The 60 credit hour program seeks to enroll 34 full-time (2 part-time) students in its initial year, and projects enrollment of 63 full-time (3 part-time) students by its fifth year. <br>