Washtenaw Community College launches four new academic programs

Washtenaw Community College is introducing four new academic programs that will be available for the upcoming Fall 2026 semester. These programs, Early Childhood Administration, Paralegal Studies, Public Policy, and Artificial Intelligence Applications, align with the current workforce needs of the state and will give students the foundation for a future career.

According to an article on Washtenaw Community College’s website, President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca was quoted as saying of the new program additions, “Our mission is to prepare students for the careers that are shaping tomorrow’s economy while keeping a college education affordable and accessible. These new programs respond directly to employer demand and create additional pathways for students to build meaningful careers that strengthen our community and region.”

The Early Childhood Administrator certificate program offers a combination of early childhood education, business, and administrative training. The program is designed to prepare individuals to serve as leaders in a childcare setting, and will help students become effective leaders with skills in supervision, staffing, compliance, and program operations. Students who complete this certificate program will be able to apply the credits toward an associate degree in early childhood education. The demand for early childhood administrators is high in the state due to the more than 8,000 licensed childcare centers, all of which need administrators on staff.

The Paralegal Studies certificate program provides a pathway for students into the Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies/Pre-Law. Additionally, on its own, it provides students with opportunities to develop the legal research, writing, ethics, and communication knowledge they will need to enter into entry-level careers in legal support. Students will learn legal terminology and legal research skills. The region’s demand for paralegals and legal assistants exceeds the national average.

The Public Policy Associate of Arts program integrates economics, geography, history, and political science to prepare students to enter into government, non-profit organizations, and private sector policy positions. Students will gain knowledge of research, communication, and policy evaluation and will be prepared to enter into a four-year institution in pursuit of an advanced degree in public policy, political science, or public administration. 

The Artificial Intelligence Applications Certificate prepares students for one of the fastest growing areas of business and technology, with applications for artificial intelligence in sectors like technology, manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and logistics. Students will complete project-based course work with Python, Linux, and databases and integrative artificial intelligence. The program will prepare students for entry-level careers, as well as help individuals upskill in their current positions. Credit from the certificate can be applied to IT and programming degrees.

Washtenaw Community College’s Fall 2026 semester begins on August 31. 

For more information about Washtenaw Community College, visit the school’s website.