New Year & New Programs at New College

Cyber Defense: Enrollment for the first cohort of Radford University’s cyber defense program at New College includes learners from throughout the Commonwealth. Within twelve months, learners will earn an 18-credit certificate in cyber defense. Radford University faculty will also be onsite at New College to prepare learners for multiple industry-recognized cyber defense certifications including CompTIA Security+, CISCO CCENT, CompTIA Network+, SANS GCIH, SANS GPEN, and CISSP. Enrollment for the second cohort is underway.

Engineering: This summer, James Madison University (JMU) faculty conducted industry focus groups at NCI to better understand regional workforce needs. This information is being used to create a survey that will go out to employers across southern Virginia for feedback that will help inform JMU as they prepare programs in collaboration with NCI. NCI officials are working toward the goal of a fall 2019 start date for a new bachelor’s degree program in Integrated Science and Technology with four focus areas in engineering and advanced manufacturing, robotics, information and knowledge management, and telecommunications/network security. “Everyone at JMU has been engaged and interested in moving forward with our partnership and the opportunity to serve Southern Virginia,” Leanna Blevins, NCI’s Executive Director told the group.

Telehealth: NCI’s specialty telehealth training modules and foundational courses will be included in UVA’s Ruebhan Center for Telehealth e-Learning Village. The new online Telehealth e-Learning Village will be a resource for professionals throughout the country to access specialized courses in telehealth. This will increase NCI’s reach to a broader audience. Additionally, NCI recently partnered with the Center for Credentialing and Education to launch a program in which students were able to earn a Board Certified TeleMental Health Certificate.

Master in Counseling: NCI is working closely with Radford University to offer a master’s degree in Counseling with mental health licensure. Radford has already conducted lectures on addiction and substance abuse in rural communities at NCI and held an information session about the Counseling program in late spring.

New College is one of five higher education centers in the Commonwealth with the goal of providing an affordable, accessible option to an underserved population. As a state agency, New College is able to leverage its relationships and partnerships with any college/university in the Commonwealth and bring select degree programs in NCI’s four focus areas. To date, 403 individuals have earned degrees via New College, which collectively results in a $153 million impact to our local/regional economy.