NICC Board adds new programs for the school, cuts others

In an effort to better meet the needs of the local labor market, Northeast Iowa Community College is adding some new programs and cutting some existing programs.

New programs approved by the NICC Board of Trustees and by the Iowa Department of Education are "Computer Analyst – Data Center Technician" certificate at the Peosta and Calmar campuses and "Entrepreneurial Cosmetology" at both campuses.  In addition the "Mechanical Engineering Technology" program will be renamed  "Engineering Technology" at the Peosta campus.  A new "Legal Assistant Associate of Applied Science" degree will be added at the Peosta campus if NICC's application earns Iowa Department of Education Approval.
 
Meanwhile, NICC trustees approved a proposal to cease the Agriculture Business certificates in environmental science, animal science and dairy; Dairy Science Technology specialist certificates in breeding, feeding, business and health; Associate of Applied Science and certificate options in enology technician and enology; Associate of Applied Science in entrepreneurial cosmetology; tourism; and Associate of Applied Science and certificate options in viticulture technician and viticulture.

NICC officials say the changes are necessary to meet changing demand.