Lake Michigan College is launching some new programs in the areas of agriculture, aviation, and data science for the fall semester.

LMC Dean of Career and Workforce Education David Krueger tells us after about a year of planning, the college is ready to offer more pathways into the ag field with courses on agribusiness and agriscience. This creates several possibilities for students.

“They can get a certificate in ag technology,” Krueger said. “They can also — to talk about being stackable — they also can get another certificate in ag business if they wanted to.”

Stack those credits with some general education courses, and Krueger says a student could earn an associate degree in agriculture. He says with so much ag business in Southwest Michigan, it makes sense to help students learn more aspects of the field, so to speak.

The LMC Wine and Viticulture program is being wrapped up into the expanded ag program.

“Wine and viticulture is agriculture. So we’ve had wine and viticulture. We’re just going to expand what we do.”

Krueger says the new aviation program will work with private partners that teach aviation so students can earn their certifications. So far, the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport isn’t involved.

Also coming to LMC will be programs in data engineering, data science, and geographic information systems, all growing fields. Krueger says LMC is always looking at ways it can help students pursue the fastest growing careers.