Career Exploration

Careers in arts and communications focus on: using creative expression and interpersonal skills to produce innovative work. Also, conveying messages through multiple forms of expression such as designing, producing, creating, writing, performing, exhibiting, persuading, informing, and publishing.

Specialization areas: Performing, visual, literary, and media arts including architecture, graphics, interior and fashion design, writing, film, fine arts, journalism, languages, advertising, arts administration, library & information management, marketing, public relations, and more.

Examples of jobs: Writer, book/magazine/web editor, copywriter, public relations director, graphic designer, broadcaster, software developer, printer, publisher, librarian, art buyer, social media manager, dancer, singer, arts administrator, painter, grant writer, teacher, and more.

Job sectors: Just about any industry has a need for arts & communication talent, including private-sector companies, public entities, government agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, arts organizations, archives, military branches, and more.

Start your journey at Itasca…

The Associate of Arts (AA) degree provides broad liberal arts and science education that satisfies general education requirements at every public university in the state of Minnesota. The AA degree provides the freedom to choose from a wide variety of courses which allows students to complete both general education requirements and some major field requirements before transferring to a four-year college, complete general education requirements without committing to a specific four-year major, and remain undecided on a major for a period of time while exploring a variety of courses and working with transfer specialist to decide on a major.

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Associate in Arts

Graphic Design Media

Careers in business and accounting focus on: planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating essential business functions providing oversight, record keeping, and analysis of a business or organization’s finances.

Specialization Areas:
Business – Finance, business administration, marketing, small business management, computer information systems, human resources, hospitality, and more.
Accounting – Information management & technology assurance, forensics & valuation, personal finance planning, tax accounting, and more.

Examples of Jobs:  Auditor, bookkeeper, chief financial officer, credit manager, payment specialist, benefits officer, human resources specialist, loan officer, claims adjuster, actuary, small business owner, tax accountant, accounting manager, business analyst, audit manager, and more.

Job Sectors:  Business careers are available in just about every industry. People with business skills are in demand in large corporations, small companies, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and more.

Start your journey at Itasca…

The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Business and the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Accounting provides a strong foundation of knowledge and skills for students interested in: transferring on to earn a four-year degree, planning on entering the workforce, and starting their own business.

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Business Management

Business and Accounting Transfer Pathways

Careers in the Biological Sciences focus on: scientific work in a wide range of natural science specialties utilizing scientific knowledge for the purpose of improving human health, tackling climate change, enhancing agriculture, conserving the environment, and much more.

Specialization Areas: Medicine, veterinary science, botany, zoology, environmental science, ecology, neuroscience, pathology, molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, marine biology, genetics, and agriculture.

Examples of Jobs: Biologists, food microbiologists, science writers or teachers, chiropractors, dentists, physicians, physical therapists, pathologists, pharmacists, veterinarians, agronomists, and more.

Job Sectors: Private industries, agriculture, health care, pharmaceutical, education, government agencies, environmental agencies, research institutions, colleges & universities, and more.

Start your journey at Itasca…

The Associate of Arts (AA) degree provides broad liberal arts and science education that satisfies general education requirements at every public university in the state of Minnesota. The AA degree provides the freedom to choose from a wide variety of courses which allows students to: complete both general education requirements and some major field requirements before transferring to a four-year college, complete general education requirements without committing to a specific four-year major, and remain undecided on a major for a period of time while exploring a variety of courses and working with transfer specialist to decide on a major.

The Health Sciences Broad Field Associate of Science (A.S.) degree is another option for students who plan to transfer specifically into university Health Science majors. This program provides students a broad base of general education coursework relevant to the field of health sciences and is designed to fulfill health science baccalaureate requirements at all Minnesota State system universities offering related degrees.

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Associate in Arts

Health Sciences – Broad Field

Careers in Early Childhood Education and K-12 Teaching focus on: the nurturing and/or teaching of infants and young children typically in child care centers, nursery schools, preschools, public schools, private households, and before- and after-school programs, and  continued education from kindergarten through 12th grade that prepares students to become life-long learners, self-reliant, and productive members of society.

Specialization Areas:

• Early Childhood Education – Early childhood curriculum and methods, language development, children’s literature, administration of early childhood education, and more.
• K-12 Teaching – Elementary education, middle school education, secondary education, education administration, curriculum & instruction, applied behavioral analysis, English as a second language, career & technical education, and more.

Examples of Jobs: Childcare center director, childcare worker, pre-school teacher, elementary school teacher, middle school or high school teacher, special education teacher, education administrator, college professor, athletic coach, education consultant, curriculum director, educational advocate, and more.

Job Sectors: Pre-k, elementary and secondary public or private schools, religious organizations, government agencies, educational support agencies, after-school programs, summer enrichment programs, colleges & universities.

Start your journey at Itasca…

The Early Childhood Program is designed to prepare students for early childhood teaching and/or serving as child care providers. The program offers two degrees:

• The AS degree in Early Childhood Education is designed to provide a strong foundation of knowledge and skills for students interested in transferring to earn a four-year degree in the early childhood education field – such as an early childhood teacher, elementary teacher, or family childcare provider.
• The Child Development Certificate is designed to enhance the quality of childcare. Candidates can receive their CDC in any of the following three areas: Center-Based Preschool Setting, Center-Based Infant/Toddler Setting, Family Child Care Setting
• The Class Act Program at Itasca is a specialized teacher preparation program that’s one of a kind in northern Minnesota. The coursework, the learning environment, the adventures, and the curriculum are specifically designed for educators. This Associate of Science (AS) degree option is designed to provide a strong foundation of knowledge and skills for students interested in transferring on to earn a four-year degree in education.

Itasca’s Coaching Certification program prepares students to be a head varsity coach in the Minnesota public school system. While this coaching certification may or may not be a requirement for head coaching in other states it is strongly recommended. This certification complements any degree, especially those within the field of education.

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Early Childhood Education

Class Act – Education

Coaching

Careers in Engineering focus on: utilizing scientific knowledge to create custom solutions to problems, work that includes invention, design, analysis, building, testing & improving machines, systems, structures, and material.

Specialization Areas: Mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering. Sub-Specialties may include aeronautical, bio-medical, computer, environmental, petroleum, geological, biomolecular, and more.

Examples of Jobs: Design engineer, process engineer, safety engineer, research and development positions, quality engineer, software engineer, test engineer, engineering manager, project engineer, maintenance engineer, and many more.

Job Sectors/Industries: Manufacturing, engineering services, government agencies, scientific research & development, public utilities, infrastructure, military branches, and more.

Start your journey at Itasca…

Itasca offers two full years of engineering classes complemented with liberal arts courses. Students take a minimum of 31-semester credits in general education, 15 credits of required engineering coursework, and a minimum of 14 elective credits from a list of additional engineering, science, and math courses to earn the Associate of Science (AS) in Engineering.

The advantages to Itasca’s engineering program are:

• Project-based learning integrated with local and regional industry
• Seamless transfer to four-year universities, some who designate scholarships specifically for ICC Engineering students
• Small class sizes, and individual attention from instructors
• An Engineering Center with high-quality lab resources and reserved housing for up to 36 engineering students
• An active engineering club and Society of Women Engineers student chapter

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Engineering

Careers in Environmental Studies focus on:

• protection of environmental quality—air, soil, water across urban and rural environments
• monitoring and mapping earth’s resources over space and time to assess changes in environmental quality
• development, evaluation, and implementation of environmental law and policy intended to protect the resources upon which human depend
• conservation and management of natural resources, fish, and wildlife
• development of alternative energy systems
• mining and petroleum engineering
• remediation of environmental hazards and pollution sources—both historic and current
• development of policies to improve environmental health and human living environments
• education of businesses and agencies in support of developing sustainable solutions to environmental issues
• analysis of the complex environmental issues and the development of sustainable policy solutions to address competing interrelationships between human institutions and environmental capacity

Specialization Areas: Sustainability, conservation, renewable energy, climate change, wildlife studies, environmental policy, environmental health, environmental education, education, city and rural planning, recreation, GIS/mapping, appropriate technology engineering, environmental law, and public relations/environmental journalism.

Examples of Jobs: Bison research technician, fish and game warden, natural resource manager, environmental consultant, environmental scientist, environmental educator, sustainability specialist, toxicologist, ecologist, environmental lab technician, cartographer, community planner, trail development coordinator, astronomer, oceanographer, earth scientist, meteorologist, physical geographer, invasive species technician, conservation, fire data analyst, wetlands scientist, environmental health technician, emergency management specialist, range technician, disaster data analyst, GIS technician, etc.

Job Sectors: Academia, non-profit organizations, environmental consulting firms, environmental education programs, and government state, local or federal agencies, and more.

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The Environmental Studies program is designed to provide individuals with a foundation in both natural and social sciences in preparation for advanced coursework in a variety of environmental majors at the university level. Students complete an Associate of Science (A.S) in Environment Studies degree

Complimentary to the Environmental Studies program is the Geography and GIS program. The Geography Department at Itasca is dedicated to developing students’ knowledge of geospatial technologies and how they can be utilized to explore dynamic interrelationships between humans and their environment. The department offers the following degrees:

• GIS Professional Certificate
• A.S. degree in Geography/GIS
• A.A.S in Geospatial

Click the links below to learn more:

Environmental Studies

Geography & GIS

Careers in Natural Resources focus on:

• management of natural resources to promote sustainable use of natural resources, protect publicly owned resources, mitigate future resource damage, promote sustainable use of habitats, and recreational areas, etc.
• meeting the demands of growing populations for water, food, recreation, shelter, and energy resources

Specialization areas: Land management, forestry management, fisheries & wildlife management, wildland firefighting, natural resources law enforcement, parks & recreation management, water management, and geosciences.

Examples of Jobs: Cartographer, soil scientist, surveyor, botanist, forester, fire management officer, wildland firefighter, outdoor recreation planner, sustainability consultant, wildlife biologist, research scientist, hydrologist, watershed planner, water quality analyst, geo technician, mining geologist, conservation officer, and more.

Job Sectors: Government agencies, private organizations, non-profit organizations, college & universities, and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Start your journey at Itasca…

Itasca’s Natural Resources program offers several Associate of Applied Science degrees that build student proficiency in the technical aspects of management and protection of forest resources. Degrees include:

• AAS in Forest Resources
• AAS in Law Enforcement
• AAS in Geospatial
• AAS in Wildland Firefighting
• One-year Diploma in Wildland Firefighting
• GIS Certificate.

Opportunities exist for students interested in transferring to a university to complete a four-year degree or going directly into the workforce.

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Natural Resources

Wildland Firefighting

Geography & GIS

Careers in Nursing & Healthcare focus on:

• promoting overall patient health, preventing disease, and helping patients cope with illness
• providing highly personalized care of patients, both physically and mentally

Specialization Areas: Neonatal, midwife, clinical, infectious control, public health, nurse practitioner, anesthesiology, pediatrics, trauma, geriatrics, home care, obstetrics, oncology, dialysis, burn care, cardiac, education, and more.

Examples of jobs: Direct patient care, insurance companies, public health, education, utilization review, quality officer, school nurse, pediatrics, orthopedics, emergency room, intensive care, infectious disease, the board of nursing, nurse manager, director of nursing, chief nursing officer, etc.

Certifications, licensure, or board certification: nursing assistant, home health aide, licensed practical nurse, registered nurse – AS & BSN, master’s prepared nurse – (education, informatics, leadership), nurse practitioner – NP or DNP in psychiatric, geriatric, family, nurse anesthetist- MSN or DNP, advanced practice nurse-midwife – MSN or DNP, clinical nurse specialist MSN

Employment Sectors: Education, medical clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, schools, home health care agencies, industry, public health agencies, military branches, and more.

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The Practical Nursing Program provides carefully selected course instruction (lectures, demonstrations, discussions, computers, etc.) in a face-to-face or web-enhanced delivery and clinical practice (at community health care facilities) which enables the student to meet the basic needs of patients and function as a practical nurse.

Students apply to Itasca and complete 12-credits of pre-requisite courses before applying internally to the Practical Nursing program. Admitted students will graduate with a Practical Nursing diploma and are eligible to take the National Council License Examination for Licensed Practical Nursing.

Itasca’s Nursing department also offers Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA ) and Home Health Aid Certificates.

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Nursing & Healthcare Programs

Careers in Psychology and Human Services focus on:

Addressing human needs and issues in various areas and ways. Overall, the focus is on empowering people by helping them to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to address problems/challenges and lead better lives.

Specialty Areas: Four common human service specializations

Psychology – Focuses on biological influences, social pressures, and environmental factors that affect how people think act, and feel. Sub-specialties may include clinical psychology, forensics psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, school psychology, animal-assisted therapy, equine therapy, conservation psychology, health psychology, and more.

Social Work – Focuses on enhancing well-being and meeting basic and complex needs of communities and people particularly those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. Sub-specialties may include child & family, geriatric, medical & public health, school, clinical, and more.

Criminal Justice – Focuses on the delivery of justice to those who have committed crimes, the rehabilitation of offenders, preventing other crimes, and moral support for victims. Sub-specialties may include law enforcement, corrections, forensic science, homeland security, private security, academia, and legal services, and more.

Substance Abuse/Chemical Dependency Counseling– Focuses on the world of addiction with the aim of assisting patients in finding the right path to recovery and staying on that path for as long as possible. Sub-specialties may include adolescent addictions, peer recovery, gambling addiction, drug abuse, and more.

Examples of jobs: Case management worker, crisis intervention specialist, child advocate, counselor (Licensed or Unlicensed), in-home counselor, social worker (Licensed or Unlicensed), school social worker, school guidance counselor, outpatient therapist, behavioral specialist, substance abuse counselor, eligibility specialist, vocational rehabilitation specialist, probation officer, domestic violence counselor, community outreach coordinator, human resources manager, and more.

Job Sectors: Public agencies, private sector, non-profit organizations, and government agencies including hospitals, schools, health care centers, treatment facilities,

Start your journey at Itasca…

Itasca is the only college in Minnesota that has an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Applied Psychology/Human Services. The A.S. degree is designed to provide a strong foundation of knowledge and skills for students interested in:

• transferring on to earn a four-year degree in a human service-related field (psychology, social work, criminal justice, chemical dependency, etc.)
• entering the work-force after completing the A.S. degree.

Click the link below to learn more:

Applied Psychology / Human Services

Social Science careers focus on:

• society’s structures, theoretical foundations, evolution, and interrelationships
• how human behavior broadly impacts our society and vice-versa…

Specialization Areas: Anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, sociology, American ethnic studies, women’s studies, criminal justice, and some areas of mass communications.

Examples of jobs: attorney, research analyst, social worker, public relations manager, political strategist, international relations, environmental planning, college professor, and more.

Job Sectors: educational institutions, government agencies, businesses, and nonprofits

Start your journey at Itasca…

The Associate of Arts (AA) degree provides broad liberal arts and science education that satisfies general education requirements at every public university in the state of Minnesota. The AA degree provides the freedom to choose from a wide variety of courses which allows students to:

• complete both general education requirements and some major field requirements before transferring to a four-year college
• complete general education requirements without committing to a specific four-year major
• remain undecided on a major for a period of time while exploring a variety of courses and working with transfer specialist to decide on a major

Additional programs and certificates may also be of interest to students pursuing careers in the social sciences.

• The American Indian Studies Certificate program at Itasca is designed for students who have an interest in developing a career or learning more about the indigenous people of North America. Ojibwe, the language of the Anishinaabe people, is taught at two levels. The study also includes the areas of American Indian history, culture, traditions, customs, art, and current events.
• The Geography Department at Itasca is dedicated to developing students’ knowledge of geospatial technologies and how they can be utilized to explore dynamic interrelationships between humans and their environment. The department offers the following degrees: GIS Professional Certificate, A.S. degree in Geography/GIS, and A.A.S in Geospatial

Click the links below to learn more:

Associate of Arts

American Indian Studies

Geography & GIS