Academic Programs

Join the first line of defense in network protection.

Cybersecurity professionals are the first line of defense in protecting the cyber network in fields such as banking and finance, transportation, petrochemical industry, law enforcement and defense communications, government, and homeland security. You’ll  take a combination of criminal justice and computer technology courses to help develop the skills needed to work in the field. Computer literacy is required for entry into the program.

Cybersecurity is a growing, emerging career field, and there’s an ever increasing need for skilled professionals. A bachelor’s degree is expected in most entry-level positions, which start between $42,780 and $69,760 a year. 

As a graduate of this program, you'll:

• Understand criminal justice, information security, cyber intelligence, and computer forensics
• Use critical thinking skills and creative problem solving
• Use proactive approaches to investigate, apprehend, or deter cybercriminals

The Cybersecurity program at Herkimer College is certified by the Information Assurance Courseware Evaluation (IACE) Program. This certification recognizes that Herkimer College’s courses have met all elements of the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) National Training Standards for Information Systems Security Professionals and Senior Systems Managers. The IACE Program provides consistency in training and education for information assurance skills. CNSS is a United States intergovernmental organization that sets policy for the security of the U.S. security systems, and is chaired by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Lead the digital revolution.

Learn the essential elements of creating impactful and engaging visual and social media content. With our microcredential, you'll acquire proficiency in graphic design, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, strategic planning and creation of social media content, photography essentials, and digital photo editing skills.

Contact Associate Dean William McDonald for more information: mcdonalwh@herkimer.edu | 315.866.0300 x8241.

Preparation for a successful career teaching young children.

With your Early Childhood A.A.S. from Herkimer College, you’ll be prepared to create a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment with a developmentally-appropriate curricula; observe and document developmental progress; and facilitate home-center communication.

Prepare for a lucrative career in utilities and renewable energy.

Herkimer College's degree in Electrical Technology is designed to prepare students for careers in the design, application, installation, manufacturing, operation and/or maintenance of electrical/electronic(s) systems, with a focus on smart grid technologies. The program was created in partnership with Buffalo State University and the New York Power Authority. Students will experience hands-on learning in a new two million dollar state-of-the-art electrical technology smart grid laboratory. The facility allows for numerous experiments in generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power, as well as smart grid and renewable energy technologies. 

To be considered for admission to the Electrical Technology A.A.S. program, high school graduates must have a cumulative average of 75 or higher and have successfully completed at least two high school mathematics courses and one science course (Physics or Chemistry are recommended). Transfer students must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 with a “B” or better in college pre-calculus and a “C” or higher in general physics.

Graduates of this program may continue their education to earn a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or a related field at partner institutions such as SUNY Buffalo State. Formal transfer agreements with four-year colleges and universities are currently in development.

Looking to gain expertise in emergency management?

The one-year certificate program in Emergency Management provides contemporary knowledge and expertise to lead, manage, or support disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery in emergency management.  

This online, one-year program is designed for transitioning professionals and those seeking industry-specific course work essential to support whole community emergency management programs.

Participants will gain specialized knowledge and skills necessary to work within various aspects of emergency management, including preparedness, response and incident management, disaster recovery, hazard mitigation, continuity of operations, and other related assignments. Participants will learn practical skills from experienced emergency managers. 

The goals of this program are:

• To prepare students to lead, manage, or support mitigation of, preparedness for, response to, and recovery from a disaster.
• To graduate students who have the knowledge and skills necessary to be able to support whole community emergency management programs.

Successful graduates from this program will be able to:

• Apply a knowledge base of necessary skills to include whole community critical incident management; emergency planning; emergency operations center organization and management; resource and capability planning; and the application of national emergency management standards prior to, during, and in the aftermath of disasters.
• Demonstrate critical thinking, communication, and management skills by analyzing situations, determining proper actions, evaluating possible alternatives and unforeseen circumstances, and then taking appropriate actions as an emergency program manager.

The program was designed utilizing industry standards such as the National Incident Management System (NIMS); the National Preparedness Goal; the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP); and NFPA 1600: Standard on Continuity, Emergency, and Crisis Management. The program also integrates FEMA incident command system (ICS) training courses.

Students enrolled in this program may be eligible for financial aid.

Thanks to a new partnership, students of the program can transfer up to 18 credits toward the fully online Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services degree offered by Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus.

The Engineering Science curriculum provides a sound academic core preparing the student to transfer into baccalaureate engineering programs. Transfer opportunities are available in mechanical, industrial, chemical, electrical, civil, and environmental engineering.

The goals of this program are to:

• Provide students with the educational experiences and methods scientists use to explore natural phenomena and to employ appropriate experimental design, critical thinking and methodology to solve problems in Engineering Science;
• Provide students with a comprehensive knowledge base of Engineering Science; and
• Provide students with opportunities to discuss and evaluate current issues in Engineering Science.

Successful graduates from this program will be able to employ appropriate experimental design and methodology, and use critical thinking to analyze scientific data; exhibit basic mastery of content in Engineering Science; and effectively communicate underlying principles as they apply to current issues in Engineering Science. View our program course requirements

Level up at Herkimer College.

Esports is predicted to grow faster than any other sport in the next few years, and the need for managers to support game developers and the emerging audience of gaming consumers is projected to increase as well. This growth industry is creating demand for employees who appreciate the professional competitive video gaming environment, understand basic technology, and possess marketing and management skills.

Herkimer College's degree program will prepare students in areas of esports management, event planning and management, sports governance, as well as provide them with a critical foundation in business and general education coursework. Graduates may find employment in events management, broadcasting, facilities, game day management and operations, public relations, marketing, and sales. This A.A.S. degree will enable graduates to enter the workforce upon graduation or continue their education at a four-year college or university. 

Through partnerships and our Herkimer Generals intercollegiate esports team, students gain practical experience and establish connections in the esports world.

Check out our NEW Esports Center! Our new Esports Center is everything a gamer needs and more! Equipped with 12 stations, 2 screens, and a coaching station.... It is home to our NJCAA national championship esports team and the new Esports Management degree program.

A well-rounded exploration of fashion.

Immerse yourself in a vibrant and creative community of students and faculty who are passionate about fashion. Join our active fashion club and participate in field trips to major fashion capitals. Help organize our popular annual fashion show. And hone your visual presentation skills.

At Herkimer, you'll be prepared for a range of careers in the fashion industry—from fashion buying and merchandising to fashion retail, management, and marketing. Plus, you’ll leave with a solid background in business and and a variety of complementary liberal arts classes under your belt.

A fundamental understanding of processing a crime scene.

As a Forensic Investigations major at Herkimer College, you’ll develop occupational competence for entry into public law enforcement and/or private investigative fields.

Successful graduates of this program:

• Use skills and knowledge needed to work within the Criminal Justice field
• Understand the fundamentals of processing a crime scene
• Obtain the complex skills required of a crime scene investigator/photographer
• Locate, document, and collect physical evidence at a crime scene
• Ensure the chain of custody is maintained
• Properly mark all evidence prior to collection and account for it at all times until the crime is solved

Graduates find employment in entry-level positions in public and private investigative agencies and companies, or may choose to go on to pursue a four-year degree.

A program tailored to your needs and interests.

Humanities and fine arts, the natural sciences and mathematics, the social sciences—you’ll learn them all when you enroll in Herkimer College’s General Studies A.A. program. 

You'll work closely with an advisor to tailor a specific program according to your needs and interests—a very beneficial step if you are uncertain of the major you wish to pursue.

As a graduate with a degree in General Studies you'll be able to transfer into a wide array of baccalaureate degree programs, or take advantage of specialized training offered by future employers.

Your ticket into the medical field.

From nurses to physical therapists to medical technologists, spots are waiting to be filled. If you aspire to have a rewarding and successful career in the medical field, take a look at our new Health Professions A.S. degree program. The Health Professions program is designed to prepare students for successful transfer into a variety of bachelor's degree programs in health-related fields. The curriculum provides students with multiple pathways to attain the skills, knowledge and experience required for patient-based or technology-based healthcare occupations. Choose from the following tracks:

Medical Technology & Biotechnology

• Additional Schooling: Bachelor's degree in area of interest - A.S. fulfills SUNY Upstate prerequisites for Medical Technology or Medical Biotechnology minus additional Liberal Arts requirement

Medical Imaging Sciences, Radiation Therapy, and Respiratory Therapy

• Additional Schooling: 
  • Radiation Therapy Program - A.S. fulfills SUNY Upstate prerequisites minus additional Liberal Arts requirement
  • Medical Imaging Science - A.S. fulfills SUNY Upstate prerequisites for B.S. program 
  • Respiratory Therapy Program - A.S. fulfills SUNY Upstate prerequisites minus additional Liberal Arts requirement

Pre-Nursing

• Additional schooling is required to become a Registered Nurse. This track of the Health Professions A.S. degree fulfills prerequisites for St. Elizabeth's College of Nursing.

Pre-Physical Therapy

• Additional Schooling: Bachelor's degree in area of interest, Doctor of Physical Therapy professional school- A.S. fulfills prerequisites for SUNY Upstate DPT program minus bachelor's degree

Those interested in becoming a Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) should register as a Liberal Arts and Science: Science major. 

Solid skills to succeed as business office personnel.

Herkimer College’s Health Services Management Technology A.A.S. degree program prepares students for positions such as service coordinators, personal assistants, office managers, field staff supervisors, administrative assistants, and other business office personnel.

Graduates are prepared to:

• Describe current issues in healthcare
• Identify the challenges and responsibilities of healthcare providers
• Explain financial considerations in the healthcare industry
• Describe access to care
• Identify reimbursement issues and the changes which have an economic impact on the healthcare delivery system, Medicare, Medicaid, Managed Care, and Insurance
• Describe the ethical and social implications of the healthcare industry