Luna Community College programs approved

Submitted to the Optic

The Higher Learning Commission has authorized Luna Community College to offer three online degree programs. The associate of applied science degrees are in business administration, general agriculture and in military studies.

The online degree program in business administration is designed to prepare students to obtain a bachelor’s degree in business or enter the work force. Students will gain knowledge in the areas of financial management, concepts in marketing, computer applications and ethical procedures in administration. Web page design and E-commerce are also integral components with selected courses articulated for credit transferability between universities and colleges in New Mexico.

The military studies program prepares students for service in the military. It is designed for individuals serving in the profession and as a preparatory program for individuals seeking a career in the military. The curriculum provides coursework in communication skills, organizational behavior, teamwork, motivation and the decision-making process.

The online degree in general agriculture is an introductory program designed for individuals seeking employment opportunities in the agriculture industry or for transferability to a university. The purpose is to introduce students into the field of agriculture with a two-prong approach. The first is to help students build academic skills in preparation for university work. It is the intent of the program to assist the student in skill building through 33 credit hours of general education CORE requirements. The goals is to help students with a well rounded education and the ability to communicate, write, solve problems, analyze information and interact with diverse people.

The second approach is to assist the student for employment opportunities. Individuals pursuing the degree are required to take 16 credit hours in general agriculture, with a focus in agriculture economics, business and management. The program’s capstone includes a research methods project and an internship. Students also have a variety of electives to choose from, including course work in equine (horse science), biology and horticulture.