STCC named among best community colleges by Intelligent.com
Professor Phil Ruderman teaches a photography class at STCC. (Photo credit: Ed Cohen)
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College joined Intelligent.com’s list of Best Community Colleges in Massachusetts in 2022. The research identifies 18 top programs based on flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost and reputation.
Intelligent.com, a resource for online/on-campus program rankings and higher education planning, singled out STCC as having the best photography program. Ranking No. 7 overall in the state, STCC was listed as the top community college in Western Massachusetts.
Students interested in photography can pursue an associate degree in Graphic Communication and Photography. Digital photography is one of the programs leading to the degree. Students also can pursue a one-year certificate in digital photography.
“Our photography program opens the door to a range of careers, including fashion, advertising and fine art, to name a few industries,” said Phil Ruderman, a professor of technical arts and design at STCC. “Graduates will be ready to go out on their own as professional freelance photographers or work in professional photography jobs. We are thrilled that the photography program at STCC is being recognized by Intelligent.com.”
In her introduction to photography course at STCC, associate professor Sondra Peron taught students how to build a camera obscura in their homes. A camera obscura is a box-like device that lets light inside to reflect images from outside in much the same way a camera works. She built a camera obscura room in the Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery.
“I’m thrilled to report that repairs were completed and the public is once again invited to view this optical phenomenon right here at our campus,” she said.
STCC President John B. Cook praised the college’s faculty and staff for their dedication and commitment to supporting students.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by Intelligent.com as one of the top community colleges,” Cook said. “The recognition underscores our commitment to our students. We strive every day to provide them with a high quality and affordable education.”
STCC offers highly regarded programs in manufacturing, healthcare, business, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), social services and liberal arts.
Intelligent.com implemented a unique methodology that ranks each program on a scale from 0 to 100 across five categories. The scoring system compares each university according to program strength, student readiness, return on investment, cost, and student engagement. Researchers compared 64 programs from 26 universities and colleges across the United States.
STCC offers flexible distance learning that appeals to busy adults or hybrid models that include on-campus and online formats. Experts at Intelligent.com assessed programs in Best Community Colleges in Massachusetts that help students enhance and develop advanced skills for a variety of in-demand positions.
Studies show that obtaining a degree increases income substantially, degree holders earning 84 percent more than those with only high school diplomas or those without a completed GED. The percentage difference in earnings continues to grow with higher learning degrees such as masters, doctoral or professional degrees, with the unemployment rate decreasing to as much as 1.1 percent for those with a doctorate. To access the complete ranking, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/best-community-colleges/massachusetts/.
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu