ew programs offer more opportunity

Figuring out what to do in life is rather difficult. Deciding on a degree, or even which classes to take, can be a taxing task for students. Most individuals would agree that testing the waters in a wide range of areas helps to gain an understanding of what is appealing to them and where their strengths lie.

Now, students at Palo Alto have access to three more options: forensics, digital art and education. Palo Alto’s new Associate of Arts with a Concentration in Forensic Science gives an inside look at what really goes on during a crime analysis. Thanks to interest spawned by the hit T.V. show “CSI,” students can now take FORS 2440 and FORS 2450 to learn the basics of crime scene investigation and evidence gathering.

“This gives students an opportunity to see what investigators go through,” said Steve Mardock, Chair of Protective Services at Palo Alto. With the help of the Palo Alto Criminal Justice Club, Mardock hopes to establish a firm foundation for this new program by sending out flyers and giving demonstrations for students on the mechanics of forensics. He encourages anyone who is pursuing a career in law enforcement to sign up for the class, as well as all those who are simply intrigued by the field.

Elementary and secondary education programs have been on campus for a long time, but recently the State of Texas streamlined the program at community colleges to reduce students’ transfer headaches by offering an associate’s in teaching. “This is a great path for obtaining teaching certification,” said Theresa Garfield, Chair of Behavioral Sciences and Humanities and Lead Instructor for Education.

For information on the forensic program, students should contact Steve Mardock at (210) 921-5353. Contact Karen Mahaffy for information on digital art, at (210) 921-5132. Students interested in the Associate of Art in Teaching may contact Theresa Garfield at (210) 921-5375.