Columbia-Greene Community College launches new academic programs in education and health sciences

New programs consolidate and enhance current offerings; eligible for SUNY Reconnect

HUDSON, N.Y. (Aug. 4, 2026) – Columbia-Greene Community College today announced the launch of two new academic programs geared toward those pursuing careers in education and health sciences.

The College’s new degree programs, A.S. in Education Studies and A.S. in Health Sciences, will be available starting in the Fall of 2026 for prospective students. Both programs are eligible for SUNY Reconnect, the State University of New York’s transformational initiative that provides free tuition, fees, books, and supplies for adult learners ages 25 to 55 who do not have a college degree and want to earn an associate degree in a high-demand field.

“The demand for educational and healthcare professionals continues to rise in our region and across New York State. These new degree offerings continue to affirm Columbia-Greene’s role to support our workforce where they are and where the need is greatest,” said Dr. Victoria L. Walsh, president, Columbia-Greene Community College.

The creation of the new degree programs is the result of consolidating 16 existing programs and both simplifying and clarifying students’ pathways for seamless transfer or entering the workforce.

“At Columbia-Greene, we are focused on where ‘today’s student’ is and these programs are key to that,” said Dr. Rachel Mead, chief academic officer. “By consolidating and enhancing courses into these two key programs, we are meeting the moment for our students, both current and prospective.”

Further, the programs are prime opportunities for students through SUNY’s Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) program, which removes financial barriers to full-time study, provides structured pathways to help students gain and maintain academic momentum, and creates connected communities through integrated supports and engagement activities.

“When we looked at our offerings and how it would meet the Chancellor’s and the Governor’s initiatives through SUNY Reconnect and ASAP, we believed that through the program consolidation and enhancements we’ve made, we can better support our students,” said Joel Phelps, vice president for student success.

Prospective students can still register now for the Fall 2026 semester. For more information about Columbia-Greene Community College and its academic programs, please visit columbiagreene.edu.

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About Columbia-Greene Community College: A campus of the State University of New York (SUNY), is a comprehensive, two-year institution offering a variety of transfer and career programs leading to the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, and Associate in Occupational Studies degrees, as well as micro credentials, one-year certificate programs, and specialized courses geared toward community interest. columbiagreene.edu