Co-Greene launches new programs in education and health sciences

HUDSON―Columbia-Greene Community College announced Tuesday 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 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 of Columbia-Greene Community College.

According to the college, within the next decade the state expects to hire approximately 180,000 teachers.

The Health Sciences programs can be customized to provide a strong transfer for pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, or other allied health fields.

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,” Mead said.

Prospective students can still register now for the Fall 2026 semester. For more information, visit columbiagreene.edu.