There are many Centers of Excellence (COE) in community colleges and universities in the United States. Presently, a number of these provide approximately an extra year beyond various existing degrees. Most of these COEs deal with a variety of training and educational needs and work directly with the appropriate business communities. They provide students with additional training and expertise beyond the normal degree programs. This gives graduates specific educational training on the latest developments in their area of expertise, which makes them more employable and sought out for by businesses. Centers of Excellence: Niche Methods to Improve Higher Education in the 21st Century informs institutions of higher education about COEs that currently exist so interested administrators may initiate Centers of Excellence that are needed in their service areas. Furthermore, the information in this book will assist community colleges and universities in learning how a Center is activated, funded, and supported. The Centers are valuable to students, higher education institutions, and the business community.