Academics at PWSC

Academic Programs

Prince William Sound College (PWSC) offers students a variety of academic programs and learning opportunities. Small class sizes allow for students to develop one-on-one relationships with peers and faculty, ensuring a quality learning experience. Opportunities for leadership, service, practical training, and engagement in campus life activities abound. 

• Associate Degrees & Certificates
  • • Associate of Arts (General Studies):
    • Many of our students are drawn to this degree because of its versatility. It is a great transfer degree or it can stand alone as a two-year level of academic achievement.
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    • Associate of Arts pathway to Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education:
    • The major-to-major articulation provides students a clear progression from a completed Associate of Arts degree (AA) into the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Elementary Education at the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) or the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF).
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    • Outdoor Leadership, Associate of Applied Science:
    • This degree program will provide you with the skills necessary to enter the outdoor recreation industry as a professional and will help you become stronger and more confident as an outdoor leader.
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    • Technology, Associate of Applied Science:
    • Prepares students for entry-level work in a variety of specialized technical fields. It gives students an opportunity to individualize their education while earning a two-year degree.  The program offers students the opportunity to earn two occupational endorsements certificates (OECs) and an associate of applied science degree all-in-one. 
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    • Outdoor Leadership, Undergraduate Certificate:
    • The Undergraduate Certificate in Outdoor Leadership is a one-year program focused on specific technical skills and the foundations of outdoor recreation for work in a professional setting such as tourism, outdoor recreation and guiding.
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  • • Construction Skills, Occupational Endorsement Certificate:
    • Students who complete these courses gain skills to perform interior and exterior tasks including basic carpentry, weatherization, plumbing, and electrical repairs with a focus on safety and developing employability skills.
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    • Marine Natural Resources Technician, Occupational Endorsement Certificate:
    • The Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) in Marine Natural Resources Technician prepares students for careers in marine natural resources and marine science.
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    • Marine Service Technology, Occupational Endorsement Certificate:
    • This certificate prepares students to complete the American Boat and Yacht Council Certification, and Equipment and Engine Training Council Certification in small engines.
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    • Millwright, Occupational Endorsement Certificate:
    • The millwright program at PWSC is based on the National Center for Construction Education (NCCER), a nationally recognized provider of technical training.
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    • Natural Resources Technician, Occupational Endorsement Certificate:
    • The natural resources technician program is a 15-week intensive experience that covers the knowledge and skills needed for an entry-level position in a natural resources career. 
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    • Nursing, Associate of Applied Science:
    • PWSC serves as a branch campus for UAA’s Associate of Applied Science Nursing Program. 
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• Dual Enrollment

  Prince William Sound College collaborates with many school districts throughout Alaska to offer dual credit or dual enrollment courses to high school students. Click here to learn more about Dual Enrollment at PWSC.

• Alaska Adult Education

  The Alaska Adult Education Center through PWSC is designed to provide individualized and group instruction to adults. Classes and most instructional materials are free to everyone 16 years of age and older.

  • GED® Tutoring and Testing
  • Tutoring for College Readiness and Occupational Development
  • English as a Second Language
  • Civics and Citizenship
• Extension Sites
  • Copper Basin Extension Site:
  • The Copper Basin Extension Site is located in Glennallen, Alaska.
  • Cordova Extension Site:
  • The Cordova Extension Site is located in Cordova, Alaska.
• Alaska  Tech Learners

  Alaska Tech Learners is a project funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). This project provides both high school teachers and students with coursework within the software engineering field of e-commerce.

  Instruction is first provided to high school teachers, who then facilitate dual-enrollment courses for students at their school through a shared teaching model based in local instruction combined with grading of assignments and support by PWSC computing faculty.

  Learn more about the Alaska Tech Learners program.

• For Teachers 

  For Teachers’ courses are open to any teacher but primarily aimed at certified high school teachers who are teaching courses that are outside of their primary area of specialty. Each ‘for Teachers’ course is based on a one-week summer experience followed by an implementation exercise during the fall. 

  Learn more about the for Teachers program

• PWSC "Middle College"

  The "Middle College" for Rural Alaska is a mixed career and academic dual enrollment program of study funded by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development - American Rescue Plan funds. This project supports enhanced learning opportunities for primarily rural Alaskan students through residential and online courses that can lead towards a degree or occupational endorsement certificate.

  Learn more about the "Middle College" 

Academic Resources