Accounting is the basic language of business, and a career that opens a wide variety of doors in the business world. Accounting students study the rules and software at play in the world of business, using effective communication skills to break down complex issues for their clients and managers so that they can make good business decisions. 

The increased globalization of businesses makes the varied skillset of an Accounting professional in high demand across a wide variety of industries and settings.

What’s Different at SPSCC?

Advance your career through Online and Evening Studies. Online and weekday evening courses let you fit part-time college into a full-time career. Give your skills a boost without putting your professional life on hold.

Worker Retraining funds. Some students qualify for Worker Retraining, which helps pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and more. Learn if you qualify for Worker Retraining >.

Health care is more than doctors and nurses – allied health encompasses a range of services including diagnosis, counseling and therapy, physical rehabilitation, nutrition and dietary counsel, and diagnostic imaging. If you’re interested in health care, but aren’t certain what field to study, SPSCC’s allied health programs can help you find the right path.

SPSCC offers a full spectrum of challenging courses that you’ll need to build a strong foundation for your future career in an allied health program. Many programs include the same prerequisites – biology, math, English, anatomy, physiology – and you can begin at SPSCC for a fraction of the cost of a 4-year university. We recommend you work closely with your SPSCC advisor and keep an open line of communication with your school of interest.

Anthropology is the study of past and present humans and societies. As a student of Anthropology at SPSCC, you’ll focus on human biological and cultural origins, modern biological variation, past and present cultural variation, and the relationship between language and culture.

Some anthropologists study the past through language, culture, and archaeological remains. Others look to the future and apply their knowledge to solve contemporary human problems. Food acquisition and distribution, disaster preparedness, the impact of climate change, and cross-cultural communication in a globalized society – all of these continue to shape modern human culture and biology.

What’s Different at SPSCC?

Continue your studies abroad. After earning your associate degree at SPSCC, you can continue to study anthropology abroad and earn your bachelor’s degree through one of our exciting international transfer programs. Soak in new experiences, broaden your horizons, and finish your 4-year degree abroad.

Join student-led culture, language, and identity clubs. SPSCC hosts a number of student-led clubs to help broaden your horizons and ensure you’ll always have a place to call home.

Are you interested in being part of a team that creates the built environment – homes, schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, etc.? When you study Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Technology at SPSCC, you gain experience to build a better tomorrow. From creating 2D drawings of cabinets to 3D modeling of land, buildings, and construction trades – there are opportunities abound. Join a long history of serving the community with a successful track record of our students finding gainful employment.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Get hands-on experience. Collaborate with your peers by creating 3D models of existing land and structures while you develop a portfolio of professional work to prepare for a wide range of entry-level positions in a competitive job market.

Support for success. Work directly with faculty members and advisors to develop employment goals and define a path to reach them.

Worker Retraining funds. Some AEC Technology students qualify for Worker Retraining, which helps pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and more. Learn if you qualify for Worker Retraining >.

Roll up your sleeves and set up your easel. Nurture your passion for creating art with studio classes that refine your techniques in painting, ceramics, sculpture, and more. Then take a trip back through the history of art, where you learn about world events that affected cultures and artists and evolved art over time.  Before you know it, you’ll be ready to launch your path to an exciting art-inspired career.

What’s Different at SPSCC?

Sky’s the limit. Enjoy classes in well-equipped studios with almost anything you need to create your work.

You’re the star. Build your portfolio with opportunities to display your work around campus, in exhibitions at the art gallery, and in the community.

Your teachers are stars, too. Learn from art faculty who are also working artists earning regional and national recognition and exhibition opportunities for their work.

Get money for supplies. If you need help buying supplies, you can get funds through the SPSCC Foundation.

Continue your studies abroad. After earning your associate degree at SPSCC, you can continue to study art abroad and earn your bachelor’s degree through one of our exciting international transfer programs. Soak in new experiences, broaden your horizons, and finish your 4-year degree abroad.

Are you curious about the mysteries of the universe? Have you ever wondered why stars have different colors? How our ancestors used them for navigation in ancient times? How black holes are formed, or what causes stars to erupt into supernovas?

Astronomy courses at SPSCC will give you an in-depth knowledge of the night sky and the amazing events that lead to its formation through small lectures and exploration exercises, in-class demonstrations, and an online planetarium. You’ll gain an appreciation of the motion of the stars (apparent) and planets in the night sky, but also for the diversity of cosmological myths and understandings from cultures around the world.

Interested in a career in the automotive industry?

When you encounter a problem, do you see it as a challenge? Do you want to work with your hands in an industry that’s essential to everyday life?

When you study Automotive Technology at SPSCC, you’ll receive both formal training and real-world experience diagnosing and repairing automotive problems. Take classes in a modern, industry-standard shop facility that has been certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). We also offer an in-depth curriculum designed to prepare you to reach success in all eight ASE areas.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Take advantage of a flexible program. Whether you're looking to refine your skills as an existing automotive professional or want to start a new career in the automotive field, SPSCC has the course for you. SPSCC offers evening courses so you can start and finish your automotive degree while still working during the day.

Work with the community. Connect with local auto dealerships, public transportation services, and independent repair shops. You will also have the opportunity to offer auto service and repair to community members through the Automotive Services Department – allowing you to give back to the community while receiving valuable, real-world experience.

Build a strong foundation of skills. Our goal is to provide a curriculum designed to prepare you to become an ASE-certified master technician. Get started with our Certificate of Proficiency and continue to refine your skills as you pursue your Associate in Applied Science.

Upcoming Events

Learn more about the program at our Automotive Expo!

• Automotive Betti Tool Fair and Expo: Oct. 23, 5:30 p.m., SPSCC Olympia Campus (Bldg. 16, Automotive Shop)
• Automotive Spring Expo: May 7, 5:30 p.m., SPSCC Olympia Campus (Bldg. 16, Automotive Shop)

Get extra support with our I-BEST program.

The Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) program is a nationally-recognized teaching model that provides two instructors in first year classes – one focusing on the professional and technical material of your program, and the other helping you strengthen skills in English, writing, and math.

Access to a variety of financial supports.

Not sure about how to pay for your tuition, tools, books, housing, etc.? We have solutions that will shock you. Not only is there financial aid through the FAFSA or WASFA and SPSCC Foundation, our professional technical programs are connected with local tool vendors that will offer student discounts. Qualified grants and scholarship awards range anywhere from $500 to $4,000 per student per quarter.

Worker retraining funds are also available to help pay for tuition, fees, books, tools, supplies, and more. See if you qualify at StartNextQuarter.org. Not sure which one to apply for? Apply for ALL grants and scholarships to increase your odds and get your schooling paid for!

Our goal is to make you feel comfortable in your path and to reduce the stress of discovering what is next. This is why we have mapped out a quarterly plan to help you know which classes to expect will be in your future. You will notice that our courses are primarily focused on the field of study and only require a limited number of core courses outside of the automotive realm.

Vehicle Repair: Automotive Program Customer Services

We are a nonprofit student training facility that offers our students with real world hands on experience. Our Customer Service Department provides automotive repair services that are open to the public and heavily discounted to support our community!

Vehicle Repair Services

Program Faculty

Tom Witt  |  Tony Kennish  |  Shane Richardson

Combine your creativity and your passion to delight people with what you create. When you begin your culinary career in our Baking and Pastry Arts program, you’ll work closely with expert chefs in fully equipped, professional-grade kitchens to make delicious treats and baked goods.

You will spend almost every morning working through the fundamentals of baking and pastry arts in our fast-paced 3-quarter program. Learn about breads and biscuits, then move into cookies and Viennese-style baked goods like croissants and brioche. The program also covers pies and tarts, custards and mousses, cakes and tortes, and chocolates and confections.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Work in a real bakery. Students in Baking and Pastry Arts support The Bake Shop in Percival Restaurant, serving expertly-presented desserts and delicious pastries to go, all made fresh daily.

Spend less and compete for jobs. Our 3-quarter program provides hands-on experience needed to land a job in the industry at a fraction of the cost of a culinary school or apprenticeship program.

Biology studies the vast and diverse world of living organisms. You’ll look at issues broadly related to animals, plants, or humans – including ecology, biological diversity, cellular structure and function, pathogens and disease processes, and human physiology. You will work with passionate instructors in small classes, well-equipped labs, and out in the field for independent research projects.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Get a taste of real research. Students have the opportunity to participate in SPSCC’s undergraduate research program, collaborating with local agencies and organizations on important projects that directly impact our community and ecosystem. You will obtain relevant, hands-on experience with real science before the graduate level – an invaluable stepping stone to a future career in the sciences, where employers typically seek real-world experience with the equipment and processes of modern research.

Botany studies the essential relationship between human life and growing plant life. It’s a broad field that includes ecology, field study, plant structure and patterns, and experimentation. In your botanical research you’ll learn about the key roles plants play in the ecosystem, conservation efforts, public health, and environmental protection. You’ll enjoy small lectures and labs with faculty who are passionate about teaching.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Get a taste of real research. Students have the opportunity to participate in SPSCC’s undergraduate research program, collaborating with local agencies and organizations on important projects that directly impact our community and ecosystem. You will obtain relevant, hands-on experience with real science before the graduate level – an invaluable stepping stone to a future career in the sciences, where employers typically seek real-world experience with the equipment and processes of modern research.

Many students choose to earn a degree in business because it teaches skills that are transferrable across many industries and careers.

Degrees at SPSCC

At SPSCC, we offer an Associate in Business – Direct Transfer Agreement that prepares students to continue studying business at a 4-year university.

Students choose business administration because it provides them with skills across occupations and industries. You’ll learn finance, marketing, and general business principles, and more. Then, in the program’s capstone course, you’ll get to demonstrate your business skills when you run an online business simulation.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Advance your career through Online and Evening Studies. Online and weekday evening courses let you fit full- or part-time college into a full-time career. Give your skills a boost without putting your professional life on hold.

Degree Options

At SPSCC, we offer two degree options for business administration:

• Associate in Applied Science (for students who want to enter the workforce right after graduation)  
• Associate in Business - Direct Transfer Agreement (for students who want to prepare for business school at a 4-year college)

We also offer an Entrepreneurship Certificate of Achievement, which is a 4-course program designed to help you prepare, start, manage, and expand your own business.

Learn about the complex chemical processes and compounds that make up the building blocks of all life. Explore a vast scientific field that involves problem-solving, scientific inquiry, and hands-on laboratory skills. As a student of Chemistry at SPSCC, you’ll enjoy small lectures and labs with experienced faculty who are passionate about teaching.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Get a taste of real research. Students have the opportunity to participate in SPSCC’s undergraduate research program, collaborating with local agencies and organizations on important projects that directly impact our community and ecosystem. You will obtain relevant, hands-on experience with real science before the graduate level – an invaluable stepping stone to a future career in the sciences, where employers typically seek real-world experience with the equipment and processes of modern research

As technology advances, the global community becomes more connected – and your communication skills become even more important. Become a public relations specialist, or work as an editor with the media giants that tie the world together.

As a student of Communication Studies, you will gain skills in public speaking, mass media, and multicultural communications – skills which transfer to a broad range of careers and provide advantages in personal relationships.

What’s Different at SPSCC?

Contribute to the student newspaper. Students produce their own newspaper and online news source, The Sounds. Students work with a journalism advisor in all roles of production – editors, reporters, photographers, and advertising representatives. Offering both paid and volunteer positions, The Sounds is an invaluable opportunity to sink your teeth into real-world writing experience.

Study abroad. Nothing emphasizes communication more than immersing yourself in another language and culture. SPSCC’s Study Abroad program connects you to several scholarship and grant opportunities, allowing you to study abroad at a lower cost than you might find at a four-year institution.

Take your drive beyond the classroom. Whether you’re working for the student newspaper or joining one of the student clubs and organizations, SPSCC offers several opportunities to put your talents and passions to use in the college community.

Work in a field that changes quickly, offers frequent opportunities to grow and problem-solve, and immerses you in technology. As a student of computer science at SPSCC, you’ll find high-paying employment opportunities in a wide range of industries. Become a part of our 30-year track record of serving our community and helping our students find employment – all at a fraction of the cost of a private institution or a coding “boot camp”.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree! Continue from AS/AA programs to earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science after you have earned an:

• Associate in Arts, DTA/MRP in Computer Science;
• Associate in Science Track 2, plus CS142 and CS143;
• Associate in Computer Science - Software Development;
• Associate in Computer Science - Cybersecurity & Network Administration; or
• another computer science-related transfer degree from an accredited institution; or have instructor permission

How to Apply for the BS

Combine your interests in science, technology, business, and creativity in a unique way. Distill spirits and craft signature brews in the fast-growing craft beverage industry. Students in our Craft Brewing & Distilling program work alongside experienced local brewers, distillers, and cider makers to learn what it takes to be a part of this field and develop the industry.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Outside the Olympia area? Students from all over the country can be part of our programs. We offer most classes online. We do require 3 weekends per quarter on-site at our facility in Tumwater, WA.

Get out in the world with off-site events. With trips to agricultural hubs like Yakima’s hop fields and equipment fabricators like JV Northwest, you’ll gain valuable experience at every step of the craft brewing industry. 

Enter a thriving local industry. Students who complete the program will be prepared to successfully open their own craft brewing operations, or support existing businesses in their local community. The knowledge you earn in this program will be critical in helping the industry grow, innovate, and thrive.

Entering the industry. Ready to enter the craft beverage industry? The 2-year Associate in Applied Science (AAS) program focuses on the science and production of craft beer, spirits, and cider.

Growing in the industry. Already have a degree in science or business? The 2-year Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) program boosts your career in craft business management and quality assurance.

How do we begin to understand crime? What drives human deviance? What are the most effective methods of correction, and how does lawmaking support these systems? In studying Criminal Justice, you’ll use an interdisciplinary, social sciences-based approach to learning about the criminal justice system. Along with building a deep awareness and understanding of law and policy, you’ll learn how to communicate effectively, develop cross-cultural understanding, give and receive feedback, and collaborate with others.

Would you like to enter into a career that embraces artistic creativity? Do you like being part of a team? Does entering a field with countless career opportunities worldwide appeal to you? Do you thrive on immediate appreciation gained from excelling at your craft? If your answer to these questions is yes, your personal strengths align with a career in the hospitality industry.

What's Different at SPCC?

Gain professional experience in a fully equipped professional kitchen, with instruction based around revolving seasonal recipes and special events.

Learn from dedicated instructors who teach at the highest level of current industry standards.

Excel in a flexible learning environment that promotes creativity and innovation.

Study in an ACF accredited culinary school where you’ll learn all the skills demanded by today’s culinary industry. Related: Career Bridge information

Worker retraining funds. Some Culinary students qualify for worker retraining, which helps pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies and more. Learn if you qualify for Worker Retraining >

Are you passionate about technology? Do you understand the importance of the security of your devices and data? By studying Cybersecurity & Network Administration, you can earn a competitive salary, immerse yourself in a rapidly-changing tech industry, and turn your talents into a career demanded by a growing number of workplaces across several industries.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Center for Cybersecurity. SPSCC is a designated Center for Cybersecurity by the National Security Agency.

New, revamped program. Our exciting new program teaches you the skills you need to succeed in one of the world’s most cutting-edge industries.

Work with Cisco and Windows devices. You’ll earn valuable experience as you manage your own server, create virtual machines, and network a variety of devices and router models.

Work towards your degree through Online and Evening Studies. Most courses are offered in online-hybrid and face-to-face evening formats, letting you work towards a new career in the IT industry as a part-time student.

Get an internship. Join the 70% of the students in the program that were hired by their internship employers after graduation.

Worker Retraining funds. Some students qualify for Worker Retraining, which helps pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and more. Learn if you qualify for Worker Retraining >.

Dental assistants play a key role in the dentist’s office, serving as a friendly face dedicated to making a patient feel comfortable, welcome, and safe. As a dental assistant, you’ll work with a variety of people and provide important preventative health care services. You’ll enjoy a flexible part-time or full-time schedule in an in-demand industry that can set the tone for a patient’s future approach to their health.

Dental Assisting Program Enrollment Process

The Dental Assisting Degree Program requires special enrollment procedures.

Dental Assisting Admissions

What's Different at SPSCC?

Work in a clinic. As part of your training as a Dental Assisting student, you will get hands-on experience working in the Campus Dental Clinic, providing comfortable, quality dental services to the community.

Advance your training as an Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA). Experienced dental assistants can return for more advanced face-to-face instruction to earn additional licensure to perform more complex dental work, such as taking final impressions and placing fillings, without supervision. Becoming an EFDA expands the scope of your practice and typically involves an increased salary.

Upcoming Events

Learn more about the program at our Dental Assisting Open House!

• Dental Assisting Open House: May 8, 6:30 p.m., SPSCC Olympia Campus (Bldg. 34, Second Floor) | RSVP Now

Play a part in the creation of the most memorable stories in the arts. Become an actor and build a direct and lively relationship with the audience through live performance, or work behind the scenes as a producer, director, or designer. Studies in Drama emphasize key transferable skills such as leadership, collaboration, and self-expression that strengthen job prospects in many other fields.

At SPSCC you will have opportunities to work onstage and behind the scenes that may not be available at larger schools. We perform dramatic works each quarter that bring in students and community members as actors and stage crew, presenting a unique opportunity to hone analytical skills, practice creative collaboration, and make a positive impact on the community through the arts.

What’s Different at SPSCC?

Perform for the community. Each year, our theatre program puts on a variety of plays in the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts. Hosting both a Black Box Theater and Main Stage, you can play a part in several productions, be they traditional classics or edgier plays and musicals, all with spaces and equipment that represent current industry standards.

Meet distinguished artists. Our Artist & Lecture Series brings scholars, outspoken activists, and passionate artists to speak and perform on campus each year.

Do you want to be an exceptional teacher for children? By studying Early Childhood Education at SPSCC, you will be a part of a diverse group of students who want to be part of teaching children between ages birth and 8. You will work with professors and teachers who are long-time and current practitioners of early childhood care in classes that are rooted both in theory and in practical, real-world experience.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Studies are flexible to fit into your life. Our program offers a combination of face-to-face, hybrid, and online courses.  Classes are held in the day and evenings, so you can work while you study toward your career in early childhood education.

Instructors are focused on you. Instructors are passionate and knowledgeable in early childhood education and Washington State requirements for educators. Get advising support from instructors and build relationships that will last into your career.

Get scholarships to study. There are scholarships available for students already working in the childcare field, and some for those that are just starting out in the field.

Get extra support with our I-BEST program. The Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) program is a nationally-recognized teaching model that provides two instructors in first year classes – one focusing on the professional and technical material of your program, and the other helping you strengthen skills in English, writing, and math.

Earth Sciences help you understand our planet and, in turn, how deeply it connects to human life. You’ll learn more about some of the most pressing and ongoing issues of our time, including climate change, natural catastrophes, and environmental problems such as the loss of biodiversity and deforestation. At SPSCC, you’ll enjoy small lectures and labs with faculty who are passionate about teaching.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Get a taste of real research. Students have the opportunity to participate in SPSCC’s undergraduate research program, collaborating with local agencies and organizations on important projects that directly impact our community and ecosystem. You will obtain relevant, hands-on experience with real science before the graduate level – an invaluable stepping stone to a future career in the sciences, where employers typically seek real-world experience with the equipment and processes of modern research.

Take your passion for business to a global scale by studying people and how they manage resources. SPSCC offers economics courses emphasizing business, politics and globalization, helping you compete in the labor market with a variety of options.

Courses in economics will give you a solid foundation for jobs in the public and private sector, or to transfer and pursue a master’s degree in Business Administration. Our classes teach you how to logically organize, assess, and analyze data – tools that are also necessary for success in law school or for graduate degrees in business administration

Can you think of a teacher or professor that made a big impact on your life? Do you want a job that is in-demand and as fulfilling as it is challenging? If you understand the increasing importance of education and are considering becoming an educator yourself, exploring education at SPSCC is a good first step to earning your bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Engineers are both practical and scientific: they solve problems by using science to design real-world applications. As a student of engineering, you might investigate issues in a variety of fields including aerospace, computers, construction, or biochemistry. Successful graduates work in a variety of places including pharmaceutical industries, power companies, and academic research institutions.

Engineering careers offer interesting – potentially even groundbreaking – problems and projects. You could invent something new, or improve and refine an idea that already exists.

Do you have a story to tell? Do you value the stories of others? Take your passion for the written word into a career in marketing or editing in a variety of fields, or hone your creative side and become a published author or poet.

English courses at SPSCC will help you express yourself in your college and professional career, encourage your creativity, and emphasize the value of communication, understanding, and diverse perspectives.

What’s Different at SPSCC?

Publish your work. The Percival Review is SPSCC’s annual award-winning literary arts journal filled with contributions of writing, art, and music from current students. Student panels select included works and student editors create the layout and produce the journal with the guidance of a faculty advisor. Available freely around campus, the Percival Review has won awards for both content and design.

Contribute to the student newspaper. Students produce their own newspaper and online news source, The Sounds. Students work with a journalism advisor in all roles of production – editors, reporters, photographers, and advertising representatives. Offering both paid and volunteer positions, The Sounds is an invaluable opportunity to sink your teeth into real-world writing experience.

Meet distinguished creators. Our Artist & Lecture Series brings scholars, outspoken activists, and passionate artists to speak and perform on campus each year.

Are you interested in creating or growing your own business? Do you want more control over your professional life, while still remaining committed to your passions? Create your own restaurant, run a bookstore, or open a clothing boutique – a Certificate in Entrepreneurship can lead to many opportunities and helps you start your own business off on the right foot.

What's different at SPSCC?

Connect with the community. SPSCC has an active advisory committee that partners with business and technical programs to provide internship experiences for students. Advisory members also often hire our students, or help connect them with other jobs in the community.

Find dedicated resources. The programs at the Center for Business & Innovation, located at our Lacey Campus, provides material, classes, workshops, and other support to help entrepreneurs succeed at their business goals. Take classes to learn how to establish and license a small business, effectively grow an existing one, or attract new customers through social media.

Environmental Science focuses on the scientific relationship between humans and the natural world. You will learn about the ways human progress has affected the environment and study some of the most pressing issues of our time, including population growth, climate change, environmental damage and the loss of biodiversity.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Get a taste of real research. Students have the opportunity to participate in SPSCC’s undergraduate research program, collaborating with local agencies and organizations on important projects that directly impact our community and ecosystem. You will obtain relevant, hands-on experience with real science before the graduate level – an invaluable stepping stone to a future career in the sciences, where employers typically seek real-world experience with the equipment and processes of modern research.

Work with a unique medium – combining visual, auditory, and narrative elements – to tell a story and explore the diversity of human experience. Produce and direct your own creations, edit film and video, or take your understanding of the visual arts into a creative career in graphic design, social media, or digital advertising.

Film courses at SPSCC will walk you through every aspect of filmmaking, from pre- to post-production, using state-of-the-art digital photography, audio, and editing equipment with the guidance of experienced, working filmmakers.

What’s Different at SPSCC?

Connect with the local creative community. Participate in the annual Olympia Film Festival, hosted by the Olympia Film Society, and witness guest speakers, special performances, educational panels, and workshops.

Meet distinguished artists. Our Artist & Lecture Series brings scholars, outspoken activists, and passionate artists to speak and perform on campus each year.

Show your talent. Reveal your films in the quarterly Student Film Showcase, organized and publicized by students of the film program. Students’ best work is displayed for the community on the main stage of the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts.

Geographers study natural and human spaces – they are curious about places, spaces, and environments. It’s an area of study that merges humanities, social sciences, and physical sciences. At SPSCC, you’ll gain the ability to gather and analyze data, learn about subjects ranging from weather and climate to culture, population, natural hazards, economics, and more.

Geologists are scientists who study the materials and natural processes of our planet. By studying Geology, you’ll gain a wealth of knowledge about some of the most critical issues of our generation: natural disasters, soil conservation, climate change, water supply, and more. At SPSCC, you’ll enjoy small lectures and labs led by faculty who are passionate about teaching – you’ll have more hands-on experience than in comparable classes at many 4-year schools.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Get a taste of real research. Students have the opportunity to participate in SPSCC’s undergraduate research program, collaborating with local agencies and organizations on important projects that directly impact our community and ecosystem. You will obtain relevant, hands-on experience with real science before the graduate level – an invaluable stepping stone to a future career in the sciences, where employers typically seek real-world experience with the equipment and processes of modern research.

History connects our past, present, and future: it’s a window into the arts, politics, significant events, and social customs of the world. In history classes you’ll learn more about the why, where, and how of cultures and societies around the world. At SPSCC you’ll also enjoy small lectures and discussions with faculty who are passionate about teaching.

What’s Different at SPSCC?

Continue your studies abroad. After earning your associate degree at SPSCC, you can continue to study history abroad and earn your bachelor’s degree through one of our exciting international transfer programs. Soak in new experiences, broaden your horizons, and finish your 4-year degree abroad.

As a student in Humanities, you’ll explore crucial questions about what it is to be human: the languages we speak, the art we create, the ways we think and act, or the way we record and understand our history. You’ll engage in challenging, interdisciplinary study of the arts, pop culture, music, religion, mass media, literature, multiculturalism, and history, leaving you with new perspectives on everyday activities, interactions, cultures – and even yourself.

What’s Different at SPSCC?

Publish your work. Students produce their own newspaper, The Sounds, and the annual literature and arts journal, the Percival Review. The Sounds offers both paid and volunteer positions for student editors, reports, photographers, and advertising representatives, while the Percival Review takes yearly submissions of poetry, literature, art, and music from the student body. Both works present an exciting opportunity for students to express their creativity and get published in the process.

Join diverse student-led clubs. SPSCC hosts a number of student-led culture, language, and interest-based clubs to help broaden your horizons and ensure you’ll always have a place to call home.

Do you enjoy troubleshooting? Do you have a patient personality and enjoy teaching others? As a computer support specialist, you’ll work closely with technology and people, helping your colleagues overcome tech hurdles and malfunctions so they can get their work done.

Our IT Computer Support program has a strong internship component, which has helped about 70% of the program’s students to be hired by their employers after graduation.

We prepare our students for the A+, N+, Security+ and client MCSA certifications.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Worker Retraining funds. Some students qualify for Worker Retraining, which helps pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and more. Learn if you qualify for Worker Retraining >.

Are you genuinely curious about other cultures and languages? Do you enjoy the study of culture, politics, history, geography, and the arts? International / Intercultural Studies courses at SPSCC allow you to learn more about six major global regions: Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and East, South and Southeast Asia. SPSCC professors have expertise in these regions and personal backgrounds in Spanish, History, English, Business, Communications and other fields.

Students typically take these classes to think critically about contemporary global issues, complement Study Abroad programs, or explore business from a global perspective.

What’s Different at SPSCC?

Study abroad at a fraction of the cost. SPSCC’s study abroad program connects you to several scholarship and grant opportunities. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in another culture across the globe, gaining valuable knowledge and cultural perspective, all at a lower cost than you might find at a 4-year institution.

Join diverse student-led clubs. SPSCC hosts a number of student-led clubs to help broaden your horizons and ensure you’ll always have a place to call home. Clubs centered on a specific language or culture are of particular interest to International / Intercultural Studies students.

At SPSCC, you’ll be a part of courses taught by passionate, skilled instructors (often native speakers) who have deep knowledge of their chosen language and culture of focus. In spoken languages, you will build a solid foundation in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In the visual language, American Sign Language (ASL), you’ll build a solid foundation receptively and expressively. In addition to personal enrichment, language skills broaden personal and career opportunities in an increasingly diverse and interconnected society.

We offer classes in ASL, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Get the accommodations you need to succeed. Learning new languages can be difficult for anyone – if you have an impairment that impacts your educational experience, the Access Services office offers a number of services to help you be successful at SPSCC.

Immerse yourself in a new culture through our study abroad programs. Learn Spanish in Costa Rica, or México or Spain, spend a summer studying Japanese in Osaka. SPSCC’s study abroad programs connect you to several scholarship and grant opportunities, allowing you to study abroad at a fraction of the cost that you might find at a 4-year institution.

Join student-led culture, language and identity clubs. SPSCC hosts a number of student-led clubs to help broaden your horizons and ensure you’ll always have a place to call home.

Career and employment prospects. Languages skills are essential for many disciplines and professions. Opportunities in translation, interpretation, and several media and communications fields are predicted to grow faster than the national average. Professional ASL interpreters are in high demand – some students continue their studies at 4-year schools and major in ASL, while others continue their studies in sign language interpreting programs. Language proficiencies are also used to increase employability in professions such as education, health care, and social service.

Do you have a keen eye for detail? Do you like to work with your hands, use your creativity to solve challenging problems, and work with high-tech equipment? Get involved in the fast-paced and evolving industry of machining technology and learn to design, create, and refine products for leading industries around the world.

At SPSCC, our students are provided instructors with real-world experience and state-of-the-art Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment.

What’s Different at SPSCC?

Gain a competitive edge. You have the opportunity to earn five National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials over the course of the two-year program – these credentials prove that you have demonstrated skills at industry-established standards.

Specialize in your second year. Work closely with local employers, and select a specialization in your second year: programming, repair, set-up, and additive manufacturing.

Take advantage of a 3D printing class. No experience is needed to join a 3D printing class, offered each summer and winter. Explore for fun, or take it as part of the additive manufacturing specialization.

Get extra support with our I-BEST program. The Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) program is a nationally-recognized teaching model that provides two instructors in every class – one focusing on the professional and technical material of your program, and the other helping you strengthen skills in English, writing, and math.

Worker Retraining funds. Some machining students qualify for Worker Retraining, which helps pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and more. Learn if you qualify for Worker Retraining.

From the foundational basics to specialized technical math, from statistics to calculus and beyond, at SPSCC you will find courses to help you get started in any major. Mathematics provides the framework for hundreds of professions in a variety of industries – CEOs, lab technicians, interior designers, retail store owners, and construction supervisors all rely on mathematics every day. Whether or not you are planning to major in a math-centered field, there is a math course that is engaging and relevant to your interests.

Are you interested in a career in health care, but are not sure where to begin? Medical assistants play a unique role, combining clinical training with administrative skills to work in the office, exam room, and medical lab. They work closely with patients and medical staff to provide excellent service and ensure a patient’s stay is as comfortable and beneficial as possible. Medical assistants are able to start working in the health care field with a shorter amount of formal training compared to a 4-year degree or medical school.

What’s Different at SPSCC?

Worker Retraining funds. Some students qualify for Worker Retraining, which helps pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and more. Learn if you qualify for Worker Retraining >.

Be prepared for your certification exam. SPSCC’s medical assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). As a graduate of this program, you’ll be eligible for the national certification exam to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).

Program Outcomes

As outlined in MAERB Policy 210, CAAHEP-accredited programs are required to submit an Annual Report Form that contains outcomes outlined in CAAHEP Standards and Guidelines. Accreditation is a public status, and the outcomes provide valuable information to the program and the public to demonstrate success and accountability. In accordance with this policy, CAAHEP-accredited medical assisting programs are required to publish the cumulative 5-year average. 

These outcomes are from the 2023 Annual Report Form for the 5-year average for years 2018-2022: 

• Exam Passage Rate: 90.38%
• Retention percentage: 73.81%
• Employer Satisfaction 2022: 100%
• Graduate Satisfaction 2022: 100%

Accreditation

In accordance with the U.S. Department of Education Regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v), the Medical Assisting Program Director at South Puget Sound Community College has obtained the legal opinion of the CEO and Legal Counsel for the American Association of Medical Assistants, relating to education requirements for medical assistant licensure in the United States.

There are six states that require completion of formal medical assisting education as a prerequisite for working as a medical assistant, or to be delegated certain tasks while working as a medical assistant: Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, and Arizona.

The South Puget Sound Community College Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). All CAAHEP-accredited medical assisting programs meet the education requirements in these six states.

As more patient records are stored electronically, there is a growing demand for organized individuals with an eye for detail to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and security of confidential medical information. The backgrounds of medical coding & billing professionals are varied – maybe you want to work in health care, but are not interested in direct patient care. Or, maybe you have worked within the field as a nurse or medical assistant and want to transition into a different role. Many students are going through a life or career change – bringing their experience, attention to detail, customer service, and diligence to a fast-paced administrative career.

After completing the medical coding & billing program, you will be eligible to sit for the American Academy of Professional Coders’ national exam to earn your Certified Professional Coder credential. While many coders work in hospital and office settings, others work from home as remote coders and independent auditors.

Music is a uniquely enriching discipline that connects communities and cultures around the world. At SPSCC, you can study music for the first time through appreciation and fundamentals classes, take performance ensemble training with private instruction in voice or instrument lessons, or prepare to transfer for a music major at a 4-year university. You’ll learn in a smaller and more focused environment than most universities provide, and at a much lower cost.

Students who successfully complete the Associate in Music – Direct Transfer degree will be prepared to audition and transfer into a university music program as a junior.

What’s Different at SPSCC?

Be the star. The Music Program at SPSCC provides practice rooms, instrument storage, and comes fully equipped with a 500-seat auditorium filled nearly to capacity for your first performance on the main stage.

Join a culture of the arts. The music and theatre programs frequently coordinate and collaborate on quarterly performances. Faculty from both departments are experienced, real-world performers, dedicated to fostering their students’ passions through close coaching and mentoring.

Meet distinguished performers. Our Artist and Lecture Series brings scholars, outspoken activists, and passionate artists to speak and perform on campus each year.

Our Music Programs

Symphony Orchestra:

SPSCC Symphony Orchestra is comprised of students and community members. Standard symphonic orchestral literature is studied and rehearsed. Performances are scheduled near the end of each academic quarter. Orchestra members are expected to be good music sight readers and to possess at least high school playing ability. Participation requires an interview with the director and may also require an informal audition.  
Contact: Cameron May, Orchestra Director 

Choral Ensembles:

SPSCC Percival Choir is the large, community-based choral ensemble at SPSCC, open to everyone at the college and in the broader community. No experience is necessary and there is no formal audition. Concerts are held near the end of each term, and the group performs a diverse range of music including major choral-orchestral repertoire, modern octavos, jazz standards, and music from around the world.  
SPSCC Chamber Singers is the smaller, select vocal ensemble at SPSCC, also open to all students at the college and in the community. No formal audition is required, but previous choral experience is recommended. Much of the repertoire is a cappella and ranges from 16th-century madrigals to 21st-century popular music. Movement is sometimes added to the performance, and each singer must be able to work well independently and as a member of the ensemble. The group performs in concert near the end of each term at the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts and at other invited events both on and off campus.    
Contact: John Guarente, Choir Director 

Jazz Band:

Comprised of SPSCC and The Evergreen State College students and community members. The SPSCC Jazz Band rehearses and performs big band and small ensemble arrangements of jazz standards, bebop, Latin jazz, and funk. Performances are held at the end of each quarter, both on and off campus. Members should be proficient on their instruments, to be able to read music, and to attend all class sessions and concerts.   
Contact: Brad Schrandt, Jazz Band Director

Naturopathic medicine attracts students who believe in healing the whole person, rather than a specific condition, through natural methods with an emphasis on holistic, preventative approaches. Naturopathic doctors, currently regulated to practice in 20 states including Washington State, are trained clinical physicians that formulate personalized treatment plans for patients.

Naturopathic medicine programs require a bachelor’s degree plus additional studies in biology, anatomy, and other sciences for admission. To become a licensed naturopathic physician, you will need to complete a 4-year (or more) Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) program, along with clinical time, job shadowing, and passing the Naturopathic Licensing Examinations.

Make a genuine difference in the lives of others. Become a caregiver and advocate for those who need you the most. A career in Nursing is as in-demand as it is rewarding, with extensive benefits in job security, flexibility, and portability. Whether you are looking to get to work quickly through Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) training or want to become a Registered Nurse, SPSCC’s extensive program options will prepare you to work in one of the world’s most necessary fields.

Accreditation

The South Puget Sound Community College Associate Degree Nursing Program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20032, 202-909-2526.

The South Puget Sound Community College Associate Degree Nursing Program is approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON).

What's Different at SPSCC?

New: Evening and Weekend Nursing Program. SPSCC offers two nursing cohorts per year - one traditional program, and one fully evening and weekend program. The traditional program begins each Fall Quarter, while the evening and weekend program begins each Summer Quarter. Apply for each program separately following the special admissions process.

Be highly prepared for NCLEX. Our students who completed the 2023 NCLEX testing required to become a Registered Nurse had a 100% pass rate, well above the national average of 87.75%.

Save big while you prepare for your future. You will save over $12,000 when you complete three out of four years at SPSCC compared to all 4 years at a university program. SPSCC’s Nursing program was the first in Washington State to adopt the Associate of Nursing transfer (DTA) degree, fully approved by the Washington State Nursing Commission.

Get ready for your program with Online and Evening Studies. Many prerequisites are offered online, or evenings for lab courses, letting you learn in a way that best fits your schedule.

Choices at SPSCC

We offer degrees and certifications for a variety of student needs.

Certified Nurse Assistant/Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC)   
Students looking to go to work quickly can move from training to certification to jobs in about three months through our Certified Nurse Assistant (NAC) program.

Nursing Transfer Degrees   
We offer two transfer degrees, which prepare you to attend a 4-year institution and earn a Bachelor’s degree. If you graduate from the Associate in Nursing DTA / MRP, you can transfer to an RN to BSN program as a senior, with only 45 additional credits needed to obtain a BSN degree.

• Associate in Nursing DTA / MRP
• Associate in Pre Nursing DTA / MRP

Registered Nurse (RN)   
To become a Registered Nurse (RN), there are two options:

• Complete RN program, then complete NCLEX testing. In this scenario, you will earn an Associate in Nursing DTA / MRP.  
• Take RN pre-requisites, then transfer to another program to complete training. 

Practicing Outside of Washington State  
We have reviewed our curriculum with RN licensing requirements for other states and have listed them here. For information about a specific state, please see the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website. This is in accordance with U.S. Department of Education Regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v).

Special Application Process

The Associate in Nursing requires special admissions procedures. Find out how to apply, including important dates and information sessions.

Nursing Program Admissions

Everyone has to eat – but how should we eat? What is healthy for our body, and why? Our nutrition class (Nutrition 101) will give you a solid grounding in basic principles of healthy eating and the science you need to really understand what’s in your food and what happens in your body when you eat it.

By studying nutrition, you will acquire foundational knowledge for future studies in health- or fitness-related fields and learn how to improve your personal health. If you decide you want to pursue nutrition as a profession, SPSCC is an excellent place to take prerequisite science courses, such as biology and chemistry, before transferring to a 4-year college or university to finish your bachelor’s degree.

Oceanographers are earth scientists devoted to studying and preserving the ocean. At SPSCC, you will be a part of small lecture classes and well-equipped labs led by faculty who are excited about their field, teaching, and supporting each student. As a student in our oceanography class, complete with laboratory experience and field labs, you’ll develop an excellent understanding to the basics of the discipline, and be exposed to the many breathtaking ecologies studied by oceanographers every day.

If you’re looking for steady work in a profession with opportunities across many fields, office administration might be the path for you. At SPSCC, our program pairs you with experienced faculty to prepare you for employment or establish a strong foundation to transfer for a 4-year Bachelor’s degree. You’ll gain experience in Microsoft Office software, as well as related office programs and business practices.

What’s Different at SPSCC?

You’ll learn lasting tech literacy. Our program’s experienced instructors help you foster a special self-sufficiency: in addition to being able to confidently handle any tech problems in any environment your career takes you, that confidence will serve in your personal life, as well.

Advance your career through Online and Evening Studies. Most Office Technology courses are available online, letting you balance taking your skills to the next level with your current job.

Get extra support with our I-BEST program. The Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) program is a nationally-recognized teaching model that provides two instructors in every class – one focusing on the professional and technical material of your program, and the other helping you strengthen skills in English, writing & math.

Worker Retraining funds. Some students qualify for Worker Retraining, which helps pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and more. Learn if you qualify for Worker Retraining.

Do you pride yourself on your organization and attention to detail? Do you enjoy supporting others and advocating for underserved causes? Paralegals, as “the hands and feet” of a law firm, play a key role in the legal system, working with both legal professionals and their clients to help serve their needs.

At SPSCC, you’ll gain the fundamental skills required to enter the legal office: skills like legal research, documentation and writing, knowing the basis of court proceedings, and more. Our advisory board includes public and private attorneys and judges from the local community.

Special Program Notes:

The SPSCC Paralegal Program is approved by the American Bar Association

Only an attorney or Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT) pursuant to Admission and Practice Rule (APR) 28, can counsel others as to their legal rights or responsibilities. Non-lawyer assistants act under the supervision of a lawyer in compliance with Washington State Court Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) 5.3, General Rule (GR) 24. See also, APR 28 and LLLT RPC.

Visit Paralegal Program Legal Specialty Courses Transfer Policy

Students need to complete 13.5 quarter credits of legal specialty courses through synchronous instruction.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Online classes means true flexibility. Paralegal courses are held online, allowing you to boost your skills while keeping pace with your busy and changing life. If you're a military spouse, you can get started while stationed at JBLM and still finish the program online if you're called to move.

Easy transfer to earn a bachelor's degree. Program grads with a 2.0 GPA or higher can seamlessly transfer to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies at National University, improving your career prospects and making you more knowledgeable and competitive.

Do you want to increase your skills in parenting and experience a healthier family life? Being a parent is one of life’s most significant and rewarding challenges, but most parents receive little training to handle the task of raising a family. SPSCC is here to help you meet your needs – you will take part in a long-standing, successful program that educates parents and caregivers for their vital role while providing strong early learning experiences for the children in their care.

Benefits for Parents and Caregivers

Parenting Education classes help adult students become more effective and satisfied in their parenting/caregiver roles.  

Coursework focuses on:

• Social/Emotional skill building
• Ages and stages
• Brain development
• Developmentally appropriate activities for kids
• Positive discipline skills
• Parenting styles
• Self-care
• Family communication skills

What's Different at SPSCC?

Our program offers:

• Hands-on laboratory experience for parenting students.
• High quality learning experiences and environments for young children.
• Instructors who are passionate about the field and know what you need to create healthy, effective families.
• Once-a-week adult-child classes or preschool programs to meet the needs of different families.
• Opportunities to build lasting relationships with other families in the program.
• Scholarships for students.

Choices at SPSCC

We offer two parenting education class options to meet your needs:

1. Co-op Preschool Parenting Education: children enroll in a co-op preschool and parents enroll in a concurrent parenting education course(s).
2. Parent-Child Parenting Education: Parent/caregiver adult students and their children attend a once-a-week class together. Parents enroll through Capitol Forest preschool.

Co-op Preschool Parenting Education

SPSCC Cooperative Preschool Parenting Education classes provide a shared learning experience for parents and their children from birth through five years of age. Three SPSCC cooperative preschools operate from convenient locations in the Olympia area. Each school is an independent, non-profit entity run by a board and includes a skilled preschool teacher, the child’s parents/caregivers, and a parenting education faculty member.

• Capitol Forest Cooperative Preschool
  • Contact: capitolforestcoop@gmail.com / 360-459-5297
• Eastside Co-op Preschool
  • Contact: ecpmembershipchair@gmail.com / 360-218-4470
• Westside Cooperative Preschool
  • Contact: info@westsidecooperative.com / 360-866-7383

Parents/Caregivers are involved in their child's early education experience by participating in the parent-operated cooperative preschool laboratory as an assistant teacher where their child is enrolled and at parenting classes taught by an SPSCC faculty member. The faculty also advise and support the lab experience of adult students as they practice the skills they are learning while being assistant teachers in their child's preschool.

Parent-Child Parenting Education

SPSCC Parent-Child Parenting Education classes provide a shared learning experience for parents and their children from birth through five years of age. As part of Capitol Forest preschool, our courses provide a place where parents/caregivers and children learn together in a lab setting. Parent/caregiver adult students and their children attend classes once a week together. The adults spend time in lectures with the parenting education faculty, while their children enjoy an age-appropriate learning experience with a highly qualified children’s teacher. Adults spend time each class working in the lab classroom with the children, practicing the skills they are learning.

Challenge conventional wisdom, develop your reasoning and critical thinking skills, and engage in spirited debate. The study of philosophy engages your most fundamental beliefs and values, enriching your educational, professional, and overall life experience.

SPSCC offers courses in introductory philosophy, ethics, logic, Asian philosophy, philosophy of religion, philosophy of science and technology, and more. Whether you’re taking a single course for enrichment or pursuing a passion, philosophy helps you understand more about who you really are – and how you can create a meaningful and productive life in our ever-changing world.

What’s Different at SPSCC?

Meet distinguished speakers. SPSCC’s annual Artist & Lecture Series brings scholars, outspoken activists, and passionate artists to speak and perform on campus each year. Philosophy students will have several opportunities to broaden their horizons and embrace new perspectives.

Continue your studies abroad. After earning your associate degree at SPSCC, you can continue to study philosophy abroad and earn your bachelor’s degree through one of our exciting international transfer programs. Soak in new experiences, broaden your horizons, and finish your 4-year degree abroad.

Students who aspire for a career in physical therapy are often compassionate caregivers and critical thinkers with a high value for ethics. As a physical therapist, you’ll frequently do research, work with technology, and provide one-on-one human interaction to help treat and bring comfort to those with chronic physical health conditions.

SPSCC offers a variety of classes you’ll find useful in building a competitive edge such as the principles of fitness, lifetime wellness, sports medicine, sports psychology, and related science courses.

Most physical therapist education programs require a bachelor’s degree for admission. Students can begin their path to a career in physical therapy – and save a substantial amount on tuition – at SPSCC by earning an Associate in Science – Direct Transfer Agreement before transferring to a 4-year university.

Have you ever wondered how 3D glasses work, why bees use hexagons to build their hives, why some people have difficulty floating in water, or how prairie dogs can build underground tunnels that don’t collapse? Physics provide the backdrop to our everyday lives and actions. By studying Physics at SPSCC, you will learn more about the way the world works through interactive lectures, quality lab exercises, and in-class demonstrations.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Get a taste of real research. Students have the opportunity to participate in SPSCC’s undergraduate research program, collaborating with local agencies and organizations on important projects that directly impact our community and ecosystem. You will obtain relevant, hands-on experience with real science before the graduate level – an invaluable stepping stone to a future career in the sciences, where employers typically seek real-world experience with the equipment and processes of modern research.

Are you curious about the effects of globalization? Trends in climate change, civil rights, and foreign policy? As a student of Political Science at SPSCC, you’ll learn about the fundamental structures and functions of government and become empowered as a responsible, effective, and informed participant in political communities. You’ll gain a valuable and diverse skillset in research, communication, community-building and analysis – all valuable tools for an array of future careers.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Involve yourself in a center of policy. Our proximity to the state capital provides several unique access opportunities for students interested in real-world policymaking experience.

Get a head start with student leadership. By becoming a member of SPSCC’s Student Senate, you’ll get valuable experience advocating for your student constituents to local policymakers – opening the door to several legislative internship opportunities in the future.

Continue your studies abroad. After earning your associate degree at SPSCC, you can continue to study political science abroad and earn your bachelor’s degree through one of our exciting international transfer programs. Soak in new experiences, broaden your horizons, and finish your 4-year degree abroad

Are you interested in law? Do you want to work in a challenging environment that pays well? Do you enjoy navigating complex systems that require precise attention to detail? As an attorney, you could put your unique skillset to work advocating and helping people solve problems they wouldn’t be able to alone. You can begin to lay the foundation for this career at SPSCC.

Start Your Journey at SPSCC

Pre-law studies is not a major or degree on its own, but is a path toward a 4-year university and then law school. Choosing a AA Direct Transfer degree at SPSCC will allow you to complete your bachelor’s degree at a 4-year college or university at a fraction of the cost.

Preparing for law school is a long and intensive process. We recommend that you speak with our Advising and Career Services staff to help you prepare, and find the right fit for your academic skills and interests. You can also look at our Paralegal program, if you’re interested in the everyday work of law offices.

Are you interested in science? Do you want to work in a challenging environment? Do you like knowing how the body works? Becoming a physician could be the right path for you, and you can begin to lay the foundation for this career at SPSCC. Our science courses at SPSCC are small enough for personal attention, held in state-of-the-art labs, and led by instructors who are excited about teaching.

Options at SPSCC

Pre-medical studies is not a major or degree on its own, but is a path toward a 4-year university and medical school. Choosing a 2-year associate transfer degree will allow you to complete your bachelor’s degree at a 4-year college or university at a fraction of the cost. We recommend that you speak with our Advising and Career Services staff to help you prepare, and find the right fit for your academic skills and interests.

If you love science, working with your hands, and interacting with animals of all shapes and sizes, you might consider becoming a veterinarian. As a veterinarian, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the health of our closest companions, and help educate the population on responsible pet care and ownership.

Options at SPSCC

Pre-veterinary studies is not a major on its own, but at SPSCC you will find thorough and challenging prerequisite courses as part of earning a 2-year associate transfer degree. You will save on tuition when you transfer to complete your bachelor’s degree at a 4-year college or university. We recommend that you talk to our Advising and Career Services staff to help you find the right fit for your academic skills and interests

Are you curious about why people act the way they do? Do you ever wonder what causes behavioral conditions like drug addiction or domestic violence, or how they might be identified and treated? Do you understand the value of mental health and well-being? Studies in Psychology develop skills that benefit interpersonal relationships and can lay the foundation for a future career in a variety of fields.

Test, question, discover, and work collaboratively with a group of peers who share your curiosity. By studying the sciences at SPSCC, you will be a part of small lectures led by faculty who are excited about teaching and their area of expertise. Our students use more equipment, perform more dissections, and work with more projects than many classes at 4-year institutions.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Get a taste of real research. Students have the opportunity to participate in SPSCC’s undergraduate research program, collaborating with local agencies and organizations on important projects that directly impact our community and ecosystem. You will obtain relevant, hands-on experience with real science before the graduate level – an invaluable stepping stone to a future career in the sciences, where employers typically seek real-world experience with the equipment and processes of modern research.

Do you have a deep sense of compassion and justice? Social work may be the field for you. As a social worker, you will operate within a broad range of job settings and duties. You could work with families to strengthen parenting skills or prevent child abuse, or turn your focus to behavioral problems associated with mental health and substance abuse. Regardless of where you work or who you work with, careers in social work are challenging, rewarding, and in demand.

How are people influenced by society, and how is society created and shaped by people? How is culture made? Who is it made for? How do race, class, and gender affect the way we see the world? How can we observe and try to understand the world compared to our assumptions?

By studying Sociology, you will explore human interactions and social institutions, and examine the way people and groups relate to each other. You will develop valuable skills in research, critical thinking, project development, data analysis, communication, and cross-cultural understanding.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Professors invest in students and courses. Students value that their instructors are dedicated to innovation, both in and out of the classroom. Faculty members regularly review their courses for improvement, and also serve as student club advisors, publish textbooks, and speak at professional conferences.

Sociology and diversity come together. Sociology classes include many of the college’s diversity courses and serve as a foundation for many SPSCC Pathways. Students, clubs, and classes also work with the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Center to get extra experience in diversity and sociology both in theory and in action on campus.

Course material is inspired by real experiences. Three full-time and several part-time professors bring diverse interests to their courses, including research and teaching emphases in gender, race, globalization, social movements, food, social work, criminology, poverty, and social psychology.

If you like working with technology, experimenting, and inventing creative solutions to complicated problems, software development may be the career path for you. At SPSCC, you’ll be a part of a program developed with input from hiring managers and former students. Information technology is one of the strongest industries in the Puget Sound. You'll learn the skills that help you get the employment you need, all at a fraction of the cost of a programming “boot camp” or private institution.

We focus on the technologies demanded by local industries and government agencies, rather than abstract or theoretical teaching approaches. Employers recognize our students for having a solid foundation in both procedural and declarative programming, and for working on business support activities. In addition to technical skills, you will learn critical thinking and collaboration to understand the roles of developers and quickly move into the workplace as an effective employee.

What's Different at SPSCC?

Work towards your degree through Online and Evening Studies. Most courses are offered either online or during evening hours (in hybrid or face-to-face formats), letting you work towards a new career in the IT industry as a part-time student.

Go straight into the workforce. SPSCC graduates tend to be hired in entry-level developer positions, or in positions requiring broad skills across programming, databases, and network support. While you can broaden your education with a bachelor’s degree, there are many opportunities and openings if you have an associate degree.

Industry participates in our program. Our program is based on continued discussions with area employers, from state and local government agencies to private tech start-ups. You will develop skills in relational databases and computer programming, and work with computer networks. At the same time, you’ll learn how organizations use information, and how data changes from simply describing the world to making sense of the world. Some of the things you will learn in the software development program include:

C#

SQL

HTML, JavaScript, CSS

Database management

Server-side programming

Using current software development tools and environments, including cloud-based services and mobile devices

Get an internship. Join the majority of the students in the program that were hired by their internship employers after graduation.

Worker Retraining funds. Some students qualify for Worker Retraining, which helps pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and more. Learn if you qualify for Worker Retraining >.

Start a career in a growing industry that employs nearly 10,000 people in Washington State alone. Our Welding Technology program pairs you with some of the best training equipment on the market used by the best fabrication shops in the industry. You’ll earn real, hands-on experience when it comes to using high-tech equipment to solve problems in a dynamic industrial environment. You'll also earn a degree and several certificates:

• Welding Technology Degree
• Basic Welding Skills Certificate
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding Certificate
• Gas Metal Arc Welding Certificate
• Flux Cored Arc Welding Certificate
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Certificate

What's Different at SPSCC?

Classes that fit your needs. Whether you’re looking for career training, to increase proficiency, or to supplement job skills, you’ll find a variety of classes to meet your goals.

• Full-time career training that leads to a certificate and/or degree. 
• Part-time evening courses that do not lead to a degree or certificate. 

Graduate at a fraction of the cost. Studying welding at SPSCC can save you more than 70% compared to the tuition of private training schools and programs. SPSCC is also a WABO (Washington Association of Building Officials) certified testing facility, so testing fees are included in the cost of your tuition.

Worker Retraining funds. Some welding students qualify for Worker Retraining, which helps pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and more. Learn if you qualify for Worker Retraining.