Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

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All Pathways

No matter where you’re going, PCC is a great place to start. With our academic options, you can earn training to get a rewarding job or earn credits to transfer to a university. If you need help choosing a program, you can talk to someone at one of our career centers.

Arts, Humanities, Communication, and Design

The programs in this pathway can lead to careers in creative professions and offer life-enriching learning you can apply toward a four-year degree.

Healthcare and Emergency Professions

Become a professional healer and enter a specialized medical field with the programs in this pathway. Learn in clinical settings with advanced technology. Compare the full range of healthcare programs at PCC.

Business and Entrepreneurship

Can you see yourself organizing information, improving communication, and making business decisions? If you like solving problems and achieving goals, start building a career in business.

Construction, Manufacturing Tech, and Transportation

Do you like to work with your hands? Do you enjoy constructing, repairing, and maintaining buildings, systems, and technology? See if there is a career here for you.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

Launch your professional career in one of these programs or earn credit with science classes that will transfer to a university.

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American Sign Language Studies

Learn the grammar and culture of American Sign Language

University transfer credits

Apprenticeship and Trades

Participate in an employer-sponsored training program

10 degrees and certificates for Apprenticeship and Trades
  • Apprenticeship and Trades: Pre-Trades, career-pathway
  • Construction Trades, General Apprenticeship, associate degree
  • Construction Trades, General Apprenticeship, completion certificate
  • Electrician Apprenticeship Technology, associate degree
  • Electrician Apprenticeship Technology, completion certificate
  • Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology Apprenticeship, associate degree
  • Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology Apprenticeship, completion certificate
  • Limited Electrician Apprenticeship Technology, completion certificate
  • Manual Trades Apprenticeship, completion certificate
  • Mechanical Maintenance Apprentice, completion certificate

Architectural Design and Drafting

Translate ideas into blueprints and 3D models of buildings

2 degrees and certificates for Architectural Design and Drafting
  • Architectural Design and Drafting, associate degree
  • Architectural Design and Drafting: Residential, associate degree

Art

Develop creative problem-solving by exploring visual arts

University transfer credits

ASL/English Interpreting

Take formal training to become a professional interpreter

2 degrees and certificates for ASL/English Interpreting
  • ASL/English Interpreting, associate degree
  • Deaf Cultural Studies, 1 year certificate

Auto Collision Repair

Restore damaged vehicles with painting and structural repair

4 degrees and certificates for Auto Collision Repair
  • Auto Body Painting, less than 1 year certificate
  • Auto Collision Repair Technology, associate degree
  • Auto Collision Repair Technology, 2 year certificate
  • Auto Collision Repair Technology, less than 1 year certificate

Automotive Service

Inspect, test, diagnose, and repair cars and light trucks

2 degrees and certificates for Automotive Service
  • Automotive Service Technology, associate degree
  • Automotive Service Technology, 2 year certificate

Aviation Maintenance

Repair and troubleshoot airplanes, helicopters, and jet engines

4 degrees and certificates for Aviation Maintenance
  • Aviation Maintenance Technology, associate degree
  • Aviation Maintenance Technology, 2 year certificate
  • Aviation Maintenance Technology: Airframe, 1 year certificate
  • Aviation Maintenance Technology: Powerplant, 1 year certificate

Aviation Science

Learn to fly and start your career as a professional pilot

3 degrees and certificates for Aviation Science
  • Aviation Science: Airplane with Flight Instructor, associate degree
  • Aviation Science: Airplane without Flight Instructor, associate degree
  • Aviation Science: Helicopter, associate degree

Biology

Explore living systems, from tiny cells to the entire biosphere

University transfer credits

Bioscience Technology

Conduct lab experiments and research new medicines

3 degrees and certificates for Bioscience Technology
  • Advanced Bioscience Technologist, career-pathway
  • Bioscience Technician, career-pathway
  • Bioscience Technology, associate degree

Building Construction

Become a carpenter, remodel homes, or manage build sites

4 degrees and certificates for Building Construction
  • Building Construction Technology, associate degree
  • Building Construction Technology, less than 1 year certificate
  • Construction Management, associate degree
  • Design and Build Remodeling, associate degree

Building Inspection

Examine buildings for safety and fire hazards

2 degrees and certificates for Building Inspection
  • Building Inspection Technology, associate degree
  • Residential Plans Examination, career-pathway

Business Administration

Earn credentials in accounting, management, or marketing

7 degrees and certificates for Business Administration
  • Accelerated Accounting, less than 1 year certificate
  • Accounting, associate degree
  • Accounting Clerk, 1 year certificate
  • Entry-Level Accounting Clerk, career-pathway
  • Management, associate degree
  • Marketing, associate degree
  • Marketing, 1 year certificate

Chemistry

Explore microscopic worlds and prepare for careers in healthcare

University transfer credits

Chinese

Study Mandarin Chinese language and culture

University transfer credits

Civil and Construction Engineering Tech

Study the design of bridges, buildings, and environment protection

1 degrees and certificates for Civil and Construction Engineering Tech
  • Civil and Construction Engineering Technology, associate degree

Communication Studies

Improve your intercultural and public speaking skills

University transfer credits

Computer Aided Design and Drafting

Create drawings and digital models of products and machines

4 degrees and certificates for Computer Aided Design and Drafting
  • CAD Operator, career-pathway
  • Computer Aided Design and Drafting, 1 year certificate
  • Mechanical Drafter, career-pathway
  • Technical Designer, career-pathway

Computer Information Systems

Solve practical problems using networks, databases, and websites

16 degrees and certificates for Computer Information Systems
  • Advanced Windows Network Security, less than 1 year certificate
  • C# Application Programming, less than 1 year certificate
  • Computer Information Systems, associate degree
  • Computer Information Systems, 1 year certificate
  • Cybersecurity, associate degree
  • Cybersecurity Fundamentals, less than 1 year certificate
  • Database Design and SQL, less than 1 year certificate
  • Java Application Programming, less than 1 year certificate
  • Network Administration, associate degree
  • Network Administration: Linux Server, less than 1 year certificate
  • Network Administration: Microsoft Server, less than 1 year certificate
  • Network Security: Linux, less than 1 year certificate
  • Network Security: Windows, less than 1 year certificate
  • Secure Programming, less than 1 year certificate
  • Web Application Development, less than 1 year certificate
  • Web Development and Design, associate degree

Computer Science

Focus on theory and mathematical foundations of programming

University transfer credits

Dealer Service

Intern at a Caterpillar dealership and repair heavy machinery

2 degrees and certificates for Dealer Service
  • Caterpillar Electric Power, associate degree
  • Dealer Service Technology, associate degree

Dental Assisting

Prepare patients, sterilize tools, and provide chairside support

1 degrees and certificates for Dental Assisting
  • Dental Assisting, 1 year certificate

Dental Hygiene

Perform advanced procedures like cleanings and anesthetics

1 degrees and certificates for Dental Hygiene
  • Dental Hygiene, associate degree

Diesel Service

Become a mechanic for trucks, tractors, boats, and trains

5 degrees and certificates for Diesel Service
  • Diesel Service Technology, associate degree
  • Diesel Service Technology, 2 year certificate
  • Diesel Service Technology, less than 1 year certificate
  • Electric Power Generation Service, associate degree
  • Electric Power Generation Service, career-pathway

Electronic Engineering Tech

Study currents, voltage, circuits, and renewable energy

6 degrees and certificates for Electronic Engineering Tech
  • Biomedical Engineering Technology Option, associate degree
  • Electronic Engineering Technology, associate degree
  • Electronic Engineering Technology, career-pathway
  • Mechatronics, Automation, and Robotics Engineering Technology Option, associate degree
  • Renewable Energy Systems Option, associate degree
  • Wireless and Data Communications Engineering Technology Option, associate degree

Emergency Medical Services

Stabilize accident victims and transport those in medical crisis

5 degrees and certificates for Emergency Medical Services
  • Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, less than 1 year certificate
  • Emergency Medical Services, 1 year certificate
  • Emergency Medical Services, career-pathway
  • Emergency Medical Technician, career-pathway
  • Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic, associate degree

Engineering

Study the fundamentals before transferring to a 4-year university

University transfer credits

English for Speakers of Other Languages

Improve your ability to speak, read, and write in English

University transfer credits

Environmental Studies

Seek solutions to climate crisis, endangered species, and pollution

University transfer credits

Exercise Science

Become a personal trainer, coach, or fitness instructor

5 degrees and certificates for Exercise Science
  • Exercise Science, associate degree
  • Group Fitness Leader, career-pathway
  • Healthy Older Adult Fitness, career-pathway
  • Personal Trainer, career-pathway
  • Yoga Teacher, career-pathway

Facilities Maintenance - HVAC

Install and repair heating and cooling systems in large buildings

3 degrees and certificates for Facilities Maintenance - HVAC
  • Facilities Maintenance Technology, associate degree
  • Facilities Maintenance Technology, less than 1 year certificate
  • HVAC/R Installation, career-pathway

Fire Protection

Fight fires, perform rescues, and assist with natural disasters

2 degrees and certificates for Fire Protection
  • Fire Protection Technology, associate degree
  • Fire Protection Technology, career-pathway

Focus Awards

Earn awards in specialized fields of interest

13 degrees and certificates for Focus Awards
  • Asian Studies, focus award
  • Black Studies, focus award
  • China Studies, focus award
  • Communication Studies, focus award
  • Creative Writing, focus award
  • Earth Science, focus award
  • Global Studies, focus award
  • Health Studies, focus award
  • History, focus award
  • Peace and Conflict, focus award
  • Social Justice, focus award
  • Sustainability, focus award
  • Women's and Gender Studies, focus award

Food and Nutrition

Analyze dietary intake to prepare for careers in healthcare

University transfer credits

French

Study French language and culture

University transfer credits

GED® with Adult Basic Education

Prepare for the state high school equivalency test

1 degrees and certificates for GED® with Adult Basic Education
  • GED®, non-credit

General Science

Strengthen your scientific background

University transfer credits

Geology

Investigate volcanoes, fossils, and the internal structure of Earth

University transfer credits

German

Study German language and culture

University transfer credits

GIS and Geospatial

Design maps that illustrate and interpret statistics

3 degrees and certificates for GIS and Geospatial
  • Geographic Information Systems, less than 1 year certificate
  • Geomatics, associate degree
  • Geospatial UAS Specialist, less than 1 year certificate

Graphic Design

Communicate visually through illustrations and typography

1 degrees and certificates for Graphic Design
  • Graphic Design, associate degree

Health Information Management

Collect and organize patient medical history

1 degrees and certificates for Health Information Management
  • Health Information Management, associate degree

Humanities

Compare cultures through art, philosophy, history, and language

University transfer credits

Interior Design

Create sustainable indoor spaces using lighting, textiles, and layout

4 degrees and certificates for Interior Design
  • Design for Accessibility and Aging in Place, 1 year certificate
  • Interior Design, associate degree
  • Interior Furnishings, career-pathway
  • Kitchen and Bath, less than 1 year certificate

Japanese

Study Japanese language and culture

University transfer credits

Journalism

Sharpen your reporting, writing, and editing skills

University transfer credits

Landscape

Design and construct outdoor spaces and sustainable habitats

6 degrees and certificates for Landscape
  • Arboriculture, career-pathway
  • Environmental Landscape Management Technology, associate degree
  • Landscape Service Technician, career-pathway
  • Landscape Technology, associate degree
  • Landscape Technology Design, associate degree
  • Landscape Technology Entry Level, career-pathway

Literature

Improve comprehension and appreciation of written language

University transfer credits

Machine Manufacturing

Fabricate metal parts and tools using computerized equipment

5 degrees and certificates for Machine Manufacturing
  • CNC Milling, 1 year certificate
  • CNC Turning, 1 year certificate
  • Machine Manufacturing Technology, associate degree
  • Manual Machining, 1 year certificate
  • Manufacturing Technician, career-pathway

Management and Supervisory Development

Resolve conflict and improve productivity in the workplace

5 degrees and certificates for Management and Supervisory Development
  • Client Services Manager, career-pathway
  • Client Services Professional, career-pathway
  • Management and Supervisory Development, associate degree
  • Management and Supervisory Development, 1 year certificate
  • Supply Chain Management and Logistics Engineering, 1 year certificate

Mathematics

Improve math skills and prepare for math-intensive majors

University transfer credits

Medical Assisting

Schedule appointments, take vital signs, and send lab samples

1 degrees and certificates for Medical Assisting
  • Medical Assisting, 1 year certificate

Medical Imaging

Perform X-rays and CT scans to detect disease and injury

4 degrees and certificates for Medical Imaging
  • Computed Tomography, less than 1 year certificate
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, less than 1 year certificate
  • Radiography, associate degree
  • Vascular Interventional Catheterization Technology, less than 1 year certificate

Medical Laboratory

Carry out lab tests to diagnose and prevent disease

1 degrees and certificates for Medical Laboratory
  • Medical Laboratory Technology, associate degree

Medical Professions

Learn basic healthcare skills while exploring career paths

1 degrees and certificates for Medical Professions
  • Healthcare Careers, less than 1 year certificate

Microelectronics

Manufacture microchips and circuit boards in a cleanroom setting

5 degrees and certificates for Microelectronics
  • Mechatronics, less than 1 year certificate
  • Microelectronics Technology, associate degree
  • Microelectronics Technology: Automated Manufacturing, associate degree
  • Microelectronics Technology: Solar Voltaic Manufacturing, associate degree
  • Solar Voltaic Manufacturing Technology, career-pathway

Multimedia

Produce content combining text, graphics, audio, and video

5 degrees and certificates for Multimedia
  • Multimedia, associate degree
  • Multimedia, 1 year certificate
  • Multimedia, career-pathway
  • Video Production, associate degree
  • Video Production, 1 year certificate

Music

Learn fundamentals of music theory and performance

University transfer credits

Music and Sonic Arts

Combine art and science as a producer or sound technician

4 degrees and certificates for Music and Sonic Arts
  • Creative Coding and Immersive Technologies, associate degree
  • Creative Coding and Immersive Technologies, career-pathway
  • Music and Sonic Arts, associate degree
  • Music and Sonic Arts, career-pathway

Nursing

Determine course of treatment and provide long-term care

1 degrees and certificates for Nursing
  • Nursing, associate degree

Occupational Skills Training

Get on-the-job training designed specifically for your business

3 degrees and certificates for Occupational Skills Training
  • Occupational Skills Training, 2 year certificate
  • Occupational Skills Training, 1 year certificate
  • Occupational Skills Training, less than 1 year certificate

Ophthalmic Medical

Administer vision tests and assist eye doctors

1 degrees and certificates for Ophthalmic Medical
  • Ophthalmic Medical Technology, associate degree

Philosophy

Evaluate beliefs about how we should live our lives

University transfer credits

Physical Education

Develop skills in activities like dance, swimming, and self-defense

University transfer credits

Physics

Experiment with laws of motion and prepare for careers in science

University transfer credits

Religious Studies

Investigate myths, doctrines, rituals, and traditions

University transfer credits

Russian

Study Russian language and culture

University transfer credits

Spanish

Study Spanish language and culture

University transfer credits

Theatre Arts

Learn acting, directing, design, and stagecraft

University transfer credits

University Transfer

Take freshman and sophomore classes that transfer to universities

4 degrees and certificates for University Transfer
  • Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer, associate degree
  • Associate of General Studies, associate degree
  • Associate of Science, associate degree
  • Associate of Science Oregon Transfer in Business, associate degree

Veterinary Tech

Provide essential medical care for all animals

1 degrees and certificates for Veterinary Tech
  • Veterinary Technology, associate degree

Welding

Learn to fuse metal and prepare for trades in fabrication

15 degrees and certificates for Welding
  • Flux Core Arc Welding Certification Preparation, career-pathway
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Certification Preparation, career-pathway
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Customized, career-pathway
  • General Fabrication Preparation, career-pathway
  • Metal Fabrication Customized, career-pathway
  • Pipe Welding Certification Preparation, career-pathway
  • Pipe Welding Customized, career-pathway
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding Certification, career-pathway
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding Customized, career-pathway
  • Welding Certification Preparation Customized, career-pathway
  • Welding Technology, associate degree
  • Welding Technology, career-pathway
  • Wire Welding Certification Preparation, career-pathway
  • Wire Welding Customized, career-pathway
  • Wire and TIG Welding, career-pathway

Writing

Express ideas through poetry, essays, and screenwriting

University transfer credits

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