Professional/Technical Programs

Professional/Technical Programs at Pierce College

Whether you're changing careers, developing your skills for promotional opportunities or retraining, Professional/Technical programs at Pierce College are an affordable, practical way to get career-ready.

Pierce College's professional/technical degrees and certificates are designed to provide students with the technical skills needed for successful employment. These degrees and certificates emphasize practical, work-related skills that translate to effectiveness and expertise in the workplace.

Workforce Funding

Low income and unemployed students may qualify for funding and other assistance while enrolled in Professional/Technical programs. Visit the Workforce department page for more information.

Professional/Technical Degrees and Certificates Offered at Pierce College

Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)

To keep up — and stay ahead — in the ever-changing workplace, education and skills training is a lifelong pursuit. Get the skills to go further in your career with a bachelor's degree from Pierce College. An applied bachelor's degree builds on the education and training from a two-year technical associate degree.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Students who complete the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in one of Pierce College's specific professional/technical programs will receive a degree titled with that program specialty. Students must successfully complete a minimum of 90-quarter credits or their equivalent, including all specific requirements of an approved professional/technical program. The purpose of these degrees are to provide immediate employment.

Associate of Applied Science — Transfer (AAS-T)

Built upon the technical courses required for job preparation, but also includes a college-level general education component, common in structure for all such degrees and is intended for the dual purpose of immediate employment and as preparation for the junior year at 4-year institutions in which Pierce College has agreements for a bachelor of applied science (BAS) degree. In preparation for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, check with your advisor to see which components of these degrees are generally accepted.

Associate in Technology — General

A graduate of any approved occupational/vocational program from an accredited college, military school, vocational/technical institute, technical college, licensed private college, vocational school, industry, apprentice-based training or university may apply up to 65-quarter credits toward the Associate in Technology – General degree. The remainder of the student's program shall include a minimum of 18 credits of related instruction. A minimum of three credits is required in each of the following areas: communications, computation and human relations. All related instruction courses must be numbered 100 or above. 90-quarter credits are required.

Certificates

Certificate programs emphasize basic, practical skills needed for entry-level employment. Often, in a short period these certificates prepare a student with beginning job skills or providing knowledge and skills needed for advancement in a specific professional/technical area.