Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

Accounting

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Accounting develops accountants demonstrating the skills needed to immediately pursue a career in the field of accounting and/or provides the foundation necessary for transfer to four-year programs in Accounting. Program completers will have demonstrated understanding and application of accounting theory and practice and will have achieved a level of proficiency in related areas such as economics, and information technology.

Behavioral Sciences

The Associate of Arts in Behavioral Science is an interdisciplinary program designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree in a social science OR who seek entry-level work in various human service positions. In addition to general education, students will take required courses covering foundational topics in multiple related disciplines. They will also take electives giving them broad academic experience in psychology, sociology and criminology.

Bookkeeping

For those interested in numbers and financial records, the Bookkeeping Certificate credential will provide you with eight essential courses to get you started on the path to a career in bookkeeping. This certificate provides the skills needed to become a bookkeeper without committing to an entire associate degree program. After graduating with the Bookkeeping Certificate, graduates may wish to pursue the Accounting A.A.S. degree.

Business Administration

The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Business Administration is designed to provide the foundation necessary for optimal transfer to four-year degree programs while simultaneously preparing students for immediate employment in a wide range of business environments requiring advanced business skills. In addition, this program will enhance the skills of those already employed in the field and those interested in starting or building their own business.

Business Management

Today’s ever changing business environment requires individuals at all levels of business to possess a variety of business and teamwork skills. The Business Management Certificate is intended for learners seeking business credentials that can be put to immediate, practical use.

Business Management

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management develops leaders at various levels for business, industry, and public service organizations. The thrust of the program is to meet management training needs of organizations and to develop entrepreneurs. Therefore, the program is continually reviewed and developed in partnership with the business/industry community.

Computer Science

The Associate of Science in Computer Science program at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is a comprehensive two-year curriculum designed to equip students with a solid foundation in various computer science disciplines. The program begins with introductory courses in programming, software engineering, and mathematics, followed by a focus on object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms.

Computer Support Specialist

The Computer Support Specialist Certificate focuses on the computerized technologies that are critical to business and industry. This program provides students with the ability to support customers and other users that deal with hardware and software issues. Graduates will have an understanding of network operating systems, PC connectivity, network resources, network utilities, and network administration.

Computer Technology - Cyber Security Track

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Technology - Cyber Security track focuses on networking and security measures. All tracks share general education requirements, internship opportunities, and a final project, ensuring a well-rounded education and practical experience. Regular collaboration with industry partners ensures the program's relevance to the evolving needs of the local technology sector.

Computer Technology - Information Technology Administration Track

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Technology - Information Technology Administration track focuses on infrastructure and support roles in computer technology. All tracks share general education requirements, internship opportunities, and a final project, ensuring a well-rounded education and practical experience. Regular collaboration with industry partners ensures the program's relevance to the evolving needs of the local technology sector.

Criminal Justice

The criminal justice system comprises three components: law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Each of these fields are actively recruiting entry-level positions. If you’re looking for an edge in this hiring process, this certificate program can provide you the pathway in securing a promising career in the criminal justice system. This certificate program is designed to prepare you for an entry level position in any of the three criminal justice components mentioned above.

Criminal Justice

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice is designed to teach students the fundamentals of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, the judicial system, and corrections. This associate degree program is designed to prepare students by presenting numerous ideas, topics, and research which are directly connected to various aspects of human behavior in the social environment as they apply to the many levels of criminal justice understanding.

Culinary Arts

The Culinary Arts certificate program provides learners with a solid foundation of proven culinary theory on which to build a repertoire of professional skills. Emphasis is placed on current industry cooking and baking methods and techniques.

Culinary Arts

The Culinary Arts program prepares students for entry level and management positions in the foodservice industry. The curriculum offers a foundation in general business management with a focus on culinary skills, including baking and pastry. In addition to classroom and food laboratory experience, students are required to complete a supervised internship in a cooperating food service facility. Course work is supplemented by practical experience arranged through these internships.

Cybersecurity

Security is one of the most desired skills in Information Technology. The Cybersecurity Certificate will prepare you to be able to secure computers and networks from all types of threats including malware, viruses, protocol attacks, and more. You will also learn how to analyze your environment for problems associated with threats, bandwidth issues, and issues that can occur at each of the layers of the OSI Model.

Direct Support Professional

The Direct Support Professional certificate is designed to provide a solid foundation in communication, behavior management, and critical thinking skills necessary to provide basic services in a variety of settings such as acute, long-term care, personal care, or independent living facilities. Students have the option of becoming a helping professional within a position where a degree is not required, but interpersonal skills and knowledge of human development will be a strong asset.

Education

The Education Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree is designed to help any student easily transfer their associate degree credits from Penn Highlands to a bachelor's level, non-PA State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) institution for elementary or secondary education. This program provides students with the knowledge to apply general education theory and practice to create effective learning environments and interactions for students of all ages.

Entrepreneurship

If you enjoy technical, hands-on work and wish to expand your business leadership and management skills - or if you are just starting out and want to enhance your technical experience with additional entrepreneurial skills - the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Entrepreneurship will help you focus your direction and develop your skills for a successful future. The Entrepreneurship A.A.S.

Health Professions - Histotechnology

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Professions - Histotechnology is a comprehensive approach to preparing students to acquire expertise in the field of histology. Histology is a structural science concerned with the demonstration of cellular morphology, chemical composition, and function of normal and abnormal tissue. The responsibilities of the histology technician include preparing all specimens, particularly tissue specimens removed at surgery, for examination.

Health Professions - Paramedic

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Professions - Paramedic is a structured educational approach to preparing healthcare professionals that function in emergency medical services. Applicants must possess current Pennsylvania Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. Paramedics provide advanced levels of care for acute medical problems and trauma.

Health Professions - Radiologic Technology

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Professions - Radiologic Technology is a comprehensive approach to preparing students to acquire expertise in the field of radiography. The responsibilities of the radiologic technologist include performing diagnostic radiographic procedures, such as a chest X-ray or an X- ray of a broken bone, as well as procedures which require the use of contrast agents to visualize organs in the body.

Liberal Arts & Sciences

The Liberal Arts and Sciences certificate is designed for those who do not plan to attend Pennsylvania Highlands for a two-year period but would like to stay for one year (or 30 credits). It offers students the opportunity to explore the curriculum and discover a variety of possibilities for future careers and future educational pursuits. After completing the one-year program, they may choose to stay and work towards the associate degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Liberal Arts & Sciences

Liberal Arts & Sciences is a flexible program designed for those who plan to transfer to a four-year institution, who are looking for personal enrichment, or who are uncertain about their major area of study. With the careful guidance of an academic advisor, students can tailor their studies to best address their objectives. The Liberal Arts & Sciences program offers maximum flexibility for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution.

Marketing

Marketing involves the strategic activities organizations undertake to understand and serve customer needs. This program emphasizes practical, hands-on experience, combining foundational marketing knowledge with real-world applications. Students will gain the skills required to develop, promote, and distribute ideas, goods, and services to achieve both individual and organizational goals.

Media Production

The Associate of Applied Science in Media Production degree provides students with a unique blend of three major communication fields: video and television production, audio and radio production, and e-based technologies. This program utilizes a 'hands-on' approach whenever feasible, to provide the student with a comprehensive foundation of the theory and skills vital in the broadcast and print medium, as well as the private and corporate communications fields.

Medical Assisting Technology

The Medical Assisting Technology diploma is a comprehensive approach to preparing students to work in the complex environment of physician offices, hospital business services, and other health care related facilities. Program graduates possess the essential skills to manage a medical office and the clinical expertise required for patient care. The program covers administrative skills, both ICD and CPT coding, medical billing, insurance coding procedures, and provider regulatory issues.

Medical Coding & Billing

The Medical Coding and Billing degree focuses on the growing field of electronic billing and reimbursement. Learn to create and use electronic medical records as the system for clinical, administrative, and revenue capture in health care. The allocation of healthcare dollars has produced a shift in the billing system where facilities are finding it more profitable to employ individuals with expertise in both coding and billing.

PA Director Credential

The PA Director Credential Certificate coursework is designed for current and future directors and owners of Early Childhood and Education programs. Topics include leadership; program quality; organization and administration; business management; and curriculum and pedagogy. All courses use an inclusive educational model. This certificate meets the academic requirements for the Pennsylvania Early Learning Keys to Quality Director Core Certificate.

Paralegal Studies

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies is a completely online degree program that prepares students with the necessary philosophical foundation and methodology of legal practice so they can better understand the principles of law and policy that affect government, business, and nonprofit organizations.

Pre-Health Professions: Nursing

The Certificate in Pre-Health Professions is designed to provide the foundation for transfer to a two or four- year program in a health care field. This program is designed to prepare students for admission to various health-related fields. In this program, biology, anatomy, and mathematics will provide students with a solid background toward their chosen health career program.

Psychology

Psychology is the science of mental processes and behavior. Within the program, students will learn fundamental principles of psychology, theories of development, learning, cognition, behavior, and more. This program is designed for those who plan to transfer to a four-year institution for a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field.

Recovery Technician

This certificate is designed in order to prepare students to work in an entry-level position in the field of treatment and recovery of Substance Use Disorder (SUD).

Social Service Assistant

The Social Service Assistant A.A.S. degree program is designed to prepare students with foundational knowledge of developing the communication and critical thinking skills necessary to deliver basic services within diverse populations when entering the workforce as a community and/or social science assistant in the areas of behavioral health, family services, and/or substance treatment programs.

Social Work

The Social Work Associate of Arts degree will prepare students with foundational information in the field of Social Work and is designed for those who plan to transfer to a four-year institution for a Bachelor's in Social Work (BSW) or related field.