Southwestern Oregon Community College

Accounting

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Accounting degree is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in a variety of accounting-related positions in small businesses, governmental agencies and public accounting firms. The program offers students the opportunity to gain a combination of knowledge and practical hands-on experience in accounting.

Accounting Clerk

The Certificate of Completion Accounting Clerk is designed to prepare students to complete typical accounting clerk responsibilities such as journalizing, posting, assisting with tax, audit and other accounting procedures, preparing reports, communicating results and general office responsibilities. Career opportunities include accounts payable clerk, accounts receivable clerk and data entry clerk for small and medium-sized service businesses.

Agroecology

Agroecology integrates ecological, social, economic, and agricultural principles into research, education, and the practices of our food system and land management. This two-year program provides a broad understanding of the various aspects of ecology and agriculture, with the health and well-being of local populations and the workforce.

Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT)

The Associate of Arts/Oregon Transfer (AAOT) degree is a program of study that community college students can follow to fulfill all their lower division general education requirements for a bachelor's degree at Oregon public universities.

Associate of General Studies (AGS)

The purpose of the Associate of General Studies (AGS) degree is to provide students an opportunity to pursue a broad general education during the two years at a community college. It is intended as a flexible program for the student who is not pursuing a specified curriculum in the lower division transfer or career technical areas.

Associate of Science (AS)

The Associate of Science (AS) degree is designed for students who plan to transfer and complete a Bachelor of Science degree at a four-year institution. The degree requirements allow students more flexibility in course selection, allowing them to focus on their discipline requirements. NOTE: Completion of this degree does not guarantee that all lower division general education requirements have been met for a bachelor's degree (i.e., this is not a block transfer degree as is the AAOT).

Baking and Pastry Arts

The Certificate of Completion Baking and Pastry Arts provides a broad foundation of baking and pastry theory and practical training necessary for success in the food service industry. Students will learn the art of creating tasty baked goods, pastries, and confections, from traditional bread baking to beautiful showpieces. Students will also learn to use sugar, syrups, icings and chocolate.

Baking and Pastry Arts

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Baking and Pastry Arts provides a broad foundation of baking and pastry theory and practical training necessary for success in the food service industry. Students will learn the art of creating tasty baked goods, pastries, and confections, from traditional bread baking to beautiful showpieces. Students will also learn to use sugar, syrups, icings and chocolate.

Baking Management

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Baking Management program provides a broad foundation of baking and pastry theory and practical training necessary for success in the food service industry. Students will learn the art of creating tasty baked goods, pastries,and confections, from traditional bread baking to beautiful showpieces. Students will also learn to use sugar, syrups, icings and chocolate.

Business

The Associate of Science/Oregon Transfer Business (ASOT-BUS) is a degree that is intended to prepare students for transfer into a bachelor-level business program at a public Oregon university. Students who receive this degree will have met all lower division general education requirements of that institution's bachelor's degree programs. Students transferring with this degree will have junior standing for registration purposes.

Business Management/Entrepreneurship

This two-year degree exposes students to all aspects of operating a small business with a focus on entrepreneurship. The program also prepares students for positions such as management trainee, first-line supervisor, buyers and purchasing agents, sales managers, and higher levels of management for either profit or nonprofit organizations.

Chemical Engineering

The Associate of Science (AS) in Chemical Engineering degree will provide fundamental engineering skills. Chemical engineering is the study and modeling of systems where heat and fluid flow are coupled with chemical reactions. Examples of systems are the human body, ground water, the atmosphere, the ocean, and chemical reactors. Natural systems are measured and modeled in order to understand present and future behavior.

Chemistry

The Associate of Science Degree in Chemistry prepares students for transfer to a four-year school as juniors in either chemistry or biochemistry majors. The curriculum provides fundamental knowledge of the major fields of chemistry, covering a full year of both general and organic chemistry. Students will gain laboratory experience in organic synthesis, analytical methods, and spectroscopy.

Childhood Education and Family Studies

The Associate of Science Childhood Education and Family Studies degree (AS CE&FS) meets all of the requirements for an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT) degree while giving a strong foundation in childhood education and family studies - allowing students to earn a degree that will meet employment requirements for many early childhood programs, and provide an opportunity for a seamless transfer into a bachelor's degree program.

Childhood Education and Family Studies, Preschool Children, Education and Development I

The Career Pathway Certificate of Completion: Childhood Education and Family Studies, Preschool Children, Education and Development, is intended to provide students with the skills needed to begin a career in Childhood Education and Family Studies. This certificate can also assist the student in earning a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

Childhood Education and Family Studies, Preschool Children, Education and Development II

The Certificate of Completion Childhood Education and Family Studies, Preschool Children, Education and Development II is a one-year certificate that prepares students for entry-level positions as child care workers, preschool attendants, preschool teacher assistants, and daycare assistants.

CIS Digital Design

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) CIS Digital Design degree is designed to successfully prepare students for careers in the expanding fields of digital design and media productions through an integrated curriculum exposing students to design principles and technical strategies. Upon successful completion of the AAS CIS Digital Design degree, students are prepared for a variety of entry-level positions in numerous digital design fields.

Computer Science

Are you fascinated by the thought of fortifying cybersecurity defenses, developing the next viral video game, or leveraging technology to solve real-world problems? If so, you're in the right place! Our Associate of Science Transfer in Computer Science (AST-CS) program is your stepping stone to these exciting career paths and more.

Criminal Justice

The Associate of Science (AS) Criminal Justice degree is designed for students who plan to transfer and complete a bachelor's degree in criminal justice (or a related field) at specific four-year institutions. It may also be earned as a stand-alone degree for current criminal justice employees or for students who plan to apply for work after the completion of the two-year degree. This degree will satisfy most of the lower division requirements of transfer institutions.

Culinary Arts

The Certificate of Completion Culinary Arts program prepares students for the culinary world by offering chef training (basic and advanced) as well as restaurant management skills without the 17 academic credits. After studying the fundamentals of classical and contemporary cuisine and restaurant procedures, students will develop advanced skills in garde manger and a la carte cooking.

Culinary Arts

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Culinary Arts program offers chef training (basic and advanced) as well as restaurant management skills. After studying the fundamentals of classical and contemporary cuisine and restaurant procedures, students will develop advanced skills in garde manger and a la carte cooking. Students have the opportunity to choose between a local or distant externship during their final term in the program.

Culinary Management

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Culinary Management program offers chef training (basic and advanced) as well as restaurant management skills. After studying the fundamentals of classical and contemporary cuisine and restaurant procedures, students will develop advanced skills in garde manger and a la carte cooking. Students will have the opportunity to choose between a local or distant externship during their final term in the program.

Dental Assisting

The Certificate of Completion Dental Assisting is a three-term certificate that prepares students to meet the requirements to become a dental assistant with expanded functions (EFDA). Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exams: National Entry-Level Dental Assisting (NELDA) exam, the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam, and the Infection Control Exam (ICE). The curriculum is based on general dentistry.

Digital Design

The Certificate of Completion Digital Design is designed to successfully prepare students for entry-level support positions in the expanding field of digital design through an integrated curriculum exposing students to design principles and technical strategies. Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Completion Digital Design, students are prepared for a variety of entry-level support positions in numerous digital design fields.

Digital Image Foundations

The Career Pathway Certificate of Completion: Digital Image Foundations is designed to successfully prepare students for careers in the expanding fields of digital design and media productions through an integrated curriculum exposing students to design principles and technical strategies.

Digital Interactive Foundations

The Career Pathway Certificate of Completion: Digital Interactive Foundations is designed to successfully prepare students for careers in the expanding fields of digital design and media productions through an integrated curriculum exposing students to design principles and technical strategies.

Ecological Engineering

The Associate of Science (AS) in Ecological Engineering program will provide the first two years of the engineering core curriculum for students pursuing ecological engineering as a transfer degree. The coursework is foundational to the upper division biological and ecological engineering courses o and provides the fundamental concepts needed for success and advancement in ecological or sustainable engineering professions. Write the entry requirements for the program.

Electrical/Computer Engineering

The Associate of Science (AS) in Electrical/Computer Engineering degree will provide fundamental engineering skills in circuit analysis and design, computer programming, engineering problem solving, and an understanding of the professional expectations and ethics of engineering. This program provides a two year foundation for transfer into a four year program in electrical or computer engineering.

Elementary Education

The Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer Elementary Education (Elementary Education AAOT) is a prescriptive degree that identifies the optimal and specific set of community college courses students need to take to transfer efficiently into an Elementary Education program at Oregon universities. It is important to note the AAOT may not be the best degree option for all majors. Students should consult advisors in their major areas for educational planning related to required courses in their majors.

Emergency Medical Services Technician I

The Career Pathway Certificate of Completion: Emergency Medical Services Technician I offers career training for entry-level personnel as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) plus additional training/ skills employers are seeking. The EMS Technician I offers greater education in ambulance/emergency vehicle operations as well as proper pre-hospital documentation, radio communications, and rescue operations.

Emergency Medical Technology

The Career Pathway Certificate of Completion: Emergency Medical Technician program offers career training for entry-level personnel as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with the added education of a more rich history of Emergency Medical Services and the safety and well-being of the EMT. Successful completion of this EMT Career Pathway Certificate of Completion leads to eligibility to sit for the State of Oregon and National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certifying exam.

English Literature

An English Literature degree involves in-depth study of various literary genres, periods, and cultural contexts, analyzing novels, plays, poems, and other texts from around the world, written in the English language. Students develop skills in close reading, critical thinking, and effective communication, exploring themes, historical influences, and cultural implications. The program also covers literary theory, criticism, and research methodologies.

Entry-Level Bookkeeping

The Career Pathway Certificate of Completion - Entry-level Bookkeeping provides students with a basic understanding of accounting principles and procedures, computers and the accounting software QuickBooks. Upon completion of this certificate, a student will be ready to take the first level of QuickBooks certification.

Environmental Engineering

The Associate of Science (AS) in Environmental Engineering degree will provide fundamental engineering skills. Environmental engineers manage our environment for the benefit of humanity and nature. They provide engineering solutions to problems with our land, air and water resources. In both public and private practice, environmental engineers work in interdisciplinary teams to manage environmental problems through application of scientific, engineering, and social skills.

Fire Science (A.A.S.)

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Fire Science program includes the necessary general education and specialized fire and emergency services coursework to prepare students for careers in the fire service. Students will learn fundamental firefighting skills such as utilizing protective clothing and equipment, conducting search and rescue operations, advancing hoselines, and operating fire streams.

Fire Science (A.S.)

The Associate of Science (AS) in Fire Science is designed to meet the needs of students who plan on pursuing a bachelor's or higher degree at a university. Fire departments and private agencies are increasingly expecting candidates for administrator and supervisor positions to have higher levels of education. Fire Science coursework is developed using model curriculum from the United States Fire Administration's Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education initiative.

Forest Engineering

Forest engineering prepares graduates to plan and implement complex forestry and natural resource operations that help meet global demands for wood products while sustaining water, habitat, and other forest resources. This degree was designed to transfer to Oregon State University's College of Forestry. Other transfer options may be available, consult your advisor for details.

Forestry Management

The Forestry Management Associate of Science (AS) degree provides students with an introduction to the technical and scientific knowledge related to the field of forestry and forest management. This set of classes satisfies the requirements for an AS degree and also meets the lower division requirements at Oregon State University (OSU) for a Bachelor of Science in Forestry.

Forestry Management/Forest Restoration and Fire

Forestry provides students with an introduction to the technical and scientific knowledge related to the field of forestry and forest management. This set of classes satisfies the requirements for an AS degree and also meets the lower division requirements at Oregon State University (OSU) for a Bachelor of Science in Forestry. The forest restoration and fire option focuses on managing for forest disturbance processes including wildfire, landslides, insects and disease.

Forestry Management/Operations Management

Forestry provides students with an introduction to the technical and scientific knowledge related to the field of forestry and forest management. This set of classes satisfies the requirements for an AS degree and also meets the lower division requirements at Oregon State University (OSU) for a Bachelor of Science in Forestry. Students in the operations option focus on the business and timber harvesting side of forestry.

Forest Technology

The Certificate of Completion Forest Technology can be completed within one year and is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the forestry field in supervised positions such as forester aides, surveyor assistant, measurement technician, and field mapping aide. The forestry field is projected to have many career opportunities coming up in the next decade as many forestry and natural resources professionals retire in the next few years.

Geographic Information Systems

The One Year Certificate of Completion Geographic Information Science (GIS) can be completed in one year and will give students the basic knowledge and skills to be employed in an entry level position in the GIS field. GIS is applicable to an array of careers, including forestry, natural resources, planning, real estate, and more!

Human Services

The purpose of this program is to provide education and internship to prepare students for entry-level employment in the human services field. Human service workers provide a wide range of emotional and practical support services aimed at addressing the needs of people facing a variety of challenges.

Human Services: Addiction Studies

This program is designed for students who are interested in career enhancement and certification in addiction counseling. Students completing this Career Pathway Certificate fulfill the 150 hours of drug and alcohol education required by the Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) for a CADC I (Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor).

Marketing

The Career Pathway Certificate of Completion: Marketing is for students who wish to update skills or increase advancement potential. Courses are designed to provide students with a strong basic understanding of fundamentals and current practices in the field of marketing. Businesses will find this short-term certificate especially helpful in quickly training present and new employees in basic subject matter pertinent to the marketing function.

Mechanical/Civil Engineering

The Associate of Science (AS) in Mechanical/Civil Engineering program will provide the first two years of the engineering core curriculum for students pursuing civil or mechanical engineering as a transfer degree. The coursework is foundational to the upper division pro-schools and provides the fundamental concepts needed for success and advancement in the civil and mechanical engineering profession.

Medical Assistant

The Certificate of Completion Medical Assistant prepares students to perform initial clerical and administrative duties in medical, clinical, hospitals, or health care facilities. The graduate will be prepared to schedule and receive patients, obtain patient data, receive payment, maintain medical records, data processing, perform general office skills, office equipment operation, and assume general medical office responsibilities.

Natural Resources

Southwestern's Natural Resources program provides students with an introduction to the technical and scientific knowledge related to natural resource policy and management. Students can prepare for careers in natural resource planning, management, conservation and education roles with government agencies, non-governmental organizations and in educational settings. The program guide lists the required courses for the AS degree.

Nursing

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Nursing is intended for students seeking a career as a Registered Nurse. The program prepares students to practice professional nursing in a variety of settings. Upon completion of the program, students will be awarded an AAS degree and are eligible to sit for the national licensure examination (NCLEX-RN) leading to a licensure as a Registered Nurse. Note: Not a nationally accredited program.

Paramedicine

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Paramedicine is designed for individuals interested in providing care to patients in the pre-hospital setting. The purpose of this program is to prepare competent entry-level paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains with or without exit points at the advanced emergency medical technician, emergency medical technician, and/or emergency responder levels.

Pharmacy Technician

The Certificate of Completion Pharmacy Technician program prepares individuals for employment in hospital and retail pharmacies. Pharmacy Technician is a category of support personnel and denotes a skilled worker who has been trained to assist the pharmacist in preparing and dispensing medications. This category of support personnel is spelled out in Oregon Administrative Rules 855-41-205 under the auspices of the Oregon State Board of Pharmacy.

Physics

The Associate of Science degree with physics emphasis is designed to give students interested in pursuing STEM programs in physics a more complete transfer path than the existing AAOT bulk transfer degree.

Pipe Fitting

The Career Pathway Certificate of Completion: Pipe Fitting prepares students for entry-level careers in pipe fitting, welding and fabrication. The program also introduces advanced techniques aligned with industry API and AWS standards.

Practical Nursing

Are you great at remembering fine details and solving difficult problems? A career in nursing could be right for you! The First year of our Nursing Program will train you for a position as a Practical Nurse. Nursing is the largest occupation in healthcare! You will learn the skills necessary to manage the physical and emotional care of patients through relationship-centered care. You'll experience many healthcare settings from hospitals, to home health care, doctor's offices, and nursing homes.

Preschool Child Development

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Preschool Child Development degree prepares students to work in a variety of educational and childcare settings, including preschools, public schools, private schools, Head Start, Relief Nurseries, and family home settings that serve preschool children. This degree offers students the opportunity to gain enhanced practical experience through practicum and student teaching courses.

Retail Management

The Less Than One Year Certificate of Completion Retail Management is recommended for students who would like to work in retail sales or students who are currently working in retail sales and are interested in advancing in their careers. Upon completion of this certificate, students will demonstrate skills necessary to successfully work in the field of retail sales and be in a position to advance to higher levels of responsibility including supervisory management.

Supervision

The Career Pathway Certificate of Completion: Supervision prepares the individual for careers in supervision and management. Its objective is to assist students in learning the newest supervisory and management skills and to help businesses save money on training costs.

Water Quality Treatment

The Water Quality Technology, AAS degree includes five introductory courses in water and wastewater operations, 24-credit hours of related cooperative work, and foundational courses including math, science, and STEM elective courses. The coursework will help prepare for the Level 1 Certification exams. The cooperative work experience is hands on training and is equivalent to approximately 5 months full-time work experience.

Welding

The Certificate of Completion Welding prepares students for entry-level jobs in metal working fields. Required courses are applicable toward the AAS Welding degree.

Welding

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Welding provides the training for entry-level employment and offers the technical knowledge necessary for career advancement. Coupled with experience, the program prepares students for manufacturing employment opportunities in industry, private enterprise, supervision, and/or advanced welding technologies.

Welding Assistant

The Career Pathway Certificate of Completion: Welding Assistant prepares students for entry-level jobs in a welding operation as a welder's assistant. Required courses are applicable toward the AAS Welding degree.

Welding Technician

The Career Pathway Certificate of Completion: Welding Technician prepares students for entry-level jobs in welding fields employing shielded metal, fluxed core, and gas metal arc welding techniques. Required courses are applicable toward the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Welding degree.

Wood Innovation for Sustainability: Art and Design

Wood Innovation is a multidisciplinary program that prepares students to work with renewable, plant-based materials to solve challenging world problems. Renewable materials such as wood, bamboo, canes, and agricultural fibers are examined to understand their characteristics and how to make useful products.

Wood Innovation for Sustainability: Marketing and Management

Wood Innovation is a multidisciplinary program that prepares students to work with renewable, plant-based materials to solve challenging world problems. Renewable materials such as wood, bamboo, canes, and agricultural fibers are examined to understand their characteristics and how to make useful products.

Wood Innovation for Sustainability: Science and Engineering

Wood Innovation is a multidisciplinary program that prepares students to work with renewable, plant-based materials to solve challenging world problems. Renewable materials such as wood, bamboo, canes, and agricultural fibers are examined to understand their characteristics and how to make useful products.