Overview of Programs At WWCC
Walla Walla Community College offers a wide range of programs in the following areas:
- Transfer: For students who intend to continue their studies at a college or university
- Professional-Technical: For students interested in pursuing a certificate or degree that leads to employment. WWCC offers bachelor, associate, and certificate options in this area.
- High School Programs: For students seeking high school completion or to complete college credits while in high school
- Transitional Studies: For students seeking basic skills, completing a high school degree, and/or preparing for college-level work
Transfer Programs
Associate in Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA)
The Associate in Arts DTA is designed to provide students with a broad background during their first and second year of study so that they can transfer to a four-year school with standing as a junior. This degree follows guidelines set by the state’s Intercollege Relations Commission (ICRC). The associate degree curriculum is designed to give students a general education that transfers to four-year universities for bachelor’s degrees.
For those who qualify, the Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) gives students priority admission and general education for most Washington state universities. Students must have the AA degree, be a Washington state resident, and meet the minimum GPA for their chosen university. Students who complete this path and are accepted at a four-year university will be ready for their junior year at all public and participating private colleges.
Associate in Arts - DTA
Associate Major Related Program Agreements (MRP)
Associate MRP pathways are transfer associate pathways outlining the appropriate courses in order for students to be well prepared to enter a major upon transfer. Major Related Program (MRP) pathways follow one of the two Washington statewide transfer agreements: the Associate in Arts DTA format or the Associate in Science-Transfer (AS-T) format with courses chosen to following a specific major.
Associate in Science Transfer Degree (AS-T)
The Associate in Science Transfer Degree is intended for students majoring in science who wish to transfer to baccalaureate institutions in Washington. Two different options are offered: 1) biological science, chemistry, geology, environmental/resource sciences, and earth science and 2) computer science, physics, atmospheric science, and engineering. This degree allows students to concentrate on fulfilling pre-major coursework in their intended field of study.
Coursework is concentrated in specific mathematic and science requirements. Additional coursework in general education, humanities and social sciences will be required at the transfer institution. Some remaining general education requirements may be satisfied with upper division courses. Students need to meet with department advisors at the baccalaureate institution to determine an appropriate educational plan.
Associate in Science - Option I
Associate in Science - Option II
Other Transfer Degree Opportunities
The following a more specific DTA/MRP associate degrees WWCC offers and are linked to the program page requirements:
Associate in Biology - DTA/MRP
Associate in Business - DTA/MRP
Associate in Math Education - DTA/MRP
OLD - Associate in Nursing - DTA/MRP
Transfer Courses
The following list of courses are fully transferable to other public WA higher education institutions:
Additional Transfer Information
Direct Transfer Agreements with Baccalaureate Institutions
The baccalaureate (four-year) colleges and universities in Washington state listed below subscribe to the Inter-college Relations Commissions (ICRC) Guidelines for Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA). The DTA associates’ degrees are recognized as fulfilling most, if not all, of the general education requirements for these institutions. Students who complete a DTA will normally be granted junior standing upon admission. Students should check with their intended transfer institution for further details regarding any additional general education, major prerequisites and admission requirements. This list is subject to change. See your advisor for updated information and details of transfer.
- Bastyr University
- Central Washington University
- City University
- Cornish College of the Arts
- Eastern Washington University
- The Evergreen State College
- Gonzaga University
- Heritage University
- Northwest Indian College
- Northwest University
- Pacific Lutheran University
- Saint Martin’s University
- Seattle Pacific University
- Seattle University
- University of Washington
- UW - Bothell
- UW - Tacoma
- Washington State University
- WSU - Tri-Cities
- WSU - Vancouver
- Western Governors University
- Western Washington University
- Whitman University
- Whitworth College
Other Transfer Agreements
Walla Walla Community College has articulation agreements with a number of baccalaureate institutions such as Central Washington University, Eastern Oregon University, Lewis-Clark State College, University of Idaho, Washington State University, Oregon State University, and Western Governors University. For the most accurate list of all transfer agreements, visit www.wwcc.edu/transfer or call the Transfer Center at: 509.527.4262
Professional-Technical Programs
Professional-Technical programs provide instruction in the knowledge and skills required in a wide variety of occupations that demand education beyond high school. Students prepare for employment by completing a two-year degree, the Associate in Applied Sciences, or by completing shorter-term certificate programs. Also offered are refresher, update, and improvement courses for students with occupational experience. Programs are taught by skilled, industry-knowledgeable instructors who are guided by industry advisory committees and state and national industry skill standards. In many fields Professional-Technical education may enhance employment opportunities by providing the student with the education and industry certifications desired by employers.
Bachelor of Applied Science Degree (BAS)
A Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Degree adds junior and senior level coursework to a two-year professional technical degree. Students must achieve at least an associate-level degree and complete the degree related entrance requirement courses prior to beginning a BAS degree program. Upon completion, students can enter the workforce or continue their education at the graduate level.
Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T)
Associate in Applied Science-Transfer degrees are built upon the technical courses required for job preparation; however, they also include a transferable general education component, common in structure for all such degrees. The general education courses for the degrees are drawn from the same distribution requirements list as those taken by students completing the Associate in Arts or the Associate in Science-Transfer degrees. Associate in Applied Science-Transfer degrees prepare graduates for jobs requiring two years of training or for transfer to specific four-year institution with agreements to accept this degree toward specific bachelor’s programs.
Associate in Applied Sciences Degree (AAS)
Associate of Applied Science degrees are designed to provide professional and technical training to prepare students for specific jobs or to improve existing skills. All career programs have advisory committees of professionals in related fields to ensure that the curriculum evolves with changes in business and industry. Advisory committee members and faculty members work together to link education and employment to help students succeed.
Note about Transferability: The AAS Degree is designed for students planning to enter their chosen career upon graduation. Often only selected credits are considered transferable to public or private universities.
Certificates and Endorsements
Students who complete core courses in one year of an approved professional-technical program and nine credits of related instruction may receive a certificate upon request from the student.A Short Program Endorsement may be provided to completers of state authorized programs upon request from the student. The authorized Short Program Endorsement requires 19 credits (or fewer) and is completed in one quarter (or fewer).
High School Programs
509.527.4619 - Walla Walla • 509.758.3339 - Clarkston
Open Doors
Open Doors is a reengagement program that provides education and services to older youth, ages 16-21, who have dropped out of school or are not expected to graduate from high school by the age of 21. Open Doors partners with local school districts to provide opportunities for students to complete a high school diploma, GED, or degree pathway.
CTE Dual Credit
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit Program at Walla Walla Community College provides high school students the opportunity to simultaneously earn free college credits towards industry certification and/or a college degree while still attending their local high school or skills center. The approved course is taught on the high school campus by a qualified CTE high school instructor whose curriculum is equivalent to the matching CTE/workforce college course. To earn college credit, high school students must enroll in an approved high school course and successfully complete the course requirements with a “B or above”. After these requirements are met, the student who chooses to have their CTE Dual Credit transcribed at WWCC should complete a “Request for CTE Dual Credit Transcription” online form available on the college website. After the request has been approved by WWCC staff, the credits will be placed on a WWCC transcript.
College in the High School
College in the High School is a free program designed for high school students who are highly motivated to earn college credit while meeting their high school graduation requirements. The courses are taught by a qualified high school teacher who closely collaborates with a WWCC faculty liaison to ensure that the course meets the same standards as the equivalent college course. If course prerequisites are applicable, WWCC can assist with placement tests. This program enables students to accelerate their academic progress without compromising their high school experience. Upon completion of the course, all credits and grades are automatically transcribed at WWCC.
Running Start
509.527.4262 - Walla Walla • 509.758.3339 - Clarkston
The Running Start program provides an opportunity for eligible juniors and seniors in public high schools to enroll in classes at WWCC and earn college credits while completing high school graduation requirements. Home-schooled and private school students must enroll through a public high school to participate in this program. Running Start students qualify by completing the placement assessment process and meeting with a Running Start navigator; the navigator determines appropriateness of placement for the academic program or courses they wish to participate in (including most Workforce programs). Once determined eligible, students must meet with their high school counselor to receive paperwork, then met with WWCC again to advise, complete an orientation, and enroll in recommended courses. Running Start students are required to pay quarterly fees and provide their own textbooks. Students may qualify for fee waivers and textbook assistance by providing documentation to their Running Start advisor by the first day of the quarter.
Transitional Studies
509.527.4637 - Walla Walla • 509.758.3339 - Clarkston
Whether pursuing an academic or workforce pathways, Transitional Studies provides a variety of course options for students who are preparing for entry into college-level coursework or programs. Students are in a supportive, challenging environment that respects and honors diversity.
Transitional Studies offers courses and services to help students upgrade skills in reading, writing, communication, and mathematics. Students can:
- Take high school level classes that meet Washington State graduation requirements
- Take college preparation courses and develop skills for entering the workforce
- Develop English language skills for non-English speakers
The time required to complete a course depends on individual learning needs. A student can be co-enrolled in a degree or certificate program. Students who complete college classes normally experience higher skill achievement and greater success in academic and workforce classes as well as increase their potential for greater earning power in the workforce. Students may be required to take ongoing pre-and post- CASAS assessments
The following courses are offered by Transitional Studies:
Career and Academic Preparation (CAP)
CAP courses offer students an opportunity to reach their goals by building on prior experience as they grow academic skills such as reading, writing, oral communication, critical thinking, technology, and mathematics. Students are prepared to earn an Adult High School Diploma, GED®, and increase their English language skills. Students will then be able to transition to academic transfer or workforce programs.
General Education Development (GED®) Exam Preparation
GED® preparation classes are designed for individuals who wish to take the GED® exam or to prepare for the college entrance exam. Courses integrate content from the following subject areas: reasoning through language arts; science; social studies; and mathematical reasoning.
English Language Acquisition (ELA)
ELA courses are offered to limited English proficient students to develop communication skills, pursue a higher degree, function effectively in jobs, and participate as members of the community. Course pathways include Adult High School completion, GED® tests, college, or current or future work. Students enrolled in ELA courses learn English as well as college and workplace skills.
Adult High School Completion (HS+)
HS+ is a competency-based high school diploma program. It’s designed for adult learners 18 and older who do not have a high school diploma and wish to complete the high school diploma requirements. HS+ encourages lifelong learning and prepares students to acquire a family-wage job or transition into an academic or workforce program to further their education.
Pre-College
Pre-College courses are offered in reading, writing, and math. Coursework prepares students for success in college-level courses and workforce programs. Students are placed into the appropriate course through placement testing.
Integrated Basic Education Skills Training (I-BEST)
I-BEST programs are designed for students to improve their English or basic skills while earning college-level certificates or two-year degrees. In the I-BEST program, classes are team-taught by one content instructor and one basic skills instructor providing additional academic support in college courses. Each I-BEST program includes the opportunity to build basic reading, math, and English skills. I-BEST students must meet at least one of the following criteria to be eligible:
Students test below college level in reading or math on the CASAS and meet the minimum score requirements.
Students don’t have their high school diploma or GED® and meet the minimum score requirement.
Students who have their high school diploma or GED® but may have been out of school for a long period of time and test below college level on CASAS or other college placement assessments in reading or math and would like extra support in the classroom.
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