Bismarck State College Campuses

Bismarck State College's Bismarck Campus offers a comprehensive range of associate degree programs designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions or direct entry into the workforce. The campus emphasizes practical, hands-on education across various disciplines.

• Business and Administrative Technologies: Programs include Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Administrative Management, Accounting, Business Management, and Human Resource Management. Students learn skills in office administration, financial accounting, marketing, and leadership through coursework and internships.
• Health Careers: Key offerings feature Nursing (AAS), Medical Coding, Practical Nursing, and Radiologic Technology. These programs combine classroom instruction with clinical experience in local healthcare facilities, focusing on patient care, medical ethics, and diagnostic procedures.
• Engineering and Industrial Technologies: Degrees in Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, Electrician Training, and Power Plant Technology provide training in mechanical systems, electrical wiring, and energy production, often aligned with North Dakota's energy sector needs.
• Liberal Arts and Sciences: Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees cover general education in English, mathematics, history, psychology, and natural sciences, facilitating seamless transfer to universities.
• Information Technology: Courses in Computer Support Specialist, Network Administration, and Web Development teach programming, cybersecurity, and software applications.
• Education: Paraprofessional programs prepare students for roles in K-12 education support.
• Agriculture and Environmental Systems: Focus on farm management, agribusiness, and sustainable practices.

The campus also provides certificate programs in areas like Entrepreneurship, Early Childhood Education, and Welding Technology. With modern facilities including simulation labs and industry partnerships, students gain real-world experience. Continuing education and workforce training in skills like OSHA safety and Microsoft certifications are available. Overall, the curriculum supports over 50 programs, serving more than 4,000 students annually, with a strong emphasis on affordability and accessibility in the heart of North Dakota.

Additional highlights include interdisciplinary courses in sustainability and leadership, ensuring graduates are versatile professionals ready for dynamic careers. The campus fosters a supportive learning environment with small class sizes and dedicated faculty.

The Williston Campus of Bismarck State College specializes in energy-related education, capitalizing on North Dakota's Bakken oil boom. This campus delivers targeted associate degrees and certificates tailored to the petroleum and industrial sectors, with a focus on practical training for high-demand jobs.

• Petroleum Technology: The flagship Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Petroleum Technology covers drilling operations, well completion, production, and safety protocols. Students engage in simulations and field trips to oil sites, learning about hydraulic fracturing, reservoir engineering, and environmental compliance.
• Power Plant Operations: AAS program trains operators for natural gas plants and refineries, including turbine maintenance, instrumentation, and energy efficiency. Coursework emphasizes troubleshooting, regulatory standards, and renewable integration.
• Process Plant Technology: Focuses on chemical processing, distillation, and control systems in oil and gas facilities. Includes hands-on lab work with PLC programming and process simulation software.
• Industrial Electrician: Certificate and AAS degrees teach electrical systems for industrial settings, covering motor controls, hazardous location wiring, and automation, aligned with NEC codes.
• Diesel Technology: Specialized for heavy equipment in energy extraction, including engine repair, hydraulics, and diagnostics for rigs and trucks.
• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Programs in ultrasonic, radiographic, and magnetic particle testing for pipeline and structural integrity in the energy industry.
• Health and Safety: Occupational safety certificates address OSHA regulations, hazard analysis, and emergency response specific to oilfields.

The campus features state-of-the-art labs, including a full-scale drilling simulator and process control training areas, partnering with industry leaders like Halliburton and Schlumberger for internships. It serves the western North Dakota workforce, offering flexible scheduling for working professionals. Beyond energy, general education courses support transfer options, and short-term workforce training in welding, rigging, and H2S awareness is provided.

With enrollment growing due to regional demand, the curriculum evolves with industry trends like carbon capture and sustainable energy. Faculty with field experience ensure relevant, job-ready skills, contributing to the campus's role as the National Energy Center of Excellence.