West Shore Community College's Scottville Campus offers a wide array of associate degree programs, certificates, and transfer opportunities designed to meet the educational needs of the local community. As a comprehensive community college, it emphasizes hands-on learning, career preparation, and foundational education for students pursuing further studies at four-year institutions. The curriculum spans liberal arts, sciences, business, health sciences, and technical fields, ensuring accessibility for diverse learners including high school students, adults, and working professionals.
- Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) Degrees: These transfer-oriented programs provide a strong foundation in general education. Courses include English composition, literature, history, psychology, sociology, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Students can specialize in areas like humanities or natural sciences to prepare for bachelor's degrees in fields such as education, social work, or engineering.
- Business Administration: This program covers accounting principles, business law, marketing, management, economics, and computer applications. Students learn practical skills through case studies and simulations, preparing for careers in entrepreneurship, retail management, or administrative roles. Advanced certificates in office management and small business operations are also available.
- Health Sciences: Offerings include nursing (ADN), medical assisting, and phlebotomy certificates. Core courses focus on anatomy, physiology, microbiology, patient care, pharmacology, and clinical practicums. The nursing program emphasizes evidence-based practice and prepares graduates for licensure exams and entry-level healthcare positions in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities.
- Industrial Technology: Programs in welding, manufacturing, and automotive technology feature hands-on training in fabrication, machining, CAD software, engine repair, and safety protocols. These vocational tracks lead to certificates or associate degrees, equipping students for jobs in manufacturing plants, auto shops, or construction industries prevalent in Michigan's economy.
- Liberal Arts and Education: Courses in communication, fine arts, music, theater, and education pedagogy support creative and teaching aspirations. Elementary education tracks include child development, curriculum design, and classroom management, ideal for those seeking paraprofessional roles or transfer to teacher preparation programs.
- Computer Information Systems: This field explores programming (Java, Python), web development, database management, networking, and cybersecurity basics. Students gain proficiency in software tools and problem-solving, readying them for IT support, developer, or analyst positions in growing tech sectors.
- Criminal Justice: Curriculum includes criminology, law enforcement procedures, corrections, ethics, and constitutional law. Practical components like mock trials and internships prepare students for roles in policing, probation, or security services.
- Early Childhood Education: Focused on child psychology, curriculum planning, and inclusive practices, this program offers CDA credentials and associate degrees for preschool teachers and daycare administrators.
- General Education and Workforce Development: Non-credit options like ESL, GED preparation, and short-term skills training in areas such as healthcare aide or forklift operation support lifelong learning and job placement.
The campus fosters a supportive environment with small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and resources like tutoring centers and career services. Programs are aligned with regional workforce demands, particularly in healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism along Michigan's west shore. Overall, the educational offerings promote affordability, flexibility through online and hybrid formats, and community engagement, empowering over 1,000 students annually to achieve their academic and professional goals. This holistic approach ensures graduates are well-prepared for immediate employment or seamless transfer, contributing to the economic vitality of Mason and surrounding counties.
