Degree Programs
Grays Harbor College offers degrees in Academic Transfer, Professional and Technical Education, and three Bachelor of Applied Science programs.
Academic Transfer Degrees
Grays Harbor College offers nine associate degrees designed for transfer to baccalaureate institutions awarding Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees. These include the Associate in Arts, the Associate in Business, the Associate in Music, the Associate in Nursing, Associate in Pre-Nursing, and the Associate in Science.
Students who earn an associate transfer degree and are admitted to a Washington public baccalaureate institution are considered to have completed the lower division or general education requirements for that institution.
Professional and Technical Education
The Associate in Applied Science, the Associate in Applied Science-Transfer, and the Associate in Technology, are awarded to students completing an instructional program designed to prepare them for entry into specific occupations. At GHC, you can earn an associate degree or a certificate in the programs listed below. See specific programs for degree options.
- Accounting
- Automotive Technology
- Business Management
- Business Technology
- Carpentry Technology
- Commercial Transportation and Maintenance (CDL)
- Computer Science (offered collaboratively with South Puget Sound Community College)
- Criminal Justice
- Diesel Technology
- Early Childhood Education
- Hospitality/Ecotourism (offered collaboratively with Peninsula College, only available to current majors)
- Human Services
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Office Administrative Support
- Natural Resources-Forestry Technician
- Nursing Assistant
- Occupational Entrepreneurship
- Welding Technology
Annual studies show that many/most students who complete professional and technical programs are now working in their chosen fields.
Bachelor of Applied Science
Grays Harbor College offers three Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees. BAS degrees add junior and senior-level courses to two-year professional-technical degrees. By choosing a BAS degree, students build upon their already valuable two-year degrees to land higher paying jobs and promotions while employers get the rounded skill sets they seek in employees holding bachelor’s degrees. BAS degrees also prepare students to continue their education in master’s programs, including programs through The Evergreen State College, Brandman University, University of Washington, Washington State University, and Western Governors University.
Bachelor of Applied Science in Forest Resource Management (BAS-FRM)
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Forest Resources Management (BAS-FRM) prepares students to engage professionally as foresters in public and private companies, conservation managers, wildland fire supervisors, and other environmental professions.
Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management (BAS-OM)
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management (BAS-OM) allows workforce education completers to further develop their leadership, interpersonal communications, critical thinking, and supervision skills to advance careers in their chosen fields. The program focuses on applying soft skills in a selected career path and provides an overview of employment law, leadership ethics, accounting management, leading change, and labor issues.
Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education (BAS-TE)
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education provides students an education, beyond the associate level, which is tailored to their community. This program is designed to enable applicants with an associated degree to combine their lower-division coursework with upper-division credits in education. The program focuses on Elementary Education (K-8) certification and the English Language Learner’s endorsement. The BAS Teacher Education program would also be the next educational stepping-stone for many students who wish to pursue advanced degrees.
Certificates
One year or less certificates are offered in Accounting/Bookkeeping, Bookkeeping, Small Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Basic Small Business Skills, Business Technology (Formatting/Publishing Documents, Microcomputer Applications, Microsoft Office Applications, Office Professional Certification, Software Applications), Carpentry, Commercial Transportation and Maintenance (CDL), Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Diesel Technology, Early Childhood Education, Ecotourism, Hospitality, Practical Nursing, Nursing Assistant, Human Services, Substance Use Disorder, Medical Office Administrative Support, Natural Resources, and Welding.
High School Diplomas
You can earn your high school diploma in several ways at Grays Harbor College. For more information, see here.
Business and Community Education
Business Contract Training
Business Contract Training focuses on the College Priority 5: Strengthen enrollment, partnerships, and pathways to student achievement. Contract training works in collaboration with community partners to provide training aligned with industry needs for a skilled workforce. Contracts are developed by training component, not by the number of participants and provides a bridge between educational programs and on-the-job skill training. Training includes:
Online and on-ground non-credit classes for job skills enhancement
Short-term certifications
Industry credentials
Opportunities for training savings through matching grants and tax credits.
Contact Business and Contract Training at (360) 538-4012 for details on these opportunities.
Teacher Certification Clock Hour Verification
Grays Harbor College is approved by the Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction to offer Continuing Education courses which meet teacher professional certification needs. All courses must be approved by your school district before enrolling in a course.
Community Education
Grays Harbor College is committed to Service to Community. Every person should have the opportunity for lifelong learning! Community Education classes and offices are throughout Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties, at Riverview Education Center in Raymond, Columbia Education Center in Ilwaco, and on campus in Aberdeen.
Community Education Classes
We offer lifelong learning and personal enrichment opportunities for adults through online and on-ground non-credit courses including:
Art
Computers and Technology
Financial Literacy
Gardening
Health and Wellness
Language
Photography
Special Interests
Come join us as we explore the arts, history, languages, dance and many other topics! It’s a great way to meet new people and energize your mind. Best of all, there are no tests - only the pleasure of learning and exploring!
The Community Education office is located on the main campus and can be reached at (360) 538-4094. You can view all the course offerings online at: www.ghc.edu/ce.
Ed2Go
Over 500 online courses are available for both personal enrichment and job skills enhancement. These 6-week courses are non-credit, begin monthly and certificates of completion are available.
Contact the Community Education office at (360) 538-4094 for details.
GHC EDventures
Offered monthly, guided travel activities explore the arts, history, culture and the natural wonders of Western Washington. Our EDventures can be day trips or overnight trips and include transportation, admission fees, guided tours and snacks. Some of our popular trips include: Mt. Rainer Excursion, Lake Union Cruise, Murder Mystery Dinner Train, Quinault Rainforest Rendezvous, and Pike Place Market! Check out the current list online at: EDventures.
Contact the Community Education office at (360) 538-4094 for details.
Senior Citizens
Any student over age sixty can register for “credit” community education classes. Other special fees normally charged students must also be paid by senior citizens. State you are a senior citizen and provide your birthdate to receive the “for credit” senior citizen rate.
Contact the Community Education office at (360) 538-4094 for details on community education opportunities.
Stafford Creek Corrections Center
Grays Harbor College offers classes to the incarcerated individuals housed at Stafford Creek Corrections Center located approximately seven miles west of the Aberdeen campus. The College offers classes in Adult Basic Education, HS+, English as a Second Language, and assists incarcerated students with the completion of their high school diploma or GED®. Faculty also provides incarcerated students with vocational opportunities upon completion/verification of a high school diploma or GED®. Vocational programs offered are: Associate in Applied Science Business Management Degree, Construction Trades Apprenticeship Preparation (CTAP-1 quarter certificate recognized by trade unions in WA state), and Welding (1-year certificate). The College also provides incarcerated students and opportunity to earn an Associate in Arts-Direct Transfer Degree. Other offerings include a pre-college math series (MATH 060 , MATH 070 , MATH 097 ) and pre-college English series (ENGL 060 & ENGL 095 ). All courses are aimed at helping incarcerated students become better prepared to enter the workforce or a college upon release back into their communities.
Distance Learning (ELearning)
The eLearning department ensures that Grays Harbor College remains at the forefront of using modern tools and teaching practices to provide a top-class education to all students. Whether you attend classes in person or online, our role is to ensure that your digital experience at GHC is championed by faculty and staff who not only know how to use learning technology, but also understand the needs of a generation of students who will live and work in an increasingly digital world. We strive to ensure that your entire education prepares you for success in the future.
If you need technology help, please contact studenthelp@ghc.edu. For questions, concerns, or suggestions about digital learning at GHC, please contact us at elearning@ghc.edu. You may also call and leave a message at (360) 538-4085 to submit a ticket.
Transitions (Basic Education for Adults)
Adults with or without a diploma may enroll in a variety of classes designed to improve reading, writing, and math skills as they prepare to reach their educational, occupational, and personal goals.
English Language Acquisition
English Language Acquisition (ELA) classes are designed for students whose first language is not English. GHC offers classes that will help students learn to speak, listen, read and write better in English. Math, digital technology and employability skills are also taught in all classes. ELA classes are offered in the evening, and in face-to-face and online formats. Classes cost $25 per quarter. Waivers of this fee are available. To learn more or to schedule an orientation appointment to get started call (360) 538-4167 (se habla español). This coursework helps prepare a student for post-secondary education and/or employment.
High School Completion Options
High School+ (HS+)
HS+ is designed for students, 18 years old and above, who want to earn a Washington State high school diploma, awarded through Grays Harbor College. To earn the diploma, a student must meet Washington State graduation requirements and complete GHC requirements that help prepare students for college and career pathways. A student can receive credit for prior learning by submitting documentation such as a high school transcript, college transcript, placement test scores, employment history records, specialized training, certificates and more. The coursework needed to earn a HS+ diploma is offered online at a cost of $25 per quarter. Waivers of this fee are available. To learn more or to schedule an orientation appointment to get started call (360) 538-4167 (se habla español). This coursework helps prepare a student for post-secondary education and/or employment.
High School Equivalency (GED®)
Grays Harbor College offers classes designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge needed to pass the four GED® tests - math, social studies, science and reasoning through language arts. Classes are $25 per quarter and a waiver of this fee is available. Classes are offered in a variety of formats, both online and on campus, to meet student needs. Students between the ages of 16 and 18 must provide a written release from the student’s high school granting permission to participate in GHC’s program. Release forms must be obtained from the high school. To learn more or to schedule an orientation appointment to get started call (360) 538-4167 (se habla español). This coursework helps prepare a student for post-secondary education and/or employment. GHC serves as a testing center for the GED®.
I-BEST Programs
Integrated Basic Education & Skills Training (I-BEST) allows students to begin working on a career path while improving reading, writing, and math skills. I-BEST programs include Automotive Technology, Carpentry Technology, Diesel Technology, and Welding Technology. Students who need to complete high school could potentially participate in an IBEST program while they earn a high school diploma or GED®.
Fundamental skills are taught within the context of the career program. IBEST students are supported by two instructors in the classroom at the same time and extra support services are also provided. To learn more about the I-BEST program call (360) 538-4167 (se habla español).
Complete Your High School Education
GHC offers Adult High School Diplomas where students can earn college credit while completing a GHC High School Diploma. This program is for adults 19 years of age or older who did not complete high school. Students will earn a diploma, which meets State of Washington requirements. To learn more, contact Enrollment Services at enrollment@ghc.edu or by calling (360)532-9020.
Students who are 16 years or older who complete an associate degree (AA, AS, AAS, AAS-T, AT) may request a state high school diploma from the college upon written request. Students under this category are eligible for funding provided for K-12 students. These students are not required to complete the State Board of Education’s graduation requirements. For information, contact Enrollment Services at enrollment@ghc.edu or by calling (360) 532-9020.
Students enrolled through Running Start who complete an associate degree (AA, AS, AAS, AAS-T, AT) may be awarded a state high school diploma from the college upon written request by the student. These students are not required to complete the State Board of Education’s graduation requirements. For information, contact Enrollment Services at enrollment@ghc.edu or by calling (360) 532-9020.
High School Programs (Dual Credit)
Grays Harbor College fully participates in the Running Start program initiated by the state legislature in 1990. Running Start gives high school juniors and seniors who demonstrate college-level skills the opportunity to take courses at a community college.
To qualify for Running Start, students must be high school juniors or seniors, under the age of 21, and qualify at college-level in English, reading, and/or math on the placement test or through an approved alternative placement.
Those who qualify may choose to take a combination of high school and college courses, or enroll exclusively in college courses. All college courses (numbered 100 and above) successfully completed may be applied to degrees at GHC. It is possible for high school students who begin Running Start as juniors to graduate from high school with their Associate in Arts degree, ready to transfer to their chosen college or university to complete their bachelor’s degree.
Running Start students are responsible for the cost of books, supplies, transportation, and fees. Fee waivers and book scholarships are available to students who qualify based on family income or free/reduced school lunch. Please contact the Running Start Coordinator for details on the fee waiver and book scholarship. Tuition is covered up to 15 credits per quarter as long as the combined course load between GHC and the high school remains below 1.2 FTE (full-time equivalency). Students with combined high school and college schedules that exceed 1.2 FTE during any college quarter must pay tuition for the additional credits. For more information about Running Start, contact (360) 538-2526 or go to https://www.ghc.edu/academics/runningstart.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit Program
GHC’s CTE Dual Credit Program is a dual credit opportunity for high school students to earn GHC credit for specially-designed courses taken in high school. Currently, participants include Aberdeen School District, Elma School District, Hoquiam School District, South Bend School District, Montesano School District, Ocosta School District, Raymond School District, Twin Harbors Skills Center, Willapa Valley School District, and Wishkah Valley School District. Students taking CTE Dual Credit approved high school courses may be eligible to earn college and high school credits in Business Management, Business Technology, Carpentry, Criminal Justice, Education, Medical Assistant, and Natural Resources. For more information, please contact your high school counselor or contact the Welcome Center at (360) 532-9020.
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