School Details
You can join over 19,000 students in a collaborative culture of inclusion at Portland Community College. With hundreds of online courses leading to certificates and associate degrees, PCC makes your education accessible and effective with such benefits as:
- Flexible scheduling to fit your busy lifestyle
- User-friendly platform to keep you organized and on track
- Academic support—tutoring, advising, and student technology help desk
- Engaging discussion forums to connect with peers
This comprehensive community college, a two-year public institution, promotes sustainability as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion. PCC provides a quality education with flexibility, convenience, and choice as the top priorities to support your success.
Accreditation & Licensing
Portland Community College is accredited by:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
This online AGS gives you flexibility to take classes in areas of your professional or personal interest. When you graduate, you’ll not only have earned your diploma, but you’ll have a solid post-secondary education. PCC offers this degree as an option for students who do not intend to pursue a 4-year degree, so credits may not be transferrable.
PCC’s online AS lets you get a jump on college while working or trying to juggle a hectic schedule. You can skip the commute to campus and complete your coursework from the comfort of your kitchen, office or anywhere else. The curriculum in this degree is intended to complete most, if not all, of your general education credits on your path to a 4-year degree.
Business
The online Accelerated Accounting Certificate program from Portland Community College is designed to put students on the fast-track toward a successful career in accounting. Courses cover topics such as:
- Payroll accounting
- Computer accounting applications
- Microsoft Excel
- Job finding skills
The online Accounting Clerk Certificate program from Portland Community College is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to pursue a career as an accounting clerk. Courses cover topics such as:
- Payroll accounting
- Computer accounting applications
- Business technology
- Business communication
The online AAS in Accounting degree program prepares students for accounting clerk or bookkeeper roles in a wide variety of businesses and organizations, where they will be responsible for maintaining accounting records, analyzing financial records, managing budgets, and more. The curriculum covers topics such as:
- Payroll accounting
- Managerial accounting
- Financial management
- Business law
- Investments
Benefit from a number of learning features, including applicable course instruction taught by experienced faculty. Classes are kept small and internship opportunities provide hands-on applications.
The online business management degree program from Portland Community College is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the business field. The well-rounded curriculum equips students with essential management skills and concepts while exploring areas such as:
- Accounting
- Human resource management
- Business law
- Microsoft Word & Excel
- Economics
Benefit from the fully online flexible learning option. Cooperative education allows you to participate in field experiences, gaining real-world experience.
The online Entry-Level Accounting Clerk Certificate program from Portland Community College is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions across all industries as accounting or bookkeeping clerks. Courses cover the areas of:
- Business
- Accounting
- Business technology
- Computer accounting applications
The online Marketing Certificate program from Portland Community College provides students with a general overview of the marketing field and potential career tracks within it. Courses cover topics such as:
- Accounting
- Social media marketing
- Beginning excel
- Business technology
Computer Science & IT
Portland Community College’s Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems program introduces students to the essential concepts of information systems and information technology. Students gain sought after skills through a specialized curriculum consisting of concepts such as: Java, Linux, Windows, web developing, software design, programming languages, network security, data mining, SQL and e-commerce basics. Graduates may pursue entry-level positions such as Computer Support Specialist, Help Desk Operator, Network Administrator Assistant, Programmer-Analyst, Network Administrator, End User Support Specialist, Application Developer, and Database Administrator Assistant.
The Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration from Portland Community College is an online network administration degree, allowing students to prepare for the future without going to the campus. If you are interested in being responsible for the computer networks of a business or organization, then this field may be for you. You will learn to organize, install, and support computer systems, working with local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, and more. The curriculum also includes a foundation in business. Students will complete such courses as:
- Operating Systems I: Microsoft
- Microcomputer Hardware and Troubleshooting
- Data Communication Concepts I
- Managing a Windows Server Environment
Students can choose the area they want to focus on through the electives and course options. This includes choosing the programming language that interests you and either Linux or Microsoft Windows courses.
The Certificate in C# Application Programming is an online software development degree program from Portland Community College. This curriculum is designed for those with experience in information technology positions and begins at an advanced level. Using object-oriented design techniques, you will learn to design, implement, and test software using C#.NET. Faculty use agile software development methodologies to introduce real-world programming and also teach students about the logic of programming and how to break problems down into algorithmic solutions. Emphasis is placed on developing secure, well-designed software projects and on solving advanced, real-world, business-oriented problems.
Courses in this certificate are:
- Introduction to Programming Logic
- Introduction to Programming Using C#.NET
- Intermediate C#.NET Programming
- Real-World Programming
The Certificate in Computer Information Systems from Portland Community College is an online computer information systems certificate that can be completed in one year. This certificate is of most interest to those who have primary roles in their organizations or who are seeking to take on additional responsibilities involving information systems. With computer information systems playing a vital role in life today, there is always a need for professionals with an understanding of them. Students will complete courses that form a solid foundation in computer information concepts.
Focusing on the development of skills and knowledge rather than specific tools and applications, courses cover both computer networking and information software. You will cover such topics as:
- Software analysis
- Programming and programming languages
- Database modeling
- Windows or Unix operating systems
- Data communication
The Certificate in Database Design & SQL from Portland Community College is an online database administration degree. This curriculum is designed for those with experience in information technology positions and begins at an advanced level. The first part of the program focuses on database design while the second covers the design, development, and implementation of SQL programming for relational database applications. You will be introduced to the design, uses, and terminology of database management systems while you study client-based relational database management systems and the application of these systems to the business environment. Other topics covered include Entity Relationship modeling tools, normalization rules, program/query development, and the creation of forms, databases, queries, and reports.
Courses in this certificate are:
- Database Application Development I
- Data Modeling and SQL Introduction
- Advanced SQL
The Certificate in Java Application Programming is an online software development degree program from Portland Community College. This curriculum is designed for those with experience in information technology positions and begins at an advanced level. Using object-oriented design techniques, you will learn to design, implement, and test software using Java. Students are introduced to design techniques, problem solving, basic logic constructs, testing and debugging programs, modular programming, and secure coding. You will learn to assess structured data from relational databases and other data sources in a degree program that emphasizes the development of secure, well-designed software projects that solve practical real-world problems.
Courses for this online software development certificate may include:
- Introduction to Programming Logic
- Java Programming I
- Java Programming II
- Real-World Programming
The Certificate in Network Administration: Linux Server from Portland Community College is an online network administration degree program that can be completed in less than a year. This curriculum is designed for those with experience in information technology positions and begins at an advanced level. Students are introduced to the Linux network operating system, focusing on the knowledge and skills needed for day-to-day operations using the command line. You will be prepared to perform entry-level Linux administrator tasks by examining task scheduling and management, memory management, input/output processing, internal and external commands, shell configuration, and more. You will become familiar with the basic concepts of data communications and networking including hardware, connectivity, signaling, addressing, communication protocols, network design, security, management, and more.
Courses in this certificate include:
- Data Communication Concepts I
- Linux Installation and Configuration
- Linux Network Administration
- Introduction to UNIX
The Certificate in Network Administration: Microsoft Server from Portland Community College is an online network administration degree for those with experience in information technology. This program prepares students for entry-level systems administrator positions that utilize Microsoft server operating systems, including installation, configuration, and management. The curriculum also covers basic data communications and networking concepts while emphasizing the TCP/IP protocol suite. You will learn to design, install, configure, and administer networks using Microsoft Windows Server products and the Microsoft Active Directory. Plus, students will be prepared to work as IT security professionals, implementing authorization and authentication strategies, using certificates and Encrypting File Systems, enhancing data transmission security, and more.
Courses in this online network administration degree include:
- Operating Systems I: Microsoft
- Data Communication Concepts I
- Managing a Windows Server Environment
- Microsoft Server Security
The Certificate in Web Application Development from Portland Community College is an online web development degree for those interested in building and maintaining websites. Almost every business and organization now have a website for future and current customers or to provide information to visitors and this degree introduces the knowledge and skills needed to enter the field. In less than a year students can complete the following courses to earn this online web design degree:
- JavaScript for Web Developers
- Mobile Application Programming for Android
- PHP Web Development I
The curriculum teaches fundamental programming concepts that are used to build practical, real-world web applications with a range of dynamic features. Plus, students learn to develop mobile applications for the Android Operating System that can be used on Android phones and tablets. In addition to the Android application design, coding, and terminologies, courses also introduce the server-side scripting language PHP and how it is used to develop websites. Students examine JavaScript, jQuery, MySQL database installation, database manipulation, user authentication, e-commerce techniques, and more.
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
The Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity from Portland Community College is an online information security degree. In two years, you can complete courses that will allow you to begin a career protecting information assets, computer systems, and networks from attacks, ensuring the safety of businesses, organizations, and even the government online. This online cybersecurity degree focuses on cyber defense technology while also covering computer technology in general. You will learn to analyze common security vulnerabilities, identify threats, and plan, implement, and monitor cybersecurity mechanisms to protect valuable information and other assets from cyber threats. Using hands-on labs and lectures and web-based courses, knowledgeable faculty will teach students to adapt to new technologies, tools, and methodologies in cybersecurity; lead and communicate effectively in cross functional teams; and apply ethical and moral standards while maintaining information security in cyberspace.
If you decide to enter the workforce after graduation instead of pursuing a higher degree, you will be prepared for such careers as:
- Network Defense Technician
- Cyber Defense Analyst
- Intrusion Analyst
- Incident Responder
- IT Auditor
The Certificate in Cybersecurity Fundamentals is an online information security degree program from Portland Community College. In less than a year, you are able to complete the courses needed to begin a career protecting information assets, computer systems, and networks from attacks, ensuring the safety of business and organizations online. This online cybersecurity degree focuses on cyber defense technologies. Students learn to analyze common security vulnerabilities, identify threats, and to plan, implement, and monitor cybersecurity mechanisms. In addition to studying ways to protect valuable information and other assets from cyber threats, this certificate also covers basic computer concepts, programming, data communication, and Microsoft operating systems. Faculty use hands-on labs and lectures and web-based courses to teach the basic computer knowledge you will need to offer protection in cybersecurity and then provide an introduction to cybersecurity that will allow students to continue learning about the cybersecurity field through additional instruction in the workplace or through an Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity degree.
Healthcare
The online Associate of Applied Science in Gerontology develops the research and societal skills necessary for students working with an aging population, allowing them to assist the elderly in the areas of health care services, financial and legal services, leisure, life-long learning, hospitality, fitness and wellness. Coursework is comprised of topics applicable to students interested in the social, mental, and physical changes in humans as they age, including Aging and Addiction, Ethical Issues, Psychology of Adult Development, Social Gerontology, and Cultural Differences in Death and Dying. The study of gerontology may be applied to a wide variety of careers, including medicine, social work, therapy, sociology, psychology, urban planning, public health, nursing, and economics.
The online Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management program gives students the necessary knowledge and skills to work in a variety of leadership and management positions within the health industry. The curriculum is a combination of information technology and healthcare management courses designed to give students the skills to create, maintain, and manage the complex information systems that gather, store, and transfer Electronic Health Records and Electronic Medical Records. Graduates are knowledgeable in electronic data keeping and leadership with the fundamental skills needed to manage and supplement medical staff in non-patient duties, including the ability to operate healthcare organizations efficiently and ethically.