Academics

Degree Programs

Matanuska-Susitna College offers Associate of Arts (AA), Applied Science (AAS) degree programs, Certificates and Occupational Endorsement Certificates. Read further for descriptions and requirements pertaining to the AA and AAS program offerings.

associate degrees

Associate of Arts (General Program)

Associate of Arts (AA) degrees combine broad studies in the general education areas of written communication, oral communication, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences, with elective coursework selected by the student. The degree provides broad exposure to systems of thought and inquiry, allows exploration of a variety of disciplines and learning experiences, and provides a solid foundation for further study at the baccalaureate level.

associate of applied science degrees

Associate of Applied Science degrees provide applied or specialized studies that are used to satisfy a student’s specific educational needs. Many AAS programs prepare students for work in a particular field of employment. Some AAS degrees are designed to provide a foundation for a specific related baccalaureate degree. Students in these degree programs build knowledge and skills needed to carry out specific tasks while they develop abilities in the essential elements of communications, computation, and human relations.

These degrees provides both a broad exposure to general education as well as a specific focus on an area of study:

Accounting

Matanuska-Susitna College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting. The program is designed to prepare a student for a career in business, government, or other types of organizations. An AAS graduate will be qualified for vocationally oriented accounting positions. The program also lays the groundwork for the student who wishes to pursue a BBA in Accounting. MSC is committed to enhancing the lifelong learning opportunities for responsible citizenship and personal satisfaction where accounting and business dimensions are critical ingredients.

Architectural & Engineering Technology

The Architectural and Engineering Technology (AET) program provides
entry-level skills, continuing education, and advanced technical skills in
several specialized fields, including computer aided design and drafting
(CADD), 3-D modeling, and rendering. The AET program offers four
Undergraduate Certificates in the specialized areas of Architectural
Drafting, Civil Drafting, Mechanical & Electrical Drafting, and Structural
Drafting, and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Architectural
and Engineering Technology which encompasses all of these fields.

Computer Information & Office Systems

Administrative professionals are at the information center of every office and their titles reflect the shifting role they play and the increased responsibilities they have assumed. A few of these titles include administrative assistant, executive assistant, technical assistant, receptionist or information clerk, payroll assistant, information/database specialist, help-desk technician, and desktop or website publishing specialist.

Computer Systems Technology

An Associate of Applied Science in Computer Systems Technology provides skills and education for qualified workers in the field of Network and Systems Administration. The degree is designed to teach students both the business and IT-related concepts needed to enter the workforce as a Systems Administrator and Technician. Four full-time semesters are required to complete the degree program. An AAS in CST can be earned by completing a series of specific technical, business, and general education courses.

Fire & Emergency Service Technology

The Fire and Emergency Services Technology program provides entry-level knowledge and skills for students planning a career in emergency services as well as knowledge and skill for the career firefighter.

Note: Admission to the Fire & Emergency Services Technology program is limited and coordinated through the Mat-Su Borough Department of Emergency Service. Check with an academic counselor for information before applying.

Human Services

The Human Services program leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree and prepares a student to work effectively in any paraprofessional counseling and human service practice. The MSC Associate of Applied Science in Human Services is articulated with the UAA Baccalaureate Degree in Human Services in two plus two sequence. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, the degree objective is to provide a student with a conceptual and skill foundation suitable for successful Human Service practice in both urban and rural settings. Human Service practice requires multicultural understanding and respect of clients through a collaborative relationship founded upon a developmental model. Specific skill courses combined with practica are strengthened through conceptual course work in Human Services, Social Work, Sociology, and Psychology. The program also offers specialized areas in substance abuse, disabilities, or family and youth. These are coordinated with practicum placements to give a student first-hand experience in his/her desired specialty.

Refrigeration & Heating Technology

The Refrigeration and Heating Technology program is offered only through Matanuska-Susitna College.

Four Occupational Endorsement Certificates, one Undergraduate Certificate, and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Refrigeration and Heating are available. Satisfactory completion of the four specialty certificates will qualify a student for the Undergraduate Certificate in Refrigeration and Heating Technology. The A.A.S. degree may be earned by obtaining the Undergraduate Certificate in Refrigeration and Heating Technology and successfully completing the General Course Requirements for an Associate degree. A student satisfactorily completing the requirements for a certificate or the degree will possess a background in heating, air-conditioning, applied physics, mathematics, electricity, and the technical skills required to diagnose and repair modern commercial and residential heating, refrigeration, air-conditioning, and ventilation systems.

All students enrolling in the R&H program must take a standardized placement test in reading, writing, and mathematics. The faculty place heavy emphasis on student preparation for job entry-level skills.

Professional tests related to the industry are administered as part of this program. If possible, additional training may take place on the job to provide a student with work related experience. Students must successfully pass all of the classes listed in the Core Requirements module before attempting any of the specialty certificate courses.

Small Business Administration

Matanuska-Susitna College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Small Business Administration. This is a professional program designed to meet the challenges of a dynamic and changing business environment.

Telecommunications, Electronics & Computer Technology

The Telecommunications, Electronics and Computer Technology (TECT) program provides entry-level skills and career education to meet the demand for well-trained technicians in the computer electronics, telecommunications and electronics industries. The TECT program offers an Occupational Endorsement Certificate in CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and two undergraduate certificates in the specialized areas of Telecommunications and Electronics Systems (TES), and Computer and Networking Technology (CNT). Both certificates require more than 2 semesters to complete. An Associate of Applied Science degree in Telecommunications, Electronics and Computer Technology can be earned by completing additional required technical and general education courses.

Both the Anchorage campus and the Mat-Su campus offer the TECT A.A.S. degree and are collaborative sites for the Fairbanks-based, statewide Information Technology Specialist (ITS), which offers a certificate and an associate degree. The Anchorage campus offers the full program with the CNT and TES certificates and degree tracks, and the Matanuska-Susitna College offers the CNT certificate and degree track. Students should consult an academic counselor for assistance with curriculum planning toward certifications such as A+, Net+, CCNA, and other industry-recognized standards.

Note: Admission to the AAS in TECT and the Certificate in CNT is currently suspended at Mat-Su College. Contact a counselor in Student Services for further information.