📍 Oregon City, Oregon, USA · Est. 1966
Clackamas Community College (CCC) is a public community college located in Oregon City, Oregon, United States. Established in 1966, CCC serves Clackamas County and surrounding areas, providing accessible higher education and workforce development. The college operates its main campus in Oregon City, with satellite campuses in Wilsonville and Milwaukie, extending its reach across the county. CCC offers a comprehensive range of academic programs designed to meet diverse educational and career goals. These programs are broadly categorized into transfer degrees, career and technical education (CTE) certificates and degrees, and foundational skills development. Students pursuing transfer degrees can complete the first two years of a bachelor's degree at CCC and then transfer to a four-year university. The college offers Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT), Associate of Science Oregon Transfer (ASOT), and Associate of General Studies (AGS) degrees, which are structured to articulate seamlessly with public universities in Oregon and many private institutions. Common areas of study for transfer students include liberal arts, business, science, engineering, and social sciences. The career and technical education programs at CCC are a significant component of its offerings, designed to prepare students directly for employment in high-demand fields. These programs often lead to Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees or various certificates. Key departments and programs within CTE include: * **Manufacturing and Industrial Technology:** This department offers programs in automotive technology, welding, machine tool technology, manufacturing technology, and industrial maintenance technology. These programs provide hands-on training using industry-standard equipment, preparing graduates for roles in manufacturing, repair, and skilled trades. * **Health Sciences:** CCC provides training for numerous healthcare professions. Programs include nursing (Registered Nurse), practical nursing (LPN), medical assistant, dental assistant, emergency medical services (EMS), and phlebotomy. These programs often involve clinical rotations and prepare students for licensure and certification exams. * **Business and Management:** The college offers degrees and certificates in accounting, business administration, marketing, management, and office administration. These programs equip students with skills relevant to various business functions, from small business operations to corporate environments. * **Computer Science and Information Technology:** Programs in this area cover computer information systems, network technology, cybersecurity, and web development. Students learn coding, network administration, data management, and security protocols, preparing them for roles in the rapidly evolving tech sector. * **Horticulture and Environmental Science:** Reflecting the region's agricultural heritage, CCC has strong programs in environmental science, landscape design, horticulture, and sustainable agriculture. The college maintains demonstration gardens, greenhouses, and agricultural facilities for practical learning. * **Public Service:** This includes programs in criminal justice, fire science, and early childhood education. These programs prepare individuals for careers in law enforcement, fire and rescue services, and educational settings for young children. In addition to these specialized programs, CCC offers a wide array of general education courses that fulfill requirements for both transfer degrees and CTE programs. These courses span disciplines such as English composition, literature, mathematics (algebra, calculus, statistics), biology, chemistry, physics, history, psychology, sociology, political science, economics, art, music, and foreign languages. The college also provides developmental education courses in reading, writing, and mathematics to help students build foundational skills necessary for college-level work. Clackamas Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This accreditation ensures that the college meets rigorous standards for educational quality and institutional effectiveness, and it is crucial for the transferability of credits and the eligibility of students for federal financial aid. Many of its specialized programs also hold programmatic accreditations from relevant professional organizations, such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) for its nursing programs. The main campus in Oregon City spans approximately 165 acres, providing a substantial learning environment that includes academic buildings, specialized labs for science and technology, workshops for trades, a library, student services centers, and athletic facilities. The campus also features open spaces, natural areas, and agricultural plots for its horticulture and environmental science programs. The smaller satellite campuses in Wilsonville and Milwaukie focus on specific program areas and provide convenient access for students in those parts of the county. For instance, the Harmony Campus in Milwaukie often houses health sciences and workforce training programs, while the Wilsonville campus may offer specific business or technology-focused courses. Clackamas Community College serves a diverse student body, including recent high school graduates, adult learners seeking career changes or skill upgrades, and individuals pursuing lifelong learning. The college emphasizes student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, tutoring, disability services, and financial aid assistance, to help students succeed in their educational journeys. It also offers a variety of student clubs, organizations, and athletic programs, fostering a comprehensive college experience. The college is deeply integrated into the local community, collaborating with local businesses, industries, and K-12 school districts to align its programs with regional workforce needs and to create pathways for students from high school to college and into employment. This focus on community engagement and workforce development is a defining characteristic of Clackamas Community College, positioning it as a vital resource for economic development and individual advancement in Clackamas County.
