Alaska's remote community college offering career-focused degrees in stunning Prince William Sound.
PWSC offers associate degrees in general studies, industrial technology, nursing, and outdoor leadership, along with occupational endorsement certificates in high-demand fields like millwright, oil spill response, safety management, and marine services. The college emphasizes small class sizes and one-on-one faculty relationships. Distinctive programs include the AAS in outdoor leadership with concentrations in adventure filmmaking, adventure tourism, and expedition specialization, leveraging Valdez's world-renowned backcountry skiing, fishing, and sea kayaking opportunities.
The main campus at 303 Lowe Street features classrooms, a health and fitness center, computer labs, and the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum. Three residence halls (Copper Basin, Cordova, and Valdez) house up to 44 students in apartment-style units with laundry facilities and lounges. The Health & Fitness Center offers cardio equipment, free weights, boxing facilities, and group fitness classes. The iconic 25-foot Whispering Giant wooden carving by Peter Wolf Toth stands at the residence complex. Student clubs include Phi Theta Kappa and the Archery Club.
PWSC hosts the annual Last Frontier Theatre Conference, a two-week event since 1993 featuring playwriting labs, workshops, panel discussions, and theatrical performances. The college partners with the Prince William Sound Science Center (established 1989) for ecosystem research and education, and with the Sound Wellness Alliance Network (SWAN) to promote community health and outdoor recreation, including a Ski For Free equipment loan program.
The college accepts first-year and transfer students. International students are welcome. Admissions assistance is available for application requirements, Alaska residency verification, and Advanced Placement credit. The college offers dual enrollment with Valdez High School and serves as a 'Middle College' for rural Alaska students.