American Samoa Community College

9.  Educational Programs:
The institution’s principal degree programs are congruent with its mission, are based on recognized higher education field(s) of study, are of sufficient content and length, are conducted at levels of quality and rigor appropriate to the degrees offered, and culminate in identified student outcomes. (Standard II.A.1 and II.A.6)

The ASCC’s Mission ensures the community and its students the offering of high quality educational programs and services.1 Program offerings provide opportunities for students to achieve their educational goals through transfer to institutions of higher learning, successful entry into the workforce, research and extension in human and natural resources, and awareness of Samoa and the Pacific. 2

All ASCC educational programs are aligned to the mission of the College through its offering of certificates, associate degrees, and a Bachelor in Elementary Education degree. Associate of Arts degrees are designed to prepare students to transfer to institutions of higher learning.  Associate of Science degrees and Certificates of Completion and Certificates of Proficiency prepare students to enter into the workforce. ASCC offers eight Associate of Arts Degrees, 18 Associate of Science degrees, one Bachelor in Elementary Education Degree, 22 certificates of proficiency, and six certificates of completion.3

The time period to pursue an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree with a minimum of 60 credits at ASCC takes at least a year and a half including summer(s).  Based on degree completion rates, the majority of ASCC programs require 2.5 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, which is consistent with established expectations in higher education. A student may also complete a certificate with a minimum of 30 credits in two or more semesters.

The time period for a student to pursue a B.Ed. degree after completion of 300 level general education and elementary education program requirements is estimated at two or more years.

The ASCC ensures that upon graduating from the College, all students should acquire the skills and demonstrate proficiencies in Institutional Learning Outcome (ILO) competencies that follows:

  • Effective Communicators:
    • ASCC graduates communicate respectfully, listen attentively, seek clarification, and value the opinions of others. Graduates effectively present information using a variety of modes and media. They adapt their method of presentation to suit specific audiences and covey their intended message using a variety of oral, written, and visual strategies.
  • Critical Thinkers:
    • ASCC graduates engage in the examination of ideas, issues, and problems, drawing on established bodies of knowledge and means of analysis. Graduates organize information logically and consider alternative strategies. They recognize the need for multiple voices and seek opportunities for those voices to be heard.
  • Global Citizens:
    • ASCC graduates are prepared to participate in regional and global communities. They demonstrate knowledge of their region and the world.
  • Quantitative Competent Individuals:
    • ASCC graduates organize, and critically examine written, oral, visual, and numerical information. Graduates efficiently use technology as a tool to gather and evaluate information from a variety of perspectives. Graduates use the information ethically, respecting the legal restrictions that exist when using published, confidential, or proprietary information.
  • Responsible Leaders:
    • ASCC graduates act with integrity and take ethical and equitable responsibility for their actions. Graduates engage in professional dialogue and participate in learning communities.4

Types of certificates and degrees offered include:5

Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education

Associate of Arts

  • Liberal Arts

Associate of Arts with an Emphasis in

  • Elementary Education
  • Human Services
  • Liberal Arts
  • Music
  • Political Science
  • Pre-Law
  • Samoan Studies
  • Visual Arts

Associate of Science

  • Accounting
  • Agribusiness
  • Architectural Drafting Technology
  • Auto Body Repair
  • Automotive Technology
  • Business Management
  • Carpentry
  • Civil Engineering Technology
  • Criminal Justice
  • Electronics
  • Electrical Technology Program
  • Family and Consumer Science
  • General Agriculture
  • Health Science
  • Marine Science
  • Natural Resources
  • Nursing
  • Welding

Certificate of Proficiency

  • Accounting
  • Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
  • Architectural Drafting
  • Auto Body & Repair
  • Advanced Automotive Technology
  • Basic Automotive Technology
  • Business Management
  • Carpentry
  • Civil Engineering Technology
  • Diesel Engines
  • Electrical Technology
  • Electronics - Consumer
  • Electronics – Communication Systems
  • Electronics – Computer Systems
  • Elementary Education
  • Guidance and Counseling
  • Information and Communications Technology- Electronic Office Option
  • Marine Option Program
  • Network & Computing
  • Practical Nursing
  • Public Health
  • Welding

Certificate of Completion

  • Auto Body Repair
  • Fundamentals of Automotive
  • Carpentry Fundamentals
  • Basic Electrical Theory
  • Welding Fundamentals
  • Nurses Aid