Areas of Study

Choosing a career is a huge decision, but you don't need to make it alone. Centralia College has grouped its programs into Areas of Study that allow you to explore and make the right decisions for yourself.

The Areas of Study are designed to be simple. Courses are grouped together to form clear paths to a career in your chosen field. We offer targeted advising to help you choose a path, stay on the path, learn what you need to know, and graduate. 

Exploring your career options will help you decide what you want, considering such things as lifestyle and the type of work you want to do, so that you can make informed decisions about your future and get the most out of your education at Centralia College.

Areas of Study Sample Careers

Arts, Humanities, & Communication

Thinking critically, working creatively, expressing your vision and views - the Arts, Humanities, and Communication pathway will help you develop information literacy, cultural awareness, and the capacity to adapt to careers as technologies change them. 
 

Programs in this Area of Study

  • Communication Studies
  • Drama
  • English & Creative Writing
  • Fine Arts & Design
  • Humanities
  • Media Studies
  • Music
  • Modern Language
    • American Sign Language, Chinese, French, Spanish
  • Screenwriter
  • Interpreter/Translator
  • Graphic Designer
  • Music Therapist

Business

The Business Area of Study will help you learn methods of maintaining a competitive edge in business through theory and practical learning. You'll have the opportunity to earn certificates and degrees that will lead to your workplace of choice or guide you through the first two years of a bachelor’s degree.
 

Programs in this Area of Study

  • Accounting
  • Office Administration
  • Business Administration & Management
  • Medical Office Assistant
  • Retail Management
  • Accountant
  • Medical Office Assistant
  • Small Business Owner
  • Sales Manager

Education

Ignite young minds and pursue a fulfilling career in teaching through the Education Area of Study. This pathway prepares you to teach in early childhood, elementary, and secondary school settings. Choose from options depending on the age group and subjects you wish to teach.
 

Programs in this Area of Study

  • Early Childhood Education
  • K-12 Education
  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Preschool Teacher

Exploratory

The Exploratory Area of Study serves students who are either undecided with their choice of major or career goal. This Area of Study will assist you with your consideration and ultimate declaration of a major and degree or certificate based on your interests, goals, and academic skills. You will work closely with faculty and staff to explore potential majors and careers in your first two quarters on campus.
 

Healthcare

The Healthcare Area of Study holds many opportunities for students with a wide set of interests and backgrounds, but with the common thread of providing excellent service to patients and making a difference in other people's lives.
 

Programs in this Area of Study

  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • Nursing
  • Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Medical Assistant
  • Phlebotomy
  • Pre-Health
    • PE/Exercise Science
    • Pre-Chiropractic
    • Pre-Dental Hygiene
    • Pre-Dentistry
    • Pre-Medicine
    • Pre-Pharmacy
    • Pre-Physical Therapy
    • Pre-Veterinary
  • EMT
  • Registered Nurse
  • Medical Assistant
  • Dentist

Science, Engineering, & Math

Join students with a passion for exploration, research, and innovation. Study genes in a lab, manage electrical systems, analyze water quality, design engines, roads or bridges, or explore volcanoes. Courses in this Area of Study will be relevant to your interests, goals, and desired degree to help you graduate and change the world.
 

Programs in this Area of Study

  • Engineering
  • Life & Environmental Sciences
    • Biology and Natural Resources
  • Mathematics
  • Physical & Earth Sciences
    • Chemistry, Geology, Physics
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Chemist

Social Science & Human Services

Explore how people think, feel and interact — individually and within and across society (how we got to where we are) — in the Social Science & Human Services area of study. Choose from an array of people-focused careers, including public service, economics, counseling, social welfare, history, research, law enforcement, politics, government and homeland security.
 

Programs in this Area of Study

  • Criminal Justice
  • Substance Use Disorder Professional
  • Social Sciences
    • Anthropology, History, Psychology, Sociology
  • Counselor
  • Law Enforcement Officer
  • Substance Use Disorder Professional

Technology, Trades, & Manufacturing

Work with leading-edge technology, tools and equipment to solve problems and get creative across several growing trades. Diesel technician, application developer, or welder—set a target on your career via the Technology, Trades, & Manufacturing area of study to advance your industry value and reach your career goals quickly.
 

Programs in this Area of Study

  • Commercial Driver License (CDL)
  • Diesel Technology
  • Information Technology
  • Welding
  • Electronics, Robotics, and Automation
  • Welder
  • ERA Tech
  • Heavy Equipment Mechanic
  • Millwright