Learn As You Earn

Frequently Asked Questions
About the "Learn As You Earn" Degree Program

• Is this the right college program for me?
• How does distance learning work? What is a typical course like?
• How many courses do I have to take and how long will it take me to earn a certificate or a degree?
• Can I get credit for courses taken at other colleges?
• What does it cost?
• Will I have to follow a semester schedule?
• Will I have to travel to UAA or PWSCC to take any of the required courses?
• How does the field practica work?
• How do I get advising about what courses I should take, which specialty courses are best for me, etc.?
• Can I change a course from non-credit to credit status if I decide to pursue a degree or certificate after I have taken a course?
• How do I apply?

Is this the right college program for me?

Both the Certificate and Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Disability Services are for staff and family members who are currently providing, or are interested in learning how to provide, community-based support for people with disabilities. They are designed specifically to increase the knowledge and skills of people who are, or who may become, respite providers, supported employment staff, self-advocates, residential support personnel, family members, school staff, foster family, community service providers, and friends. Students select an emphasis area from: Educational Support, Community Support, or Speech-language Support.

Both programs are distance delivered (see below for a description of distance learning) and, therefore, are perfect for the student who is unable to take courses or find the appropriate program on a University of Alaska campus. Distance delivered programs are of particular interest to people who have been searching for a way to earn a college degree while they continue to work or be active family members. This program enables you to take courses for college credit from your home community – to "Learn As You Earn".

But before you decide to apply, realize that there are distinct advantages, as well as some potential drawbacks, to distance learning. First and foremost, you will be able to begin working on a college degree while you continue meeting professional and family obligations in your home community. But that also means that you will not be on a campus with the support of other students and faculty; so you will need to have self-discipline, commitment, and be able to manage your own time. Secondly, if you continue to work or devote energy to family support, then it will probably take you longer to complete a program than if you were a full-time, on-campus student.

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How does distance learning work? What is a typical course like?

In general, each course runs for 10 to 12 weeks. You will receive instructional materials in the mail. Depending on the course, these materials might include videotapes, workbooks, study guides, selected readings from books, journals, etc. and/ or a textbook. You will have homework assignments based on these instructional materials. Once a week, you will telephone in to a scheduled audio conference with an Instructor and students from around the state who are taking the same course as you. These required audio conferences will allow you to discuss relevant issues and exchange ideas with other students statewide. After the audio conference, you will mail or FAX any homework activities to your Instructor, who will grade them and send them back to you. Your final course grade will depend on your active participation in the audio conferences, the grades on your homework activities, and additional projects assigned in each course.

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How many courses do I have to take and how long will it take me to earn a certificate or a degree?

The UA Certificate Program consists of 30 credit hours. The A.A.S. Degree Program consists of 62 credit hours, which involves some general education requirements in addition to the specialty track courses and field practicum requirements. The amount of time required to complete either the Certificate or Degree Program will depend on how much time you can devote to your studies. Students who are learning as they earn can often complete 15 or more credit hours per year. Many students have credit from other colleges which can transfer into this program.

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Can I get credit for courses taken at other colleges?

Yes! PWSCC will determine which courses they will accept in transfer, and which of those apply to a specific certificate or degree.

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What does it cost?

Currently, each credit taken at PWSCC costs $94 tuition.  For example, a three credit hour course would be 3 X $94 = $282 tuition. There are additional fees for textbooks/materials, and long distance audioconferences. The textbook/materials’ fee is usually approximately $90. The long distance fee is $100. Because this is a distance delivered program, PWSCC has waived some of the other fees paid by “on campus” students.

Some of these costs can be covered by student aide available from Prince William Sound Community College.  In addition, the Center for Human Development administers two scholarship programs.  The Frontline Scholarship, funded by the U.S. Dept. of Labor, covers 50% of the tuition for all disability support courses.  The Project Success II Scholarship, funded by the U.S. Dept. of Education, is for Alaska Natives or those who work with Alaska Native children in educational settings.  It cover 50% of the courses required for your degree and long distance fees.

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Will I have to follow a semester schedule?

All of the specialty track courses will meet once a week for an 10-12 week period. Courses are offered in three terms, starting in September, January, and March.

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Will I have to travel to UAA or PWSCC to take any of the required courses?

No. All of the courses required to earn the Certificate or A.A.S. Degree will be available in a distance format. Of course, you may take general education or other courses at a local campus, if that is more convenient. We will have advisors available for you to call or e-mail if you have questions regarding your progress or academic standing.

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How does the field practica work?

The Certificate program includes 4 credit hours and the A.A.S. Degree program includes 8 credit hours of required Human Services Practicum. With prior approval, these requirements may be met at an agency in your home community which supports people with disabilities. On-site supervision will be provided by professionals under the guidance of faculty from Prince William Sound Community College and the Center for Human Development.

The Human Services Practicum is based on the skills detailed in Skill Standards for Direct Service Workers in the Human Services. You will have specific goals and objectives which will be met by agency-based activities, with supervision and evaluation by your on-site Supervisor.

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How do I get advising about what courses I should take, which specialty courses are best for me, etc.?

Advising will be available by phone, e-mail, U.S. mail, or FAX from advisors at the Center for Human Development and at Prince William Sound Community College. The first place you should contact with your questions, concerns, or just to chat about your plans should be the Center for Human Development. Our phone number is (907) 272-8270, please ask for Dr. Margy Kassier or Rebekah Moras. You may also contact Janis Johnson for academic advising at Prince William Sound Community College, (800) 478-8800.

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Can I change a course from non-credit to credit status if I decide to pursue a degree or certificate after I have taken a course?

No. Because the academic requirements and fees are different for credit and non-credit students. You must enroll for credit at registration if you want to apply the course to a degree or certificate program.

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How do I apply?

Your first step is to contact us at the address below and request our information packet. Included in the packet are all of the forms, and instructions for filling them out, that you need in order to:

• Register for a course(s)
• Enroll in the UA Certificate or A.A.S. Degree Program in Disability Services
• Apply for a tuition scholarship.

Remember, we are very willing to answer questions, help you decide which program is right for you, guide you in course selection, and just chat about educational opportunities. Just contact Dr. Margy Kassier at: