Exploring Programs at Carteret Community College

Carteret Community College (Carteret CC), located on Bogue Sound in Morehead City, was founded in 1963. It serves Carteret County by providing higher education and technical training. The college’s mission is to serve and empower its students and the coastal community by providing high-quality education, workforce training, and lifelong enrichment in an innovative and inclusive learning environment. With more than 90 associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates available, Carteret CC provides flexible, accelerated learning opportunities and real-world experiences to help students complete their education on time and graduate workforce-ready.

Online Learning

Carteret CC offers flexible online community college classes through Online Learning. These affordable college programs are designed to be online, allowing students to earn their degree or complete courses anytime, anywhere. Online offerings enable students with families, jobs, and other responsibilities to pursue college credits and degrees, continuing education credits, and other lifelong learning opportunities. Carteret Community College’s Course Schedule offers flexible classes that work around your schedule with Internet (Asynchronous) classes that you can take anytime, anywhere and Hybrid classes where 51% or more of your learning and testing will be online.

Carteret CC Online Learning students have access to all the tools and student support that are offered to on-campus students, plus a ton of virtual resources to help you succeed. Carteret CC online classes are an affordable way to earn your degree, with many online credits transferable to NC 4-year universities, potentially saving thousands on tuition.

Areas of Study

Carteret Community College offers over 50 programs of study where students can earn an associate's degree, take transfer courses for a university, or train for workforce entry. Programs unique to Carteret CC include Aquaculture, Boat Manufacturing, Marine Propulsion, and Photography. The college also offers short-term, non-degree programs in healthcare, culinary arts, public safety, transportation, marine and skilled trades, and many more.

Adult High School (AHS) Program

Carteret CC’s Adult High School (AHS) program is tuition-free and consists of core courses required by the public school system along with electives offered by the community college. Graduates receive an Adult High School Diploma issued by Carteret Community College and the Carteret County Board of Education.

Associate Degrees

Carteret CC offers several associate degrees designed for different academic and career paths:

Associate in Arts (AA): This degree requires 60 credit hours and is the broadest degree Carteret CC offers, giving students the opportunity to take a wide variety of required transferable courses appropriate to all fields. It’s ideal for students who are undecided on a future major. Every credit a student earns at Carteret CC in the Associate in Arts program will count toward their degree at any one of the 16 institutions in the UNC System.
Associate in Engineering (AE): The Associate in Engineering (AE) degree shall be granted for a planned program of study consisting of a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit (SHC) of courses.
Associate in Fine Arts- Visual Arts (AFA): Every credit a student earns at Carteret CC in the Associate of Fine Arts- Visual Arts program will count toward their degree at any one of the 16 institutions in the UNC System, and Carteret CC has special articulation agreements with universities across the state and beyond for students who want to pursue a fine arts education at the university level.
Associate in Science (AS): This degree requires 60 credit hours and allows students to take the first two years of their baccalaureate degree at Carteret CC and enables them to transfer to one of the 16 institutions in the University of North Carolina System with junior status.

Specialized Programs

Carteret Community College has a variety of specialized programs designed to prepare students for specific careers:

Aquaculture: This program equips students with hands-on experience in every stage of aquaculture, including hatchery, growout, harvesting, processing, and marketing. It prepares students for immediate employment or seamless transfer to a four-year institution.
Automotive Systems Technology: This program offers short-term certificates and degree pathways in light-duty diesel and basic automotive systems.
Baking and Pastry Arts: This curriculum provides students with the skills and knowledge required for employment in the baking/pastry industry, including restaurants, hotels, independent bakeries/pastry shops, wholesale/retail markets, high-volume bakeries, and/or further academic studies. Course work includes specialty/artisanal bread, desserts/pastries, decorative work, high-volume production, and food marketing. Graduates should qualify for entry-level positions, such as pastry/bakery assistant, area pastry chef, and assistant pastry chef.
Barber Academy: This program is designed to train and prepare students for a career as barbers. Students will learn the information needed to pass the state licensure exams and the most contemporary techniques to ensure their success in school and employment. This program utilizes State-commission-mandated topics and methods of instruction.
Boat Manufacture and Service Technology: This program prepares students for employment in the manufacture and service of boats.
Business Administration: The Business Administration program has classes available 100% online to fit your busy schedule. The Business Administration curriculum is designed to introduce students to the various aspects of the free enterprise system.
Cosmetology: The Cosmetology curriculum is designed to provide competency-based knowledge, scientific/artistic principles, and hands-on fundamentals associated with the cosmetology industry.
Criminal Justice Technology: The Criminal Justice Technology curriculum is designed to provide knowledge of criminal justice systems and operations. Studies will focus on local, state, and federal law enforcement, judicial processes, corrections, and security services. Emphasis is on criminal justice systems, criminology, juvenile justice, criminal and constitutional law, investigative principles, ethics, and community relations.
Emergency Medical Science: The nationally accredited Emergency Medical Science program at Carteret CC provides the educational foundation necessary to begin a successful career in the field of emergency medical services.
Esthetics Technology: The Esthetics Technology curriculum provides competency-based knowledge, scientific/artistic principles and hands-on fundamentals associated with the art of skin care.
Human Services Technology: The Human Services Technology curriculum prepares students for entry-level positions in institutions and agencies which provide social, community, and educational services.
Information Technology: The Information Technology program offers degrees and pathways in IT Business Support, Information Systems, Software and Web Development, A+ Prep, Cybersecurity, and Digital Media.
Marine Propulsion System: The Marine Propulsion System is designed to train marine technicians to service the outboard marine industry. The in-depth curriculum program is consisting of classroom instruction, laboratory exercise, and live projects to hone troubleshooting skills.
Medical Assisting: Carteret Community College’s Medical Assisting program prepares you with the administrative, clinical, and lab skills needed to support quality patient care.
Paralegal Technology: The Paralegal Technology curriculum prepares individuals to perform routine legal tasks and assist with substantive legal work under the supervision of attorneys. Although paralegals may not practice law, give legal advice, or represent clients in a court of law, they provide important legal research, writing, and office management skills to their employers.
Photography: Carteret Community College proudly offers the only community college photography program east of Raleigh, providing students with a unique opportunity to develop their skills in a dynamic and supportive learning environment.
Real Estate: Launch or advance your real estate career with Carteret Community College’s comprehensive real estate courses, approved by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.
Respiratory Therapy: The Respiratory Therapy curriculum prepares individuals to function as respiratory therapists through demonstrated competence in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains of respiratory care practice.
Social & Human Services: Make a real difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. This program blends interdisciplinary coursework, hands-on clinical experience, and professional skill development so students learn how to support clients across the lifespan.
Surgical Technology: This program provides a comprehensive study of operative care, patient care concepts, and professional practice concepts within the profession of surgical technology.
Teacher Preparation: Seeking a four-year degree in education? Carteret CC offers an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science degree in teacher preparation.
Welding Technology: Turn sparks into a career! At Carteret CC, the Welding Technology program offers short-term certificates and degree pathways that prepare students for in-demand jobs in welding, fabrication, and metalworking.

Workforce Continuing Education

Carteret CC’s Workforce Continuing Education department offers a wide range of highly interactive courses that you can take entirely online through ed2go. All courses include expert instructors, many of whom are nationally known authors.

Boost your skills, explore new careers, or stay current in your field with Carteret CC’s Workforce Continuing Education. These flexible, non-credit courses-offered online or in-person-range from a few hours to several hundred hours and cover everything from technical training to professional development and personal enrichment.

Carteret CC’s Ed2Go course catalog offers a wide range of highly interactive courses that you can take entirely online. All of our courses include expert instructors, many of whom are nationally known authors. Our online courses are affordable, fun, fast, convenient, and geared just for you.

Read also: CCC Bookstore Information

Other Programs

English as a Second Language (ESL): Carteret CC’s English as a Second Language (ESL) is a FREE program is designed for adults whose native language is not English. Classes focus on English reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
High School Equivalency (HSE): Carteret CC’s High School Equivalency (HSE) program is tuition-free and lets you learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.
Life Enrichment Classes: Life Enrichment classes offer engaging and affordable opportunities for lifelong learners of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. From dance and arts and crafts to cooking, photography, pottery, sewing, waterfowl carving, and more, these fun and educational courses are designed to inspire creativity and expand your horizons.
Manicuring/Nail Technology: The Manicuring/Nail Technology continuing education program provides competency-based knowledge, scientific/artistic principles, and hands-on fundamentals associated with the nail technology industry.
Massage Therapy: This course introduces concepts basic to the massage therapist’s role in various clinical settings.
Notary Training: At Carteret Community College, we offer a full suite of notary training courses to meet your needs - whether you prefer in-person instruction or an online format, whether you want to perform traditional notarizations or enter the growing field of electronic notarization and signing services.

Additional Opportunities

Career & College Promise (CCP): Career & College Promise (CCP) offers high school students the opportunity to take tuition-free college courses that count toward both high school and college graduation requirements. In about two years or less, students can complete college credits, certificates, or other credentials-giving them a valuable head start on their education and career goals.
In-Service Training: Carteret Community College not only prepares the next generation of first responders, but also provides specialized in-service training designed for active fire, law enforcement, and EMS professionals.

Admission and Financial Aid

To begin your journey at Carteret CC, you must be a high school graduate or equivalent and provide an official transcript. Send official transcripts from high school, GED and all colleges attended to the college Registrar.

Take the first step in your Carteret CC journey by filling out an application. You’re almost there! Now, we just need your official transcript(s). Students must complete Steps 1-3 above, as well as meet all of the program's minimum admissions requirements before submitting the Selective Health Sciences Application.

Most students and families are eligible for some type of financial aid - from grants, scholarships, loans, or work-study. Helpful hints - Remember to use college code 008081 when submitting your FAFSA.

If you live in North Carolina, you can save money on in-state college admission expenses.

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