Academics at PJC

Paris Junior College goal is to help students finish certificates or degrees with fewer excess hours and better preparation for employment or transfer to a four-year institution of higher education.

The Degree Plans are based on coherent and easy-to-follow college-level programs of study that are aligned with requirements for success in employment and/or the next stage of education. Students first choose one of seven pathways that represent their interests:

➤ View all PJC Degrees & Programs

Step 2:  Students choose a program within the pathway aligning with their goals, interest, and aptitudes.

Each program is represented on a Degree Plan, specifying which courses the student should take and in what order. PJC’s Degree Plans are designed to help students stay on track regarding their coursework and to master knowledge and skills that will equip them to enter the labor market successfully or to pursue further education with seamless transfer of credits.

The Academic Calendar provides important dates for registration, payment deadlines, class start and end dates, holidays, withdrawal deadlines, graduation, and other key milestones. Students are responsible for knowing and adhering to these dates.

➤ View the Academic Calendar

Transfer or Workforce Programs

When you enroll at PJC, one of the first big decisions you’ll make is whether you’re pursuing a Workforce program or a Transfer degree. The right choice depends on what you want to do after you finish at PJC. 

  • Workforce programs offer:
    • Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees
    • Certificates (Level 1 or Level 2, etc.)
  • Workforce Programs are designed to help you enter the job market quickly with practical, career-ready skills.

➤Learn More about Workforce Programs at PJC.

  • Transfer Programs are designed for students who plan to continue their education at a four-year university. You’re completing the first two years of a bachelor’s degree — at a lower cost — before transferring.
    • Associate of Arts (AA)
    • Associate of Science (AS)
    • Common transfer degrees include:
  • Certificates are shorter programs focused on specific skills. Certificates are ideal if you want to gain a credential quickly or build experience step by step.

➤View all PJC degree & certificate programs.

Continuing Education courses are short-term, skill-based courses for professional development or personal enrichment. PJC awards Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in recognition of satisfactory completion of Continuing Education and Workforce Development courses.

PJC meets the requirements of the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), as well as the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), in awarding CEUs. The CEU is a uniform, nationally accepted unit that provides permanent documentation of an individual’s completion of a given CE course.

Learn more about Lifelong Learning at PJC.

Adult Education & Literacy (AEL) services support high school equivalency preparation, English language learning, and workforce readiness.

Learn more about AEL at PJC.

Full-Time: 12+ credit hours
Half-Time: 6–11 hours
Less than Half-Time: 1–5 hours

More Info:  PJC Board Policy ECC (Legal) & Policy ECC (Local)

Enrollment status impacts:

  • Financial aid
  • Insurance
  • Housing
  • Veterans benefits

Freshman: A student who has successfully completed fewer than 30 semester credit hours.

Sophomore: A student who has successfully completed 30 or more semester credit hours but has not earned a degree.

Full-time: a student enrolled for 12 credit hours or more in a regular (16week) semester or 6 credit hours or more in a five-week summer session.

Part-time: a student enrolled for 11 credit hours or less in a regular (16-week) semester or five credit hours or less in a five-week summer session.

The following programs have additional requirements and pre-requisite courses for admissions:

See individual program webpages for details.

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 for all course work attempted during the fall and/or spring semesters to remain in good standing at PJC.

Special program students and scholarship students may require higher grade point average status to continue. The student should be familiar with the regulations dealing with scholastic probation and enforced withdrawal. 

For More Info: Board Policy EGA (Legal) & Policy EGA (Local)