Muckleshoot Tribal College
In 1995, the Muckleshoot Tribal Council made a significant commitment to higher education in the Muckleshoot community by creating the Muckleshoot Training Center. Designed to provide business training for tribal members seeking employment in the newly created Muckleshoot Indian Casino, the center offered computer training and college-level courses through agreements with Seattle Central Community College and Regis University of Denver, Colorado.
As time went on, a high school completion/GED program, funded by the US Dept. of Education, allowed the Tribe to continue its longstanding commitment to the GED, and the training center became an official GED testing center in 1996. The testing center became computerized in 2014 through PearsonVue. In 2016 the High School 21+ (HS21+) program was added through a partnership with Renton Technical College allowing students an option for finishing their high school diploma.
Read the Full history of the Muckleshoot Tribal CollegeMuckleshoot Tribal College History
In 1995, the Muckleshoot Tribal Council made a significant commitment to higher education in the Muckleshoot community by creating the Muckleshoot Training Center. Designed to provide business training for tribal members seeking employment in the newly created Muckleshoot Indian Casino, the center offered computer training and college-level courses through agreements with Seattle Central Community College and Regis University of Denver, Colorado. The NACTEP Grant, known as the MOST Program, was one of the main programs at the Muckleshoot Tribal College.
As time went on, a high school completion/GED program, funded by the US Dept. of Education, allowed the Tribe to continue its longstanding commitment to the GED, and the training center became an official GED testing center in 1996. The testing center became computerized in 2014 through PearsonVue. In 2016 the High School 21+ (HS21+) program was added through a partnership with Renton Technical College allowing students an option for finishing their high school diploma.
Renamed Muckleshoot Tribal College in 1997, a partnership with Northwest Indian College was formed, as students continued to study for and complete the GED, pursue 2-year degrees, and receive introductory and intermediate training in a number of computer applications. Clover Park Technical College began offering its Office Assistant Training program through the NACTEP (Native American Career Technical Education Program) federal grant in 2000 that offered wide-ranging technology opportunities through the Muckleshoot Occupational Skills Training (MOST) program. The M.O.S.T. program continues today through a partnership with Green River Community College. Also in 2002, Northwest Indian College initiated the Class of 2004, to provide 2-year Associate of Arts transfer degrees.
Over the years, partnerships grew. The Evergreen State College established its presence at Muckleshoot in 1998 with the Reservation Based/Community Determined program, providing community members the opportunity for a four-year Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree. Antioch University began its First Peoples’ Program at Muckleshoot in 2002, offering a Master in Education, Bachelor in Education and teaching certification to community members. Grays Harbor Community College began offering an online associates degree in 2005.
Currently the Muckleshoot Tribal College houses the Native Technology Plus Associate of Applied Science Transfer Degree in Information Technology (I.T.) Systems, and, Security; the GED/HS21+ programs, a Pre-Apprentice Carpentry program through a partnership with Green River College, the Certified Nursing Assistant Program with Renton Technical College, the Northwest Indian College Associate of Arts, and, Bachelors Degree in Tribal Governance and Business. Continuing education and life skills classes are also offered throughout the year. A Writing Center is currently being developed. The Muckleshoot Early College Program just celebrated it’s 10th Year of assisting with High School completion. To date, over 130 Muckleshoot youth have completed this program, and, moved forward in their High School completion. Other programs and partnerships are currently being developed as the Muckleshoot Tribal Council’s commitment to higher education continues today.
ABE/CEU
Adult Basic Education (ABE) provides adults with basic necessities to successfully transition to higher education. ABE includes, but is not limited to: career exploration, reading/writing skills, time management, and other essential skills that are needed to be successful in college and other areas in life. Continuing Education (CEU) is offered to enrich your life through personal interest classes. CEU classes include, but are not limited to: culture, nutrition, health and wellness, art, finances, computers, self-help, and other supplemental life skills.
GED/HS21
GED/HS21+
Our GED and High School 21+ (HS21+) programs provide flexibility, comfort, and convenience for students looking to earn their GED (age 16 – 18 need a high school release form) or to earn their high school diploma (at least age 21 and with instructor approval) for students looking to move on past a high school level whether it be for a better career or to start college. Our instructors can determine which program is a better fit by examining past school and life accomplishments. Both programs are open enrollment and can be completed at your own pace and are also available through distance learning (internet access required). Testing is free for Muckleshoot Tribal members.
Career and Technical
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The Native Technology PLUS Program, is a federal grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Education, which is supported by the Muckleshoot Tribe. It offers a two year AAS degree in Information Technology, as well as, three standalone I.T. Certifications classes, which will enhance the AAS degree and allow community members to be more quickly employable. Orientation for the program will be held weekly until the degree program begins in January. The standalone courses have rolling admissions. Please contact a program administrator for detailed information.
CompTIA A+ Certification Preparation, standalone course
CompTIA A+ is an internationally recognized Information Technology certification which is the preferred qualifying credential for job positions relating to technical support and IT operational roles. This class will prepare students to handle a variety of hardware installations, understand various troubleshooting methods, install Microsoft Windows Operating Systems, and a basic understanding of how to navigate and maintain tools for Apple OS and Linuz Ubuntu.
The Microsoft Certified professional(MCP) class teaches students what is current in the Microsoft Operating Systems and production improving software, gaining the skills to manage Microsoft operating systems, which is valuable for any IT professional. MCP will prepare students take the Microsoft Certificate exam, install and configure Microsoft Software and Create and configure accounts.
CompTIA Project+ prepares students with the skill proficiency to initiate, manage and support a project or business venture. This course is designed to equip students with the project management experience necessary for employment in almost any field of work, not just IT. Project+ trains students on communication skills to manage a project, business skills needed to lead with confidence, completing projects on time, and how to stay within budget.
Contact Information
Career & Technical Education Program Assistant– 253-876-3355
Career & Technical Education Program Liaison– 253-876-3292
Two Year Degrees
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The Native Technology PLUS Program, is a federal grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Education, which is supported by the Muckleshoot Tribe. It offers a two year AAS degree in Information Technology, as well as, three standalone I.T. Certifications classes, which will enhance the AAS degree and allow community members to be more quickly employable. Orientation for the program will be held weekly until the degree program begins in January. The standalone courses have rolling admissions. Please contact a program administrator for detailed information. www.muckleshoottribalcollege.org
Information Technology, AAS Degree
Our two- year Associates Degree of Information Technology in System Security is provided in partnership with Green River College, however located at the Muckleshoot Tribal College. With grant funding through the Department of Education, the degree is free for all tribal members. Upon completion of this program, students will have earned several internationally recognized IT certifications to meet industry need. Additionally, students will complete five general education courses in tandem with IT courses. The NT PLUS IT degree will prepare students to continue pursuing higher education, or a career in the very lucrative industry of IT.
Associate of Arts and Sciences in General Direct Transfer:
This program of study is designed for students to explore and develop skills in global issues, communication, natural sciences, cultural awareness, social conditions and critical thinking. The program is a direct transfer degree designed for students who may be interested in a baccalaureate degree at Northwest Indian College or another four-year college or university. Students should consult with their advisor to ensure that courses selected meet the requirements of the four-year program that they intend to pursue.
Associate of Technical Arts in Chemical Dependency Studies:
This program of study provides core chemical dependency studies courses in the context of a Native American Studies curriculum for students interested in pursuing a career in chemical dependency counseling. Successful completion of this program, together with the required hours of supervised internship field experience, will qualify students to apply for Washington State Chemical Dependency Counselor Certificate. Students need to consult with their advisor before selecting courses to coordinate coursework and field experience in preparation for certification.
Four Year Degrees
Bachelor of Arts in Tribal Governance and Business Management
This program of study will provide students with the knowledge necessary to be productive and successful administrators in Tribal community and business organizations. This program is designed to develop the skills that support Tribal governance and business management. The program of study offers students with the fundamental knowledge and experience necessary to succeed in the areas of leadership, sovereignty, economic development, entrepreneurship, and management.
Bachelor of Arts in Tribal Governance and Business Management (Junior Entry Option):
This option is for students entering at the junior level after earning an approved Associates in Arts and Sciences or the equivalent from NWIC or another institution. Students who have completed another type of associate’s degree should consult with an advisor because additional coursework may be necessary to complete program requirements. Students transferring from another college may apply up to 90 credits toward completion of their program. Students must complete at least 180 credits, 60 of which are set at the 300-499 level, in order to graduate.
Bachelor of Arts in Community Advocates and Responsive Education in Human Services (Junior Entry Option/must be approved by department chair to enter program):
This option is for students entering at the junior level after earning an approved Associate in Arts and Sciences or the equivalent from NWIC or another institution. Students who have completed another type of associate’s degree should consult with an advisor because additional coursework may be necessary to complete program requirements. Students transferring from another college may apply up to 90 credits toward completion of the program. Students must complete at least 180 credits, 60 of which are at the 300-499 level, in order to graduate.
Bachelor of Arts in Community Advocates and Responsive Education in Human Services (Freshman Entry Option/Not Available at this Site, this is Added for Reference):
This program of study is rooted in our relational accountability to the people within our environment and the responsibility we have to helping and healing. It will provide students with the ability to integrate traditional values and ways of knowing with the National Standards for Human Services in order to proactively engage in the restoration of people, families, and communities.
