Pearl River Community College

General Information about Pearl River Community College

Founded in 1909, Pearl River is Mississippi's oldest publicly funded 2-year institution. The school only offered freshman classes at first, but expanded to add sophomore classes in 1925, and in 1936 the school began offering military training curriculum. The college and regional history can be viewed by visitors and accessed by students for research in the PRCC Museum.

Students can also complete degrees online, as Pearl River is affiliated with the Mississippi Virtual Community College (MVCC). The MVCC is the central online education vehicle for 15 Mississippi community and junior colleges. Pearl River notes that this form of education is best for self-motivated, responsible, independent and organized students.

Admissions and Enrollment Information

Pearl River enrolls an annual average of 5,000 students, approximately 400 of which are transfer students. Over 2,500 applications are submitted to the school each year and about 87% are accepted. Of the accepted students, 100% matriculate. The admissions committee requires applicants to submit high school records and standardized test scores. Completion of a college preparatory program is recommended, but is not a requirement.

Departments of Pearl River Community College

Department of Humanities and Social Sciences

Students studying psychology are required to take two laboratory and two lecture hours per week. Such courses include concepts of occupational therapy, field work, psychology of dysfunction and pediatrics. Other areas of study are also available. Criminal justice, history, geography, sociology and journalism are just five of the 14 available majors in this department.

Department of Fine Arts and Communication

This department consist of three main areas of study: speech and theater, music and visual arts. The department hosts events throughout the school year as a medium for students to display their talents. Most of the events are held in the Malone Chapel and are open to the public. The school has recently committed to building at state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the arts, the Ethel Holden-Brownstone Center for the Arts.

Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation

All associate of arts degree students must take at least two credit hours in health and physical education. At least one of the credits must be from a class that takes place in the college's wellness center. Such classes include aerobics, strength training, nutrition and wellness, ballroom dance and football theory.

Department of Science, Mathematics and Business

The aim of the Department of Science, Mathematics and Business is to provide courses that commonly makes up half of a bachelor's degree requirements. The department emphasizes biology, business, computer science, mathematics and engineering. Accounting, microbiology, zoology, organic chemistry and discrete mathematical structures show the variety of courses offered here.

Department of Nusring Education

Degrees in practical nursing and associate of nursing are available through this department. A professional nursing forum, dosage coursewok, an LPN bridge course and six nursing classes make up the curriculum for these degrees. These programs prepare students for BSN programs and for the RN examination.

Contact Information

• Address: 101 Hwy 11 N, Poplarville, MS 39470
• Phone Number: (601) 403-1000