How many terms does Pierce College at Joint Base Lewis-McChord offer?

Pierce College at JBLM offers four quarters per year, coinciding with the Pierce College Fort Steilacoom and Puyallup campuses. Within each quarter, we offer a 9-week face-to-face and online session, which begins the first day of term and a second 9-week online session that begins approximately three weeks later. There is only one online session during summer term.

All courses are available to military members, their family members, veterans and the general public. Courses are offered during the day, lunch hours, evenings, and Saturdays.

Do you have online courses?

Yes, online courses are available for both military and non-military students. Through JBLM, we offer two online sessions per quarter, except summer term. Summer has only one online start date.

I am a civilian. Can I take Pierce College classes at JBLM?

Yes, while we primarily serve the military community, we also welcome civilians to join our classes. You can review our course options and our process to register here.

Do I have to take a placement assessment?

If you have not yet completed college level English or math with Pierce College or another regionally accredited school, you must complete a placement assessment.

How do I access JBLM?

You will need to present the following items to the Visitor Center (located just prior to the front gates):

  1. Current proof of registration of the car
  2. Current proof of insurance for the car
  3. An Enhanced Washington State Driver’s License or a Real ID Compliant ID. If you do not have an Enhanced WA Driver’s License or a Real ID compliant ID, you will need one of the following:
    • U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card
    • Permanent resident card or Alien Registration Receipt Card (INS Form I-551)
    • Foreign passport with a temporary I-551 stamp or temporary I-551 with printed notation on a machine readable immigrant visa
    • Foreign passport with a current arrival-departure record or foreign passport with INS Form I-94/I- 94A bearing the same names as the passport and containing an endorsement of the alien’s nonimmigrant status, if that status authorizes the alien to work for an employer
    • Employment authorization document that contains a photograph (INS Form I-776)
    • Driver license or identification card issued by a State or outlying U.S. possession that is Real ID compliant. For Washington and Minnesota this is the Enhanced Driver License or Enhanced ID JBLM-issued Rapid Gate Identification
    • U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card or Transportation Worker ID Card issued by DHS
    • Native American tribal document
    • U.S. Government issued, authenticated Federal PIV credentials
    • For anyone under 18, a school ID card that contains a photo
    • Visitors with visitor pass questions should call the JBLM Lewis Main Visitor Center at (253) 967-4794, JBLM McChord Field Visitor Center at (253) 982-2588, or YTC Police Desk at (509) 577-3236.

For more information about the Real ID Act visit the Department of Homeland Security Website.

We CANNOT provide sponsors.

How do I get to the Stone Education Center?

From I-5 South:

  1. Take Exit 120
  2. Take the first ramp to the right toward Lewis Main (NOT Lewis North).
  3. The road will loop around under I-5 toward the Liberty Gate. Stay in the right lane.
  4. Before you get to the gate, park in the Visitor Center parking lot on the right.
  5. Get your pass from the Visitor Center. See pass requirements above under “How do I access JBLM?”
  6. As you proceed through the gate, you will show your pass and required identification.
  7. As soon as you are through the gate, you must get into the left lane.
  8. Turn left at the first traffic light (Colorado Ave).
  9. Proceed straight through the roundabout. The Stone Education Center is on your left in about ½ mile.
  10. The Pierce College office is in the college mall area on the first floor. 

You can also enter “Stone Education Center” into Google Maps.

How do I get to the McChord AFB Education Center?

  1. Take Exit 125 – “Bridgeport Way  /  McChord Field” toward McChord Field Visitors.
  2. Continue on the road for about ¾ mile toward the gate and get in the left lane.
  3. Exit left into the Visitor Center parking lot before the gate. 
  4. Get your pass from the Visitor Center. See pass requirements above under “How do I access JBLM?”
  5. As you proceed through the gate, you will show your pass and required identification.
  6. As soon as you are through the gate, get into the right lane. 
  7. Take the “Y” to the right onto Fairway Road.
  8. At the stop sign, turn right onto Lincoln Blvd.
  9. There will be a 4-story building on the left, which houses both the Library and the Education Center.
  10. The Education Center is on the 3rd floor, and Pierce College is the first college on the right as you enter. 

You can also enter “McChord Library” into Google Maps.

How do I obtain a Term Pass for JBLM?

You will need to present the following items to the Visitor Center at McChord or Lewis (located just prior to the front gates):

  1. Term registration receipt
  2. Current proof of registration of the car
  3. Current proof of insurance for the car
  4. Your current driver's license

Please Note: The process at the front gate can take up to an hour. Please plan accordingly.

How do students address issues or file complaints?

Students needing to address issues or file a grievance can do so by submitting the student complaint form. Details, directions and procedures are outlined on the Resolving Complaints, Problems, Appeals, and Grievances page.

In addition, students may also contact the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC). The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. Visit the Washington Student Achievement Council website for information regarding the WSAC complaint process.

I am not degree seeking. Can I register for a class(es) for personal enrichment or entry into a program at another school?

Yes. You may register for a class for personal development or enrichment. You may also register for classes needed to meet admissions requirements into a program at another school. If taking classes for admissions into another program, you may be required to take COLLG 110 if your prerequisites extend beyond one quarter. 

Prior to registering for your class, please complete an online admissions form. There is no charge for admissions. The application takes approximately 15–20 minutes. The application is used to create your academic record with Pierce College and to determine your residency for the purpose of tuition calculation. You will receive an email with your Pierce College student ID once your application is processed and you can then follow the JBLM registration process.