A new web application offers Highline students a smoother process for determining which programs match their interests and skills. Pathway Mapper launched over the summer of 2024, after being in development for a little more than a year.
Pathway Mapper presents quarter-by-quarter maps, showing possible program paths, from entry to graduation. It enables students to easily choose from more than 100 degrees and certificates. By utilizing the app, students can start building a personalized schedule, which an advisor can help finalize.
One of the impressive features of Pathway Mapper is that it displays prerequisites and course details at a click. It also gives students direct links to resources like the Advising Center. Compared with the PDF pathways maps that Highline used previously, the app delivers a better experience for navigating programs – and provides access to a lot more information.
According to Zoe Harris, Program Manager, Academic Pathways Planning & Faculty Advising at Highline College, “Pathway Mapper offers more program maps than Highline had available before. It includes 130 up-to-date maps showcasing different pathways.”
Harris confirmed that Pathway Mapper also includes 28 AA-DTA program maps, showing students how they can use their transfer degrees to prepare for different majors.
Work on the app began in September 2023 and took three months of compiling course and program data to build the program maps. In March 2024, staff and faculty were invited to give their feedback to help refine the app. Pathway Mapper subsequently launched in August 2024, alongside the 2024-25 Academic Catalog.
“Pathway Mapper is just one of the advising tools available to support students along their academic journey at Highline. Over this school year we will be looking for more ways to engage with students to gain feedback about advising and academic retention resources,” said Elizabeth Word, Dean for Academic Pathways and Student Learning Resources.
Pathway Mapper is used throughout the California college and university system. In Washington, it has been adopted by Clark College, Tacoma Community College, Bellevue College, Everett Community College – and now Highline College.