California Community College
The California Community College (CCC) system comprises 116 colleges across the state. Each college offers a wide range of certificates, associate degrees, and some even offer bachelor's degrees. The CCCs are known for providing affordable, accessible, quality education. Most CCC students graduate debt-free thanks to the system's affordability, promise programs, and other related student support programs.
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Academic Programs
There are many academic programs at the California Community Colleges. From noncredit certificates that can be earned in months to bachelor’s degrees, there is bound to be something that fits your academic and career goals.
College Credit
Certificate of Achievement
The certificate of achievement typically has 16 or fewer semester units. The courses that make up these certificates focus on the academic field being studied and do not require any general education courses. This is a popular option for students who want to focus on a career skill or technical training and jump into the workforce. Sometimes a major offers both a certificate of achievement and an associate degree in the same area, allowing students to start with a certificate and count those units toward their associate degree. If a student completes an associate degree in a major that also offers the same certificate of achievement, the student can earn both the certificate and the associate degree simultaneously. Learn more about the certificate of achievement in our Beyond the Textbook: Certificate of Achievement workshop.
Associate Degree
The associate degree, also known as the two-year degree, can be completed by taking 30 semester units each year for two years. This degree requires both general education and major-related courses. This is a popular option for students who want to complete a degree and enter the workforce afterward.
Associate Degree for Transfer
The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) is a two-year degree, meaning it can be completed by taking 30 semester units each year for two years. Similar to the associate degree above, this degree requires both general education and major-related courses designed to transfer to a university. The ADT is a popular option for students who plan to transfer to a four-year university after completing their degree. ADTs are designed to guarantee admission to the California State University (CSU) system. When applying to a CSU, your ADT will automatically give students a .1 GPA bump and guarantee admission to a CSU (often a university with available enrollment spots, usually CSUCI or CSUDH). Learn more about the ADT in our Beyond the Textbook: ADT workshop.
No Degree (Transfer Only)
Although typically not considered an official program of study at the CCCs, many students choose to enroll in a CCC to complete admission requirements for a four-year university. A student pursuing this path can take major preparatory courses and general education courses. Students pursuing this option should meet with their counselor to ensure all transfer requirements are being met. We recommend that students familiarize themselves with the different transfer pathways in our All Things Transfer page. Learn more about the no-degree (transfer-only) pathway in your Beyond the Textbook: No-Degree (Transfer-Only) workshop.
Bachelor Degree
The bachelor's degree is a four-year degree and a newer degree offering at the California Community Colleges. This degree requires both general education and major-related courses. Some bachelor’s programs may have an associate degree in that same area of study that students can earn as they continue their studies. Not all CCCs offer bachelor's degrees, but those that do typically offer degrees in career-focused areas not usually found in CSU or UC systems. Learn more about the bachelor's degree in your Beyond the Textbook: CCC Bachelor's Degree workshop.
Noncredit
Certificate of Completion
The certificate of completion is a noncredit program, meaning it does not award college credit. The certificate of completion shows that progress was made in a specific set of courses within a career pathway. The goal of this certificate is to help students improve their employability and increase job opportunities. A certificate of completion is usually completed much quickly than other degrees offered at community colleges, since the courses that make up this certificate focus solely on the area of study.
Certificate of Competency
The certificate of competency is a noncredit certificate program, which means it does not award college credit. A certificate of this type can be in areas like English as a Second Language (ESL) or basic skills. A student who completes this certificate demonstrates mastery of skills and progress toward a set list of competencies in their area of study, enabling students to advance their careers and transition to college credit courses or other noncredit programs. Students completing this certificate only focus on courses within their area of study.
Other Certificates
Some California community colleges may offer additional noncredit programs in areas including Citizenship for Immigrants, Health & Safety, Substantial Disabilities, Parenting, Home Economics, and Older Adults. Check with your local community college district/continuing education/ adult education department for more information.
Fields of Study
Discover the top fields of study at the California Community Colleges. With a wide selection of associate degrees and certificate programs, you can rest assured that there is a place for you at the CCCs.
Popular Fields of Study System-Wide
Popularity by Degree Level
Data from the California Community College Chancellor's Office
Student Support Programs
There is so much support for everyone at the California Community Colleges. Explore some of the most popular student support programs and services found at many CCCs.
Continue exploring our top favorite student support programs and resources from different higher education systems.
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