California Community College
The California Community College (CCC) system comprises 116 community colleges across the state. Each college offers a wide range of certificates and degrees. The CCCs are known to provide affordable, accessible, quality education. Learn more about each college and the available resources offered below.
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CCC Programs of Study
College Credit Programs
Certificate of Achievement
The Certificate of Achievement typically has 16 or fewer semester units. 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 transfer 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 programs of study at once. Learn more about the certificate of achievement in our Beyond the Textbook: Certificate of Achievement workshop.
Associate Degree
The Associate Degree is a 2-year degree, meaning it can be completed by taking 30 semester units each year for 2 years. This is a popular option for students who want to complete a degree and enter the workforce afterward. Learn more about the associate degree in our Beyond the Textbook: Associate Degree workshop.
Associate Degree for Transfer
The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) is a 2-year degree, meaning it can be completed by taking 30 semester units each year for 2 years. The ADT is a popular option for students who want to transfer 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 you a .1 GPA bump and guarantee admission to a CSU (often a university with open enrollment spots, usually CSUCI). 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 4-year university. Students pursuing this option should meet with their counselor to ensure all transfer requirements are being met. For public California 4-year universities, the requirements for transfer with or without an associate's degree are a minimum of 60 transferable units; this rule changes for private universities. Learn more about the no degree (transfer only) option in your Beyond the Textbook: 60 Transferable Units for Transfer workshop.
Bachelor Degree
The Bachelor's Degree is a newer degree offering at the California Community Colleges. 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 Programs
Certificate of Completion
The Certificate of Completion is a noncredit certificate program, which means 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, with the goal of improving students' employability or job opportunities. A certificate of completion is usually completed much more quickly than other degrees offered at community colleges.
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 them to advance their careers and transition to college credit courses or other noncredit programs.
Other Certificates
Some California community college districts may offer additional noncredit programs, such as 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.
CCC 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.
