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What is a community college?
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The California community colleges are a system of two-year public colleges. There are 109 community colleges throughout the state. The colleges serve 1.4 million students each year and represent the largest system of higher education in the world.
California community colleges offer courses designed to meet many diverse interests, educational needs, and vocational needs of its students. College programs may consist of one course or a series of courses leading to a technical/vocational certificate, an associate degree, or preparation to transfer to four-year universities and colleges.
Programs that offer courses that meet lower-division (first two years) requirements of a four-year university are offered at all of the community colleges.
Vocational programs are unique at each California community college campus. Vocational programs prepare students for entry employment and career advancement in such fields as law enforcement, animal husbandry, crop production, computer science, computer graphics applications, fire science, electronics, automotive, engineering, nursing, accounting, dental assisting and broadcasting. Many colleges work closely with business and industry to offer programs tailored to their employment needs.
Courses in art, literature, humanities, foreign languages, instrumental and vocal music, drama and speech provide cultural enrichment for community college students. Students, who wish to broaden their horizons and to become more aware of themselves and the world about them, will be drawn to offerings in health education, consumer education, psychology, child development, sociology, speech, conservation, and physical activities.
Students should contact the community college's admission office or go to the college's web page for a complete listing and description of programs.
Other courses are designed to assist the individual in skill development. These courses may include reading improvement, effective study skills, career awareness, job employment skills, and introduction to mathematics and pre-algebra.
At many California community colleges, English as a Second Language is offered for non-native speakers of English who desire to learn English or to improve their English proficiency.
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Can a community college help me get a four-year degree?
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Yes. All California community colleges offer courses that meet lower-division (first two years) requirements of a four-year university. Trained counselors and advisors can help you plan your community college program to make sure that the courses you select are transferable. Many community colleges now offer written transfer guarantee programs to specific universities. You should contact the college's transfer center or counseling center for more information about transferring.
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What occupational training is offered at community colleges?
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California community colleges can help students get the training needed to qualify for well-paying jobs with opportunities for advancement. Career education vocational programs are offered in hundreds of areas that employers need. Areas of vocational education include technical and industrial trades, health occupations, business and finance, electronics and computer sciences, agriculture, police and fire science, food science, building and landscaping, trades and many others. Community colleges have up-to-date equipment and facilities and instructors who are experts in their fields. Depending on the occupation you select, training may take from six months to two years. Associate degrees and technical certificates are available in many fields.
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