Degrees and Certificate Definition
San Jose City College offers two types of degrees. While both have very similar components their intent can be for different outcomes. All degrees and certificates have been approved by the California Community College Chancellor's Office prior to being offered and awarded. A comprehensive list of all certificates and degrees is available in the counseling office and by clicking on the below link.
Major Sheets for all Degrees and Certificates:
Certificates
The various certificates offered in our wide range of programs have been developed as either individual certificates or as building blocks to give students entry-level skills with higher-level growth opportunities as additional certificates are completed. The Certificate of Competency requires 6-17.5 units, the Certificate of Specialization 18-29.5 units and the Certificate of Achievement 30 or more units. Many of our certificates build toward an Associate of Science degree, with the completion of the general education and graduation requirements.
Associate of Science Degree
The Associate of Science degree is intended for students wanting to earn a degree primarily designed for a career in the vocational or trades areas of the labor market. This degree is not designed to transfer to the CSU, UC or Independent colleges. The AS degree has a 24 unit general education pattern, and 36 units of required course work in the major and/or elective credit to meet the minimum of 60 total units for the degree.
Associate of Arts Degrees
The Associate of Arts degree offered by San Jose City College is designed for students who want to transfer to a four-year university in the CSU, UC and Independent college and/or university systems. Students need to be aware that our graduation requirements are slightly different from the universities admissions requirements and will need to take special care and planning to make sure that specific courses are completed with a C or better grade prior to transferring. The AA degree requires a minimum of 60 units, 39 units of the general education pattern, and 21 units of required course work in the major and/or electives.