Degree Types & Descriptions

CCD Offers Multiple Degree Types

Use the links in this section to jump over to CCD's online catalog, where you'll get more detail on the classes and credits you'll need to complete each certificate or degree.

We’ve designed many of our programs to be “stackable,” meaning that you can earn a series of certificates that lead to a degree. Often you can start working in your field while you’re finishing your education.

Associate of Arts (AA) degrees are transferable to a four-year college. It is a learning foundation in communications, social sciences, liberal arts or humanities, business and elementary education.

Recommended General AA Degree Plan

ENG 121* English Composition I 3
MAT 120*^ Math for Liberal Arts 4
COM 115, 125 or 220 Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communication or Intercultural Communication 3
GT-AH1~GT-AH4 Select one guaranteed transfer Arts & Humanities course. 3
ELECTIVE   3
  Subtotal: 16
ENG 122 English Composition II 3
GT-SC1 Select one guaranteed transfer Natural & Physical Sciences course. 4
GT-SS1~GT-SS3 Select one guaranteed transfer Social & Behavioral Sciences course. 3
GT-HI1 Select one guaranteed transfer History course. 3
ELECTIVE   3
  Subtotal: 16
GT-SC2 Select one guaranteed transfer Natural & Physical Sciences course. 4
GT-AH1~GT-AH4** Select on guaranteed transfer Arts & Humanities course. 3
ELECTIVE   3
ELECTIVE   3
ELECTIVE   3
  Subtotal: 16
GT-SS1~GT-SS3 Select one guaranteed transfer Social & Behavioral Sciences course. 3
GT ELECTIVE Select one guaranteed transfer Arts & Humanities, Social & Behavioral Sciences or History course. 3
ELECTIVE   3
ELECTIVE   3
  Subtotal: 12

* = Building block course
^ = MAT 120 or higher GT MAT except for MAT 155/156
** = 6 total gtAH credits must be from two different gtAH areas (AH1~AH4)
NOTE: This plan was updated 3/2/16 AFTER receiving new AA degree plan

Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) prepares you for employment in a given occupation right after graduation. It is for areas such as accounting, business, computer technology, early childhood education, medical field, paralegal, and many more. Some courses may transfer to four-year colleges.

Associate of Science (AS) degrees are transferable to a four-year college. It is a learning foundation in mathematics, technology and sciences.

Recommended General AS Plan

ENG 121* English Composition I 3
MAT 121* College Algebra 4
COM 115, 125 or 220 Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communication or Intercultural Communication 3
GT-SC1 Select one guaranteed transfer Natural & Physical Sciences course. 5
  Subtotal: 15
ENG 122 English Composition II 3
GT-SC1 Select one guaranteed transfer Natural & Physical Sciences course. 4
GT-SS1~GT-SS3 Select one guaranteed transfer Social & Behavioral Sciences course. 3
GT-HI1 Select one guaranteed transfer History course. 3
  Subtotal: 14
GT-SC1 Select one guaranteed transfer Natural & Physical Sciences course. 5
GT-AH1~GT-AH4 Select one guaranteed transfer Arts & Humanities course. 3
GT-AH1~GT-AH4 Select one guaranteed transfer Arts & Humanities course. 3
GT-SS1~GT-SS3 Select one guaranteed transfer Social & Behavioral Sciences course. 3
ELECTIVE^   3
  Subtotal: 17
ELECTIVE^   3
ELECTIVE^   3
ELECTIVE^   3
ELECTIVE^   5
  Subtotal: 14

*= Building Block Course
^ = Checklist of approved electives in DegreeWorks Audit for Associate of Science
# = 6 credits total GT-AH credits must be from two different GT-AH areas (AH1, AH2, AH3, AH4)
** = GT- Science course

Certificates are shorter programs designed in cooperation with business, commerce and local government that provide training and certification that can improve your skills in occupational fields, and may qualify you for a higher starting salary. Available in fields such as healthcare, criminal justice, business, and trades.