Community College: Academic Programs

Here is Orange Coast College (OCC), one of the larger community colleges in Orange County with numerous academic programs that lead to transitioning to a four-year college or university, getting an Associates Degrees, or fulfilling the requirements for entering the job market. OCC is located just 15 minutes away from Orange High School!

Unlike four-year colleges or universities, community colleges provide many more opportunities and programs for approaching the job market. Below are a few examples of the various programs local community colleges offer should you choose something other than a four-year college or university. The programs offered are great alternatives to a Bachelor's degree because they include a more direct and hands-on approach to equip students with the skills they need to enter the job market.

Programs Offered:

1. Associate in Arts Degree (A.A.) - this program leads directly to a Bachelor in Arts degree at a four-year college or university. This program would fulfill general education and lower division course requirements that can transfer over to a four-year college or university.

2. Associate in Science Degree (A.S.) - this program leads directly to a Bachelor in Science degree at a four-year college or university. This program would fulfill general education and lower division course requirements that can transfer over to a four-year college or university.

3. Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) - this program leads to a California State University Degree and helps satisfy lower division general education and major course requirements. This program would fulfill general education and lower division course requirements that can transfer over to a four-year college or university.

4. Career & Technical Education Programs - this is an academic program specific to OCC that offers education, technical training, and work-based experience in two years or less that gives students the experience they need to enter the job market. This program offers certification and licensure for various careers. Programs consist of either short-term training courses or two-year programs to earn an A.A. or A.S. degree. Some CTE programs available are Early Childhood Education, Spa Management, Cardiovascular Technology, or Aviation Science, just to name a few!

Attending a community college is a great alternative to attending a four-year college or university because it offers numerous programs that lead directly to a four-year college or university or the job market depending on the path you would like to take. Community college offers a much more affordable education and can lead to very successful careers!