The English program is designed to help students become more effective writers, readers, researchers, and critical thinkers. In our classes, students will engage with texts about diverse, provocative, and universal themes. They will read dramatic narratives, topical articles, inspirational verse, and literature about the human condition. They will have the opportunity to think deeply about their own personal views and the views of others and express thoughtful and original ideas through clear, coherent essays. They will refi ne their understanding of academic honesty not just to avoid plagiarism but to enter into dialogue with other writers and academics. The English department is committed to familiarizing students with different genres of writing, whether as readers or creative writers, and with writers from a variety of cultural traditions and historical eras. Students will leave our program with the reading and writing skills to succeed across the curriculum, to thrive in their places of employment, to enrich their own lives, and to participate more thoughtfully in our communities and our world.

Stories and poems connect to the deepest parts of the human experience--our psychology, our relationships, our history, and our dreams. Learn how to craft writing that effectively expresses those experiences and communicates them to others. During the Certificate of Creative Writing sequence of study, students will write and workshop their own original work. They will also read and analyze the craft of published literature from diverse authors, study and apply the elements of fiction and/or poetry, and learn about the publication submission process. Students will also gain experience as editors on our college literary journal or magazine, selecting the content and working on the production and design process. Upon completion, students with this certificate will meet some lower division creative writing requirements for English bachelor's degrees at most colleges with an emphasis or minor in creative writing. This certificate can be earned at the same time as getting the AA-T in English without adding any additional units. Work closely with a counselor to select your courses.

Program Learning Outcomes:

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Creative Writing, students are able to write and revise fiction and/or poetry, demonstrating proficiency with the elements of fiction and/or poetry. 

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Creative Writing, students are able to evaluate and critique works of fiction and/or poetry.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Creative Writing, students are able to analyze and write about a diverse body of published literature.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Creative Writing, students are able to perform entry-level editorial tasks on a magazine, journal, or newspaper.

The Certificate of Achievement in Landscape Design is designed to prepare students for top level work in landscape and irrigation design, installation and management.

Program Outcome :

   - Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Landscape Design, students are able to prepare landscape plans and detailed drawings.

   - Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Landscape Design, students are able to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of sustainable landscaping, typical landscape construction techniques and irrigation systems.

The Engineering Transfer program at Las Positas College is designed to prepare students to transfer to an engineering major at a four-year institution. The transfer program includes rigorous coursework from several different departments, including Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Science. Although students study general engineering majors at Las Positas, students transfer to specific engineering departments at four-year institutions.

The Engineering Technology program at Las Positas College is a two-year degree pathway resulting in an A.S. in Engineering Technology. This cohort-based learning community is designed as a strong local employment pathway for military veterans and others who want a hands-on engineering career with a focus on mechanical technology in an applied setting. Students receive foundational training in engineering, mathematics, physics, and welding, and develop skills in manufacturing and fabrication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. An accelerated mathematics sequence advances students from intermediate algebra to calculus-readiness in one year.

The Learning Community model also delivers integrated career-readiness and support services. Eligible students have the opportunity to apply for a summer internship or work experience featuring valuable worksite activities, tours, hands-on training, and job-shadowing opportunities at a local engineering company or national laboratory. Graduates of the Engineering Technology program may be employed as mechanical technicians, mechanical technologists, or in other applied engineering fields.

Program Learning Outcomes:

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Software Engineering, students are able to apply fundamental principles from mathematics, science and engineering to solve a software engineering-related problem.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Software Engineering, students are able to set up appropriate laboratory equipment, collect and analyze software data, draw conclusions, and clearly communicate results.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Software Engineering, students are able to use a variety of technological tools to solve software engineering problems.

The Humanities Certificate of Achievement is designed to offer students a broad introduction to the history and analysis of art forms, styles, and movements, as well as introducing them to important themes and aspects of human creativity seen in material culture, belief systems, and major ideas throughout time. Humanities courses prepare those interested majoring in fields, such as Liberal Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies, Cultural Studies, English, Art History, Film, Classical Studies, Philosophy, or Humanities.

Program Outcomes :

   - Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Humanities, students are able to critically evaluate works of art using the elements and principles of art.

   - Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Humanities, students are able to discuss important themes expressed in material culture, belief systems, and major ideas seen throughout history.

   - Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Humanities, students are able to interpret and analyze aspects of culture and art by applying theoretical methods used in the humanities.

The Engineering Transfer program at Las Positas College is designed to prepare students to transfer to an engineering major at a four-year institution. The transfer program includes rigorous coursework from several different departments, including Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Science. Although students study general engineering majors at Las Positas, students transfer to specific engineering departments at four-year institutions.

The Engineering Technology program at Las Positas College is a two-year degree pathway resulting in an A.S. in Engineering Technology. This cohort-based learning community is designed as a strong local employment pathway for military veterans and others who want a hands-on engineering career with a focus on mechanical technology in an applied setting. Students receive foundational training in engineering, mathematics, physics, and welding, and develop skills in manufacturing and fabrication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. An accelerated mathematics sequence advances students from intermediate algebra to calculus-readiness in one year.

The Learning Community model also delivers integrated career-readiness and support services. Eligible students have the opportunity to apply for a summer internship or work experience featuring valuable worksite activities, tours, hands-on training, and job-shadowing opportunities at a local engineering company or national laboratory. Graduates of the Engineering Technology program may be employed as mechanical technicians, mechanical technologists, or in other applied engineering fields.

Program Learning Outcomes:

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Mechanical Engineering UC Pathway, students are able to apply fundamental principles from mathematics, science and engineering to solve a mechanical engineering-related problem.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Mechanical Engineering UC Pathway, students are able to set up appropriate laboratory equipment, collect and analyze mechanical engineering data, draw conclusions, and clearly communicate results.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Mechanical Engineering UC Pathway, students are able to use a variety of technological tools to solve mechanical engineering problems.

The Certificate of Achievement in Interior Design offers classes for students who are changing careers, brushing up on their design skills or just wanting to have fun with their own home. The certificate offers a solid Interior Design program with practical course content, work experience and overall design projects that promote graduates to the working world of being an Interior Designer. Work experience or internships are encouraged.

Program Outcomes :

Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Interior Design, students are able to work in a professional design company with both business and design education.

The Engineering Transfer program at Las Positas College is designed to prepare students to transfer to an engineering major at a four-year institution. The transfer program includes rigorous coursework from several different departments, including Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Science. Although students study general engineering majors at Las Positas, students transfer to specific engineering departments at four-year institutions.

The Engineering Technology program at Las Positas College is a two-year degree pathway resulting in an A.S. in Engineering Technology. This cohort-based learning community is designed as a strong local employment pathway for military veterans and others who want a hands-on engineering career with a focus on mechanical technology in an applied setting. Students receive foundational training in engineering, mathematics, physics, and welding, and develop skills in manufacturing and fabrication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. An accelerated mathematics sequence advances students from intermediate algebra to calculus-readiness in one year.

The Learning Community model also delivers integrated career-readiness and support services. Eligible students have the opportunity to apply for a summer internship or work experience featuring valuable worksite activities, tours, hands-on training, and job-shadowing opportunities at a local engineering company or national laboratory. Graduates of the Engineering Technology program may be employed as mechanical technicians, mechanical technologists, or in other applied engineering fields.

Program Learning Outcomes:

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Engineering Technology, students are able to apply fundamental principles from mathematics, science and engineering to solve an engineering technology-related problem.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Engineering Technology, students are able to set up appropriate laboratory equipment, collect and analyze data, draw conclusions, and clearly communicate results.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Engineering Technology, students are able to use a variety of technological tools to solve engineering technology problems.

The Engineering Transfer program at Las Positas College is designed to prepare students to transfer to an engineering major at a four-year institution. The transfer program includes rigorous coursework from several different departments, including Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Science. Although students study general engineering majors at Las Positas, students transfer to specific engineering departments at four-year institutions.

The Engineering Technology program at Las Positas College is a two-year degree pathway resulting in an A.S. in Engineering Technology. This cohort-based learning community is designed as a strong local employment pathway for military veterans and others who want a hands-on engineering career with a focus on mechanical technology in an applied setting. Students receive foundational training in engineering, mathematics, physics, and welding, and develop skills in manufacturing and fabrication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. An accelerated mathematics sequence advances students from intermediate algebra to calculus-readiness in one year.

The Learning Community model also delivers integrated career-readiness and support services. Eligible students have the opportunity to apply for a summer internship or work experience featuring valuable worksite activities, tours, hands-on training, and job-shadowing opportunities at a local engineering company or national laboratory. Graduates of the Engineering Technology program may be employed as mechanical technicians, mechanical technologists, or in other applied engineering fields.

The Certificate of Achievement in Engineering is offered to prepare students to transfer to a four-year institution as an engineering major. The core courses required for this certifi cate will fulfill many of the lower division requirements for most campuses in the UC and CSU systems. This program will enable students to develop a strong foundational understanding in engineering, physics and mathematics that will be essential as they continue on the engineering pathway. In addition, students will benefi t from hands-on laboratory experiences in their engineering and science courses allowing them to learn by doing. The LPC Engineering certifi cate is intended for transfer, but some students may be able to obtain employment as an engineering technician or engineering technologist. Students are encouraged to meet with a counselor early on and refer to the catalog of the prospective transfer institution to determine specific major requirements required for transfer since they can vary from university to university.

Program Learning Outcomes:

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Engineering, students are able to apply fundamental principles from mathematics, science and engineering to solve an engineering-related problem.

- Upon completion of the Certifi cate of Achievement in Engineering, students are able to set up appropriate laboratory equipment, collect and analyze data, draw conclusions, and clearly communicate results.

- Upon completion of the Certifi cate of Achievement in Engineering, students are able to use a variety of technological tools to solve engineering problems.

The Las Positas College Certificate of Achievement in Journalism provides specific hands-on training that will prepare students for immediate job entry, especially involving broadcast and technology. The certifi cate has a broad-based focus that services to hone and refine students’ reading, writing, speaking, cultural literacy, and critical thinking skills, enabling them to succeed in an academic environment or in the workplace.

Program Learning Outcomes:

   - Upon completion of the Certifi cate of Achievement in Journalism, students are able to demonstrate an understanding of diff erent aspects of the role of media in society through research and writing.

   - Upon completion of the Certifi cate of Achievement in Journalism, students are able to participate in the creation of student media, following a timeline for production, editing and formatting content, and publishing and distributing.

   - Upon completion of the Certifi cate of Achievement in Journalism, students are able to recognize, acquire, produce, and distribute content for the weekly college newspaper, Th e Express, demonstrating increasing understanding of standards of journalism and design.

The Certificate of Achievement in Electrical Engineering is offered to prepare students to transfer to a school in the University of California system as an Electrical Engineering major. This program will enable students to develop a strong foundational understanding in engineering, physics and mathematics that will be essential as they continue on the engineering pathway. In addition, students will benefit from hands-on laboratory experiences in their engineering and science courses allowing them to learn by doing. The LPC Electrical Engineering degree is intended for transfer to the University of California system. Students are encouraged to meet with a counselor early on and refer to the catalog of the prospective transfer institution to determine specific major requirements required for transfer since they can vary from university to university. If interested in transferring to a CSU or other university not in the UC system as an Electrical Engineering major, please see the Associates of Science or Certificate of Achievement in Electrical Engineering.

Career Opportunities

This program provides a solid foundation for those who want to continue their education and earn a bachelor's degree in electrical or electronic engineering which is generally required for entry-level electrical/electronic engineering jobs. This program also prepares students for entry-level jobs installing, repairing and maintaining electrical and electronic equipment in numerous different industry sectors. These industry sectors may include the auto industry, aerospace industry, airline industry, commercial contracting, construction and others.

Program Outcomes

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Electrical Engineering UC Pathway, students are able to apply fundamental principles from mathematics, science and engineering to solve an electrical engineering-related problem.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Electrical Engineering UC Pathway, students are able to set up appropriate laboratory equipment, collect and analyze electrical data, draw conclusions, and clearly communicate results.

- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Electrical Engineering UC Pathway, students are able to use a variety of technological tools to solve electrical engineering problems.