The Health Sciences Associate Degree program is designed to provide students the opportunity to explore their interest in health, health care and related fields through a variety of classes. The program may lead to a range of general health employment opportunities with additional education/certification for occupations such as Nursing Assistants, Home Health Aides or Medical Assistants. This associate degree is an initial educational step that may support attempts to gain entry-level employment or promotion. A baccalaureate or higher degree is recommended for those considering professional careers such as Health Sciences, Health Care Management/Administration, Public Health, and other pre-professional Allied Health Programs.

Students majoring in psychology at the lower division level focus on understanding human personality and behavior, cognition, and emotions, as well as researching psychological issues of current concern. The critical insight that psychology requires makes this major especially appropriate for those considering careers in any of the helping professions, teaching, or behavioral research; or for those seeking a widely applicable liberal arts background.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

🗸 List and describe the national, regional, and local psychological organizations which serve as information resources and offer student memberships.

🗸 State they were well-prepared to succeed in upper division coursework at their transfer university.

🗸 Present a paper and/or a poster describing their psychological research study. A given presentation will take place in front of a classroom and/or at a local, regional, or national psychology conference and will conform to APA presentation guidelines.

🗸 Identify the most appropriate statistical procedure, given different research scenarios.

🗸 Demonstrate knowledge of proper content and formatting for an APA style manuscript

🗸 Use Statistical package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistical software to perform the basic descriptive and inferential statistical procedures taught in introductory statistical courses.

🗸 Describe several occupations within the field of psychology and the academic pathways leading to those occupations.

🗸 Demonstrate knowledge of psychology’s different perspectives.

🗸 Cite and interpret current research evidence for alternative positions regarding key psychological issues.

🗸 Cite and interpret current research evidence for alternative positions regarding key psychological issues.

Each of the courses in the philosophy curriculum starts out with substantial instruction in reasoning skills. In the subsequent examinations of specific issues, students gradually develop their capacity to join in the examination with logical rigor. Students develop this capacity both in frequent class discussions and in writing assignments.

Students will be able to identify, analyze and evaluate assumptions of particular cultural understand as reflected in the works of philosophy. They will also be able to demonstrate willingness and ability to analyze concepts and demonstrate the ability to construct arguments in support of a philosophical position.

Pursuant to SB1440, section 66756, to earn an AA-T in Philosophy, students must:

🗸 Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of degree-applicable courses,

🗸 Minimum overall grade point average of 2.0,

🗸 Minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major, and

🗸 Completion of IGETC and/or CSU GE-Breadth.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

🗸 Identify and evaluate arguments for competing positions.

The American Sign Language (ASL) Program is designed to prepare the student to be able to communicate with the Deaf Community in a variety of settings. Their sets of language skills and cultural knowledge allows them to transfer into several different programs such as theater, Health Science/medical, law and Education just to name a few. Proficiency in ASL is valuable to professionals in special education, health sciences, audiology, and speech therapy. Students will be prepared for occupations as agency interpreters, classroom interpreters, theatre interpreters, and assistants/aids to members of the Deaf community.

Polysomnographic (PSG) Technology is an allied health specialty for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of sleep and daytime alertness. The range of sleep disorders is varied but includes common disorders such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea, insomnias, and many others. PSG technologists operate a variety of sophisticated electronic monitoring devices which record brain activity (EEG), muscle and eye movement, respiration, blood oxygen and other physiological events. Technologists are also involved in evaluation of various treatment methods. PSG technologists are employed in Sleep Disorders Centers which can be located in medical centers, hospitals, or clinic/office settings. The PSG program offers instruction which includes lectures, laboratory experience on campus, clinical experience at accredited sleep centers and physician lectures. As a CAAHEP-accredited PSG Program, this course of instruction meets the eligibility requirements to take the PSG exam of the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) and The Medical Board of California Licensure as a “Registered Polysomnographic Technologist”.

Students can complete the AS degree in Polysomnographic Technology within two years. This program will accept new students to begin each fall semester.

Program Outcome

✓ Polysomnographic technologists use sleep technology as part of a team, under the general supervision of a licensed physician, by applying a unique body of knowledge and methodological skills involving the education, evaluation, treatment, and follow-up of sleep disorders in patients of all ages. The polysomnographic technologist performs polysomnography and tests such as the Multiple Sleep latency Test, Maintenance of Wakefulness Test, Actigraphy and others used by a physician to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. 

Students graduating with an Associate in Arts in Political Science for a Transfer Degree are well positioned to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in a similar major within the California State University system with 60 units of upper-division coursework. Students who complete the Political Science AA-T degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework. While a minimum 2.0 is required for CSU admission, some majors may require a higher GPA. Please consult a counselor for more information.

The Political Science Department facilitates the success of general education students and political science majors by offering lower-division courses in each of the sub-fields: American government, international relations, comparative politics, public law, and political theory. Political Science classes emphasize the importance of an informed citizenry, seek to instill the ability to analyze political phenomena in a critical way, and develop the communication skills to convey those analyses to others.

Program Outcomes

✓ Students will demonstrate an increased awareness of their rights and responsibilities to themselves and to their communities--local, regional, national and global.

✓ Students will be eligible and prepared for admission (SB 1440 and Education Code 66746) to California State University system schools.

The Alcohol and Drug Studies program is accredited by the California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE) and it integrates theory, knowledge, and practical experience in the development of skills necessary to work with individuals and families affected by Substance Use Disorders (SUD), as well as employers of individuals affected by SUD. The Alcohol and Drug Studies program prepares students to take the exam for Certified Addiction Counselors with a state-approved certifying organization. This program option combines the Human Services behavioral core skills training and clinical supervised experiential learning in beginning and advanced practicums in SUD fieldwork settings. The Alcohol and Drug Studies program prepares students for career development in field of behavioral health and the helping professions. 

Potential Careers: Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor, Case Manager, Community Outreach Worker, Halfway House Worker, Intake Specialist, Rehabilitation Case Worker, Residential/House Manager.

Courses in the paralegal studies program provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to work as a paralegal in civil litigation, bankruptcy or estate planning law firms; an understanding of ethical rules and regulations applicable to legal professionals; an overview of legal theory; and a practical introduction to legal research and writing.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

🗸 Conduct legal research for any legal employer.

🗸 Explain and cite examples of the ethical rules and concerns in the legal profession.

🗸 Employ legal terminology competently and define the major legal systems and the functions of the law in American society.

Law, Public Policy and Society is a broad and interdisciplinary program designed to enhanced student knowledge and understanding of a variety of topics such as Law, Administration of Justice, Business, Communication, Economics, Political Science, Public Policy, and Diversity. The Associate in Arts in Law, Public Policy and Society for Transfer is designed to prepare students for a seamless transfer into the CSU system to complete a baccalaureate degree in Law, Public Policy and Society. The program prepares students for law school and/or entrance into state, local, and federal government careers upon completion of the bachelor’s degree.

Pursuant to SB1440, section 66756, to earn an AA-T in Law, Public Policy, and Society, students must:

🗸 Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of degree-applicable courses,

🗸 Minimum overall grade point average of 2.0,

🗸 Minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major, and

🗸 Completion of IGETC and/or CSU GE-Breadth.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

🗸 Analyze concept in Law, Administration of Justice, Business, Communication, Economics, Political Science, Public Policy, and Diversity.

🗸 Evaluate diverse viewpoints related to the human experience.

🗸 Create evidence-based arguments.

The music curriculum is designed to provide a thorough and high-quality course of study for the transferring music major, as well as opportunities for students in other fields to learn about music through courses and through participation in performing groups. Courses offered in the music curriculum meet major transfer requirements, and many also meet general education requirements in the arts and/or humanities. The curriculum includes courses in music performance, theory, history, and appreciation, as well as a variety of fine vocal and instrumental ensembles. Additionally, courses of instruction are offered in guitar, piano and voice.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

🗸 Demonstrate literacy in both music notation and discourse about music. Develop an understanding of the historical and cultural context of musical style. Demonstrate artistic and creative growth as a musician.