The Automotive Chassis Specialist Associate of Science degree prepares students for a career as automotive technicians with drivetrain emphasis. Students completing the degree will be trained in the maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of vehicle chassis systems that consist of power train operation, air conditioning, tire service, brake system diagnostics, suspension and steering service on both import and domestic vehicles and light trucks. This degree prepares students for careers such as Automotive Suspension Technician, Automotive Alignment Technician, Automotive Brake Technician, and General Automotive Technician. This program is ideal for the small‐business owner, independent shop, or the dealership career‐oriented technician. 

This program is designed to prepare the student for entry-level employment as an Applications Developer. These workers develop and maintain software programs to meet specific business needs. The program encompasses a broad area of study, including programming, computer operating systems, software applications, web design and networking.

The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Specialist Associate of Science degree provides students with knowledge of all operating systems in the modern hybrid, alternative fueled automobile, full electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cell. The emphasis is on the unique characteristics and maintenance issues associated with hybrid, alternative fuel systems, electric vehicles, and alternative forms of propulsion. Students will be qualified to take the related ASE certification exams upon completion of this program. This degree prepares students for careers such as Automotive Hybrid Technician, Automotive Electric Vehicle Technician, Automotive CNG/LPG Vehicle Technician, or General Automotive Technician. Ideal for the small business owner, independent shop, or the dealership career‐oriented technician.  

The Advanced Culinary Arts Associate of Science degree is a stackable award that builds upon the coursework in the Introduction to Culinary Arts program and prepares students for many contemporary entry to midlevel employment opportunities within the restaurant and hospitality industries as professional culinarians. Some of these positions include, but are not limited to, institution and cafeteria cooks, private household chefs, food preparation workers, food service managers, cooks, supervisors of food preparation and serving workers, and line and prep cooks in all areas of restaurant and hospitality industries. 

The program offers coursework for both career training and professional improvement. Students will be provided with the essential skills of food safety and sanitation, foundational and advanced cooking and baking, various ethnic and regional cuisines as well as operations and production to reach their career goals and to be competitive in the marketplace. Students are required to follow Culinary Department dress standards.

The terms “Master” and “Specialist” imply a very broad knowledge of several of the construction trades and management disciplines. Students who complete this program will have their names displayed on a perpetual “Award of Excellence” listing in the Construction Department.

Complete the Master Construction Specialist Certificate of Achievement and the Associate in Science graduation requirements as outlined in the Graduation Requirements section of the catalog.

Program Outcomes

✓ Demonstrate the knowledge, skills and experience to identify, assess, and participate in many entry-level construction trades.

✓ Be prepared to work in the construction field in positions including, but not limited to work areas such as inspection, management, and as hands-on skilled tradespeople.

The Administrative Assistant program prepares individuals for employment in key staff positions or enhances existing skills of office assistants, office managers, and other professionals. Students will learn a broad range of computer competencies targeting a diverse and multicultural workforce. Students who pursue a career as an Administrative Assistant will use their job skills in technical professional business environments.

The Orange Coast College Associate in Arts in Mass Communication/Media Studies provides students with skills to understand the role of media institutions, analyze and create media texts, and evaluate the mass media landscape from a cultural, economic, and rhetorical perspective.

Program Outcomes

✓ Students will be able to access, analyze, evaluate and create media texts.

✓ Students will be able to understand the historical, economic, cultural, and aesthetic influences on media industries and media institutions.

This program meets a substantial portion of the 24-unit Accounting course requirement to take the California CPA exam. It is intended primarily for students possessing a bachelor’s degree or foreign university equivalent. In addition, completion of this degree is helpful in securing entry-level accounting positions in business and industry such as Accounts Payable Clerk, Accounts Receivable Clerk, General Ledger Clerk, or Bookkeeper. CPA EXAM AND LICENSURE: Please contact the California Board of Accountancy.

Upon completion of the requirements for the Associate in Science Degree in Marine Science, students will have a broad introduction to the academic study of marine science and will have a strong background for upper-division work in marine science or related fields, such as earth and environmental sciences.

The Marine Science major requires completion of a minimum of 18 program major units, 12 of which are required core units. The additional 6 units must be taken from additional marine science courses and a list of restricted related electives. The department strongly recommends that all declared Marine Science majors work with counseling to select electives that will best prepare them for their intended transfer institution.

Program Outcomes

✓ Describe how the ocean influences and is influenced by terrestrial, atmospheric, geological and biological processes.

✓ Describe how the physical and chemical properties of water molecules affect the way that the ocean is structured and how the large-scale movement of this water in waves, currents and tides influences oceanographic processes.

✓ Describe the diversity of life in the ocean.

✓ Identify how humans have influenced the ocean (chemically, physically and biologically) and explain the potential challenges associated with those changes.

This certificate includes courses that prepare students to discover and develop internal and external characteristics of entrepreneurial success, create a strategy for taking advantage of opportunity, and to take action by starting a business or work as self-employed individuals.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

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

🗸 Identify and list the essential components of a business plan.