This program provides an introduction to critical thinking, multicultural studies and the arts for students interested in strengthening their analytical and communication skills and/or transferring to four-year colleges and universities. This degree builds a knowledge base appropriate for students transferring to arts and humanities programs at four-year institutions or for students building a base for transfer specialization in areas of emphasis that require primarily upper-division coursework, such as Social Work, Multicultural and Gender Studies, or World Arts and Cultures. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

✔ Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements;

✔ California State University General Education Breadth pattern;

✔ Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).

LGBT Studies is an interdisciplinary and multicultural major that emphasizes the history and culture of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered persons. The degree acquaints students with the way that sexual orientation/gender identity and expression intersect with ethnic and racial, socioeconomic, creedal and political identities. The major provides preparation for upper division course work in LGBT Studies, Women’s Studies and Gender Studies at a four-year university. Students will be prepared for a variety of social service careers and for working in education. Most employers today welcome employees with expertise in diversity, including knowledge and experience with LGBT issues. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

✔ Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements;

✔ California State University General Education Breadth pattern;

✔ Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

✔ Define and correctly utilize definitions regarding sexual orientations (lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, pansexual, demisexual, etc.), gender identities and expressions.

✔ Describe and evaluate the LGBT rights movement in the United States, both as one community and as individual components of an LGBT community with divergent interests, i.e., the lesbian trajectory, the gay male trajectory, the bisexual trajectory,  the transgender trajectory, the intersex trajectory and the development of a queer trajectory.

✔ Describe the history of representations of LGBT, etc., persons in literature, film, and other media.

This certificate program provides a comprehensive understanding of Fitness and Personal Training. Students will gain the necessary skills and knowledge for entry-level employment in health clubs and recreation centers. The certificate curriculum prepares students for the American Council on Exercise Personal Trainer Certification Exam, allowing students greater employment opportunities as personal trainers, group fitness instructors and advanced fitness specialists. A certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

✔ Establish a measurable improvement  in one or more fitness components.

✔ Distinguish principles of healthy weight management through exercise and nutrition.

✔ Identify and practice high safety standards, support environmental needs, and provide a safe positive experience for other participants (students, student athletes, visiting athletes, community, faculty).

✔ Demonstrate essential motor skills to fit a variety of activities. Describe and perform exercises reflecting increased knowledge and ability over the semester.

✔ Generate knowledge of physical education and/or the benefits of exercise.

Kinesiology involves the study of physical activity and its impact on health, society and quality of life. Students will create a balance between physical fitness, social well-being, health and academic success; distinguish principles of healthy weight management through exercise and nutrition; identify and practice the fundamental concepts of wellness and fitness; demonstrate essential motor skill patterns to fit a variety of activities and identify and practice high safety standards, support environmental needs and provide a positive experience for participants.

The Associate in Arts in Kinesiology for Transfer degree (AA-T) prepares students to transfer into the CSU system to complete a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Physical Education, or a major deemed similar by a CSU campus. Students earning an associate degree for transfer and meeting the CSU minimum transfer admission requirements are guaranteed admission with junior standing within the CSU system. Students are also given priority admission consideration to their local CSU campus but not to a particular campus or major. Upon transfer, students will be required to complete no more than 60 additional prescribed units to earn a bachelor’s degree.

To earn the Associate in Arts in Kinesiology for Transfer degree, students must complete 60 CSU-transferable semester units with a minimum grade point average of 2.0, including both of the following:

✔ completion of all courses required for the major with grades of “C” or better; and

✔ completion of the California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE) pattern or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern. (Students transferring to a CSU campus using IGETC must complete Area 1C Oral Communication to be eligible for admission.)

The exact wording of the law pertaining to associate degrees for transfer may be found in Education Code Section 66746.

It is highly recommended that, prior to transferring, students complete courses that satisfy the CSU United States History, Constitution and American Ideals graduation requirement. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

RESTRICTION: International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be applied to associate degrees for transfer.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

✔ Establish a measurable improvement  in one or more fitness components.

✔ Distinguish principles of healthy weight management through exercise and nutrition.

✔ Identify and practice high safety standards, support environmental needs, and provide a safe positive experience for other participants (students, student athletes, visiting athletes, community, faculty).

✔ Demonstrate essential motor skills to fit a variety of activities. Describe and perform exercises reflecting increased knowledge and ability over the semester.

✔ Generate knowledge of physical education and/or the benefits of exercise.

The AA degree in Humanities—General provides preparation for upper division course work in Humanities at a four-year university. The degree acquaints students with the relevant eras, ideas, ideals, values and terminology endemic to the field as expressed in art, music, drama, literature, philosophy and religion. The Humanities—General AA degree pattern affords students the widest array of Humanities coursework from which to choose to satisfy transfer institution requirements. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

✔ Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements;

✔ California State University General Education Breadth pattern;

✔ Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

✔ Critically evaluate cultural artifacts (e.g., a work of architecture, music, art, literature, philosophy) using the disciplinary language of the Humanities.

✔ Analyze past cultural achievements in the context of present day intellectual expressions.

✔ Evaluate a cultural artifact in the context of the historical era in which it was produced.

✔ Create clear, cogent and coherent essays on topics relevant to the discipline of Humanities.

The AA degree in Humanities—Diverse Perspectives provides preparation for upper division course work in Humanities at a four-year university. The Humanities—Diverse Perspectives AA degree pattern guides students through a series of courses that focus specifically on examining History, Art, Architecture, Philosophy, Drama, Literature and Music from diverse perspectives. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

✔ Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements;

✔ California State University General Education Breadth pattern;

✔ Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

✔ Critically evaluate cultural artifacts (e.g., a work of architecture, music, art, literature, philosophy) using the disciplinary language of the Humanities.

✔ Analyze past cultural achievements in the context of present day intellectual expressions.

✔ Evaluate a cultural artifact in the context of the historical era in which it was produced.

✔ Create clear, cogent and coherent essays on topics relevant to the discipline of Humanities.

Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

✔ Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements;

✔ California State University General Education (CSU GE) Breadth pattern;

✔ Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

✔ Identify and evaluate factors that influence child/human development from various theoretical perspectives and current research findings.

✔ Analyze early childhood lab sites and/or community schools for developmentally appropriate practices and program effectiveness.

✔ Exhibit professionalism within the field of Early Childhood Education by demonstrating skills relevant to the field that include incorporating meaningful curriculum, content knowledge, culturally and linguistically appropriate learning environments,  and observation, documentation, and assessment of young children.

Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

✔ Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements;

✔ California State University General Education (CSU GE) Breadth pattern;

✔ Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

✔ Identify and evaluate factors that influence child/human development from various theoretical perspectives and current research findings.

✔ Analyze early childhood lab sites and/or community schools for developmentally appropriate practices and program effectiveness.

✔ Exhibit professionalism within the field of Early Childhood Education by demonstrating skills relevant to the field that include incorporating meaningful curriculum, content knowledge, culturally and linguistically appropriate learning environments,  and observation, documentation, and assessment of young children.

Completion of the Child Development Pre-Service Elementary Teacher Program prepares students for a career serving children and families in elementary school settings. Coursework focusing on care and education of the school age child prepares students to work in school settings, while general education courses prepare students to complete required multi-subject exams to become credentialed teachers.

Upon completion, students will be prepared to enter the Accelerated Child Development BA and Teaching Credentials Pathway, or ACT, at California State University, Sacramento and complete the CBest basic skills exam. Students gain student teaching hours in Title 1 schools in both tutoring and special education, which apply to post-BA credential requirements. Students will be prepared to work in the extended learning workforce as paraprofessionals, aides, or before- and after-school caregivers.

At the expense of the student, all students must gain physical clearance and show proof of immunizations to measles, pertussis, influenza, and tuberculosis. Additionally, a background screening is required prior to student teaching.

Students should be aware that this program leads into an (optional) accelerated program at CSUS. For that reason, 63.5 units are required. Students are strongly recommended to complete Health Education 2, Human Development 4, and take the CBest exam in addition to the required 63.5 units. Completing Human Development 4 will allow students to obtain a Teacher permit through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

✔ Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements;

✔ California State University General Education (CSU GE) Breadth pattern;

✔ Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

✔ Identify and evaluate factors that influence child/human development from various theoretical perspectives and current research findings.

✔ Analyze early childhood lab sites and/or community schools for developmentally appropriate practices and program effectiveness.

✔ Exhibit professionalism within the field of Early Childhood Education by demonstrating skills relevant to the field that include incorporating meaningful curriculum, content knowledge, culturally and linguistically appropriate learning environments,  and observation, documentation, and assessment of young children.

The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer degree (AS-T) provides a clearly articulated curricular track to complete a bachelor’s degree in Early Development, Care and Education (EDCE) for students who wish to transfer to CSU Sacramento. Completion of this degree involves a cohort of Sierra College students who meet for classes in Placer County as part of a partnership with CSUS. The cohort structure provides for additional student support, while the format better meets the needs of working adults. The degree provides a curricular track for students planning to transfer to other CSU campuses with the following bachelor’s degrees: Child Development, Child and Adolescent Development, Human Development and Education.

The required courses are part of the CA Curriculum Alignment Project, Lower Division 8 coursework and expose students to the core principles and practices of the field in order to build a foundation for future personal, academic, or career paths. Students will be able to identify and evaluate factors that influence children’s development; analyze early childhood programs for developmentally appropriate practices and program effectiveness; and exhibit professionalism within the field of Early Childhood Education by demonstrating skills relevant to the field.

Additionally, this degree is designed to facilitate students’ successful transfer to CSU campuses that prepare them for advanced study in a variety of graduate programs, as well as a variety of careers such as teaching, Child Development Specialist, Program Directors and Child Life Specialists. With a BA in ECE/Child Development, students are eligible for the Master Teacher and Site Supervisor levels of the CA Child Development Permit, using the Alternative Qualifications category.

Students earning an Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer degree and meeting the CSU minimum transfer admission requirements are guaranteed admission with junior standing to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Upon transfer, students will be required to complete no more than 60 additional prescribed units to earn a bachelor’s degree.

To earn the Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer degree, students must complete 60 CSU-transferable semester units with a minimum grade point average of 2.0, including both of the following:

✔ completion of all courses required for the major with grades of C or better; and

✔ completion of the California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE) pattern or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern. (Students transferring to a CSU campus using IGETC must complete Area 1C Oral Communication to be eligible for admission.)

The exact wording of the law pertaining to associate degrees for transfer may be found in Education Code Section 66746.

It is highly recommended that, prior to transferring, students complete courses that satisfy the CSU United States History, Constitution and American Ideals graduation requirement. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

RESTRICTION: International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be applied to associate degrees for transfer.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

✔ Identify and evaluate factors that influence child/human development from various theoretical perspectives and current research findings.

✔ Analyze early childhood lab sites and/or community schools for developmentally appropriate practices and program effectiveness.

✔ Exhibit professionalism within the field of Early Childhood Education by demonstrating skills relevant to the field that include incorporating meaningful curriculum, content knowledge, culturally and linguistically appropriate learning environments,  and observation, documentation, and assessment of young children.