Degrees & Certificates

The Computer Graphics Applications Associate Degree and Certificate program is structured to enable students to pursue a course of study and computer experience in career areas that rely on computer graphics applications. This program is designed to prepare students for employment, transfer to four year institutions, or to allow employees within these industries to upgrade their skills.

The Computer Information Systems Program is designed for students who plan to specialize in business computer applications at a four-year college. Students who wish to declare this transfer major should ask for program planning assistance from a business program advisor. Transfer institutions vary in lower division (first two years of college) major department requirements. Meeting the Modesto Junior College Associate Degree major requirements does not necessarily mean a given transfer institution’s major requirements have been met.

This certificate is designed for students seeking entry-level job positions in computer network administration, designing networks, installing server and client operating systems, configuring network services, and implementing network security. Note: All of these courses are also preparation for Microsoft certification as a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) in the individual subject. A student who has completed the Network Administration Certificate would be eligible to complete the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification with the completion of just one additional course from the options list.

This certificate is designed for students seeking entry-level job positions in computer network administration, designing networks, installing server and client operating systems, configuring network services, and implementing network security. Note: All of these courses are also preparation for Microsoft certification as a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) in the individual subject. A student who has completed the Network Administration Certificate would be eligible to complete the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification with the completion of just one additional course from the options list.

This Certificate of Achievement will prepare students to work as an entry level programmer in the areas of JAVA programming, C++ programming, or Visual BASIC programming.

The Computer Science A.S. Degree Program at Modesto Junior College is designed to meet the needs of non-transfer students who wish to acquire the new computer skills needed in today’s work environment. The Computer Science Program provides students with a general knowledge of computer literacy and information systems, microcomputer hardware and software systems, the ability to work with a wide variety of applications software, and an opportunity to develop programming and problem-solving skills. Students who wish to major in Computer Science and transfer to a four-year institution should ask for program planning assistance from a business program advisor. Modesto Junior College offers a Computer Science transfer major to meet the major requirement for the associate degree. Transfer institutions vary in lower division (first two years of college) major department requirements. Meeting the Modesto Junior College Associate Degree major requirements does not necessarily mean the transfer institution’s major requirements have been met. Consult a Computer Science faculty advisor for assistance in determining the appropriate courses for the major you select.

This program is designed to prepare students who wish to transfer to a CSU and major in Computer Science. This program will provide students with an alignment of courses required for transfer and a cohesive group of courses in the area of Computer Science. Courses such as programming, discrete structures, computer architecture and organization will enable the student to demonstrate ability to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving in the application of computer science principles. The Associate of Science in Computer Science for Transfer degree includes curriculum which focuses on practical application of problem solving skills and theory. Students who complete the degree will be able to demonstrate competence in the application of computer science. The Associate of Science in Computer Science for Transfer is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at a CSU campus. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Students transferring to a CSU campus that does accept this degree will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

Building on the Computer Support Technician (Level 1) Certificate, students further prepare for a career as a Computer Support Specialists, choosing from different Information Technology (IT) support specializations.

Students prepare to start a career as a Computer Support Professional by the gaining the required knowledge and skills according to the certification standards set by the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). As part of the required courses, students earn the TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro Certification, and the TestOut PC Pro Certification, by passing the required exams.

The student acquires skills in production of the common row and field crops grown in the Central Valley. Specific skills are emphasized in seedbed preparation, planting, fertilizing, weed control, pest management, harvesting, and marketing. Training leads to farming as well as employment in allied businesses such as fertilizer or agricultural chemical companies, seed companies, processing companies, and other related industries. Contact the division office in the Agriculture Building for advising assistance.

This general education breadth pattern allows Modesto Junior College students who plan to transfer to a California State University (CSU) to complete lower-division general education requirements for baccalaureate degree at all CSU campuses. The pattern has five disciplinary “areas” (A-E) requiring at least 39-units of coursework. CSU transfer also requires completion of a History, Constitution, and American Ideals requirement that may be completed at MJC and is included in this pattern. A grade of C- or higher is required in Areas A1, A2, A3, and B4 for admission to the CSU System, but individual CSU campuses may accept “pass” grades for the other areas. “Certification” of CSU-GE is recommended for transfer to CSU but can vary by major. Students pursuing “High unit” majors are discouraged from completing all GE requirements. For these reasons, students are strongly encouraged to work with a counselor or enroll in a Guidance course to complete an educational plan and review critical information on transferring to CSU.

This program will develop entry-level jobs skills in Dairy husbandry and housing. Training and skill set development include; practical handling and safety skills, equipment handling and care, Dairy anatomy and nutrition, as well as breeding and reproduction skills. The program is designed for students that wish to develop practical skills in the area of Dairy Science.

The Associate in Arts in Dance is intended for students who plan to enter the workforce as a choreographer, teacher or performing artist. Dance as an academic discipline focuses on dance as a performing art, as well as its social functions in other areas, including education, health, cultural studies, art, history, and the science of human movement. This degree provides an educational and practical foundation for students pursuing a professional career in dance. It is designed to create avenues toward further study in educational dance, intermediate to advanced technique, choreography, and dance performance. The Associate Degree in Dance will prepare students to gain entry level employment with private dance studios, charter schools and recreational programs with a dance emphasis. Career opportunities also exist in highly competitive professional dance companies, amusement parks, commercial dance, and teaching. There are choreography opportunities with dance and theatre companies. Students should be aware that career opportunities in dance performance related fields are highly competitive.

The Industrial Welding Program supports and maintains a training platform that focuses on the most common welding and sheet metal processes, certifications, and supporting technologies used in industry. The curriculum for the program is concentrated primarily on the Shielded Metal Arc, Gas Tungsten Arc, Gas Metal Arc, Flux Core Arc Welding, Oxy- Acetylene Welding, Oxy-Acetylene and Plasma Cutting. The program’s courses expose students to both hands-on, laboratory and lecture learning objectives.

The Design and Technical Theatre Certificate is designed for students to demonstrate knowledge and skills to support the technical aspects of live theatre and dance productions which includes the scenery construction, lighting, makeup and audio elements. Students will experience practical work on theatrical productions and will work with advanced technology in lighting, audio, and projections. Job opportunities include both part-time and full-time work at Performing Arts Centers, Lighting and Sound Production Companies, Regional Theatre Companies, and College and University Performance Venues.

The Drone Technician Certificate prepares students to operate, troubleshoot, repair, and debug Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) commonly referred to as “flying drones.” The Certificate also prepares students to train personnel to operate drone fleets, drone delivery systems, and drone light shows. Finally, students who complete this program will be prepared to take the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Remote Pilot certification exam (required for all small UAS-Drone commercial and municipal operations in US airspace).