Degrees & Certificates

The Associate of Arts in General Studies with Emphasis provides an opportunity for you to earn an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in a comprehensive area of study. This degree is intended for students who may not be planning to transfer to a university in the near future. The General Studies degree is intended to provide both breadth and depth of education. Breadth is achieved by completion of the 18-unit MJC-GE Pattern for the Associate’s Degree. Depth is achieved when you complete an additional 18-unit Emphasis in one of four areas: Natural Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Humanities, or Language and Rationality. By completing this pattern of study, you will have a “well rounded” education in addition to lower-division course work in related disciplines which can be used as preparation for a field of study.

Geography is the study of spatial aspects of the physical environment, human activities, and the nature of their interactions. Geography draws upon theories from both the physical and social sciences. As physical scientists, geographers study earth processes and the resulting features; climate, soils, vegetation, tectonics, landforms and resources. As social scientists, geographers examine human behaviors and the patterns humans create through economics, religion, language, urbanization, folk and popular culture, and ethnic identities which are reflected in the landscape. Geography utilizes a regional approach to examine the interrelationships between the physical environment, economy, culture, politics and history of specific locations, such as California, Europe or Asia. The Associate in Arts in Geography for Transfer (AA-T in Geography) degree is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in Geography at a California State University 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.

The Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer Degree includes lower division coursework that is required for transfer and which focuses on the mastery of the identification of earth materials and the use of geologic maps, stratigraphic sections, and remote sensing imagery, using these techniques to model real- world applications. The Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer Degree is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in Geology at a California State University 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.

Completion of the Gerontology Program will provide the holder with the skills, knowledge, and education necessary to work with the elderly. It also provides training and growth opportunities for existing human service employees. In addition, this Skills Recognition Award in Gerontology will serve as another step in an educational and career ladder leading to a Human Services Skills Recognition Award, certificate and or degree. All course work will be applicable as electives and/or meet the requirements for the Human Services degrees at MJC.

In this program, students will develop skills and knowledge for the successful management of heavy equipment. Contact the division office in the Agriculture Building for advising assistance.

The Associate in Arts in History for Transfer (A.A.-T in History) Degree includes lower division coursework that is required for transfer and will provide students with the opportunity to learn a valuable skill in critical thinking and writing as they explore a variety of historical topics in world and western civilizations and American history. The A.A.-T in History includes courses that explore world and U.S. history, political institutions, and social and cultural influences. The Associate in Art in History for Transfer (A.A.-T in History) Degree is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in history at a California State University 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.

The Human Resources program is designed to deliver relevant skills for today's business workplace. This skills builder program provides: 1) skills enhancement for students in the business workforce; 2) a pathway for students to explore the Human Resources field; and 3) a specific business concentration for students who desire to transfer with an AS-T or AS in Business Administration. Courses cover Human Resource principles and practices of management and planning, recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, employer/employee relations, and legal requirements in the field.

The Human Services AA Degree centers around a broad array of entry-level knowledge and skill building needed to effectively work in social services delivery systems. Our program also prepares individuals for transfer to four-year universities, in an effort to pursue degrees in human services, psychology, social work, counseling, sociology, and addiction counseling or other related majors.

The Human Services certificate centers around a broad array of entry-level knowledge and skill building needed to effectively work in social services delivery systems.

The humanities include, but are not limited to, the history, theory, comparison, and criticism of a broad range of subjects in the liberal arts, including pictorial, plastic, musical, and performance arts; literature; philosophy; foreign languages and cultures; mythology and comparative religion; and those aspects of the social sciences (such as history and cultural anthropology) that use historical and interpretive rather than quantitative methods of inquiry. The humanities enable us to reflect upon our lives and ask fundamental questions of value, purpose, and meaning in a rigorous and systematic way.

IGETC is a general education pattern that, upon full or “partial” (all but two courses) certification, will satisfy all or most lower-division general education requirements at California State University (CSU) campuses, most University of California (UC) campuses/majors, and some private/independent or out-of state universities. However, it is not the only way to fulfill the lower-division GE requirements for baccalaureate degree prior to transfer to a university. Part of the transfer process will require GE breadth certification. All courses must be passed with a grade of “C” or higher. IGETC certification is not recommended for “high-unit” majors. Complete a Guidance class or meet with a counselor to accurately plan coursework to satisfy transfer admission and upper-division major requirements.

The Import/Export Assistant certificate program offers students a fundamental foundation for entry level jobs in Import-Export operations.

The Industrial Electronics Program prepares students for careers as Engineering Technologists and Instrumentation/Automation Technicians. Students receive theoretical and laboratory instruction in electrical/electronic principles, analog and digital devices, electrical/electronic systems, sensors and controls, PLCs, PACs, industrial equipment, and control systems.

The Industrial Electronics Program prepares students for careers as Engineering Technologists and Instrumentation/Automation Technicians. Students receive theoretical and laboratory instruction in electrical/electronic principles, analog and digital devices, electrical/electronic systems, sensors and controls, PLCs, PACs, industrial equipment, and control systems.

The International Business Certificate of Achievement is designed for students seeking an entrepreneurial or organizational career in global commerce. It may be obtained as an individual certificate or incorporated into other appropriate majors. Courses are designed to provide an essential understanding of both domestic and international business practices. Economic and cultural and ethical considerations are addressed in relation to business of all sizes and types.

This program will prepare students for jobs in the irrigation construction and installation industry. Training and skill development include; piping identification and installation, equipment operation, cost estimating, and plan interpretation. Contact the division office in the Agriculture Building for advising assistance.