Degrees and Certificates

 

English Associate of Arts (AA)

About the Program

The Associate of Arts in English degree (AA) provides major preparation in English through an introduction to English composition, critical thinking, literature, and creative writing. Please note that the English AA does not guarantee admission to CSU as the English AA-T does. However, like the Associate in Arts in English for Transfer (AA-T), the coursework will prepare students for the critical reading and writing necessary in a variety of fields. The intent of the Associate in Arts in English (AA) is additionally to provide students with an enriched background in a broader, interdisciplinary range of courses that provides more general preparation in reading, writing, critical thinking, humanities, and creative expression. Students may take elective courses in fields as varied as English as a Second Language, French, Humanities, Mass Communications, Spanish, Speech, and Theater Arts. If the student prefers this broader range of preparation to that of the Associate in Arts in English for Transfer (AA-T) but also hopes to enter the English major at the transfer university of his or her choice, it is essential that the student also refer to the catalog of the prospective transfer institution and consult a counselor. If a student plans to attend the University of California, the AA in English may meet the student's needs just as well. Students should speak to a counselor about their options.

English Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T)

About the Program

The Associate in Arts in English for Transfer (AA-T) provides major preparation in English through an introduction to English composition, critical thinking, literature, and creative writing. Like the Associate in Arts in English (AA), the coursework will prepare students for the critical reading and writing necessary in a variety of fields. However, the intent of the Associate in Arts in English for Transfer (AA-T) is to assist students in transferring into the California State University System. Students completing the Associate in Arts in English for Transfer (AA-T) degree receive a guarantee of admission with junior status into the California State University System. CSU is required to grant priority admission for a student with this associate degree to their [CSU] campus and to a program or major that is similar to their community college major or area of emphasis, as determined by the [CSU] campus to which the student is admitted.” As such, the courses required for the Associate in Arts in English for Transfer (AA-T) are more narrowly focused on English courses and preparation for the English Baccalaureate degree whereas the courses allowed for the Associate in Arts in English (AA) cover a broader, interdisciplinary range and provide more general preparation in reading, writing, critical thinking, humanities, and creative expression.

Creative Writing Certificate of Achievement (CA)

About the Program

Stories and poems connect to the deepest parts of the human experience--our psychology, our relationships, our history, and our dreams. Learn how to craft writing that effectively expresses those experiences and communicates them to others. During the Certificate of Creative Writing sequence of study, students will write and workshop their own original work. They will also read and analyze the craft of published literature from diverse authors, study and apply the elements of fiction and/or poetry, and learn about the publication submission process. Students will also gain experience as editors on our college literary journal or magazine, selecting the content and working on the production and design process. Upon completion, students with this certificate will meet some lower division creative writing requirements for English bachelor's degrees at most colleges with an emphasis or minor in creative writing. This certificate can be earned at the same time as getting the AA-T in English without adding any additional units. (Work closely with a counselor to select your courses.)