ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Golden West College offers majors and programs that lead to an Associates Degree or Certificate. We also offer courses that fulfill for general education requirements and transferable courses which fulfill lower division requirements for many other majors. It is important that you meet with a GWC Counselor early in your studies to develop your Student Education Plan (SEP).

ACADEMIC DIVISIONS

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Academic Calendar

Courses A-Z

Learning Resource Center

Library

Academic Success Center

Tutoring Center

Student Computer Center

Writing and Reading Center

STEM Center

Degree and Certificate Descriptions

Associate in Arts Degree

Associate Degrees are commonly conferred by community colleges, with one of two purposes. Either the program prepares an individual for transfer to a four-year college or university, or the program is intended to prepare the student for immediate employment. The requirements for the associate degree include the specific courses in the major or area of emphasis and courses comprising the general education or breadth requirement for a total of 60 units.

Associate in Science Degree

Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer

This is a variation of the associate degrees offered at California community colleges. It is intended for students who plan to transfer to a CSU campus. These degrees guarantee admission to the CSU system but not to a particular campus or major. Students should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the degree in order to meet the requirements for a particular CSU campus. More information about the ADTs is available at http://www.adegreewithaguarantee.com/

Associate in Science Degree for Transfer

Certificate of Achievement

This certificate goes through the State approval process and requires a minimum of 12 units of coursework in a particular academic or occupational area. The certificate is recorded on the student’s transcript and they are recognized at the graduation ceremony.

Certificate of Achievement – Transfer

The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) and the California State University General Education – Breadth Certificates of Achievement are state approved and along with a Major or Area of Emphasis meets the requirement for an AA degree with the purpose of transferring to a 4-year institution.

Certificate of Specialization

This certificate focuses on the student gaining competency in a skill so he/she can quickly move into the workplace and must be under 18 units. This certificate does not require state approval, it is not recorded on the student’s transcript, and there is no acknowledgment of completion given at the graduation ceremony.

NonCredit

Noncredit programs provide students access to higher education for skill attainment, college preparation, career enhancement, and personal enrichment. To earn a certificate in noncredit programs, students must complete the list of required courses identified in the program. Noncredit courses are offered free of charge, except for instructional materials fees, if applicable, and are repeatable.

Science

See Biology, Chemistry, or Physics

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