what is a course community college

by Giuseppe Funk 10 min read

Community colleges offer traditional academic classes like math and history that will transfer to a four-year college or university but also offers community programs like resume help to job seekers, or swim classes to children. As community colleges grow in popularity they are serving more individuals both locally and from around the world.

Community colleges offer traditional academic classes like math and history that will transfer to a four-year college or university but also offers community programs like resume help to job seekers, or swim classes to children.

Full Answer

What courses should I take in Community College?

What classes should I take in community college?

  • Computer Information Systems (CIS) While not required for every degree or certificate, computer information systems is an invaluable college course.
  • Introductory Psychology.
  • College Algebra.
  • English.
  • Introduction to Humanities.

What degrees do community colleges offer?

Non-Charter Schools

  • The Case For Moving Wright Middle School. ...
  • ‘Not When They’re This Young’. ...
  • 'We're Willing To Share' Parents have had success pushing back against the district’s attempts to rearrange schools faced with declining enrollment.
  • Fairness, In Facilities & More. ...

How to choose the Best Community College?

How to Choose a College

  • Keeping an open mind
  • Experiencing the college first-hand
  • Does the shoe fit? Look at the website Talk to current students

Can you get degrees or certification from a community college?

Community colleges, also known as city colleges or junior colleges, offer a variety of degree programs, as well as different degrees. Some popular degree programs at community colleges include those in nursing, law enforcement and web technology. This article will tell you what type of degree programs are offered at community colleges.

What does course mean college?

A course is a series of classes. These classes are all in one area of study. Therefore, when choosing a major, you will take courses geared towards that major. Courses are assigned credits. Colleges dictate how many credits you need to take to graduate.

Are community college classes the same as university?

Community colleges often have much smaller classes, especially compared to the first two years of a university. Many four-year colleges will have lecture classes in auditoriums to accommodate the hundreds of students in attendance. However, community colleges have smaller student to teacher ratios.

What does community mean in college?

Community colleges are affordable public colleges, funded by tax dollars. The highest degree available at a community college is usually an associate's degree, which takes full-time students about two years to complete.

What type of degree is typically learned at a community college?

Associate degrees are typically offered at community colleges and some universities. After completion, graduates often enter the workforce or pursue a bachelor's degree, Hardy says, noting that most community college degrees are designed to transfer to four-year schools.

What are the disadvantages of community college?

List of the Cons of Community CollegeIt is not an option for a 4-year degree in most circumstances. ... The workloads are often lighter at a community college. ... It can be difficult to stay invested in the program. ... There is no campus life at most community colleges. ... It is usually paid for directly.More items...•

Is CC easier than university?

Education is but one aspect of studying at a community college. In terms of tuition, ease of admission, flexibility, school-life balance, and many other factors, community colleges are definitely “easier” than a university.

Are community colleges free?

Community college isn't free in the U.S., but at least 23 states offer free community college for some students.

What are the pros and cons of community college?

Pros and Cons of Community College in the COVID-19 EraPro: Cost of Community College. For most undergrads, college is about more than classes. ... Con: Lose Out on 4-Year Friendships. ... Pro: Community Colleges Tend to Be Local. ... Con: Perks and Prestige at Four-Year Universities. ... Pro: More Flexibility. ... Con: Fewer Programs.

How much is a community college?

Students attending community colleges spend an average of $1,865 on tuition each semester. The average annual cost for attending a public community college in the US is $4,864 for in-state students, and $8,622 for out-of-state students. The average figure for private two-year community colleges tuition is $15,100.

Is community college worse than a university?

The curriculum is on par with universities and the classes can be just as challenging. There is still plenty of variety in the industry, but dozens of studies have shown that students transferring from a community college outperform their university counterparts.

Can you get a job with a community college degree?

Not only is it possible to obtain a high-paying job with an associate's degree from a community college, but the tuition payback period is much lower. On average, community college graduates pay off their tuition in about two years.

What is the best degree to get in community college?

Without further ado, let's take a look at the highest paying community college degrees on the market today.Radiation Therapy. ... Physician Assistant Studies. ... Software Engineering. ... Nuclear Medicine. ... Project Management. ... Network Engineering. ... Occupational Health and Safety. ... Computer Science & Mathematics.More items...

How long does it take to get a community college degree?

The highest degree available at a community college is usually an associate's degree, which takes full-time students about two years to complete.

How many community colleges are there in California?

Did you know that community colleges in California are the largest provider of workforce training in the United States? More than two million students at 116 schools across the Golden State partake in over 200 programs that provide hands-on training by industry professionals.

How old are people who go to community colleges?

While many people enroll straight away after high school, about two-thirds of part-time students are over 24 years old. And if you decide to go this route, you'll be in good company! In fact, 78 percent of Mission College students attend part-time.

What is career education?

Career education (also known as career training education/CTE) is relevant, flexible, and designed for YOU. Study almost anything, from computer science to hospitality management to firefighting. Many of our hands-on programs take less than a year to complete.

Does California College Promise Grant waive fees?

Luckily, The California College Promise Grant waives fees for nearly half of all students in California Community Colleges. Plus, there are also abundant resources available in the form of grants, scholarships, payment plans, and loans .

What is community college?

The term “community college” means different things in different countries, but in the United States, the term indicates a public higher institution of learning that typically serves its surrounding local community, as its name suggests.

How many years does a community college take?

Community college is also commonly known as a two-year college because their programs (such as associate’s degrees and vocational certificates) take two years to complete.

Why do community colleges offer vocational training?

Because community colleges are geared toward job preparation, they typically offer technical and vocational training for the jobs that students wish to pursue after graduation. Community college training programs are usually in partnership with the industry workforce and employers to ensure that there is adequate and practical training, as well as proper work placement, for their students.

How much does it cost to attend community college?

The average cost of attending community college is $2,700 per year, while the average cost of universities is $7,600 per year.

Is community college a good college?

As mentioned before, community college can be a great first step toward a 4-year degree. If you plan on earning a bachelor’s degree in the near future, you can take advantage of the other community college benefits by starting out with an associate’s degree.

Do community college students live off campus?

Most community college students commute to school in order to take their classes, and they live in regular housing off-campus or with a host family if they are international students.

Is a community college bigger than a university?

Community colleges are typically much smaller than their university counterparts. This comes with both pros and cons depending on your academic goals. A smaller institution may mean more one-on-one attention from staff, an easier time getting around campus, and more parking spaces, but it also means that the recreational facilities are smaller, and there are fewer student clubs and groups.

What is community college?

A community college, sometimes referred to as a junior college or technical college, is a tax-payer supported two-year institution of higher education. The term "community" is at the heart of a community college's mission. These schools offer a level of accessibility—in terms of time, finances, and geography—that cannot be found at most liberal ...

Why are community colleges so challenging?

It can be more challenging to find a close peer group and to build strong faculty/student relationships at a community college than at a residential four-year college.

Is a community college selective?

Community colleges are not selective, and they provide a higher education opportunity for applicants who didn't earn stellar grades in high school as well as applicants who have been out of school for years. Community colleges are almost always open admissions.

Do community colleges have baccalaureate degrees?

Community colleges do not offer four-year baccalaureate degrees or any graduate degrees. They have a two-year curriculum that typically terminates with an associate's degree. Shorter programs may lead to specific professional certifications.

What is community college?

What is a Community College? Historically, community colleges were known as junior colleges, but the term junior college has fallen from popularity. Community colleges have, and still to this day, play an important role in preparing students for the workforce. There are over a thousand community colleges in the United States ...

What are the classes offered at community colleges?

Community colleges offer traditional academic classes like math and history that will transfer to a four-year college or university but also offers community programs like resume help to job seekers, or swim classes to children. As community colleges grow in popularity they are serving more individuals both locally and from around the world.

What is a dorm in college?

At universities, students live in residence halls, also known as dormitories, or dorms. Dorms can be an epicenter of activity and provide students with a chance to learn and interact with each other daily. In comparison, dorms are not always available at community colleges. Most students that attend a community college are commuters meaning they ...

What are the facilities at a four year university?

At a four year university, you might have access to a state-of-the-art gym, several tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a host of other perks. Many community colleges have recreational facilities, but they are smaller in comparison to the facilities you’ll find at larger institutions.

How long does it take to get a degree in a community college?

Degree Program Length. The main difference between a community college and a university is that most degrees at a community college only take two years to complete, while degrees at a four year university take four years to complete.

Do community college students live off campus?

Most students that attend a community college are commuters meaning they live elsewhere and only commute to campus to take classes or participate in various activities. Most community college students must find off-campus housing in the area. You’ll find that at community colleges most international students live with a host family ...

Can students be involved in clubs at community colleges?

Although the amount of groups and clubs at community colleges are limited, students can typically participate in any organization they would like that is offered; students at a large university might have to be “approved” or voted into a club. Additionally, students at community colleges are often encourage d to create clubs or groups if there is a need for one that does not already exist.

What is community college?

A community college offers postsecondary education at an affordable rate. Once known as junior colleges, these institutions operate predominantly as two-year schools. Community colleges prepare graduates for the workforce.

What is the American Association of Community Colleges?

The American Association of Community Colleges offers a community college finder to help prospective students find colleges in their area. After putting together a list of schools, students can research how to apply for community college.

How many years of college do you need to go to college to get a bachelor's degree?

Depending on their major, graduates can also transfer from a community college to a four-year school to earn a bachelor's degree.

How many people have an associates degree in 2019?

In 2019, 1 million U.S. students graduated with an associate degree. The most common majors included the liberal arts and sciences, general studies, and humanities, which made up 40% of earned degrees.

How much does community college cost?

Not usually. Community college generally costs $550-$3,360 per semester in tuition, depending on the state. That said, 17 states do offer free community college programs for students who qualify based on income or academics. These states include New York, California, and Indiana. President Joe Biden has also proposed a free community college plan.

How many states have free community colleges?

In total, community college students in 17 states can attend tuition-free, two-year colleges. Nevertheless, these programs limit eligibility based on household income and academic promise. Moving forward, more states may enact similar measures — recent data shows that most Americans support free community college.

Why is community college important?

Attending community college can help students save a significant amount of money.

What is community college?

Community colleges are primarily public higher education institutions that strive to provide affordable and accessible educational opportunities to all.

What is the difference between community colleges and four year colleges?

The types of degrees offered is one of the main differences between community colleges and four-year colleges and universities, Shanna Smith Jaggars, assistant vice provost of research and program assessment for the Office of Student Academic Success at Ohio State University—Columbus, wrote in an email. Almost all community colleges are open-access, which means almost anyone who applies is accepted.

How many community college students take remedial courses?

More than two-thirds of community college students take at least one developmental course, according to a 2018 study by the Center for the Analysis of Postsecondary Readiness. These remedial courses are noncredit courses, aiming to improve student skills and success in college-level programs.

Why are community colleges good for international students?

Community colleges may be a good fit for international students because they generally have low tuition rates and offer students an easier transition to U.S.-style academics, experts say.

How long does it take to get a community college degree?

Community colleges mainly award associate degrees and postsecondary certificates. Associate degrees usually take about two years to complete full time. Certificates can take anywhere from a few months to several years to complete.

What is the percentage of community college certificates awarded in 2014?

The majority of certificates awarded by community colleges in 2014-2015 – 88% – were in career and technical education fields, according to the American Association of Community Colleges, which include areas of study like business management, engineering, health sciences and consumer services like cosmetology.

What are some examples of career services in community colleges?

Many community colleges have career services offices that offer resources such as career counseling or workshops on creating resumes, for example.

Step 1: Find A Community College

Use the California Community Colleges' Find a College Tool to see a map. CPP students often take classes at Mt. Sac, Citrus College and Chaffey College.

Step 2: Find the Articulation Agreement

Articulation agreements show how courses/course sequences at the community college will be accepted in fulfillment of curricular requirements at CPP.

Step 3: Apply to the Community College

You should review the community college's website for admission information.

Step 4: Register for the Course (s)

You should review the community college's website about important dates, registration deadlines and fees.

Step 5: Send CPP Your Official Transcripts

Once you have your final grades, order an official transcript from the community college to be sent to CPP. You can review the community college's website for information about how to order transcripts. CPP accepts electronic transcripts and transcripts sent via National Student Clearinghouse or Credential Solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my financial aid to pay for these classes, or use my community college enrollment to meet financial aid eligibility requirements?

How to create a course proposal?

Each school will have its own procedures for formally establishing a course before making it available to students and including it in the course catalog. Write an effective course description that provides a basic overview of the course material that will be covered in one semester . Submit your proposal to the appropriate faculty members.

How to write a syllabus for a college?

Write the course syllabus based on the textbooks that will be used, your lectures and the course objectives you have established in the course proposal. The syllabus should include a comprehensive course schedule, the course objectives, information regarding the types of assessments that will be required (exams, quizzes, papers, etc.), your contact information and any required institutional statements that your college may require in all of its syllabi.

What is the study of cultures and societies?

Anthropology is the study of cultures and societies. Most history majors have to take anthropology , but even if it doesn’t line up with your major, it can provide you with interesting insight behind the formation of societies.

Why do we need creative writing classes?

There are infinite ways to tell a story. Creative writing classes will help you to unleash the power of storytelling and the art of writing. From journal entries to long-form fiction and poetry, creative writing classes are a fun place to express your creativity.

Do you have to take classes outside of your major?

Indeed, colleges do require students to take classes outside of their major to offer a well-rounded educational experience.

image

The Cost of Community College

Admission to Community Colleges

  • Community colleges are not selective, and they provide a higher education opportunity for applicants who didn't earn stellar grades in high school as well as applicants who have been out of school for years. Community colleges are almost always open admissions. In other words, anyone who has a high school diploma or equivalency will be admitted. Th...
See more on thoughtco.com

Commuters and Part-Time Students

  • If you walk around a community college campus, you'll notice lots of parking lots and few if any residence halls. If you're looking for a traditional residential college experience, a community college will not be the right choice. Community colleges specialize in serving live-at-home students and part-time students. They are ideal for students who want to save room and board …
See more on thoughtco.com

Associate's Degrees and Certificate Programs

  • Community colleges do not offer four-year baccalaureate degrees or any graduate degrees. They have a two-year curriculum that typically terminates with an associate's degree. Shorter programs may lead to specific professional certifications. That said, many of these two-year degrees and professional certifications can result in significantly higher earning potential. For students who …
See more on thoughtco.com

The Downside of Community Colleges

  • The service community colleges provide to higher education in the U.S. is huge, but students should recognize the limits of community colleges. Not all classes will transfer to all four-year colleges. Also, because of the large commuter population, community colleges often have fewer athletic opportunities and student organizations. It can be more challenging to find a close peer …
See more on thoughtco.com

Degree Program Length

  • The main difference between a community college and a university is that most degrees at a community college only take two years to complete, while degrees at a four year university take four years to complete. Why does it take four years to complete a degree at a university but only two years at community college? At four year universities student...
See more on internationalstudent.com

Campus Size

  • Besides the time-frame needed to complete a degree, another big difference between a community college and a university is campus size. Universities are much larger than community colleges; some universities in the United States have over a hundred thousand students. Since community colleges do not have as many students on campus this means there are less studen…
See more on internationalstudent.com

Housing

  • At universities, students live in residence halls, also known as dormitories, or dorms. Dorms can be an epicenter of activity and provide students with a chance to learn and interact with each other daily. In comparison, dorms are not always available at community colleges. Most students that attend a community college are commuters meaning they live elsewhere and only commut…
See more on internationalstudent.com

Financing Your Education

  • When financing your education, most international students will pay for college using a mix of savings, loans, scholarships, and grants. Inquire with the school’s financial aid office or with your international student advisor to ask whether or not scholarships are available to international students. You can also visit our financial aid sectionto find information on scholarships and loan…
See more on internationalstudent.com