At PCC you can earn an Associate of Art (AA) Degree, Associate in Science (AS) Degree, Associate Degree for Transfer (AD-T), Certificate of Achievement, or an Occupational Skills Certificate. Use the guide below to understand the differences and find the option that’s right for you.

Associate Degrees for Transfer

Earning an AA-T or AS-T degree at PCC guarantees you admission to many four-year universities with junior standing and prepares you to complete a bachelor degree in a similar major at a CSU or a participating UC, HBCU or private university. To find out which colleges are currently participating in the AD-T program, please visit the A Degree with a Guarantee website.

 
On top of the benefit of earning an Associate Degree, you will also have the necessary preparation to transfer to the CSU system and complete a bachelor's degree. Plus, you will receive admission priority and guaranteed admission with junior status to the CSU system.

No. Earning a ADT guarantees you admission to the CSU system, but not a particular campus or major. The campus you will be admitted to depends on several factors, such as the location of your community college, the program of study that you intend to follow, and your competitiveness for admission.

Go to http://adegreewithaguarantee.com/Degrees.aspx  to find out which CSU campuses offer a major or similar major related to each AA-T or AS-T.

This degree may not be the best option for you if you are intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. You should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

Associate in Arts and Associate in Science Degrees

The AA and AS degrees can stand alone, giving you the skills to enter the workforce. Or, they can be the first steps towards earning a bachelor degree at a four-year university.
AA/AS Majors at PCC   Requirements to Complete an AA/AS Degree

Certificates of Achievement

Our Certificates of Achievement give you the knowledge and training you need to enter a specialized career or enhance your skills for advancement in your job. Designated certificates (18+ units), combined with the completion of General Education coursework may also be applied to an Associate Degree to further increase your employability.

Occupational Skills Certificate

Earning an Occupational Skills Certificate develops your job skills in a special area of occupational education in a short period of time. Successful completion may certify that you are prepared with job entry skills and/or skills to upgrade or advance in an existing career.

Noncredit Certificates

The Noncredit Division offers a variety of free, not-for-credit certificate programs to help you achieve your academic, career, professional and/or personal goals.