Page 55 - Irvine Valley College Student Planner 2022-2023

EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS IN CALIFORNIA
• Doctorate Degree - Advanced training beyond a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Units vary, depending on field of study. Usually referred to as Ph.D. or Ed.D. (Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Education
• Master’s Degree - Bachelor’s degree plus graduate courses in specialized area. Usually referred to as MS or MA (Master of Science or Arts) degrees. Normally requires 2 additional years full-time study after completion of a bachelor’s degree.
• Bachelor’s Degree - Major course work plus general education and electives, approximately 120-132 total semester units required. Usually referred to as BS or BA (Bachelor of Science or Arts) degrees. Normally requires 4-5 years of full-time study. Students may complete the freshman and sophomore years (lower division) at a community college and then transfer to a 4-year university for junior and senior (upper division) courses.
• Associate Degree - Major courses plus general education and electives, 60 semester units required. Usually referred to as AA or AS (Associate in Arts or Science) degrees. Associate degrees are offered by community colleges.
• Occupational Certificate - Major courses only – number of units required varies. A series of special major courses, all related to a particular occupational skill. Offered by community colleges, university extension programs, and private educational organizations. Can be helpful in obtaining or upgrading employment.
• High School Diploma/General Education Diploma (G.E.D.) - Awarded for the completion of high school. An equivalent is the G.E.D.
Master’s Degree Bachelor’s degree Associate Degree
GPP-15121
49
Occupational Certificate
Available at:
• 10 University of California • 23 California State
University and
• 188 California Independent
Colleges and Universities • Bachelor’s available at
some community colleges
Doctorate Degree
Available at 116 California community colleges
High School Diploma or GED