Defining Educational Goals

The educational goal is defined as the student's purpose for attending San Joaquin Delta College and includes the major field of academic specialization such as Business, Biological Sciences, Art, or Engineering. A major includes an organized set of required courses that prepares students for further study or employment.

Student Options

1. Transfer

   At San Joaquin Delta College, students may complete the first two years of course work required for a Bachelor's Degree and transfer as a junior to a baccalaureate-granting institution. Students may transfer with or without an Associate's Degree, but earning the Associate in Arts for Transfer or the Associate in Science for Transfer degree will facilitate transfer to California State University campuses.

2. Associate in Arts (A.A.) or Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree

   An Associate's Degree is the first college degree a student may earn. It signifies the completion of at least 60 semester units of college-level work in a major or area of emphasis and includes completion of general education (G.E.) courses. Some students require developmental course work to prepare for college-level study and, thus, may be required to complete more than 60 units to earn the Associate's Degree.

3. Certificate of Achievement

   A Certificate of Achievement is a short-term program, usually two to four semesters for a full-time student. Certificate programs focus on preparing students for a specific goal or area of employment.

4. Other Educational Goals

   If a student does not plan to complete a Certificate or Associate's degree, or transfer to a four-year college or university, courses are offered for personal development. In this case, the educational goal may be to:

   • Learn new job skills
   • Improve basic skills (i.e., English, mathematics)
   • Pursue a personal interest
   • Update current job skills
   • Explore career interests

Counselors are available to assist students in defining their educational goals.