While most people in Community College go in with the goal of transferring to a 4 year university, some choose a different path. In community college there are many different types of degrees including an AA (associates in art), an AS (associates in science), and certificates.
An associates is a degree that is typically about 60 units in length (half the length of a bachelors degree). You can will need to pick a specialization (or a major) and take a certain amount of classes within the field. It is typically around 18-25 units of major courses and 35-42 units of general education courses. You can end with this degree or continue on and earn a bachelors after you have earned your associates.
A certificate is typically in a field that does not require a bachelors degree. A certificate of proficiency, a certificate of specialization, or a certificate of achievement allows you to focus on subject/ major courses without having to take any general education courses. It also can typically be done within 10-30 units. Some subjects you can get a certificate in are: Accounting, Administration of Justice, BioTech- Lab Assistant, BioTech- Biomanufacturing Technician, Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Computer Applications (as well as MANY other computer certificates available), Dance Technique, Electrician Trainee, Child Development, Early Childhood Assistant Teacher, Animation, Fitness Professional, Laser Technology, Paralegal Studies, Real Estate (many variations), Assistant Stage Manager, and SO many more!
Both of these are amazing options depending on what you want to do in the future! An AA/AS or a certificate is also a good idea if you are trying to figure out what field you are interested in.
