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.

Student Options

1. Transfer

   At Delta College, students may complete the first two years of course work required for a Bachelor's Degree (four-year college degree) and transfer as a junior to a baccalaureate-granting institution. Students may transfer with or without an Associate Degree.

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

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

3. Certificate of Achievement

   A Certificate of Achievement is a short-term program (usually two to four semesters for full-time students) in a career or technical field. Certificate programs focus on preparing for a specific occupation or area of employment. Few courses outside of the major field are required.

4. Other Educational Goals

   If a student does not plan to complete a Certificate, Associate Degree, or prepare for 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 in defining educational goals.