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Certificates

Certificate Programs are primarily business and technical programs for students desiring education beyond high school. These programs provide opportunities for students to prepare themselves for a wide variety of careers. In most cases these programs are planned without regard to transfer schools; however, many courses are transferable to four-year colleges or universities if students change their educational goals.

MSJC offers two types of certificates, State Approved Certificates of Achievement and Locally Approved Employment Concentrations, which prepare students for entry-level employment or further study, add special knowledge and skills to existing occupational competence, or mark an accomplishment in a particular area.

A Certificate of Achievement is a sequence of courses usually consisting of 18 or, at minimum, 16 or more units of degree-applicable coursework that has been approved by the State Chancellor’s Office. Students who successfully petition for a Certificate of Achievement will have the name of the certificate appear on their official transcripts. Students are required to have a minimum 2.0 GPA and complete 12 units of residency at MSJC.

A Certificate of Achievement may also be awarded for low unit certificates of at least 8 units of degree-applicable coursework that has been submitted and approved by the Chancellor's Office. Students who successfully petition for a Certificate of Achievement will have the name of the certificate appear on their official transcripts. Low unit Certificates of Achievement are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid.

An Employment Concentration is a sequence of courses consisting of fewer than 16 units of degree-applicable coursework. Students who successfully petition for an Employment Concentration will not have the name of the certificate appear on their transcript. Students are required to have a minimum 2.0 GPA and complete 12 units of residency at MSJC. 

State Approved Certificates of Achievement

Locally Approved Employment Concentrations

For more information, see the specific program planning guides in this catalog and visit the counseling center for program planning prior to initial enrollment. Employment Concentration Certificate Applications