Community Colleges Admission and Study Programs

Community Colleges offer two-year associate degrees, one-year certificates, and short career studies certificates. Here are details about the types of degrees offered by Community Colleges in the United States.

Associate Degree Programs

• An associate degree is a 2 year undergraduate degree. An associate degree program consists of three parts: major requirements, general education requirements and electives.
• Completing the first two years of a bachelor’s degree at a two-year college can save the student several thousand dollars. A variety of technical, career-oriented degrees offered by two-year colleges can lead to employment immediately after the student completes his/her associate degree.

Diplomas and Certification at Community Colleges

Community Colleges offer non-degree programs that award diplomas and certificates, as well. These can last from a few weeks to several months. They are intended for students who want to learn a particular skill without pursuing educational requirements for a degree. Many Community Colleges let students use credits earned through these programs to earn an associate's degree.

Admission Requirement for Community College in the United States

If you have a high school diploma or the equivalent, or you are at least 18 years of age, and you are able to benefit from enrollment, you are eligible for admission in a Community College.  Home School Students and transfer students, when meet admission requirement are also eligible for Community colleges.

Admission Requirement for Associate Degree

If you're looking to get your associate degree, you may need to provide:

• An application and application fee
• Official school transcripts from an accredited high school or accredited GED scores
• SAT or ACT scores
• Placement test scores (AP)
• See Standardized Tests

If you were home schooled, you need to be at least 16 years old and provide a copy of a signed home school agreement between the appropriate school system and the authorizing parent or guardian.

International students

If you're in the U.S. on an approved visa or status, you may be eligible to study at a community college. Check with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website https://www.uscis.gov/ to see if your visa or status makes you eligible.

Dual enrollment for high school students

Dual enrollment allows students to earn college credit while still in high school.  If you are a high school junior or senior, or the home school equivalent, you may be able to take courses under certain conditions.
High school students who want to take classes at a community college should check with the college they would like to attend to find out their specific requirements for high school dual enrollment students. Requirements vary by school.

Tips For Admission to Community colleges

• You are also strongly advised to take the English placement test as soon as you are admitted since demonstrated English ability is required for enrollment in most courses.
• Students are accepted on a first-come/first-served basis, except in restricted programs or when enrollment is limited in the most community colleges.
• It is important for you to apply early to the College if you are interested in being admitted to a particular curriculum.
• High school transcripts are not generally required, but are useful for academic advancement to ensure your success in your chosen curriculum and to evaluate for college-level courses.  Transcripts may be required in some cases, i.e., prior to dual enrollment, or to verify prerequisites for college-level courses.

Popular Programs Offered by Community Colleges

• Business Management Marketing and Related Support services
• Health Profession and Related Clinical Sciences
• Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians
• Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians
• Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
• Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
• Security and Protective Services
• Mechanic Repair and Technologies/Technician
• Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences
• Visual and Performing Arts
• Education
• Parks,  Leisure, Recreation and Fitness Studies
• Precision Production
• Personal and Culinary Services
• Legal Professions and Studies
• Construction Trades
• Agriculture, Agriculture Sciences, and Related Sciences
• Communication Technologies/Technicians and Support Services
• Public Administration Social and Social Service Professions
• Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
• Communication, Journalism and Related Programs
• Engineering
• Biological and Biomedical Sciences
• Transportation and Materials Moving
• Physical Sciences
• Foreign Language, Literature and Linguistics
• Psychology
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Natural Resources and Conservation
• English Language and Literature/Letters
• Science Technologies/ Technicians
• History
• Architecture and Related Services
• Area, Ethnic, Cultural, and General Studies
• Library Science
• Philosophy and Religious Studies
• Theology and Religious Vocations
• Military Technologies