Southern California Community College Resource Guide

As the cost of attending four-year universities continues to rise precipitously (private universities now charge as much as $22,200 for annual tuition), more individuals are exploring non-university options to obtain educations that can ready them for entry into the work force.

Southern California’s numerous community colleges offer relatively inexpensive ($13 per unit), two-year vocational certificate programs that prepare students for specific jobs. In many cases, demand for graduates of these programs is extremely high. For example, within Santa Barbara City College’s marine diving technology program, which trains students to work on offshore oil rigs, employer demand for marine diving technicians exceeds the school’s supply of program graduates.

In other cases, community college vocational graduates can earn as much, if not more, than their four-year university brethren. For example, after graduating from a community college dental technology program, dental technicians who own their own dental prosthetics labs can earn over $100,000 per year. And cosmetology graduates who become makeup artists in the motion picture industry or photo stylists can earn up to $750 per day.

Below is a representative sampling , submitted by college administrators, of the courses offered at community colleges in the Southern California area. Many of the colleges listed offer more than 100 other certificate programs that can lead to lucrative and fulfilling job opportunities.

For more detailed information, brochures, catalogs, and counseling appointment requests, contact the schools directly.

ANTELOPE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

3041 West Ave. K

Lancaster, CA 93536-5426

(805) 722-6300

Agriculture/park and landscape

Air conditioning/refrigeration

Airframe and power plant technology

Auto body

Automotive technology

Commercial music

Computer graphics

Early childhood education

Electronic publishing

Electronics

Nursing

Office technology

Welding

CERRITOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

11110 Alondra Blvd.

Norwalk, CA 90650-6298

(310) 860-2451

Chrysler apprenticeship program

Computer programming

Court reporting

Culinary arts

Dental assisting

Emergency medical technology

Ford asset program

Furniture manufacturing

General motors ASEP program

Numerical control-computer program

Paralegal program

Pharmacy technology

Physical therapy assistant program

CITRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

1000 W. Foothill Blvd.

Glendora, CA 91741-1899

(818) 963-0323

Automotive technology

Computer engineering technology

Cosmetology

Diesel technology

Nursing

Web page specialty

COASTLINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

11469 Warner Ave.

Fountain Valley, CA 92708-2597

(714) 546-7600

International business

Legal assistant program

Real estate

Surveying and mapping

Travel and tourism

COLLEGE OF THE DESERT

43-500 Monterey Ave.

Palm Desert, CA 92260

(619) 346-8041

Air conditioning and refrigeration

Automotive technology

Culinary arts

Dietetic technology

Early childhood education

Emergency medical technology

Fashion/clothing and nutrition

Fire science

Golf/turf grass management

Nursing

Ornamental horticulture

Respiratory therapy

COMPTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE

1111 E. Artesia Blvd.

Compton, CA 90221-5393

(310) 637-2660

Auto collision repair

Automotive technology

Child development

Cosmetology

Paralegal studies

Paramedic program

Recreation assistant program

Vocational nursing

Welding

Word processing

CUESTA COLLEGE

Highway One

P.O. Box 8106

San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8106

(805) 546-3100

Architectural technology

Computer systems technology

Computer networks technology

Construction technology

Fruit science/viticulture

Nursing assistant program

Nursing

Psychiatric technician program

Robotics/automation technology

Welding technology

CUYAMACA COLLEGE

900 Rancho San Diego Parkway

Rancho San Diego, CA 92019-4304

(619) 670-1980

Automotive technology

Child development

Computer information science

Computer technology

Drafting technology

Environmental technology

Ford asset program

Ornamental horticulture

CYPRUS COLLEGE

9200 Valley View St.

Cypress, CA 90630-5897

(714) 826-2220

Administrative assistant program

Aerobic instructor program

Air conditioning and refrigeration

Aquatic specialist program

Athletic coach program

Automotive collision repair

Cancer data management

Court reporting

Culinary arts

Dental assisting

Dental hygiene

Eating disorders

Electronic publishing

Flight attendant program

Front office management

Geology technician program

Medical insurance billing

Medical quality review assistant program

Medical records clerk program

Mortuary science

Music/instrumental and vocal

Professional pilot

Provider credentialing specialist program

Psychiatric technology

Radiology assistant/darkroom technician program

Radiologic technology

Secretarial program

Steno interpreting

Ultrasound-medical/sonography

Victimology

EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE

1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez

Monterey Park, CA 91754

(213) 265-8650

Accounting

Administration of justice

Architectural drafting

Art graphic communications

Automotive technology

Business management

Child development

Computer aided design

Computer science information technology

Elder care

Electron microscopy

Electromechanical technology

Electronic publishing

Electronics computer technology

Engineering technology

Health information technology

Medical record typist/clerk program

Medical transcription

Office administration

Photography

Real estate

Respiratory therapy

EL CAMINO COLLEGE

16007 Crenshaw Blvd.

Torrance, CA 90506-0002

(310) 532-3670

Administration of justice

Air conditioning/refrigeration repair

Automotive technology

Construction technology

Cosmetology

Environmental technology

Fire and emergency technology

Machine tool technology

Nursing

Radiologic technology

Respiratory care

Sign language interpretation

FULLERTON COLLEGE

321 E. Chapman Ave.

Fullerton, CA 92832-2095

(714) 992-7000

Aerobics instructor program

Aquatic specialist program

Athletic coach program

Cabinetmaking and millwork technology

Catering

Computer animation

Construction inspection

Construction technology

Desktop publishing

Dressmaking/alterations

Early childhood education

Executive administrative

Fashion illustration

Graphics illustration, production and design

Horticulture

Interior design

Machine technology

Music recording/production

Personal trainer program

Piano teaching

Printing technology

Radio broadcasting

Radio and television

Sports broadcasting

Surveying

Wardrobe consulting

Welding technology

Writing for radio/TV/film

GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

1500 N. Verdugo Road

Glendale, CA 91208

(818) 240-1000

Aircraft power plant maintenance and overhaul

Animation

Aviation and transportation

Clerical training program

Flight attendant program

Nursing

Pilot training program

Power plant and airframe program

GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE

15744 Golden West St.

Huntington Beach, CA 92647-2748

(714) 892-7711

Commercial music/recording arts

Criminal justice training program

Drafting technology

Floral design

Interpretation for the deaf

Nursing

GROSSMONT COLLEGE

8800 Grossmont College Drive

El Cajon, CA 92020-1799

(619) 697-9090

Accounting

Administration of justice

Business (general)

Business administration

Business office technology

Cardiovascular technology program

Ceramics

Child development teaching assistant

Computer information science

Developmental disabilities specialist program

Dietetic assistant program

Nursing

Occupational therapy program

Office professional technology

Orthopedic technology

Respiratory therapy

Theatre arts

IMPERIAL VALLEY COLLEGE

380 E. Aten Road

Imperial, CA 92251-0158

(760) 352-8320

Agricultural engineering technology

Alcohol and drug studies

Automotive body repair and painting

Automotive technology

Banking

Business office technologies

Emergency medical technology/paramedic program

Fire science

Graphic arts

Health assistant program

Legal assistant program

Nutrition management

Pharmacy technician program

Power plant operations technician

Rehabilitation technician for the physically limited

Transcription specialist program

LONG BEACH COMMUNITY COLLEGE

4901 E. Carson St.

Long Beach, CA 90808

(562) 938-4111

Air conditioning and refrigeration

Alternative fuels program

Aviation maintenance

Culinary arts

Nursing

Technology

Pacific maritime program

Professional pilot program

Radio and television program

LOS ANGELES CITY COLLEGE

855 N. Vermont Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90029

(213) 953-4000

Accounting

Architectural drafting

Business

Cinema/TV program

Computer science and electronics

Dental technician

Dietetic technician

Family, consumer studies, and child development

Human services substance abuse counseling program

Photography

Radiologic technician

Real estate

Technical theater program

Theater academy actor training program

Theater lighting/sound/scenic design

LOS ANGELES HARBOR COLLEGE

1111 Figueroa Place

Wilmington, CA 90744

(310) 522-8200

Child development

Nursing

Process plant technology

LOS ANGELES MISSION COLLEGE

13356 Eldridge Ave.

Sylmar, CA 91342

(818) 364-7600

Addiction studies

Clothing design

Engineering

Engineering assistant program

Food service management

Gerontology

Interior design

Legal assistant program

LOS ANGELES TRADE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

400 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90015

(213) 744-9500

Air conditioning and refrigeration technology

Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics

Automotive collision repair

Automotive mechanics

Baking, professional

Cabinetmaking and millwork

Carpentry

Chemical technology

Cosmetology

Culinary arts

Electrical cable splicer-apprenticeship

Electrical construction and maintenance

Fashion design

Fashion technology

Machine shop

Plumbing

Printing technology

Restaurant management

Sheet metal work

Solid-waste management

Tailoring

Visual communications

Water systems technology

Welding

MIRACOSTA COLLEGE

One Barnard Drive

Oceanside, CA 90256

(760) 757-2121

Auto body repair

Biotechnology

Child development entrepreneurship

Computer aided design and drafting

Computer and information science

Cosmetology

Electro-mechanical drafting

Entrepreneurship

Executive secretarial program

Golf course/sports turf management

Landscape management

Machine tool technology

Multimedia technology

Nursery production

Nursing

Real estate appraisal

Technical music program

MOORPARK COLLEGE

7075 Campus Road

Moorpark, CA 93021

(805) 378-1400

Computer aided drafting

Exotic animal training management

Graphic designer

Radio and television program

Radiologic technology

MOUNT SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE

1100 N. Grand Ave.

Walnut, CA 91789-1399

(909) 594-5611

Administrative support assistant program

Air conditioning and refrigeration

Air traffic control

Computer programmer program

Design technology

Psychiatric technician program

Welding

MOUNT SAN JACINTO COLLEGE

1499 N. State St.

San Jacinto, CA 92583-2399

(909) 487-6752

Administration of justice

Alcohol and drug studies

Auto body and auto mechanics

Computer information systems

Emergency medical technology

Fire technology

Music technology

Nursing

Physician’s assistant program

Photography

Real Estate

Respiratory therapy

ORANGE COAST COLLEGE

2701 Fairview Road

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

(714) 432-0202

Airframe and power plant technology

Culinary arts

Fashion design

Film/video

Machine technology

PALO VERDE COLLEGE

811 W. Chancellor Way

Blythe, CA 92225

(760) 922-6168

Administrative services

Auto mechanics

Construction

Criminal justice

LVN nursing program

Welding

PALOMAR COLLEGE

1140 W. Mission Road

San Marcos, CA 92069

(760) 744-1150

Adult fitness/health management

Air conditioning/heating/refrigeration

Aircraft commercial pilot program

Apprenticeship program

Archeological excavator program

Archeological surveyor program

ASL/English interpreter training program

Auto/diesel/motorcycle mechanics

Cabinet and furniture technology

Cabinet and millwork technology

Child development director program

Child development Montessori program

Computer applications/programming

Construction trades

Dance specialist for children

Disaster preparedness/hazardous materials

Food preparation

Furniture/cabinet design/carpentry

Interpreter/American sign language

Legal training/court interpreting/court reporting

Medical administration/medical assisting/dental assisting

Optical technology

Waste water technology

Welding

PASADENA CITY COLLEGE

1570 E. Colorado Blvd.

Pasadena, CA 91106

(818) 585-7123

Biotechnology

Business information technology

Computer information systems

Construction inspection

Dental assisting

Dental hygiene

Dental laboratory technology

Digital media

Emergency medical technology

Journalism

Local area network administration

Nursing

Radiologic technology

Speech pathology assistant program

Welding

PIERCE COLLEGE

6201 Winnetka Ave.

Woodland Hills, CA 91371

(818) 347-0551

Automotive technology

International business

Legal secretarial program

Network technology

Nursing

Nursing assistant program

Optics

Veterinary technology

RANCHO SANTIAGO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

17th Street at Bristol Street

Santa Ana, CA 92706

(714) 564-6000

Early childhood education

Fashion design

Fire technology

Nursing

RIO HONDO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

3600 Workman Mill Road

Whittier, CA 90601-1699

(310) 692-0921

Auto technology

Emergency medical technology

Environmental technology

Fire academy

Nursing

Police academy

RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

4800 Magnolia Ave.

Riverside, CA 92506-1299

(909) 222-8000

Academy of justice

Cosmetology

Dental technology

Early childhood studies

Fire technology

Ford asset program

Graphic technology

Nursing

Paralegal

Toyota T-10

SADDLEBACK COLLEGE

28000 Marguerite Parkway

Mission Viejo, CA 92692-3699

(714) 582-4500

EMT/paramedic

Legal assistant

Mentor program

SAN BERNARDINO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

701 S. Mount Vernon Ave.

San Bernardino, CA 92410

(909) 888-6511

Accounting for nonprofit agencies

Aeronautics program

Air conditioning/refrigeration

Airline passenger service

Alcohol, drug, eating disorder studies

Architectural drafting

Automotive technology

Child development

Communications and broadcasting

Dietetic technology

Electronics

Family and consumer science

Inspection technology

Machinist technology

Nursing

Pharmacy technology

Police science/administration of justice

Psychiatric technology

Real estate

Restaurant management

Travel and tourism

Water supply engineering

Welding

SAN DIEGO CITY COLLEGE

1313 12th Ave.

San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 230-2400

Automated equipment technology

Bioscience work force development program

SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY COLLEGE SKILLS CENTER

1400 Park Blvd.

San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 230-2300

Electronic test technology

SAN DIEGO MIRAMAR COLLEGE

10440 Black Mountain Road

San Diego, CA 92126

(619) 536-7800

Advanced transportation technology

Aircraft technology

Chemical technology

Fire technology

Legal training/court interpreting/court reporting

SANTA BARBARA CITY COLLEGE

721 Cliff Drive

Santa Barbara, CA 93109-2394

(805) 965-0581

Auto service and technology

Biomedical equipment technology

Cosmetology

Electrical engineering technology

Environmental horticulture

Geographic information systems

Graphic communications

Health information technology

Hotel, restaurant, culinary program

Marine diving technology

Medical transcription

Microcomputer maintenance

Multimedia arts & technology

Real estate

Recreation technology

Telecommunications

SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

1900 Pico Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90405-1628

(310) 450-5150

Academy of entertainment & technology

Automotive technology

Cosmetology

Fashion design

Interior design

Nursing

Photography

Respiratory therapy

SOUTHWEST COLLEGE

1600 W. Imperial Highway

Los Angeles, CA 90047

(213) 241-5225

Automated manufacturing

Computer aided design

Computer science

Computer servicing

Drafting

Early childhood education

Electronics technology

Fingerprinting

Legal office assistant program

Nursing

Quality control

Real estate

Surface mounted technology

Teacher, private licensed preschool/infant/toddler/differently-abledbilingual programs

SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE

900 Otay Lakes Road

Chula Vista, CA 91910-7299

(619) 421-6700

Air conditioning/heating

Appliance maintenance and repair

Appliance sales

Appliance service

Automotive merchandising

Basic lab skills program

Commercial music

Construction inspection

Emergency medical technology

Environmental hazardous materials

Floral design

Infant-toddler teacher training

International business

Legal assistant program

Legal Secretarial Program

Maquiladora management

Medical office assistant program

Medical transcriptist program

Office administration

Paramedic program

Police academy

Probation academy

Real estate

Retail nursery/plant production

Solar energy technician program

Surgical technology

Telemedia production specialist program

Travel and tourism

TAFT COLLEGE

29 Emmons Park Drive

Taft, CA 93268

(805) 763-4282

Automotive technology

Clerical studies

Dental hygiene

Early childhood education

Information management

VALLEY COLLEGE

5800 Fulton Ave.

Van Nuys, CA 91401

(818) 781-1200

Child development

Electronics

Family and consumer studies

Fire technology

Health science

Journalism

Office administration

VICTORVILLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

18422 Bear Valley Road

Victorville, CA 92392-5849

(760) 245-4271

Agriculture program

AutoCAD

Automotive program

Construction technology

Electronics

Emergency medical technology

Fire academy

Floral design

Landscape and nursery management

Nursing

Nursing assistant program

Paramedic program

Police academy

Respiratory therapy

Restaurant management

Welding

WEST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE

4800 Freshman Drive

Culver City, CA 90230

(310) 287-4200

Aviation maintenance technology

Dental hygiene

Paralegal program

Travel