link Career Pathways - Transfer Center

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Career Pathways

Associate in Arts in Art

The Associate in Arts in Art transfers to most four-year institutions. Career opportunities include the following: education/teaching, studio artist, arts administration, commercial art, digital artist, designer, museum/gallery professional, and art conservator.


Associate in Arts in Creative Arts

The Associate in Arts in Art transfers to most four-year colleges.


Certificate of Achievement in Three-Dimensional Arts

Career opportunities include the following: education/teaching, furniture designer, jewelry design, museum/gallery professional, and arts administrator.


Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer (AS-T)

Students who successfully complete the Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer (AS-T Biology) will be prepared for a seamless transfer to a CSU to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Biology. Through intensive training in organismal, molecular, and environmental biology, students will develop the ability to think critically and abstractly, as well as acquire the problem-solving and laboratory skills necessary or success in any field of biological science.

Students completing this program will have a solid foundation in basic biology, evolutionary theory, and the scientific method, as well as strong preparation in the supporting fields of mathematics, chemistry, and physics.


Associate in Science in Biological Sciences

A solid background in the life sciences is required for many careers, including work in the allied health professions, biotechnology, horticulture, land management, and education.


Associate in Science in Business Administration for Transfer (AS-T)

Career opportunities include the following: project supervisor, supply chain manager, business owner, operations manager, retail manager, finance executive, and human resource manager. Transfer opportunities include certified completion of either the California State University General Education Breadth pattern (CSU GE-B) or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).


Associate in Science in Business

Career opportunities include the following: project coordinator, buyer, bank employee, retail manager, non-profit coordinator, human resource specialist, and sales representative.


Certificate of Achievement in Business Computing

Career opportunities include the following: office clerk, administrative assistant, help desk technician, and analyst.


Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer (AS-T)

Career opportunities include the following: lead teacher, program director, site supervisor, consultant, or parent educator. Completion of core coursework meets entry level educational requirements in early childhood education programs per California licensing policies.

Students wishing to pursue higher level careers in early childhood programs, human development, child psychology, social work, and secondary education should see a counselor to determine the transfer requirements of specific four-year colleges or universities.


Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education

Courses meet entry-level educational requirements in early childhood programs per California licensing policies. Students wishing to pursue higher-level careers in early childhood programs, human development, child psychology, social work, and secondary education should see a counselor to determine the transfer requirements of specific four-year colleges or universities.


Certificate of Achievement: Associate Teacher

Completion of this certificate qualifies students to apply for the California Child Development Permit at the Associate Teacher level. Students completing the Certificate of Achievement in Associate Teaching can gain entry-level positions as an assistant or associate teacher in private or publicly funded early childhood or after-school programs.

On-the-job training fulfills the requirement to attain a lead teaching position. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university and wishing to pursue careers in human development, child psychology, social work, and secondary education should see a counselor to develop an education plan for further requirements.


Certificate of Achievement: Early Intervention Assistant

Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university and wishing to pursue careers in special education, child psychology, social work, and other related fields may be able to apply child development units toward lower division preparation requirements. See a counselor for additional information.


Certificate of Achievement: Master Teacher

Completion of this certificate qualifies students to apply for the California Child Development Permit at the Master Teacher level. Upon successful completion of this program students will have the opportunity to gain entry level positions as a lead teacher or be a master teacher in private or publicly funded early childhood and after-school programs.

On the job training fulfills the requirement to attain a lead teaching position. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university and wishing to pursue careers in human development, child psychology, social work, and secondary education should see a counselor to develop an education plan.


Associate in Arts for Transfer in Communication Studies (AA-T)

Career opportunities include the following: broadcasting, consumer affairs, public relations, advertising, education, marketing, government, human resources, law, community affairs, politics negotiations, journalism, customer service, recreation, management, and recruiting.


Certificate of Proficiency in Communication Studies

Career opportunities include the following: broadcasting, consumer affairs, public relations, advertising, education, marketing, government, human resources, law, community affairs, politics negotiations, journalism, customer service, recreation, management, and recruiting.


Associate in Science in Office Administration

Career opportunities include the following: business information worker, executive secretary, and executive administrative assistant.


Associate in Science in Office Information Systems

Career opportunities include the following: business information worker, executive secretary, and executive administrative assistant.


Certificate of Achievement: Microsoft Office

Career opportunities include the following: business information worker, executive secretary, and executive administrative assistant.


Certificate of Achievement in Office Administration

Career opportunities include the following: business information worker, executive secretary, and executive administrative assistant.


Certificate of Achievement in Office Information Systems

Career opportunities include the following: executive secretary, and executive administrative assistant.


Associate in Science in Computer Information Systems

Career opportunities include the following: computer programmer, programmer analyst, system analyst, software quality assurance analyst, and software developer.


Certificate of Achievement in Computer Information Systems

Career opportunities include the following: computer programmer, programmer analyst, system analyst, software quality assurance analyst, and software developer.


Certificate of Proficiency in Computer Programming

Career opportunities include the following: computer programmer, programmer analyst, system analyst, software quality assurance analyst, and software developer.


Certificate of Proficiency in Linux System Administration

Career opportunities include the following: systems analyst, Linux system administrator, and information technology systems specialist.


Certificate of Achievement in Cisco Certified Network Administration (CCNA)

Career opportunities include the following: computer technician, system administrator, network technician, network engineer.


Counseling - Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts: Arts and Humanities

The program is intended for students who are considering transferring, but have not decided on a major; students who are required to complete a degree for job promotion; or students who may wish to further their education and are considering a major that is interdisciplinary in focus.


Counseling - Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts: Communication in the English Language and Critical Thinking

The program is intended for students who are considering transfer, but have not decided on a major; students who are required to complete a degree for job promotion; or students who may wish to further their education and are considering a major that is interdisciplinary in focus.


Counseling - Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts: Natural Science and Mathematics

The program is intended for students who are considering transfer, but have not decided on a major; students who are required to complete a degree for job promotion; or students who may wish to further their education and are considering a major that is interdisciplinary in focus.


Counseling - Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

The program is intended for students who are considering transfer, but have not decided on a major; students who are required to complete a degree for job promotion; or students who may wish to further their education and are considering a major that is interdisciplinary in focus.


Counseling - Certificate of Achievement in Transfer Studies - CSU GE-B

This certificate is designed for students who intend to complete university general education requirements prior to transfer to a California State University (CSU) campus. Completion of the California State University General Education – Breadth (CSU GE-B) will permit a student to transfer from a California Community College to a CSU campus generally without the need, after transfer, to take additional lower-division, general education courses to satisfy campus general education requirements.


Counseling - Certificate of Achievement in Transfer Studies – IGETC

This certificate is designed for those who intend to complete university general education requirements prior to transfer to a California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) campus. Completion of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) will permit a student to transfer from a California Community College to a CSU or UC campus generally without the need, after transfer, to take additional lower-division, general education courses to satisfy campus general education requirements.


Associate in Arts in Economics for Transfer (AA-T)

Career Opportunities include the following: economist, loan officer, systems analyst, project administrator, research assistant, sales engineer, state policy analyst, statistician, systems analyst, personal banker, insurance agent, stock broker, investment advisor, financial analyst, financial advisor, economic affairs officer, and many more.


Associate in Science in Engineering

Career opportunities include the following: aerospace, architectural, bioengineering, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, industrial, manufacturing, materials, and nuclear. More career information can be found at http://tryengineering.org/become-an-enginner.


Associate in Arts in English for Transfer (AA-T)

Students will be eligible to major in English upon successful completion of the program. Possible career options for students completing the Associate in Arts in English for Transfer and transferring to a four-year institution include: advertising, business, civil service, editing, journalism, law, library science, management, marketing communication, politics, public relations, publishing, research, teaching, technical communications, or writing.


Certificate of Proficiency in English as a Second Language

Many ESL students continue to study at Mission College in Career Technical Education, certificate programs and transfer majors. Popular courses of study are accounting, business, graphic arts and/or design, nurse assistant, child development, hospitality management, and the flagship LVN to RN program.


Associate in Science in Fire Technology

Career opportunities include the following: firefighter, Firefighter-EMT, emergency medical technician, fire investigator, fire prevention specialist, fire marshal, deputy fire marshal, fire officer, chief officer, hazardous materials, and public education.


Foreign Languages - Associate in Arts in Spanish for Transfer (AA-T)

Spanish is the language of the majority of Western hemisphere countries and is also the fastest growing language in California. Students planning to work in the health industry, foreign service, hospitality, education, law or public service, information technology, agriculture, construction, knowledge of Spanish is an invaluable asset. A degree in Spanish is an excellent way to expand career opportunities.


Graphic Design - Associate in Science in Graphic Arts

Career opportunities include the following: commercial art, print production, web production, graphic arts production, as well as print and electronic publishing.


Graphic Design - Certificate of Achievement in Graphic Arts

Career opportunities include the following: commercial art, print production, web production, graphic arts production, as well as print and electronic publishing.


Graphic Design - Associate in Science in Graphic Design

Career opportunities include the following: graphic design, commercial art production, packaging design, visual design, interaction design, interface design, advertising, print design, web production, mobile design, marketing communication, display design, brand identity, logo design, and photo editing.


Graphic Design - Certificate of Achievement in Digital Illustration

Career opportunities include the following: illustration, graphic arts production, advertising, web production, and fine art.


Graphic Design - Certificate of Achievement in Graphic Design

Career opportunities include the following: graphic design, commercial art production, packaging design, visual design, interaction design, interface design, advertising, print design, web production, mobile design, marketing communication, display design, brand identity, logo design, and photo editing.


Graphic Design - Certificate of Achievement: Web Developer

Career opportunities include the following: front-end web development, back-end web development, content management, web production, information architecture, application development, and mobile development.


Graphic Design - Certificate of Achievement in Web Design

Career opportunities include the following: web design, user experience design, interaction design, web production, interface design, information architecture, visual design, application design, and mobile design.


Health Occupations - Associate in Science Registered Nursing (LVN to RN)

This program serves a need in the community by providing a streamlined pathway for LVNs to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing. Students who earn this degree are eligible to transfer to a four-year institution to complete either a baccalaureate or master's degree in Nursing


Health Occupations - Associate in Science in Psychiatric Technician

The licensed psychiatric technician is a member of the professional health services team who works with individuals who are mentally ill and/or developmentally disabled under the direction of a psychiatrist, registered nurse or other mental health personnel. Currently, skilled licensed psychiatric technicians are in high demand both locally and statewide.

Career opportunities include the following: training developmentally disabled individuals in the community or developmental centers, and providing care for mentally ill people in the prison health system, private and municipal acute mental health facilities.


Health Occupations - Associate in Science in Vocational Nursing

The licensed vocational nurse is a member of the health care team who works under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. Employment opportunities for the licensed vocational nurse following licensure include sub-acute and extended care facilities, convalescent and rehabilitation institutions, home health agencies, and ambulatory care clinics.


Health Occupations - Certificate of Achievement: Psychiatric Technician

The licensed psychiatric technician is a member of the professional health services team who works with individuals who are mentally ill and/or developmentally disabled under the direction of a Psychiatrist, Registered Nurse or other mental health personnel. Currently, skilled licensed psychiatric technicians are in high demand both locally and statewide.

Career opportunities include the following: training developmentally disabled individuals in the community or developmental centers and providing care for mentally ill people in the prison health system, private and municipal acute mental health facilities.


Health Occupations - Certificate of Achievement in Vocational Nursing

The licensed vocational nurse is a member of the health care team who works under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. Employment opportunities for the licensed vocational nurse following licensure include sub-acute and extended care facilities, convalescent and rehabilitation institutions, home health agencies, and ambulatory care clinics.


Health Occupations - Certificate of Proficiency in Home Health Aide

The Home Health Aide is a CNA is a member of the health care team who works under the supervision of the LVN, RN, or Physician. Employment opportunities for the Home Health Aide include private duty home care. Home health aides work primarily in homes and as a visiting care provider (ie: hospice care or public health aide).


Health Occupations - Certificate of Proficiency: Nursing Assistant

The Certified Nursing Assistant is a member of the health care team who works under the LVN, RN or Physician. Employment opportunities for the Nursing Assistant include long-term care facilities, private duty, assisted living, adult day care facilities, pediatric sub-acute and mental health facilities. Home health aides work primarily in homes and as a visiting care provider (ie: hospice care or public health aide).


Associate in Arts in History for Transfer (AA-T)

The program is intended for students who are considering transfer but have not decided on a major; students who are required to complete a degree for job promotion; or students who may wish to further their education and are considering a major that is interdisciplinary in focus.


Hospitality Management 

Associate in Science in Hospitality Management

Career opportunities include the following pathways to supervision and management in the commercial food service industry, resort and lodging management, event planning, and management and leadership in managed services.


Hospitality Management 

Certificate of Achievement in Food Service and Restaurant Management

Career opportunities include the following: restaurant supervisor, front desk supervisor, kitchen manager, guest services supervisor, catering and social events manager, housekeeping supervisor, inventory supervisor, and attractions supervisor.


Hospitality Management

Certificate of Achievement in Fundamental Food Service Skills I

Career opportunities include the following: preparation cook, front desk agent, sales and marketing associate, associate event planner, lead cook, shift leader, and catering lead.


Associate in Arts in Kinesiology for Transfer (AA-T)

Students have the skills and knowledge to transfer to a four-year institution (with the completion of the Associate in Arts in Kinesiology for Transfer (AA-T in Kinesiology), and pursue a career in the following areas: coach, teacher, athletic trainer, sports management, sports medicine, dance therapy, and choreography.


Associate in Science in Mathematics for Transfer (AS-T)

Career opportunities include the following: teaching, education, researcher, computer programming, and statistical analysis.


Music - Certificate of Proficiency in Digital Music

Career opportunities include the following: music producer, recording engineer/mixer, assistant engineer, production assistant, studio manager/owner, sound technician, acoustic consultant, audio engineer for video, digital remastering engineer, live sound engineer, recording equipment manufacturer's representative, customer service, mastering engineer (post-production engineer), interactive and mixed media specialist, recording mixer (film and video), record company staff, recording room setup worker, studio designer, studio technician/maintenance, music editor, music/sound programmer, sound designer, DJ/remixer, and audio developer.


Associate in Science in Physics for Transfer (AS-T)

Career opportunities include the following: astronomer, architect, chemist, geologist, engineer, physicist, physical scientist, meteorologist, and oceanographer.


Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer (AA-T)

Career opportunities include the following: attorney, city planner, lobbyist, civics teacher, journalist, researcher, social worker, public administrator, political analyst, and media specialists.


Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer (AA-T)

The Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer (AA-T in Psychology) encourages students to pursue professions with a psychological concentration and forwards the critical understanding of persons, the processes by which they develop, and the effects of cultural, social, and environmental factors on behavior.


Sociology - Associate in Science in Administration of Justice for Transfer (AS-T)

Career opportunities include the following: law enforcement, social work, security, and corrections.


Sociology - Associate in Arts in Sociology for Transfer (AA-T)

Career opportunities include the following: sociologist, social worker, instructor, foster care worker, probation officer, urban planner, demography analyst, employment counselor, advocate for endangered children, advocate for disabled adults, and advocate for disadvantaged elderly.