San Diego City College (SDCC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), San Diego City College serves a unique and diverse community and offers many social and educational programs to serve the needs of their community. From English as a Second Language courses to Cosmetology certification, San Diego is well-equipped and willing to provide an education to all who seek one.

Located in San Diego, California, the school takes a very student-centered approach and is dedicated to providing an education that improves the whole person and prepares them to be outstanding members of a global community. Using state-of-the-art equipment and modern educational philosophies puts SDCC at the top of the list of community colleges in California.

Student life is focused on community involvement and many students act as mentors and teachers to the area’s underprivileged youth. The campus boasts many attractive features including a learning resource center and library that has research materials available both in hard copy and online. The fitness center is available to students and faculty alike that wish to pursue physical fitness goals and the athletics department offers numerous intercollegiate sports in which students may participate.

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Information Summary

Ranks 205th in California and 2390th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	58.3
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$2,998
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	19 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	68% / 38%
Enrollment Total (all students)	15,066

Academics

San Diego City College offers students the opportunity to earn associate’s degrees or professional certificates in nearly ninety majors divided into five schools of study. Students who just want to take a class on a topic of interest are also welcome as are high school students who wish to dual enroll in order to get a jump start on their college educations. Students wishing to take just a course or two should be aware that many classes have prerequisites that must be met prior to enrollment.

Arts, Humanities and Communications

Students wishing to pursue careers or gain knowledge in areas such as journalism, English, foreign language or graphic design will study in the School of Arts, Humanities and Communications. There is also an English as a Second Language program offered in this department. This program requires testing in order to determine the student’s grasp of the English language for placement purposes. Students have the opportunity to improve reading, writing, speaking and listening skills and passage of these courses is often required for students who are not native English speakers prior to admission into other programs.

Behavior and Social Sciences and Consumer and Family Studies

San Diego College offers students wishing to study such topics as psychology, sociology, black studies, Chicano studies, political science and education the opportunity to do so in this school. There are also courses of study that are available off-campus to students that are held at the Educational Cultural Complex in San Diego. Students may earn their degree in areas such as accounting, American Sign Language, English, child development, psychology and political science. These credits are transferable to four-year institutions and are available during the day, at night and on weekends. There is also a direct bus stop at the center, so getting there is easy.

Business, Information Technology and Cosmetology

This school offers standard programs in business and computer technology as well as the opportunity to attend the cosmetology school in order to meet state licensure requirements. The school also offers several unique programs including the City Middle College (CMC) Program, the Work Experience Program and opportunities for apprenticeship in professions such as plumbing, electric and HVAC.

The CMC is a program that is of particular interest that is offered to high school students who have fallen through the cracks and are in danger of not graduating from high school. The program offers these students the opportunity to take classes that are required in high school such as English, math and reading in an environment that may be more conducive to learning for them. Students are also offered vocational and educational mentoring and participate in actual mini-internships. Since the program’s inception, the high school drop-out rate has decreased and more students are being assisted to paths of employment and higher education.

Engineering and Technologies, Mathematics, Sciences and Nursing

Students seeking professional certificates or associate’s degrees in areas such as biology, engineering, machine technology or air conditioning, refrigeration and electricity may obtain their education in the School of Engineering and Technologies, Mathematics, Sciences and Nursing. The school also offers a nursing program that will prepare students to obtain their two-year Registered Nurse degree by passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Students should be aware that entrance to this program requires special application and that criminal background checks and drug screening are required for admission.

The Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program is a unique program offered by this school. The MESA Program provides academic and social support and guidance for students who wish to transfer into four-year programs in the areas of math, science or engineering. Students learn how to become leaders and set milestones in order to overcome diversity and realize academic and personal goals. The program has several requirements for admission, so interested students should contact San Diego City College for more information.

Health, Exercise Science and Athetics

This school offers certificates in health education and physical education as well as certification as a Fitness Specialist. The Health, the School of Exercise Science and Athletics is also home to San Diego City College’s fitness center and athletics program.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

San Diego City College has an open enrollment policy for most of their programs and several do not require a high school diploma or GED. Enrollment at SDCC consists of six steps. Students should first complete the online application. After the application is received, testing may be required depending upon the program that the student wishes to enter. Students seeking to take select courses without pursuing a certificate or degree may not be required to take the test, but should be aware that many courses have prerequisites.

Students will then need to attend orientation and develop a Student Education Plan prior to registration. Orientation provides students with additional information about associate’s degree and certificate programs and gives them an opportunity to meet other students and learn about the campus. Counselors will also be available to assist with the development of a First Semester Educational Plan so that students start their college careers off on the right path.

After completing orientation and the Student Educational Plan, students may then register for classes and obtain their student identification badge. Student counseling is always readily available to students who need assistance.

Admission requirements are different for high school students who are wishing to dual enroll. Students should contact San Diego City College to discuss this process with an academic advisor.

San Diego City College also participates in the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) Program. This allows students that meet the requirements of the four-year college to gain guaranteed admittance to one of seven University of California campuses. This program offers numerous benefits including access to academic counseling from both SDCC and UC. Students interested in the TAG program should discuss the program with their academic advisor because there is a process that has to be followed in order to be accepted.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is readily available for students wanting to attend San Diego City College in the form of scholarships, grants, federally subsidized loans and federal work programs. Students seeking financial aid should complete the Free Application for Financial Aid online as soon as possible in order to meet eligibility requirements for as many types of aid as possible. The form is available starting in January and students should be aware that financial information for both the student and family will be required in order to complete the application. To make completing the application easier, students should have this information readily available prior to starting the application.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 6553rd for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in California.

Athletics

The SDCC Knights participate in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference and are members of the California Community College Assessment Association. Their colors are red, white and gold and they offer both men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, tennis, cross country and basketball. Men may also participate in baseball while women have the additional choices of badminton and softball.

The college also boasts a fitness center that offers over three thousand square feet of space where students and faculty may strive for or maintain their physical fitness goals. The center is located right on campus just north of the Harry West Gymnasium.

Local Community

Surrounded by beautiful mountains and a sparkling coast, downtown San Diego also offers a never-ending supply of entertainment including the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art and the USS Midway Museum that offers guests the opportunity to learn about the city’s Naval history. Students may also choose to visit Little Italy and partake of the magnificent restaurants or shop in the trendy boutiques while soaking up the old-world culture that the community offers.

Another must-see in San Diego is the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Rich in history, the sixteen-block district offers over forty nightclubs and bars, more than one hundred restaurants and enough shopping to keep patrons busy all day. Students may also choose to catch a Padres game at Petco Park or head to the beach for a day of picnicking and swimming. Day or night, there is always something to do in San Diego and residents are proud of their rich heritage and diverse population.

Bibliography

San Diego City College, San Diego City College. 2011. Web. 3 May 2011.

San Diego Community College District. San Diego Community College District. 2011. Web. 3 May 2011.

San Diego. The Official Travel Resource for the San Diego Region. San Diego Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. 2011. Web. 3 May 2011.

San Diego City College