Junior colleges offer a wide array of programs for those who are seeking job skills. Junior colleges also offer certificates and associate's degree programs in fields such as nursing, business or information technology.
Overview of Junior College Programs
Junior colleges are 2-year postsecondary schools that offer associate's degrees as their highest degree level, along with certificates, diplomas, and noncredit courses. A junior college may also be called a community college. Many students who complete courses at junior colleges may transfer credits to complete a bachelor's degree at a 4-year school. Junior colleges offer increased flexibility, since degree programs can be completed without having to choose a major. Junior colleges offer academic and professional coursework in addition to vocational training programs. They also offer financial aid to qualified students through scholarships, grants and federal loans.
<h3 id="section---ImportantInformationAboutJuniorCollegePrograms"> Important Information About Junior College Programs</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Prerequisites</td><td> High school diploma or equivalent</td></tr>
<tr><td>Common courses </td><td>English composition, mathematics, sciences, and humanities</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability</td><td> Full and partial courses available</td></tr>
<tr><td>Continuing Education</td><td> Many junior colleges offer CE options for certificate and license renewal</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---AssociateSDegreesAtJuniorColleges">Associate's Degrees at Junior Colleges</h3><p>Associate's degrees take around two years to complete. The kind of associate's degrees available will vary depending on the student's major and goals. Types of associate's degree programs found at junior colleges include:
</p><ul><li><b>Associate of Arts (A.A.):</b> An Associate of Arts program is composed of mainly liberal arts and science courses. It is a transfer degree, meaning that earned credits can be transferred to a bachelor's degree program.
</li><li><b>Associate of Science (A.S.):</b> An Associate of Science program is composed of liberal arts courses, but it also focuses on math and science and may be a good choice for those who want to work in engineering or business. It is also a transfer degree.
</li><li><b>Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.):</b> An Associate of Applied Science program covers general education courses and courses in an occupational major. These degrees prepare students for employment immediately after graduation. These credits can be transferred to a bachelor's degree program.
</li></ul><p>A variety of certificate, diploma, and or degree programs are found at junior colleges. They may be offered in fields such as:
</p><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Accounting </td><td> Nursing</td></tr>
<tr><td>Criminal Justice </td><td>Communications</td></tr>
<tr><td>Public Relations </td><td> Information Technology</td></tr>
<tr><td>Marketing and Advertising </td><td> Nutrition</td></tr>
<tr><td>Graphic Design </td><td> Journalism</td></tr></table>
