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Programs of Study

American River College offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer opportunities, as well as courses in general education.

Degree Programs

Associate in Arts Degree (AA)

The Associate degree may be obtained by the completion of all required courses for a major (18 units or more) with grades of "C" or better in each course, fulfillment of general education requirements, satisfaction of competencies, and completion of sufficient electives to meet a minimum total of 60 units with a grade point average of 2.0 ("C" average). At least 12 units toward the degree must be completed within the Los Rios Community College District.

Associate in Science Degree (AS)

Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) and Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T)

The following are the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) student completion requirements (as stated in SB 1440 law):

Completion of a minimum of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
1. One of the following general education (GE) patterns (check with your counselor to determine the appropriate pattern for the degree you are pursuing):
  - For students with catalog rights of Fall 2025 or later:
    - California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)
  - For students with catalog rights before Fall 2025, one of the following:
    - CSU GE Breadth Requirements
    - Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) – CSU option
    - California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)
2. A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0. ADTs also require that students must earn a "C" or better (or "P" if taken Pass/No Pass) in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

At least 12 units toward the degree must be completed within the Los Rios Community College District.

Visit A Degree With A Guarantee: Associate Degree for Transfer to learn more.

Certificate Programs

American River College offers two types of certificates:

Certificate of Achievement

The Certificate of Achievement certifies that a student has completed all required courses and is prepared to enter the career designated on their certificate. Certificate of Achievement programs are developed to provide vocational training for students who are not necessarily seeking a college degree. Certificates of Achievement require a grade of "C" or better in each course with a minimum of 12 degree-applicable units completed within the Los Rios Community College District. If the certificate requires fewer than 12 units, then students must take the number of units required by the certificate within the Los Rios Community College District. Certificates of Achievement are noted on transcripts.

Departmental Certificate

Departmental Certificates are intended to certify that students are prepared to meet specific occupational needs, upgrade skills, or advance in an existing career. A grade of "C" or better is required in each course leading to the Departmental Certificate. Departmental Certificates are not noted on transcripts.

Departmental Certificates require 15.99 units or fewer. For Departmental Certificates requiring one to 11 units, all units must be completed within the Los Rios Community College District. For Departmental Certificates requiring 12 to 15.99 units, a minimum of 12 units must be completed within the Los Rios Community College District.

Note: Department Certificates are also listed as Certificates under the program requirement.