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  2. Graduation, College & Career
  3. Preparing for College
  4. Types of colleges

Types of colleges

There are four main college systems (or types of Colleges) in California:  Community College  (CCC), California State University  (CSU), the University of California  (UC) and Independent Private College and Universities.  Students begin their pathway into any one of these college systems after receiving their High School Diploma or GED. 

Within each college system, students may earn degrees and/or certifications by following a set load of coursework as outlined by the college.  There are five types of degrees associated with higher education.

 

Type of Degree

Abbreviation

Higher Education

Length of Time to Earn*

Associate’s of Arts/Sciences

AA/AS

Community College

About 2 years

Bachelor’s of Arts/Sciences

BA/BS

University

About 4 years

Master’s of Arts/Sciences

MA/MS

University

Additional 2-4 years

Doctorate of Philosophy

Ph.D.

University

Additional years or more

Professional Degree

Varies 

University

1 year or more

*Time to earn a degree varies based on the student rate of course completion and availability of classes.

  • Within each college system, students may earn degrees and/or certifications by following a set load of coursework as outlined by the college.  There are five types of degrees associated with higher education.

     

    Type of Degree

    Abbreviation

    Higher Education

    Length of Time to Earn*

    Associate’s of Arts/Sciences

    AA/AS

    Community College

    About 2 years

    Bachelor’s of Arts/Sciences

    BA/BS

    University

    About 4 years

    Master’s of Arts/Sciences

    MA/MS

    University

    Additional 2-4 years

    Doctorate of Philosophy

    Ph.D.

    University

    Additional years or more

    Professional Degree

    Varies 

    University

    1 year or more

    *Time to earn a degree varies based on the student rate of course completion and availability of classes.

Types of Colleges

    • There are 109 Community Colleges in California. CCC Campuses
    • All of them prepare students to transfer to a 4-year institution.
    • They offer Associate Degrees and Certificate Programs.
    • They offer technical training in specific occupations  (bookkeeping, culinary arts, cosmetology, etc.).
    • Most are non-residential, meaning that students live off-campus.
    • Students may attend part-time or full-time.
    • In order to enroll, students must be 18 OR have a High School Diploma/GED.
    • Explore Community Colleges in California here.

    • There are 23 California State Universities. CSU Campuses
    • Each campus offers Bachelor of Arts/Sciences and Masters of  Arts/Sciences degrees.
    • They accept high school seniors and community college transfers.
    • They provide a broad liberal arts education and prepares students for professional goals.
    • Learn more about the CSU system here.

    • There are 10 University of California campuses. UC Campuses
    • Each campus offers Bachelor of Arts/Sciences degrees, Master’s of Arts/Sciences degrees, J.D, M.D., and Ph.D. degrees.
    • Undergraduate schools accept high school seniors and community college transfers.
    • UCs also have Professional Schools for Law, Medicine, Education, Engineering, Journalism, Social Welfare, among others.
    • Click here for additional information about the University of California.

    • There are 77 Private Colleges/Universities in CA
    • Each college/university varies in size, prestige, and cost.
    • They offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate, and Professional degrees.
    • They accept high school graduates and Community College transfers.
    • Campuses have Professional schools in law, medicine, education, engineering, journalism, and social welfare, among others.
    • Find out more about California's Private Colleges and Universities here.

Content adapted from UC Berkeley's Center for Educational Partnerships.