Page 18 of Antelope Valley College 1995-1996 Catalog by Antelope Valley Community College Lancaster California

16 Postsecondary Education in California Postsecondary Education in California Postsecondary education is defined as the educational instruction beyond high school. California has more than 2,500 educational institutions and agencies which offer education in both academic and vocational majors. The State of California publicly and financially supports three segments of education which include: 1. Nine University of California campuses (UC); 2. 20 California State University campuses (CSU); and, 3. 107 community colleges. The map on the next page designates the location of the UC and CSU campuses, as well as the location of Antelope Valley College. The educational goals that can be attained in post-secondary education are numerous. Vocational Certificate Major courses only-number of units required varies. A series of special courses, all related to a particular occupational skill. Sole objective is immediate employment. Offered by community colleges and private educational organizations. Associate Degree Major courses plus general education courses and electives, 60 units required. Usually referred to as A.A. or A.S. (Associate in Arts or Science) degrees. Normally requires two years or four semesters of full-time work. Offered by community colleges. Bachelors Degree Major courses plus general education and minor electives, 124-140 total units required. Usually referred to as B.S. or B.A. (Bachelor of Science or Arts) degrees. Normally requires four years of full-time work. You may complete the first two years at a community college and then transfer to a four-year university. Masters Degree Bachelors degree plus graduate courses in specialized area. Bachelors degree 124- 140 units plus about 36 units. Usually referred to as M.S. or M.A. (Master of Science or Art) degrees. Normally requires two additional years of full-time work after completion of bachelors degree. Doctorate Degree Masters degree plus advanced graduate courses in specialized area. Units vary, depending on field of study. Usually referred to as Ph.D. or Ed.D. (Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Education). Normally requires three to five additional years of full-time work after completion of masters degree. Thesis required.

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