Q & A’s about college programs pg 49 to 50
Frequently Asked Questions by All Students
1. What type of goal may I pursue at Harbor College?
Harbor College provides a number of options for community college students:
Obtaining an A.A. or A.S. degree from the college
Obtaining a certificate of competence in a vocational area.
Preparing to transfer to a university.
Taking courses to enhance or learn a skill.
Taking courses for personal interest.
2. What if I am undecided about my goals?
You should discuss your educational and career plans with a counselor. Our Career Center can help you determine which aptitudes might lead you into a successful field of employment. A counselor can help you choose courses which will prepare you for a variety of options.
3. What is the difference between the Associate in Arts and the Associate in Science degree?
The college offers AA and AS degrees for both transfer and non transfer students. In order to understand them, let’s take them in order:
Degrees for students who wish to transfer: The college offers a Liberal Arts and Sciences degree, which, when completed along with major requirements, allows for transfer. In order to choose the option which is best for you, it is important to see a counselor.
Degrees for students who do not wish to transfer: In most occupational areas, the Associate in Science degree can be earned in a specific occupational field. Students can also earn a Liberal Arts Associate in Arts non transfer degree. This is typically chosen by students who want to increase their breadth of knowledge, for personal interest or for job advancement.
4. How long may I take to complete a college program?
If you are not receiving financial aid or veterans benefits, there is no time limit for degree or certificate requirements. If you are receiving financial aid…
Won’t the requirements change if I take a long time to finish a degree or certificate?
If you are continuously enrolled, the requirements stated in the catalog during the year you begin will remain applicable throughout your stay at Harbor College.
Frequently Asked Questions by Transfer Students
1. If I obtain a degree from Harbor, am I automatically ready to transfer to a university?
Not necessarily. You must follow your major and general education requirements for the university of your choice. A counselor can help you choose between following the CSU General Education Requirement, the UC Breadth Requirements, or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) requirements, which allow you to transfer to either the UC or CSU systems. Private colleges have individual general education articulation agreements with Harbor College; a counselor can help you interpret the necessary coursework for any private college. The important thing to remember is that you must see a counselor early in your college career, so that you can make the most informed choices.
2. What is meant by General Education coursework?
General Education courses are a range of core subjects which focus upon critical thinking, reading and writing, analysis, criticism and synthesis of information. They provide the broad base of knowledge which provides a foundation of learning outside your major area of study. For a list of general education options, consult the contents of the catalog and see a counselor for clarification.
3. What is meant by General Education certification?
There are two types of General Education certification:
1. All CSU’s require a common pattern of 39 units. Harbor College will certify your completion. CSU will honor this certification; that is they will not require additional courses in lower division General Education after transferring. Completion of general education requirements is not necessarily a requirement for university admission; students can often finish general education requirements at the university level after transfer. If possible, however, completing all general education courses at Harbor is strongly advised.
2. All CSU’s and UC’s participate in the IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum). This package allows a student to take a core group of general education transfer courses which, in combination with completion of courses required in preparation for a major, will allow transfer to any CSU or UC campus. If you choose this option, you must complete the general education coursework, and be fully certified by Harbor College, before transferring. Partial certification is allowed only with prior approval and for a specific hardship that occurred in the final term before transfer.
4. If I plan to transfer, is it best to concentrate on preparation for my major or fulfilling my general education coursework?
Generally, it is best to complete both requirements. Some majors require few preparatory courses, in which case you can complete all coursework prior to transfer. However, some majors, particularly in science, may require many preparatory courses. In this case, concentrate on fulfilling those and fill in with as many GE courses as possible.
5. Can I earn an Associate degree and meet the requirements for transfer at the same time?
Yes. Often the requirements for transfer will meet the requirements for the Associate degree. However, if you find that you will need more than 70 units to complete both requirements, see a counselor to determine the most feasible plan.
Frequently Asked Questions about Occupational Programs
1. What is the purpose of occupational education?
Occupational education benefits both our students and our local employers. Students benefit by gaining knowledge and skills which meet the needs of area employers. Local business and industry benefit from the pool of skilled workers. Each program is based upon current needs of the area’s industry; a good example is our Drafting and General Engineering program.
2. How can I be sure that the skills I gain will be useful in the job market?
Each occupational program follows the recommendations of an advisory committee made up of area local business and industry leaders and educators who are experts in the field and in the job market.
3. Will I be current in what I learn?
Harbor makes every effort to use the latest equipment and information found in business and industry. A recent example was the donation of nearly one hundred thousand dollars in support of our Drafting/CAD program by ACE Clear Water Enterprises.
4. Do I need prior experience to enter an occupational program?
Harbor has designed our occupational programs for ease of access so that you can start without specialized experience in the field. Basic skill levels, of course, are helpful when entering any program, and are prerequisites to some programs.