1.What do the terms UC, CSU and CCC mean?

There are three segments of public higher education in California--the University of California (UC) with 9 undergraduate campuses, the California State University (CSU) with 23 campuses, and the California Community Colleges (CCC) with 112 campuses.

By design, the UC is California's primary academic research institution and offers the highest degrees in California (e.g. MD, JD, Ph.D.--see below for a description of different degrees), in addition to awarding Bachelor and Master degrees. Some of California's independent universities (e.g. the University of Southern California and Stanford University) award the same range of degrees.

The CSU's primarily mission is undergraduate and graduate education through the Master's degree, and teacher education.  It is student-focused and the largest (and among the most affordable) university system in the country. The CSU offers Bachelor and Master degrees and the Ed.D. (a doctorate in Education) on some campuses.

The CCC is open to all adults in California and prepares students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, or to complete terminal certificate programs that prepare them for jobs, or to complete two-year Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) degrees that may also serve as preparation for a career. The AA/AS is not required for transfer to a university. 

The 1960 California Master Plan for Higher Education established some general principles of access for California residents to the three segments:

• UC was to select from among the top 1/8 (12.5%) of the high school graduating class. (Applicants must apply on time and campus choice is not guaranteed.)
• CSU was to select from among the top 1/3 (33.3%) of the high school graduating class. (Applicants must apply on time and campus choice is not guaranteed.)
• CCCs were to admit any student capable of benefiting from instruction. (Eligible CCC transfer students are given priority in admission to the UC and CSU. Many UC and CSU campuses have guaranteed transfer admission programs for CCC transfer students.)

In addition to the UC, CSU and CCC, there is a wide range of independent colleges and universities in California. You can learn more about these options at www.californiacolleges.edu or at the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities website at www.aiccu.edu. Or you can visit the website of each institution (e.g. the University of San Diego is at www.sandiego.edu)

2.What is the difference between a community college and a four-year college or university?

A community college is a two-year college that serves many purposes. In California, anyone age 18 or older with an ability to benefit may enroll in classes at a California community college (CCC). There are 112 CCCs throughout the state; 8 are located in San Diego County. Some students complete course work at CCCs that prepares them to transfer to four-year colleges and universities from which they will earn their Bachelor degrees (see below). Other students will enroll at CCCs for terminal degrees or certificates. For example, a student might complete a personal trainer certificate at a CCC and enter the job market directly after completing the program. Another student might complete requirements for an Associate's degree in culinary arts or respiratory therapy, awarded by the CCC upon completion of a two-year course of study. That student is also prepared to begin work in her/his field. All work at CCCs is "lower division". At 4-year colleges and universities, course work during the junior and senior years is at the "upper division" level. Upper division course work usually has pre-requisites and examines subject matter more deeply.

3.What is the difference between a college and university? 

A college is usually smaller than a university, offers fewer majors (usually in the liberal arts and sciences), and offers 4-year/Bachelor degrees. A university most often is comprised of a college or colleges, in addition to professional schools (e.g. law, medicine, engineering, and/or business). Universities generally offer degrees above the level of a Bachelor's degree (Masters and/or doctorates). You can think of a college as a collection of academic departments, and a university as a collection of colleges and schools.

4.What is a "Bachelor's Degree"?

A Bachelor's degree is what is generally referred to as a college degree. It is awarded by a college or university after the completion of four years of full-time undergraduate study (the study that follows high school or continues from community college lower division study). The degree is often referred to as a "BA" (Bachelor of Arts), "BS" (Bachelor of Science), "BFA" (Bachelor of Fine Arts), "BBA" (Bachelor of Business Administration), and so on. The type of Bachelor degree that is awarded depends on the institution and the curriculum completed by the student. 

5.What is a "Master's Degree"?

A Master's degree is awarded by a university after completion of advanced study in a particular field, following the completion of a Bachelor's degree. It is usually a one or two year course of full-time study and represents a specialization. Examples are an "MA" (Master of Arts), "MS" (Master of Science), "MFA" (Master of Fine Arts), "MBA" (Master of Business Administration), and so on. The type of Master degree that is awarded depends on the institution and the curriculum completed. Some professions require a Master degree. For example, social workers must earn an "MSW" (Master of Social Work) to enter the field. Counselors have Master degrees, as do many teachers.

6.What is a "doctorate"?

As referenced above, some professions require completion of a Master's degree. Others require the completion of an even higher level degree. In medicine, doctors must complete an "MD" (Medical Doctor), dentists usually complete a "DDS" (Doctor of Dental Surgery), and lawyers complete a "JD" (Juris Doctor). A college professor generally has a "Ph.D" (Doctor of Philosophy) in her/his academic area of expertise. These degrees vary in length of study, but generally take at least 3 years (law) or 4 years (medicine, dentistry, and most Ph.D. programs). In most cases, doctoral and professional degree programs may be entered directly following completion of undergraduate study (i.e. with a Bachelor's degree).

What are "a-g" courses?

The a to g courses, as defined by the University of California, are college-preparatory high school courses that are required for freshman admission by the UCs, CSUs, and most independent colleges and universities. They are as follows:

a: 2 years of history/social science, including 1 year of world history, cultures and geography, and 1 year of U.S. history or 1/2 year U.S. history and 1/2 year of American government or civics.

b: 4 years of college-preparatory English

c: 3 years of college-preparatory math required; 4 years recommended

d. 2 years of laboratory science required; 3 years recommended

e. 2 years of language-other-than-English required; 3 years recommended

f. 1 yearlong course in visual or performing arts

g. 1 year of a college-prep elective, selected from among the UC-approved courses in the above categories

You can view your high school's approved "a-g" courses by going to www.ucop.edu/doorways.