Majors/Areas of Study

Program Descriptions

• Do we offer a program in your field of interest? Take a look at degrees and certificates at-a-glance (PDF) to find out.
• Want a complete guide to all of our certificate and degree programs? See certificate and degree requirements (PDF) in the College Catalog.
• Looking for individual curriculum guides? Visit the Counseling Web site for AA/AS degrees and certificates.

Get What You Need

Are you:

1. planning to transfer to a four-year college or university?
2. taking classes for personal enrichment?
3. interested in improving your job skills?
4. seeking a new career?

If your answer is yes to any of these, we can help you achieve your goals. De Anza has more than 100 specialized areas of study. You can earn a:

• 2-year Associate in Arts or Science (A.A. or A.S.) degree
• 12-month Certificate of Proficiency
• 9-month Certificate of Achievement
• Certificate of Completion (3-6 months)

Associate Degree Programs

Transfer degree programs and majors will prepare you to major in a particular university subject matter or provide baccalaureate-level general education. Transfer programs range from narrow specialty majors (i.e., Microbiology) to broad general education programs (i.e., Liberal Arts).

Career program degrees are designed for students who wish to prepare for immediate employment and/or upgrade their job skills. Career degrees include requirements for a major, which are specialized occupational courses and general education courses. Some units/credits in the career programs may be transferable to four-year colleges or universities and may fulfill lower division requirements. The Workforce Education Program Guide will help you determine a career education path that meets your needs.

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are designed for students who are looking for programs of instruction, some of which are short-term, with a high degree of specialization. Certificate programs vary in length and generally require less than two years of full-time study. You may also pursue your certificate on a part-time basis. Certificates have been designed on the ladder concept, so that courses taken to fulfill the lowest level, the Certificate of Completion, can be applied to the next level, the Certificate of Achievement, and so on.