Community colleges are known for offering two main pathways:
- A lower cost start for students who plan to transfer
- Career education that prepares students for jobs
But did you know that students enrolled in career education programs can also transfer? There is no need to choose between job training or a bachelor’s degree. You can do both. And if you complete a career education program first, you can work while enrolled at a four-year college. This makes it easier to afford your degree. You’ll also find that your experience makes you a more prepared job candidate.
More education leads to more opportunity
Studies show that more education leads to greater lifetime income. The chart below demonstrates this well. Those who have some college or obtain an associate degree earn more over their lifetime than those with a high school diploma. Lifetime earnings are often even higher for those with a bachelor’s degree.
Lifetime Earnings by Education Level
DVC career education can transfer
Diablo Valley College offers many career education programs. Chances are, one is right for you! Options include:
- Administration of Justice
- Art Digital Media
- Allied Health
- Computer Science
- Culinary Arts
- Dental Hygiene
- Early Childhood Education
- Electrical/Electronics Technology
- Engineering Technology
- Geographic Information Systems
- Industrial Design
- Kinesiology
- Music Industry Studies
Planning for transfer
California public colleges have created formal plans to ease transfer between schools.
“We offer pathways to a certificate, associate degree or associate degree for transfer. Students majoring in business have a lot of choices,” said Sheila Lau, PACE coordinator/counseling faculty.
Students are often able to chart a path that supports both job skill training and transfer.
Agreements between California community colleges and in-state public universities may be viewed online at assist.org.
DVC also has agreements with many private colleges. They can be viewed at www.dvc.edu/college-articulation.
Career education in the spotlight
Computer Science
Students studying computer science prepare for careers in programming, web design, robotics, and more.
DVC offers both associate degree and certificate options. The program is also ideal for students who plan to transfer.
Heidi Gentry Kolen teaches computer science at DVC. She notes that the faculty works hard to ensure courses at DVC will meet the needs of students who plan to go on to get a bachelor’s degree.
“Students have transferred to UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC San Diego, CSU East Bay, Sacramento State, San Francisco State, and more,” said Gentry Kolen.
To learn more, visit www.dvc.edu/computer-science.
Industrial Design
Dr. Jeffrey Smith with industrial design students.
Industrial design students can earn an associate degree or certificate while preparing to transfer. Career paths include product design, package design and more. Partnerships are key to the program’s success.
“We have transfer plans with many state colleges. Our first group graduated in 2018, and many were accepted for transfer,” said Dr. Jeffrey Smith, an adjunct professor for DVC’s industrial design program.
For more, visit www.dvc.edu/industrial-design.
Kinesiology
DVC sports medicine/athletic training students work with athletes in the athletic training clinic.
DVC sports medicine/athletic training students work with athletes in the athletic training clinic.
“DVC has a really strong kinesiology program. We offer options for students who want to get a job right away. We also offer transfer options,” said Mike Chisar, program director for DVC’s sports medicine/athletic training program.
Areas of focus include sports medicine/athletic training, coaching, personal training, and more. A campus internship enables students to work in their field as well.
To learn more, visit www.dvc.edu/kinesiology.
Early Childhood Education
Sue Handy poses with ECE graduate Maritza Orellana.
The early childhood education (ECE) program prepares students for careers working with children. Options include classroom aide, ECE teacher, program director, child care provider, and more.
Students can choose an associate degree or associate degree for transfer. They can also earn certificates.
“Our students have had great success transferring to universities. We are also working on a transfer plan with Saint Mary’s College,” said Sue Handy, program coordinator for the DVC ECE program.
For more, visit www.dvc.edu/ece.
STUDENT SUCCESS
Career Education
Liza Pevzner
Liza Pevnzer graduated with honors from DVC. She earned both an associate in science for transfer in early childhood education (ECE) and an associate in arts in music. She also received three ECE certificates.
“The teachers and staff were very inspiring. They helped make a pathway for students who want to complete degrees at DVC,” said Pevzner.
Pevzner is continuing her education while working in the field.
“I transferred to San Francisco State to obtain my bachelor’s degree. I’m majoring in child adolescent development with a focus in early childhood education. I currently work as a teacher at C5 Children’s School in San Francisco,” said Pevzner.
