简体中文
EnglishHow to Explore Degrees and Certificates at Santa Ana College
Updated
Start with SAC's program finder, which lists more than 200 degrees and certificates. From there, match your goal to a credential type: an associate degree for transfer if you plan to move to a four-year university, an associate degree or certificate for career entry, continuing education for non-credit and personal development classes, or the bachelor's degree option if you want a lower-cost four-year path. Working students can check the Online Pathway program before choosing.
Step 1: Open the program finder
On the SAC home page, the Explore Degrees & Certificates section links to the program finder. Use it to browse the full catalog of more than 200 programs rather than relying on a single department page.
Expected result: a list of programs you can filter by your area of interest, such as Nursing, Fire Technology, Fine Arts, or Athletics.
Step 2: Match the credential to your goal
SAC organizes its offerings into distinct paths. Use this table to decide which one fits before you dig into individual programs.
| Your goal | Credential path | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer to a four-year university | Associate Degree for Transfer | Earn an associate degree designed to transfer |
| Start higher education | Associate Degree | First steps in higher education at SAC |
| Build or advance career skills | Certificate | Learn new skills and advance in your career |
| Non-credit or personal development | Continuing Education | Adult education and personal development classes through the School of Continuing Education |
| Four-year degree at lower cost | Bachelor's Degree | Earn a bachelor's degree at SAC |
| Study while working | Online Pathway | Be a full-time student through the online program |
If you are unsure between transfer and career paths, the distinction matters: the associate degree for transfer is built around university admission, while certificates are built around workforce skills.
Step 3: Check the Online Pathway if you work
The Online Pathway program is described as a way to be a full-time student while working. Confirm that your intended program is available through this route before you commit, since not every credential may fit an online format.
Step 4: Apply and check the class schedule
Once you have picked a program, use the Apply and Class Schedule links on the SAC site to start your application and see when courses run. The site also provides a campus map if you need to plan around in-person classes.
Common sticking points
- Browsing without a goal. With more than 200 options, the program finder is easiest to use once you know whether you want transfer, a certificate, or personal development.
- Assuming all programs are online. The Online Pathway is a specific option, not a default; verify your program is included.
- Skipping the credential type. The same subject may appear as both a degree and a certificate, so read the award type before applying.
Why SAC may be worth considering
SAC states it was ranked the No. 1 community college in Orange County in Niche's Best Community Colleges rankings, and it highlights award-winning Nursing and Fire Technology programs alongside Fine Arts and Athletics. These are the college's own descriptions; use them as a starting point for your own comparison of specific programs.