Career Preparation Alternatives

Associate Degree

The associate degree is offered to a student completing a two-year program of study. Metro offers Associate in Arts degrees, Associate in Science degrees and Associate in Applied Science degrees. Most associate degree programs at Metro are two years in length; however, Metro offers short-term learning options such as specialist diplomas and credit/non-credit certificates.

Specialist Diplomas

Specialist Diploma programs at Metropolitan Community College are designed for those seeking job-specific skills. Specialist Diploma modules are a structured sequence of courses that may be completed in one to three terms depending on course prerequisites or other factors.

Certificates of Achievement

Certificates similarly enable you to get specific training in a shorter time period than an associate degree. The difference between Certificate programs and Specialist Diplomas is that Certificate programs include 13.5 credit hours of "general education requirements" such as English, math and social sciences. Program lengths depend on the subject matter.

Get more information about the general requirements for Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates or information about courses at the General Course Options page.

Where to find Information about Short-term learning options

If you are interested in a specific career field, you can find information about Certificate and Occupational Specialist Diploma programs listed at the end of each subsection under the heading, "Additional Career Preparation Alternatives" (if one is offered).

If you would rather search all the specialist diplomas and credit certificates on one page go to Short-Term Learning Options.

Invest in your education and bank the benefits!

No matter the program length, education at Metropolitan Community College is a great investment. Tuition is affordable and former and current students will earn more throughout their lifetime. Here's what a recent study found:

• A Metro student recovers all costs of education (including wages forgone while attending college)
  in five years.
• More education translates into higher earnings. Students obtaining a one-year certificate earn 81 percent more than someone without a high school diploma and 16 percent more than a high school graduate.
• Those who have gained an associate degree earn
  112 percent more than someone without a high
  school diploma and 35 percent more than a high school graduate.
• Over a lifetime, an associate degree graduate will earn $286,810 more than the average high school graduate.

Source: CCBenefits study, 2004

Flexible class options

Metro holds classes on three main campuses and two centers. Classes are held days, evenings and weekends. If you have location and schedule constraints Metro’s e-Learning makes it as easy as possible for you to balance commitments of schedule and studies by allowing the classroom to come to you, wherever you are!

Depending on the course or program e-Learning offers many delivery options, including: online, DVD/video, interactive television, cable, or satellite and computer conferencing. You can check the availability of these types of courses at the Class Schedule site.

Take advantage of Metro's affordable tuition rates and small classes that allow you to get the personal attention you need to succeed. Metro’s Academic Transfer programs and courses let you to start your education here and transfer to four-year institutions with which Metro has transfer (articulation) agreements. In most cases you'll start at the junior level.

See the academic transfer website for a look at your options for programs that transfer.

Transfer Student Success Rates

A wide range of career, employment, and support services are available including: assistance with career exploration, education and training opportunities. You'll find the environment here at Metro to be especially supportive. For more information go to the Career Center and Student Services offices.

Metro's Learning Communities, Student Retention Services and Single Parent Homemaker services provide the personal support some students need to get through school successfully.

Additionally, assistance with job search including résumé development, interviewing skills, local labor market insights and job listings is provided.