General Education

General education provides students with the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to be effective individuals in our society. Pasadena City College has established graduation requirements that are intended to achieve the objectives of general education. In addition to class work, students are also encouraged to participate in student government, public and departmental forums, media presentations, concerts, art gallery exhibits and other College-sponsored events.

College Transfer

Students may qualify for transfer with Junior status to an accredited college or university if they follow the lower division pattern of study required of them by the four-year institution, and transfer with a minimum of 60 transferable units. In addition, select private or out-of-state institutions allow transfer with Sophomore status after completion of a minimum of 30 transferable units. Acceptance to a particular college or university depends upon conditions at the four-year institution, which are subject to change.

Career Education

Career Education supports the expansion of area businesses and industries, and economic growth in the community by promoting educational programs, training, and services that contribute to a quality workforce.

PCC’s many career programs prepare students for entry-level employment, as well as upgrading occupational skills for those already employed. The curricula are developed in coordination with industry advisory committees that provide input to ensure the training is consistent with industry standards. Responsibilities also include coordination of articulation between PCC’s occupational programs and area high schools. The office administers federal programs for career and technical education and job training and manages special grants and projects related to occupational programs and economic development services.

See ACADEMIC PROGRAMS for a list and details of PCC’s CTE programs.

Noncredit Education

The Noncredit Division offers a variety of tuition-free courses that help students reach their personal, academic, and professional goals. These classes are open to the community and are designed to provide access to learning opportunities in areas of language acquisition, Elementary and Secondary Basic Skills, Short-Term Vocational, and Workforce Preparation.

Community Education Center

The Community Education Center (CEC), provides noncredit education, training, and services designed to prepare individuals to enter and improve California’s workforce through instruction in programs such as Business Office Systems and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Additionally, vocational, technical, and academic courses in such areas as Adult High School Diploma program, General Education Development (GED), English as a Second Language (ESLN), Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL), Adult Basic Education (ABE), Parent Education, enrichment classes for seniors and disabled students, and a wealth of support programs are offered at the CEC and several community-based locations. The College Health Sciences/Nursing and Cosmetology credit-based programs are also offered at the CEC.

The Community Education Center is a satellite, off-site center, with shuttle services to and from the Colorado Campus every 20 minutes. It is located at:

3035 East Foothill Boulevard
Pasadena, CA, 91107

For more information, call (626) 585-3000.