Division of Business 

(Room C121)
Additional information: (626) 585-7341 or
businessdivision@pasadena.edu

Business offers specializations that provide students with the knowledge and background necessary to progress in a career in business or toward a degree of transfer. Courses may be taken individually or as part of a planned program leading to a Certificate of Achievement, Occupational Skills Certificate, and/or an Associate degree. In addition, many of the courses are transferable to the California State and University of California systems. We also offer an Associate in Science Degree for Transfer (AS-T) in Business Administration and Administration of Justice, as well as an Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) in Law, Public Policy and Society and an Associate in Science for Transfer in Hospitality Management (AS-T). The following occupational curricula are offered in Business and are appropriate for those individuals who are interested in increasing their job skills and obtaining both stable and gainful employment in the business industry: Accounting and Bookkeeping, Administration of Justice, Business Information Technology, Business Math, Business Administration, Culinary Arts, Fire Technology, Hospitality Management, Marketing, and Paralegal Studies.  

This Division also offers students programs of study which prepare them for lifelong careers in vocational professions. Both incoming students and current professionals are served through our certificate structure, which lead to professional and vocational careers. Interested students are encouraged to transfer to universities and colleges through our articulation process. 

Division of Career Technical Education

(Room C247)
Additional information: (626) 585-7480

The Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides programs that are applicable to local certifications, associate degrees, and transfer programs to private institutions, California State Universities (CSU), and University of California (UC). The CTE programs focus on practical skills and hands-on training, preparing students for specific careers in the following areas: Automotive Technology, Building Construction and Inspection, Computer Information Systems (CIS), Computer Science (CS), Cosmetology, Design Technology, Electrical Technology, Electronics, Machine Shop and Manufacturing Technology, and Welding.

The CTE Division serves an important function of the college in equipping students with the necessary skill for hands-on careers, promoting local economic growth, and offering a wide range of educational opportunities. These programs enable students to gain the necessary technical skills and knowledge required in the job market, enhancing their employability. CTE programs frequently correspond with industry requirements, guaranteeing that graduates are adequately equipped for the demands of the job market. This results in enhanced employability and expedited entry into the workforce. Furthermore, CTE programs are specifically structured to be completed within a shorter amount of time in comparison with traditional academic programs, allowing students to expedite their entry into the workforce, thereby reducing the time and financial commitment associated with education.

Division of English and Language Studies

(Room C245)
Additional information: (626) 585-7371

The English and Language Studies Division is comprised of English, English as a Second Language, Languages, and Linguistics. 

The English Department provides the core writing and literature courses for all certificate, degree, and transfer students at PCC. It covers three major areas: Composition, Literature, and Creative Writing. Students wishing to major in English have two options: the Associate of Arts English Literature Major and the Associate of Arts in English-Transfer Major. The English Department also publishes Inscape, an annual literary magazine featuring student work. 

The credit program in English as a Second Language builds the communicative foundation for all students who seek to master the language to successfully perform at the College and in future academic and workplace environments. The Division's foreign language and linguistics departments aspire to equip each student with the academic and linguistic resources necessary to improve their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in a multicultural context. These departments recognize the value of different cultures and perspectives and aim to integrate this appreciation for diversity into every class we offer. The foreign languages program includes a broad spectrum of courses, ranging from language to civilization, cinema, and literature. The intermediate level courses cater to the practical use of language in literary, academic, and professional contexts.   

Division of Health Sciences

(CEC Campus Bungalow B6 and Main Campus W204)
Additional information: (626) 585-3378

The Health Sciences Division offers an array of programs and courses for students interested in entering the health care workforce. Programs lead to a certificate and/or degree as an Anesthesia Technologist, Dental Assistant, Dental Hygienist, Restorative Dental Technologist, Emergency Medical Technician, EKG Technician, Gerontology, Vocational Nurse, Medical Assistant, Medical Scribe, Nursing Assistant, Patient Intake Specialist, Pharmacy Technician, Perioperative Nurse, Phlebotomy, Radiologic Technologist, and Registered Nurse. There is also a Career Ladder option from the Licensed Vocational Nurse program to the Registered Nursing program. The Division also offers Health Science courses to help students explore health sciences as a career pathway. Program offerings completion times range from six weeks to two years. Each program is approved by the appropriate regulatory agency, where applicable, and many programs have specialized program accreditation. Programs may require that students complete clinical experiences on as well as off campus. These experiences may occur in professional offices, hospitals, clinics and other educational settings. Specific certificate program outcomes can be found in the Degrees and Certificates section of this Catalog.

Division of Kinesiology, Health and Athletics

(Room GM201)
Additional information: (626) 585-7225

Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement and physical activity. Kinesiology draws upon anatomy, physiology, physics, psychology, and sociology to understand how humans move, what motivates human movement, and the physiological and psychological benefits of physical movement. Kinesiology provides opportunities for students to gain current knowledge of physical fitness facts, healthful living practices, leisure time pursuits, stress management techniques, and to receive instruction in the skills necessary for successful participation in activities necessary for optimum health and physical efficiency. The field of Kinesiology includes a variety of subfields including exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control and motor learning, exercise psychology, and the socio-cultural study of movement. A lack of adequate physical activity negatively impacts the physiological and psychological state of humans. Pasadena City College therefore offers a variety of physical activity classes to complement students’ academic pursuits. The kinesiology profession is based on the philosophy that anatomical movement is an academic discipline, an essential portion of the General Education process. Further, the kinesiology curriculum is centered on the concept that movement skills, intellectual development, physical fitness and healthful living practices are elements of life that must be taught and reinforced.

Health

The Health program consists of courses in personal health.  These courses are intended to help students live healthfully now and for the rest of their lives. They also serve as foundations for students intending to focus their studies in the health and nutritional sciences, kinesiology or athletics. Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. This work is achieved by promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, and detecting, preventing and responding to infectious diseases. Overall, public health is concerned with protecting the health of entire populations. These populations can be as small as a local neighborhood, or as big as an entire country or region of the world.

Nutrition

Nutrition offers a variety of courses that align with multiple degree pathways. The courses are specifically designed to meet the needs of students who are currently pursuing degrees in Nursing, Health Science, or Kinesiology. Courses also provide students with an introduction to the science of nutrition, which is particularly important for those planning to transfer to baccalaureate programs in Nutrition, Health Education, Public Health, or pre-medicine.

Athletics

Pasadena City College offers 16 Intercollegiate Athletics programs dedicated to assisting each student in achieving the highest possible academic and athletic success. Our faculty and coaches subscribe to the philosophy that athletics plays an integral role in the total educational process and that athletics helps to promote the growth of values in leadership, character, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Athletics at Pasadena City College, as with all California community colleges is governed by the general regulations of the State Community College Athletic Code, as well as specific regulations of the South Coast Conference in which Pasadena City College holds membership. Students who participate in athletics must meet the requirements of the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA). Academic standing, enrollment within an intercollegiate class, completed and approved eligibility forms, student educational plan (SEP), and a physical exam are required to compete in both the intercollegiate class and intercollegiate sport.

Division of Mathematics

(Room R322)
Additional information: (626) 585-7331

The Mathematics Division offers coursework at the freshman and sophomore levels in Mathematics, and general Statistics. The courses offered are required for students earning either an Associate Degree, an Associate Degree for Transfer, or who are looking to transfer to a 4-year university. The division offers an Associate Degree for Transfer in Mathematics, for students interested in transferring to a CSU or UC. For students majoring in a Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) field, courses offered include College Algebra up through Calculus and Differential Equations; students focusing on non-STEM fields, can enroll in Statistics or Quantitative Reasoning.

Students enrolled in courses from the Mathematics Division can receive support for their success in these courses from the Math Success Center (MSC).  The MSC is a vital support to students’ success in Mathematics and Statistics courses, providing tutoring (both online and in-person), workshops, and activities to enhance their conceptual understanding. 

There are numerous clubs related to the Mathematics Division, which include: 

• Math Success Club, which helps students succeed in Mathematics 
• The Pi Club which holds workshops and events to enhance student math learning, encourages mathematical discovery and research, and provides connections between mathematics and the real world. 

Division of Natural Sciences

(Room SV6)
Additional information: (626) 585-7140

The Division of Natural Sciences at Pasadena City College offers students opportunities to learn and grow as individuals, scientists, scholars, and well-informed citizens.

The Division encompasses a wide range of departments that serve students in the life sciences (anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biology, biotechnology, and plant sciences), the physical sciences (chemistry, astronomy, physics, laser technology, micronanotechnology, physical sciences), the geosciences (environmental studies, geography, geographical information systems, and geology), and engineering. The Division offers introductory courses to students that satisfy the general education requirements for the College’s associate degrees, as well as requirements for both the CSU and UC systems. These include CSU transfer degrees in biology, geography, geology, physics, and plant sciences, as well as certificates in biotechnology, geographical information systems, micronanotechnology, and laser technology. The Division also offers field study programs in biology, geography, and geology, including an annual summer geology field program in the western US.

Noncredit Division

Noncredit Division
3035 East Foothill Boulevard
Pasadena, CA, 91107

Additional information: (626) 585-3000

The Noncredit Division offers opportunities intended to provide students with lifelong learning, college transfer and career preparation opportunities.  The division presents a variety of courses in areas such as Adult High School Diploma (AHSD), General Education Development (GED), English as a Second Language (ESL), Adult Basic Education (ABE), Parent Education, enrichment classes for Seniors and individuals with disabilities, and a wealth of support programs.  Additionally, the division provides education, training, and services designed to continuously improve short term vocational programs with high employment potential.  To increase accessibility between campuses, the Community Education Center also runs shuttle services to and from the Colorado Campus every 20 minutes.  The Noncredit Division is located at the Community Education Center/Foothill Campus.  

Division of Performing and Communication Arts

(Room CA119)
Additional information: (626) 585-7216

Housed in the Center for the Arts, the Performing and Communication Arts (PCA) Division offers a variety of courses and programs in the disciplines of Music, Dance, Theater Arts, Film, Television, and Electronic Media, Speech Communication, and Journalism. The facility includes state-of-the art classrooms, rehearsal spaces, studios, and practice rooms. In addition, the Center for the Arts features three stellar performance venues:

• The Robert and Adrienne Westerbeck Recital Hall is home for over 80 student and professional performances per year as well as master classes, workshops, and Pamela L. Girard Guest Artist Series activities.
• The Center for the Arts Theater is a professional quality theatre space hosting a variety of stage productions, lectures, and instructional workshops. 
• Jameson Amphitheater is an outdoor acoustic performance space that is home to a variety of music, theater, lectures, and special events.

Performing Arts

The theater arts, dance, and music departments offer enriching and challenging courses that lead to transfer degrees in Music and Theater Arts as well as associate degrees and certificates in Dance, Commercial Music, and Technical Theater.  Students participate in over 100 performances a year for both campus and community audiences, travel to premier music festivals, and participate in collaborations with professional partners like LA Opera and the American College Theater Festival. 

Speech Communication

The speech department serves all PCC degree-earning students with critical oral communication development in public speaking or interpersonal communication. Speech majors earn a transfer degree in Communication by completing an array of theory and applied courses, each with an emphasis on cultural competence.  The nationally recognized PCC Forensics Program provides opportunities for students to excel in intercollegiate speech and debate competitions.

Film, Television and Electronic Media

The discipline of film, television, and electronic media provides students with options to earn either a transfer degree or an array of certificates or achievements as well as professional industry certifications. Students have access to state-of-the-art equipment and a working campus radio station (housed in the historic KPCC studios). Internships, industry speakers, field experiences, and the on-campus Studio PCA work experience program provide hands-on experience to students in audio/radio production, broadcast journalism, television operations, video production, writing for film/television, and emerging media.

Division of Social Sciences

(Room C321)
Additional information: (626) 585-7248

The Social Sciences Division strives to enable students to become active and informed citizens of our diverse and increasingly interdependent world. Our courses expand students’ understanding of human society, cultural practices, interpersonal relationships, social institutions, identity formation, and systems of thought. Studying the social sciences gives students the analytical skills to understand and critique social phenomena across diverse cultural and historical contexts. Students in the Social Sciences become agents of change in their local and global communities.

The Social Sciences Division offers courses and programs in eleven primary areas: anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, sociology, humanities, history, philosophy/ religious studies, child development, education/ teacher preparation, and Speech Language Pathology. The division also supports cross discipline programs such as gender, ethnic studies, multicultural studies, global studies, and social justice studies. The division offers introductory courses to students that satisfy the general education requirements for the College’s associate degrees, and for both the California State University system and the University of California through the IGETC program. In addition, more specialized courses are offered for students to satisfy the major requirement in the various certificate and transfer programs. The Child Development program, in conjunction with the Child Development Center, offers various certificates in vocational programs.

Division of Visual Arts and Media Studies

(Room CA102)
Additional information: (626) 585-7238

Housed in Pasadena City College’s Center for the Arts, the Division of Visual Arts and Media Studies offers a variety of courses and programs in the Studio Arts, Design, Architecture, and Media disciplines. The facility includes state-of-the art classrooms, labs, and studios. The Center for the Arts features stellar exhibition venues:

• The Boone Family Art Gallery is an integral part of instruction for courses in many visual art disciplines, and hosts exhibits throughout the year, including a juried student show, an annual exhibition of the work of our faculty, and a major exhibition associated with the College’s Visual Artist-in-Residence program.
• The V Art Gallery exhibits the work of professional guest artists and selected works by students across the division.
• Situated adjacent to the Center for the Arts, the George and MaryLou Boone Sculpture Garden features major pieces, including works by Deborah Butterfield, Jack Zajac, Stephan Balkenhol, and Yutaka Sone.  

The division of Visual Arts and Media Studies includes certificate programs and associate’s degrees in art history, design media, photography, cinema, journalism, and studio arts. Students emerge prepared for transfer to four-year institutions and for entry-level positions in various fields.  

The Studio Arts program includes curriculum in art history, drawing and figure drawing, painting, sculpture, illustration, ceramics, and jewelry. The program’s annual Visual Artist-in-Residence features a notable professional who interacts closely with students, faculty, and the community; the artist produces works, lectures and conducts workshops.

Studies in Design include illustration, jewelry, graphic design, fashion, product design, interior design, product design-technology, product design-graphics, and digital media, including game design and coding for artists.

The Architecture Program includes transfer-level curriculum in the history of architecture, design fundamentals, development of two- and three-dimensional drawing concepts, and courses in architectural software technologies.

The Cinema and filmmaking curriculum includes transfer and certificate courses in Cinema filmmaking, film art and the history of film.

Studies in Photography include both wet and digital photography in the areas of experimental, black and white, digital imaging, production, photojournalism, and image culture.