Academic Programs

PCCC offers associate degrees, certificate programs, and certificates of achievement. The Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Fine Arts degrees are intended for students who wish to transfer to continue their education at the baccalaureate level. The Associate in Applied Science degree is intended for direct career entry. The Career Certificate programs offer training for employment, and the credits earned can be applied to a related degree program. The Certificate of Achievement programs also offer training for employment and often respond to community needs.

Students who plan to continue their education beyond the community-college level are advised to speak to advisors early in the academic program. Students should also communicate with the four-year colleges of their choice to become familiar with procedures and qualifications for admission, as well as academic standards to be maintained. Students should consult the catalog of the particular institution to which they plan to transfer and select their courses accordingly. Generally, the minimum acceptable transfer grade is “C.” Some transfer institutions, however, may require a higher cumulative grade point average.

Students are required to select an academic program. Some programs also require that an option be selected within the program.

All curricula consists of both General Education, PCCC requirements and/or Core/Career/Major requirements. General Education requirements are designed to ensure that every academic program provides students rich educational backgrounds that extend far beyond any one specific subject area. Some programs may require additional credits due to placement, licensing or transfer requirements. This is indicated on the program page under "notes."

Core/Career/Major requirements are courses specific to that academic program.

Stackable credentials – Some academic programs offer a Career Certificate and/or a Certificate of Achievement in addition to the degree. With stackable credentials, a student may earn certificates on their way to earning a degree. All courses completed for the certificate are also part of the degree.

Licensing Requirements for Select Professions
Some professions require specific licensure and/or an extensive background check as a pre-requisite to employment. Prior to selecting a major, students should become familiar with the eligibility criteria and application process for obtaining licensure based on their intended profession. Students can contact the appropriate program chair or academic dean with any further questions or concerns.

ASSOCIATE DEGREES
PCCC offers different types of associate level degrees. The associate in arts, associate in science and the associate in fine arts degrees are intended for students who wish to transfer to continue their education at the baccalaureate level.

Associate in Arts Degree (A.A.)
The Associate in Arts, English Degree is offered to students who wish to transfer to a four-year college with English literature and/or writing as an area of focus. The credits listed the degree are part of the total credits required to graduate.
Associate in Arts in English
Option: Digital Media and Journalism

The curriculum for the Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts Degree is based in the liberal arts allowing students to complete General Education requirements. It is designed to fit the curricula of liberal arts programs at other four-year colleges. The credits listed under options are part of the total credits required to graduate. Students who major in A.A. in Liberal Arts (A.A.L.A.) may choose from the following options:
Communication
Criminal Justice
Early Childhood Education
Generalist / Humanities
Musical Studies
Psychology
Sociology
Studio Arts
Teacher Education
Theater

Associate in Fine Arts Degree (A.F.A.)
The Associate in Fine Arts in Studio Arts is offered to students who wish to transfer to a four-year college with Studio Arts as an area of focus. The credits listed for the degree are part of the total credits required to graduate.
A.F.A. in Studio Arts

Associate in Science Degree (A.S.)
The Associate in Science Degree is also offered to students who wish to transfer to four-year colleges. Each Associate in Science degree program requires a General Education core of thirty (30) credits. Students may choose to earn an A.S. in the following disciplines:
A.S. in Advanced and Continuous Studies
This is a 3+1 degree co-offered with Ramapo College of New Jersey. Special requirements and advisement is required for this degree. Please click here https://www.course-catalog.com/pccc/C/2024-2025/degree/203 for general information.
A.S. in Biotechnology
A.S. in Business Administration
Options:
Accounting / Management / Marketing / Generalist
Management Information Systems
A.S. in Computer Science
A.S. in Criminal Justice
A.S. in Engineering Science
A.S. in Environmental Sustainability
A.S. in Health Science
A.S. in Homeland Security
A.S. in Human Services Pre-Social Work and Counseling
A.S. in Medical Informatics
A.S. in Public Health

Associate in Science in Liberal Arts Degree
This is for those students who desire a concentration in any of the sciences, mathematics or other related fields and who plan to transfer to a four-year institution. For ease of transfer, the curriculum is based in the liberal arts allowing students to complete General Education requirements. It is designed to fit the curricula of science programs at other colleges. Students who major in A.S. Liberal Arts may choose from the following Options:
Biology
Exercise Science
Mathematics
Nutrition
Physical Science

Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
This degree is intended for students who plan to enter a career field upon graduation. Each Associate in Applied Science degree program requires a General Education core of twenty (20) credits as well as courses in career or technical areas. The Associate in Applied Science degree offers academic programs and options in the following areas:
A.A.S. in Accounting
A.A.S. in Automotive Technology
A.A.S. in Computer Information Technology
Options:
Network Administration
Technical Support
Web and Mobile Development
A.A.S. in Criminal Justice - no longer accepting students
A.A.S. in Culinary Arts
A.A.S. in Digital Media Production and Distribution
A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education
A.A.S. in Electronic Engineering Technology
A.A.S. in Fire Science Technology
A.A.S. in Graphic Design
A.A.S. in Hospitality Management
A.A.S. in Music Technology
A.A.S. in Nurse Education
Option: LPN Mobility
A.A.S. in Pastry and Baking Arts
A.A.S. in Radiography
A.A.S. in Supply Chain Management
A.A.S. in Surgical Technology
A.A.S. in Technical Studies

CAREER CERTIFICATES
The Career Certificate programs offer training for employment, and the credits earned can be applied to a related degree program. Career Certificate programs consist of 30-36 credits, including 6 credits of General Education. In most cases, the credits earned in Career Certificate programs can be applied to related degree programs. Passaic County Community College offers certificates in:
Accounting
Applied Writing and Copy Editing
Automotive Technology
Baking
Criminal Justice
Culinary Arts
Dialysis Technician
Early Childhood Education
Emergency Management
Fire Science Management
Fire Science Operations
General Studies
Homeland Security
Hospitality
Human Services Specialist
Medical Assistant
Medical Coding
Video Production

CERTIFICATES of ACHIEVEMENT
In addition to the Career Certificates programs listed above, Passaic County Community College offers several special-purpose training programs for immediate employment. Certificate of Achievement programs are often designed to meet community needs and require less than 30 credits. The following programs are available:
Alcohol and Drug Certification Domains
AutoCAD-Drafting
Automation and Control
Baking
Basic Video Production
Child Development Associate
Community Healthcare Navigator
Criminal Justice Studies
Culinary Arts
Cyber Security and Computer Forensics
Fitness Specialist
Graphic Design and Digital Media
Infant and Toddler
Information Technology Fundamentals
Network Administration
Plumbing Technology
Public Safety Telecommunications
Web and Mobile Development
Welding

Students interested in appplying to any of these programs should contact the Office of Admissions for more information.