Educational Pathways
Certificate Programs
Associate Degrees
NEW Bachelor of Science: Public Safety Management

Educational Pathways at San Diego Miramar College

As a new student, you're probably excited—and maybe a little overwhelmed—as you begin your college journey.

At Miramar College, students have several degree options, each designed to support different goals.

Whether you're here to transfer to a four-year university, build career-specific skills, or explore a subject you're passionate about, there’s a path for you.

In this video, we’ll walk you through the various educational pathways offered at San Diego Miramar College.

Let’s dive in and explore your options.

If you prefer to read instead of watch the video, click on the tabs above to learn more information about the educational pathways offered at San Diego Miramar College.

Certificate Programs

As a new student at San Diego Miramar College, you might hear about two types of certificates:

Certificate of Performance

Certificate of Achievement

These certificates can help you gain new skills, boost your resume, or prepare for a job—but they serve slightly different purposes.

Certificate of Performance

Think of a Certificate of Performance as a skills boost!

A Certificate of Performance is a short set of classes focused on a specific skill.

It's a fast way to build job skills without committing to a full program.

These certificates are not state-approved and won't show up on your official transcript, but you will still receive a printed certificate from San Diego Miramar College.

Examples of a Certificate of Performance:

Accountancy Bookkeeping
Transportation Security
Commercial Pilot
Family Child Care
Administrative Assistant
Website Designer
Computer Programming
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Certificate of Achievement

A Certificate of Achievement carries more weight.

What it is: A more comprehensive certificate that shows you’ve completed a full set of courses in a specific program or career field.
Purpose: These are designed to prepare you for a job or career path—or even to transfer to a 4-year college.
Length: Usually 18 or more units.
Official Recognition: It is state-approved and does appear on your official transcript.
Example: A Certificate of Achievement in "Paralegal Studies" prepares you to work in the legal field.

Why Does This Matter to You?

Both types of certificates can be valuable depending on your goals:

Quick job skills

↓

A Certificate of Performance might be the perfect fit.

Starting a new career or wanting something official on your transcript

↓

A Certificate of Achievement can be a good start.

💡 Tip: You can always speak to a counselor to help choose the right path for your goals!

At a Glance: Certificates of Performance vs. Achievement

	Certificate of Performance (CP)	Certificate of Achievement (CA)
Unit Count	Less than 12 units	12+ units
Do I need to complete general education requirements?	No	No
Will this be posted on my transcript when I complete it?	No	Yes
Can I put this on my resume for work?	Yes	Yes
Financial aid eligible?	No	In some cases, yes - see a counselor

💡 For a list of certificates offered at San Diego Miramar College, visit the Miramar College Learning and Career Pathways Program Mapper.

Associate Degrees

An associate degree is a college degree you can earn in two or more years (if attending full-time).

It's often the first step toward starting a career or transferring to a four-year university.

At Miramar College, associate degrees require a minimum of 60 units of coursework.

You can earn different types of associate degrees depending on your goals and what you want to study.

Associate of Arts (AA)

↓

Focus: Liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Great if you're interested in areas like psychology, communication, art, or sociology.
Helps you develop broad skills like critical thinking, writing, and cultural awareness.
Can be a stepping stone to a university or directly into a career in related fields.

Associate of Science (AS)

↓

Focus: Science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), and career/technical fields.

Ideal for students interested in subjects like biology, business, computer science, or aviation.
Prepares you with more technical or science-focused skills.
Can lead to jobs in specific industries or transfer to a university for a bachelor’s degree.

Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT): AA-T and AS-T

The fast track to a California State University (CSU)!

↓

These degrees are specially designed to help you transfer to a CSU campus as a junior.

AA-T = Associate in Arts for Transfer

AS-T = Associate in Science for Transfer

Benefits include:

Priority consideration for admission to a CSU with a major similar to the ADT
A 0.1 GPA boost for admissions consideration
Guaranteed admission somewhere in the CSU system (though not necessarily your top choice campus or major).
Completing the lower-division major preparation requirements at the CSU.
Saves you time and money!

Important note!

Earning an associate degree is not the only way to transfer to a university.

At a Glance: Associate Degree Comparison

**Associate Degree Overview**
	Associate of Arts (AA)	Associate of Science (AS)	Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T / AS-T)
Focus Area	Liberal arts, humanities, social sciences	Science, math, technical, or career programs	Transfer to a CSU in arts or science majors
Typical Majors (including but not limited to)	Psychology, Sociology, Art, Communication	Biology, Business, Aviation, Computer Science	Administration of Justice (AS-T), Psychology (AA-T), Business Admin (AS-T)
Goal	Transfer or enter workforce	Transfer or career/technical employment	Transfer to a CSU with junior standing
Transferable?	Yes, with proper planning	Yes, with proper planning	Yes – specifically designed for CSU transfer
Units Required	Minimum 60 units	Minimum 60 units	60 units (includes general ed and major prep)
CSU Transfer Guarantee	❌ No guarantee	❌ No guarantee	✅ Yes – guaranteed CSU system admission*
Appears on Transcript	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Good For Students Who Want To…	Develop communication & critical thinking skills; explore humanities	Gain technical or scientific skills for a career or STEM major	Transfer efficiently to a CSU and save time/money
Degree Type Awarded	AA	AS	AA-T or AS-T

💡 For a list of certificates offered at San Diego Miramar College, visit the Miramar College Learning and Career Pathways Program Mapper.

NEW Bachelor of Science: Public Safety Management

We are pleased to share the Baccalaureate Degree Program (BDP) in Public Safety Management has been approved by the Board of Governors with the intent to launch in Fall of 2025 with the first cohort of students.

The BS in Public Safety Management is aimed at helping first responders and private sector leaders meet the “All Hazards” approach for preparedness, response and recovery through the first BDP program in California to embed industry certifications with mindful approaches aimed at underserved communities, minimizing equity gaps, addressing workforce demands and leading to better wages and social mobility for California’s emergency managers, law enforcement officials, experts in critical infrastructure and emergency service workers.

For more information on the BS of Public Safety Management, visit the Public Safety Management Program Mapper and meet with an academic counselor.

Click "next" to start the next module