CGCC students have several choices of educational programs to pursue:

• Degrees offered by all Maricopa Community Colleges and found in the Degree Requirements section of this catalog:
  • Associate in Arts; Associate in Arts in Elementary Education; Associate in Arts, Fine Arts in Art, Dance, and Theatre; Associate in Business; and Associate in Science degrees offered by all Maricopa Community Colleges and designed for students who may or may not know their majors but plan to transfer to one of Arizona’s public universities.
  • Associate in General Studies degree for students whose educational goals require flexibility and a broader choice of courses.
• Occupational programs offered at CGCC have several missions: preparing students for employment, upgrading students’ existing job skills, and assisting students in career changes. Students can choose from several alternatives:
  • Associate in Applied Science degree programs – usually a two-year program of course work.
  • Certificate Programs – a series of courses designed for concentrated proficiency in specialized career fields.
  • Individual courses – designed to meet individual career or personal needs.

Because change is a constant factor in the employment picture, each occupational program has an advisory council. These councils are composed of local leaders in industry and provide valuable assistance to faculty as they continually adjust the courses and programs to meet community needs. With the support of the advisory councils, highly qualified faculty, and up-to-date facilities, students are assured quality instruction in their future career field.

Students who choose to transfer to four-year institutions will find that many credits are transferable and provide a beginning foundation for completing a baccalaureate degree. The AAS degrees transfer as a “block” to the Bachelor of Applied Science at Arizona State University (Polytechnic and West campuses), and Northern Arizona University.

• Academic Certificates for students who wish to gain additional expertise in an academic area.
• Special programs include:
  • Continuing Education and Workforce Development
  • Fitness, Wellness, and Recreation
  • Honors Program
  • Performing Arts