Overview
Saddleback College has been offering associate's degrees, professional certificates, and career training to people in Orange County, CA since 1968. The college has over half a million alumni, attesting to the popularity and usefulness of its degree programs. Saddleback has adapted many of its two-year degree and certificate programs to the online format, making it easier for prospective students to prepare for their career or a transfer to a four-year college.
Student Appeal
Students looking to transfer after completing an associate's degree could find a good fit in Saddleback. The school ranks highly in the number of students who successfully transfer with a two-year degree. Out of 112 community colleges in California, Saddleback ranks 8th and 17th among them for transfers into the University of California and California State University systems. Veterans will be happy to know that Saddleback has a special department dedicated to assisting veterans and their families who are pursuing their education.
Accreditation
Saddleback College has regional accreditation through the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), a branch of Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
- Associate's Degree in AccountingAssociate's Degree in Accounting
Students in this program take the general education requirements of the associate's degree, plus specialized accounting courses. Topics like financial accounting, auditing, and business law are covered.
- Associate's Degree in Business AdministrationAssociate's Degree in Business Administration
The business administration degree includes courses in management, human resources, marketing, and related areas. Students also complete foundational classes in math, social science, natural science, and English.
- Associate's Degree in Business ManagementAssociate's Degree in Business Management
This degree offers students another option for pursuing general education fundamentals, plus specialized topics in business. Courses taken may include leadership, marketing, law, and international business.
- Associate's Degree in Child Development/Education StudiesAssociate's Degree in Child Development/Education Studies
After completing this program, students will have a basic understanding of the social, emotional, and physical elements of child development. Students take theoretical classes and have opportunities for hands-on training.
- Associate's Degree in Computer and Information ManagementAssociate's Degree in Computer and Information Management
This general program provides a breadth of instruction in topics like network administration, information security, and web design. Students also complete the school's general education requirements.
- Associate's Degree in General StudiesAssociate's Degree in General Studies
This degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college, in order to specialize their degree in a particular major. The general studies option includes classes in math, reading, fine arts and humanities, and social and behavioral sciences.
- Associate's Degree in HistoryAssociate's Degree in History
Core classes in this degree program discuss both world history and U.S. history. Students will develop the critical thinking and problem solving abilities that come from a close study of the humanities.
- Associate's Degree in Human DevelopmentAssociate's Degree in Human Development
The study of human development examines the social, cultural, emotional, and physical aspects of human experience. Students also complete the general education requirements.
- Associate's Degree in Liberal StudiesAssociate's Degree in Liberal Studies
Liberal studies is the study of a variety of areas of inquiry, such an anthropology, biology, literature, geography, and psychology. Students graduate with a well-rounded introduction to many fields.
- Associate's Degree in PsychologyAssociate's Degree in Psychology
The core classes in this degree include Introduction to Psychology, Biological Psychology, and Research Methods in Psychology. Students learn about psychological theories, as well as research methods of social scientists.
- Associate's Degree in Real EstateAssociate's Degree in Real Estate
The real estate program includes courses in real estate specific topics, as well as classes in related areas like business and finance. Graduates will understand the basics of buying and selling property, appraising property, and more.
- Associate's Degree in Social SciencesAssociate's Degree in Social Sciences
The social sciences include anthropology, history, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology. This degree is good preparation for a number of social science majors at a four-year university.
- Associate's Degree in SociologyAssociate's Degree in Sociology
Social Problems, Socialization of the Child, and Social Stratification are some of the core classes in the sociology associate's. Completion of the program ensures an understanding of human behavior, social institutions, and social change.
- Certificate in Administrative AssistantCertificate in Administrative Assistant
The administrative assistant program prepares students to perform clerical and office work. Graduates will be familiar with computer information systems and computer applications.
- Certificate in Applications DeveloperCertificate in Applications Developer
Students take foundational courses in the design and creation of computer applications. Classes cover Visual Basic programming, Java programming, and web development.
- Certificate in Business AdministrationCertificate in Business Administration
Business Law, Legal Environment of Business, and Business Communication are courses included in this certificate. Completion of the program will ensure that students understand the theory and practical skills of today's business environment.
- Certificate in Computerized Accounting SpecialistCertificate in Computerized Accounting Specialist
This program teaches students the basics of double-entry accounting, financial statement analysis, and commercial accounting software. Required courses include Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, and Individual Income Tax.
- Certificate in E-Commerce SpecialistCertificate in E-Commerce Specialist
This is designed for students who wish to learn the technical skills behind online sales. Students study web development, web design, and database principles.
- Certificate in Early Childhood Associate Teacher Occupational Skills AwardCertificate in Early Childhood Associate Teacher Occupational Skills Award
This certificate is designed for those looking to meet the Associate Teacher level of the Childhood Development Permit. Four courses cover teaching principles, child growth, and curriculum development.
- Certificate in Early Childhood TeacherCertificate in Early Childhood Teacher
Graduates of this program will understand the skills for teaching and caring for children ages 3-5. It also meets the educational requirement for the Teacher level Child Development Permit.
- Certificate in Educational Assistant/School Age Children and YouthCertificate in Educational Assistant/School Age Children and Youth
This certificate covers the skills and principles for attending to school age children in a variety of environments. Required classes include Teaching Children in a Diverse Society and Observations & Assessment.
- Certificate in Infant and Toddler TeacherCertificate in Infant and Toddler Teacher
Safety, nutrition, teaching principles, and curriculum development are topics covered in this certificate. The certificate also meets the educational requirements for the Teacher level of the Child Development Permit.
- Certificate in Network AdministratorCertificate in Network Administrator
This 21 unit program includes classes in computer information systems, operating systems, and web essentials. Students take 5 required classes and 2 electives of their choosing.
- Certificate in Real Estate AppraisalCertificate in Real Estate Appraisal
Completing this program prepares students for applying for the State Licensed Real Estate Property Appraiser title in California. Courses discuss real estate appraisal, economics, and real estate principles.
- Certificate in Real Estate EscrowCertificate in Real Estate Escrow
Students in this program learn the skills for becoming competent escrow professionals. Escrow principles, real estate practice, and finance are some of the topics discussed.
- Certificate in Real Estate Sales/BrokerCertificate in Real Estate Sales/Broker
This certificate program prepares students with the educational background to earn real estate broker or sales licenses in California. The program consists of 29-30 units.
- Certificate in Retail ManagementCertificate in Retail Management
Students in this program learn business principles from the angle of managing a retail establishment. Marketing, communication, and information systems are covered.
- Certificate in Software SpecialistCertificate in Software Specialist
Upon completing this program, students will understand how to install and utilize various computer software systems. Microsoft Office, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint are covered.
- Certificate in Tax Preparation Certificate ProgramCertificate in Tax Preparation Certificate Program
Completing this certificate provides students with knowledge of California state and Federal tax law. Graduates can seek out entry-level positions in tax preparation.
- Certificate in Web DesignerCertificate in Web Designer
Students complete 18 units in topics like web animation, web development, and digital imagery. Students learn the basics of Photoshop, Flash, and Dreamweaver.
- Certificate in WebmasterCertificate in Webmaster
This is a good option for students who want a basic introduction to a variety of computer information systems essentials. Students take classes in networking, web development, and web design.