There are approximately 1,200 two-year colleges in the United States of which 85 percent are public community colleges. These schools offer low tuition, substantial career preparation and the chance to combine part- time work with education.  Students can earn certificates or associate degrees.

Certificate Program

Certificates, not degrees, are awarded for completed work in such fields as air conditioning, banking, automotive technology, office administration, child care, and many other areas.  Most certificate programs take at least one year to complete, and are similar to programs that trade and technical schools offer.

 

Two-Year Associate Degrees—Terminal and Transfer

A Terminal Degree is a two-year associate degree that is not transferable to a four-year institution.  A “terminal” program is designed to make a person “job ready” for a specific occupation.  Terminal degrees are available is such fields as business management, electronic engineering technology, graphic technology, and many other areas.

 

A Transfer Degree is a two-year associate degree that is transferable to a four-year institution.  After graduation with a two-year associate degree, students can transfer to a four-year institution and receive a bachelor’s degree after two or three additional years of study.  It is essential that careful research into the requirements of the four-year institution be completed so that transfer of credits will occur.

Research the specific admission requirements for each community college on its website since admissions requirements vary.

COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA   
www.csn.edu
Location: Three campuses — Cheyenne, Henderson, & West Charleston                     Phone: (702) 651- 4060
The College of Southern Nevada offers two-year associate degrees, one-year certificates of achievement in more than 200 career fields, university transfer preparation, and skill training to secure employment or professional development.

GREAT BASIN COLLEGE
www.gbcnv.edu
Location: Main campus — Elko, Nevada                                                                   Phone: (702) 753- 2102
Great Basin College is Nevada’s first community college which serves five counties in northeastern Nevada, featuring two- year associate degrees and one- year certificates of achievement.

TRUCKEE MEADOWS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
www.tcc.edu
Location: Main campus — Washoe County, Nevada                                                  Phone: (775) 673- 7111
Truckee Meadows Community College offers 50 degree programs ranging from casino operations to electronics technology.

WESTERN NEVADA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
www.wncc.nevada.edu
Location: Main campus — Carson City, Nevada                                                        Phone: (775) 887- 3138
Western Nevada Community College is located in Carson City and offers more than 50 associate degree or certificate of achievement programs.
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