City College of San Francisco

The Accounting degree program prepares you for employment as a junior accountant or junior auditor. The certificates may lead to positions in accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, general ledger, bookkeeping, and other accounting functions. 

The General Business degree and certificate programs are designed to provide students with a broad basis and foundational background in business without the depth in a particular business discipline.

The Management and Leadership courses will teach you basic business management skills with an emphasis on human relations, leadership, and communications. The program is designed to prepare you supervisory positions, career advancement opportunities, and owning and operating your own business.  Through the classes, you will become proficient in problem-solving, decision-making, communicating, managing people, working in groups and teams, and understanding and applying basic managerial skills.

This Certificate of Achievement in Administration of Justice provides students with foundational, practical, and theoretical knowledge in the main components of the American criminal justice system, and prepares students for entry-level positions in a wide range of criminal justice occupations including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and private security.

This Certificate of Achievement in Administration of Justice provides students with foundational, practical, and theoretical knowledge in the main components of the American criminal justice system, and prepares students for entry-level positions in a wide range of criminal justice occupations including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and private security.

The Associates Degree in Administration of Justice provides a strong theoretical and practical foundation for a broad range of careers in criminal justice. Students must complete required and elective courses in Administration of Justice and satisfy the General Education requirements of the college.

The Associates Degree in Administration of Justice provides a strong theoretical and practical foundation for a broad range of careers in criminal justice. Students must complete required and elective courses in Administration of Justice and satisfy the General Education requirements of the college.

This Certificate of Achievement in Administration of Justice provides students with foundational, practical, and theoretical knowledge in the main components of the American criminal justice system, and prepares students for entry-level positions in a wide range of criminal justice occupations including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and private security.

The Associates Degree in Administration of Justice provides a strong theoretical and practical foundation for a broad range of careers in criminal justice. Students must complete required and elective courses in Administration of Justice and satisfy the General Education requirements of the college.

Principles, procedures, and techniques of law enforcement: criminal law, patrol and investigative procedures, report writing, use of force tactics, weapons use, community relations, vehicle operations, traffic enforcement, accident investigation, first aid, CPR, academic and physical skills training and assessment required by the State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training to meet the minimum standards for employment as a peace officer in California (1280 in-class hours).

This Certificate of Achievement in Administration of Justice provides students with foundational, practical, and theoretical knowledge in the main components of the American criminal justice system, and prepares students for entry-level positions in a wide range of criminal justice occupations including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and private security.

This Certificate of Achievement in Administration of Justice provides students with foundational, practical, and theoretical knowledge in the main components of the American criminal justice system, and prepares students for entry-level positions in a wide range of criminal justice occupations including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and private security.

The Associates Degree in Administration of Justice provides a strong theoretical and practical foundation for a broad range of careers in criminal justice. Students must complete required and elective courses in Administration of Justice and satisfy the General Education requirements of the college.

The Associates Degree in Administration of Justice provides a strong theoretical and practical foundation for a broad range of careers in criminal justice. Students must complete required and elective courses in Administration of Justice and satisfy the General Education requirements of the college.

The 18-unit certificate in Crime Scene Investigation offers instruction in the areas of crime scene processing and documentation, evidence preservation, fingerprints, photography, report writing, and legal issues relating to physical evidence. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students desiring an entry-level, civilian position working crime scenes or handling evidence, or enhancing the credentials of police officers in order to join a sworn CSI unit. Students may earn the certificate as a stand-alone credential or as part of their Associate of Science degree in Administration of Justice.

This certificate addresses a citizen's criminal and civil rights under the United State Constitution. Students will learn about criminal statutes and protections provided by the Constitution. Students will review the court system, procedures from incident to final disposition in the criminal justice system, and principles of civil law with constitutional, federal, state and local emphasis. The concepts and skills covered in this certificate provide support for employment in fields such as detective and criminal investigators, fire investigators, forensic science technicians, administrative law judges or hearing officers, immigration and custom inspectors, lawyers, and government property inspectors and investigators.

Basic Fire Academy (Accredited Local Academy) is for entry level Firefighter positions with the San Francisco Fire Department. Training meets the standards of the National Fire Protection Association and California State Fire Marshal Office of State Fire Training, and the Firefighter (2013) curriculum. Emphasis is on Firefighter training, Wildland Firefighter training, and Hazardous Materials /Weapons of Mass Destruction WMD) training in areas such as fire service communications, fire-ground and rescue operations, preparedness and maintenance of fire service equipment and specialized apparatus, mitigation of hazardous materials incidents, recognition of potential WMD incidents, and assistance of scene preservation for law enforcement.

Company Officer is the first certification in the California Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Officer series. The Company Officer Certification utilizes NFPA 1021 Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications (2014) and NFPA 1051 Standard for Wildland Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications (2012) to provide the qualifications for State Fire Training’s Company Officer certification.

This program is designed to prepare students for employment or career advancement in fire protection jobs. It may be of particular interest to students with existing degrees looking to change careers. It is also available for persons who do not want to complete the general education requirements for graduation.

Students completing the Fire Science Technology Major will be eligible for career positions such as Firefighter, Fire Prevention specialists, Wildland Firefighter, Fire Investigator, Fire Engineer, Fire Hydraulics specialist, First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, and Life Safety Directors in High Rise Buildings

Includes the principles, procedures, and techniques of firefighting and rescue. Technical and manipulative skills and concepts of fire control, fire behavior, tactics and strategy, and emergency management will be reviewed and put into practice during this course. The student will be trained according to the National Fire Protection Association, Standard 1001, and the California State Fire Marshal Office of State Fire Training Firefighter One that emphasize training in Firefighter One, Wildland Firefighter, and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations. Students completing this certificate program will be qualified to test for employment with agencies and departments hiring entry level firefighters.

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
1) Examine the role of families and communities in the lives of children and youth, including secure
relationships, community resources, diverse family structures and the development of a community
commitment to social justice.
2) Define the emerging field of youth worker and examine the variety of settings where youth are served.
3) Consider the developmental needs of older children and youth when planning curriculum for youth
programs in the community.
4) Demonstrate a knowledge of best practices and articulate core youth development competencies.

The Trauma Prevention and Recovery Certificate of Achievement prepares students for work in the field of violence prevention and trauma response (or in education, health and human services more broadly) by providing knowledge of dynamics of trauma, strategies to prevent violence and skills to support survivors.

This program prepares students to meet National EMS Education Standards and State of California requirements for Emergency Medical Technician course completion and eligibility for the National Registry basic level examination (NREMT). EMT course completion and NREMT certification are required for advanced level (Paramedic) program enrollment. Course completion and NREMT certification make graduates eligible to obtain a state license as an EMS professional. Students are required to pass a criminal background check and drug screening, and must obtain updated immunizaton titers prior to placement in a clinical hospital or ambulance setting. Concerns about these requirements should be addressed to the San Francisco Local EMS Agency at (415) 487-5000.

The paramedic program at CCSF provides didactic, lab and scenario-based instruction, hospital clinical and field internship experience to assist students in developing the theoretical and technical skills consistent with National EMS Education Standards. The program takes approximately 18 months to complete and consists of over 700 hours of didactic instruction, at least 160 hours of clinical hospital internship and at least 480 hours of field internship. This program complies with the regulations set forth in the California Health and Safety Code, Division 9, Title 22, Chapter 4 and the Standards of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP accreditation number 600218). Upon successful completion of the CCSF Paramedic Program, students will receive a course completion certificate and be eligible to take the National Registry Examination and apply for California State licensure as a Paramedic.

The program of study for the Associate in Science degree in Paralegal/Legal Studies is ABA-approved and complies with the requirements established under current California law to become a paralegal. NOTE: Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law. Our program is designed so that students may satisfy the general education requirements and paralegal course requirements simultaneously to earn both the degree and the Certificate of Achievement. The paralegal certificate is ONLY awarded upon completion of the general education requirements for the Associate’s degree. Assuming students start this AS degree with transfer‐level math and English eligibility, the minimum time for completion is 4 semesters. Completion time will vary based on student preparation and number of units completed per semester.

Students enrolled in the Aircraft Maintenance program can receive instruction in the areas of airframe and powerplant. After completing the program, students will earn Certificates of Achievement in Airframe and Powerplant and, if they completed the CCSF graduation requirements, will also earn associate degrees in both Airframe Aeronautics Program Information 2 March 12, 2020 Maintenance Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Maintenance Technology. In addition, students who receive the Certificates of Achievement in Airframe and Powerplant, are qualified to take the FAA exams for Airframe and Powerplant certificates.

Students enrolled in the Aircraft Maintenance program can receive instruction in the areas of airframe and powerplant. After completing the program, students will earn Certificates of Achievement in Airframe and Powerplant and, if they completed the CCSF graduation requirements, will also earn associate degrees in both Airframe Aeronautics Program Information 2 March 12, 2020 Maintenance Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Maintenance Technology. In addition, students who receive the Certificates of Achievement in Airframe and Powerplant, are qualified to take the FAA exams for Airframe and Powerplant certificates.

Students enrolled in the Aircraft Maintenance program can receive instruction in the areas of airframe and powerplant. After completing the program, students will earn Certificates of Achievement in Airframe and Powerplant and, if they completed the CCSF graduation requirements, will also earn associate degrees in both Airframe Aeronautics Program Information 2 March 12, 2020 Maintenance Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Maintenance Technology. In addition, students who receive the Certificates of Achievement in Airframe and Powerplant, are qualified to take the FAA exams for Airframe and Powerplant certificates.

Students enrolled in the Aircraft Maintenance program can receive instruction in the areas of airframe and powerplant. After completing the program, students will earn Certificates of Achievement in Airframe and Powerplant and, if they completed the CCSF graduation requirements, will also earn associate degrees in both Airframe Aeronautics Program Information 2 March 12, 2020 Maintenance Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Maintenance Technology. In addition, students who receive the Certificates of Achievement in Airframe and Powerplant, are qualified to take the FAA exams for Airframe and Powerplant certificates.

This Automotive Technician Associate in Science Degree prepares students to enter the automotive maintenance field with all the necessary skills to perform entry level work, as well as have a thorough understanding of theory so they will be qualified to participate in advanced training at the dealer level. This program complies with national Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification through the accreditation body National Automotive Teachers Education Foundation (NATEF), through which the Automotive department is required to maintain certification every five years.

CCSF offers programs in the Computer Science, Visual Media Design and Computer Networking and Information Technology departments.

This certificate teaches how to program native apps (mobile device applications) to run on iPhones, iPads, and other iOS devices. Students learn programming in Swift, and also programming of data structures and algorithm in Java or C++. The specifics of how to program for iPhones is covered, as well as substantial project experience. Students completing this certificate program will be qualified for employment as entry-level app developers and quality assurance technicians.

CCSF offers programs in the Computer Science, Visual Media Design and Computer Networking and Information Technology departments.

CCSF offers programs in the Computer Science, Visual Media Design and Computer Networking and Information Technology departments.

Graduates of the Associates Degree in Architecture may choose to enter directly into the marketplace and would be qualified in various capacities in the fields of architecture, construction industry and related fields. Positions such as architectural technician, construction detailer, building materials salesperson or manufacturer’s representative are examples of possible employment a graduate may pursue after completing this course of study.

This certificate includes instruction in technical drawing and the use of software tools to create 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional models for use in architecture, building science, and building information models. Students will gain significant practice in creating models through extensive lab work using industry standard software tools. This certificate program provides skills valuable to architects, construction trades, and engineers in industries where high quality building drawings are needed.

This certificate includes instruction in technical drawing and the use of software tools to create 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional models. Students will gain significant practice in creating models through extensive lab work using industry standard software tools. This certificate program provides skills valuable to machinists, manufacturers, architects, technicians, and engineers in industries where high quality technical drawings are needed.

This certificate includes instruction in the design and sizing of a wide variety of plumbing systems and the application of basic fluid flow principles. These skills are necessary in the design of domestic water, rainwater, sanitary drainage, fire protection, fuel gas, compressed air, hydronic and steam heating systems. Students completing this certificate program will be qualified to work alongside engineers as a plumbing systems designer.

The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) program at City College of San Francisco offers instruction, theory, and training in design and repair of HVACR equipment. The program combines theory with practical hands-on training designed to simulate the work environment and skills needed to excel in this challenging field. The program prepares students for employment in the field and provides an opportunity for currently employed personnel to achieve a level of HVACR certification.

The Welding Technology program provides students with training in oxy-acetylene cutting, AC/DC shielded metal arc welding, gouging, semi-automatic gas metal arc welding, flux core welding and tungsten inert gas welding. Training in the planning, layout, forming, joining, and fabrication of various shapes in light and heavy gauge metal and pipes is provided. Students will work on various projects throughout the time they are enrolled in the welding program.

The Certificate in Basic Electronics includes instruction in the fundamental principles of electronics. Students will be able to apply this knowledge and understanding to perform tests, troubleshooting and repair of analog and digital electronic circuits and instruments. Program provides instruction in the building of circuits that demonstrate an understanding of basic electronics device principles. Students will also learn how to develop procedural methods in troubleshooting and repair of analog and digital circuits and instruments.

The Major in Electronic Engineering Technology offers students training for employment in industries utilizing analog and digital systems, microprocessors, and communication electronics. The major is designed to be a twoyear course of study in which students work closely with Engineering and Electronics faculty to develop the skills needed for work in the electronics industry. Upon successful completion of the curriculum, students receive the Associate in Science Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology.

The Certificate in Intermediate Electronics provides advanced electronics instruction building upon foundations provided in the Basic Electronics Certificate. Students will be instructed in the implementation of projects utilizing industry standard electronic devices, learning their associated functions and principles. With these additional skills and knowledge, students will be able to resolve common software, hardware, and interface errors in electronic systems of increasing complexity.

Machining technology programs prepare graduates for careers in manufacturing industries. A level II certificate includes basic machine shop blueprint reading and machine shop operations. Added are more advanced applications of lathe and milling which include Computer Numerical Control (CNC) training in G and M codes and explanation of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) symbols and their meanings.

The Major in Mechanical Engineering Technology offers students specialized training for employment as engineering technicians engaged in research, design, operation, maintenance, testing, or sales. The major is designed to be a two-year course of study in which students work closely with Engineering and Engineering Technology faculty to develop the skills needed for work in various engineering related industries. Specialization options are offered from the second through the fourth semester. Upon successful completion of the curriculum, students receive the Associate in Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology.

The biotech industry has grown tremendously over the past several years. This growth has generated an increasing number of interesting and challenging entry-level jobs. There is now a large demand for workers who are qualified for these positions. This certificate program is designed to give a rigorous and engaging introduction to the biosciences while strengthening the math and language skills needed for success in these entry level positions. The Biotechnology Lab Assistant Certificate will prepare students for jobs as media prep technicians, laboratory aids or laboratory safety monitors. No previous experience or coursework in science is necessary for entry into the Program. Students will gain valuable work experience in an internship in a bioscience laboratory

The Cardiovascular (CVT)/ECHO Technology content includes a focus on adult cardiac ultrasound (Echcocardiography) which includes cardiac anatomy and physiology, 2D and M-Mode imaging, PW, CW and color flow Doppler, cardiac pathology and methods of interpretation. The CVT course content includes advanced rhythm interpretation, exercise stress testing, cardiac pharmacology, and physics of ultrasound.

Beginning Electrocardiography (ECG) Technician students (ECGT 101) will learn to operate a single-channel electrocardiography unit, methods of mounting tracings, fundamental anatomy of the cardiovascular system, associated medical terminology, and evaluation of tracings, including recognition of rates and basic rhythms.

Training in the curriculum in Dental Assisting is designed to prepare students for employment as Registered and Certified Dental Assistants in private practice, specialty dentistry, hospitals, clinics and dental schools. Positions to which graduates may advance with experience and further training include those of dental product sales representative, insurance auditor, manager, supervisor, educator, and RDAEF. This program includes instruction in intra-oral dental functions and direct patient care/chairside experience in dental schools, clinics and private offices and public dental care facilities in San Francisco and the Daly City/South San Francisco area. Students who have completed their training satisfactorily are qualified to take the state licensure examination to become Registered Dental Assistants and the national examination to become Certified Dental Assistants.

Training in the curriculum in Dental Assisting is designed to prepare students for employment as Registered and Certified Dental Assistants in private practice, specialty dentistry, hospitals, clinics and dental schools. Positions to which graduates may advance with experience and further training include those of dental product sales representative, insurance auditor, manager, supervisor, educator, and RDAEF. This program includes instruction in intra-oral dental functions and direct patient care/chairside experience in dental schools, clinics and private offices and public dental care facilities in San Francisco and the Daly City/South San Francisco area. Students who have completed their training satisfactorily are qualified to take the state licensure examination to become Registered Dental Assistants and the national examination to become Certified Dental Assistants.

The Radiologic Sciences Department at City College of San Francisco is dedicated to the advancement of the allied health care industry by providing educational opportunities that foster ethical and compassionate behavior, professional development, and a respect for human diversity. The accomplishment of this mission is embedded in our values through the department’s acronym: CCSF RADSCI

The City College of San Francisco's Licensed Vocational Nursing Department provides curricula that prepare students for State License in Vocational Nursing; State Certificate in Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide; and offers short-term training programs in Geriatric Home Aide, Care of Clients with Alzheimer's, Care of Clients with AIDs, and Care of the Developmentally Disabled.

The Medical Administrative Assisting Program trains students to perform administrative procedures for employment as a medical receptionist, medical biller, admitting clerk, ward clerk, or office manager in an outpatient clinic, medical office, or health center. The program concentrates on anatomy and physiology, medical terminology and disease process, computer applications to include word processing, spreadsheets, and database, written correspondence, appointment scheduling and telephone technique, communication and professionalism, diagnostic and procedure coding, insurance and bookkeeping activities, electronic health records applications, and office management skills.

The Medical Biller certificate program prepares students to complete medical insurance claims for outpatient clinics and medical offices. Students receive training in anatomy & physiology, CPT and ICD coding, medical terminology, disease process, computer bookkeeping procedures, manual and computer insurance billing for commercial, Medicaid, Medicare, Worker’s Compensation, and managed care plans.

The Medical Assisting Program provides students with both clinical and administrative training. Students who complete their training satisfactorily are prepared to hold positions as a medical assistant, medical receptionist, or office manager in an outpatient clinic, medical office, or health center. Students learn to draw blood, give injections, take electrocardiograms, and assist the physician, as well as manage the financial and administrative areas of the office or clinic.

The Medical Assisting Program provides students with both clinical and administrative training. Students who complete their training satisfactorily are prepared to hold positions as a medical assistant, medical receptionist, or office manager in an outpatient clinic, medical office, or health center. Students learn to draw blood, give injections, take electrocardiograms, and assist the physician, as well as manage the financial and administrative areas of the office or clinic.

The City College of San Francisco's Licensed Vocational Nursing Department provides curricula that prepare students for State License in Vocational Nursing; State Certificate in Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide; and offers short-term training programs in Geriatric Home Aide, Care of Clients with Alzheimer's, Care of Clients with AIDs, and Care of the Developmentally Disabled.

The Pharmacy Technician Program is two-semester course (total 30 units) consisting of didactic and laboratory. In the classroom, students will learn the role and function of pharmacy technicians. The laboratory experience is in a simulated environment where students will gain practical experience working alongside pharmacy professionals in two 120-hours clinical rotations in an actual licensed pharmacy.

In compliance with California Code of Regulations (Section 1035.1, 1242, 1246 and Section 100275, 120580 Health and Safety Code) HCT 104 prepares the entry level health care practitioner for certification as a CPT - I. Lecture includes 20 “basic” hours in infection control, safety, circulatory system, medical terminology, patient and specimen identification and skin puncture, and 20 “advanced” hours in anatomical site selection and patient preparation, risks and complications, post puncture care, anticoagulation theory and Quality Assurance. Student will be assigned 40 hours in a clinical setting and must successfully complete 50 venipunctures, 10 skin punctures, and observation of one arterial puncture.

The Digital Art Foundation certificate provides essential knowledge and skills for artists and illustrators. It can serve as a stand-alone certificate, or as the basis for continued study in digital illustration, animation, gaming or other areas. Students earn the certificate by completing the courses with the grade of “C” or higher.

The Graphic Design major provides students with a strong foundation in the fundamental aspects of design practice. Students develop creativity and ideation skills, learn the elements of communication design and apply this knowledge to a broad range of design problems. Communication in all forms — visual, verbal, and written — is emphasized. In the fourth semester, students have the opportunity to further develop their skills in Emerge Studio, an in-house practicum that provides quality communications pieces to the college community. You’ll complete the program with a 60-unit Associate of Arts Degree and a portfolio of work showcasing your design abilities.

The Visual Design emphasis consists of two certificates: Visual Design Foundation and Visual & Interactive Design. This program prepares students to enter the workforce with a broad understanding of contemporary design practice. Coursework covers theory, research, design thinking, critical analysis, and practical tools and practices for a range of interactive and print projects. Students will refine their skills and develop portfolio projects in Emerge Studio, our design studio practicum. The Visual & Interactive Design Certificate includes key courses, but also allows students to customize the program to meet their personal goals through electives.

The Visual Design emphasis consists of two certificates: Visual Design Foundation and Visual & Interactive Design. This program prepares students to enter the workforce with a broad understanding of contemporary design practice. Coursework covers theory, research, design thinking, critical analysis, and practical tools and practices for a range of interactive and print projects. Students will refine their skills and develop portfolio projects in Emerge Studio, our design studio practicum. The Visual & Interactive Design Certificate includes key courses, but also allows students to customize the program to meet their personal goals through electives.

The Visual Design Foundation certificate provides instruction in essential processes, principles, and skills for visual design and production for print and interactive communications. It can serve as a stand-alone certificate, or as the basis for advanced study in graphic design, visual media production or other areas. Students earn the certificate by completing the courses with the grade of “C” or higher.

The Visual Media Production emphasis consists of two certificates:
Visual Design Foundation and Visual Media Production. The program prepares students to enter the workforce as production artists for screen and print—integral members of a collaborative team. Production artists are proficient with industry-standard software for media development and have a working understanding of design process, layout, typography, and color. Students will refine their skills through a supervised work-experience in a local firm or Emerge Studio, our design studio practicum. The Visual Media Production certificate includes key courses, but allows students to customize the program to meet their goals through electives.

Do you want to work in the hotel and restaurant industry? Our Hospitality Management program will teach you all of the skills you need to work in the rooms division of a hotel or lodging facility!