College of the Desert - Overview
College of the Desert -- A 2 + 2 Community College in California
Since opening its doors in 1962, College of the Desert (COD) in Palm Desert, California has been an affiliate of the 110 community colleges in the state, and a partner in the quest to offer students top quality educational programs. College of the Desert services over 12,000 students in the Coachella Valley.
As a 2-year institution, College of the Desert is proud to act as an affordable stepping stone for many students to the 4-year universities of their choice, as demonstrated by the college's focus on offering programs that transfer easily to the University of California and California State University systems. In addition, COD offers students certificate programs and associate degree programs in many vocational and technical areas, including advanced transportation technologies, culinary arts, digital design and production, nursing and health sciences, and turf grass management and ornamental horticulture. Furthermore, the Palm Springs, California location is an ideal setting for study of the Hospitality industry, as well as Golf Management programs.
Full Service International Education Program
The International Education Program (IEP) offers the nearly 220 international students at College of the Desert comprehensive assistance with activity programs, housing, orientation, university transfer counseling, and all aspects of the college experience, so that they may better achieve their educational goals. A student in the program is assigned an International Student Counselor, who provides personalized academic advising, and works with the student in choosing classes and in answering questions related to specific majors and university transfers. In addition, throughout the semester IEP offers workshops that focus on a variety of topics related to the transfer process.
English Language Programs
IEP students also have the opportunity to undergo intensive English training through the Intensive English Academy (IEA) in Palm Springs, California. The program offers courses from beginning to advanced levels to students interested in learning English skills needed for entering an American college or university. IEA offers standard programs of 8 and 16 weeks, or a summer accelerated program lasting 8 weeks. Students who complete the IEA program can enter College of the Desert without the TOEFL.
Associate Degree Opportunities
College of the Desert offers 63 Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degrees from the college's 28 departments. Associate programs are designed to provide students with the basic knowledge and skill sets necessary to succeed in their fields of choice. Degree requirements average between 60 and 70 credit hours, but vary by program and focus. Examples of programs leading to an associate's degree include: administration of justice, advanced transportation technologies, communications, computer science, foreign languages, nutrition care, and sociology.
Transferable Online Classes
College of the Desert offers online classes in a variety of discipline areas each semester. The classes are designed to be easily transferable. They have the same prerequisites and hold the same academic weight as their companion on-campus courses. Online courses generally follow the same 16-week semester schedule as on-campus courses.
Examples of previous online courses include: computer survival skills, administration of programs for young children, personal and community health, and elementary Spanish.
COD Certificate Programs
College of the Desert offers 40 certificate programs through 15 departments. COD certificate programs for employment preparation or achievement are designed to provide well-rounded instruction in a vocation of the student's choosing. Certificate requirements vary by program and require anywhere from 12 to 51 credit hours to complete. Examples of certificate programs available include: landscape and irrigation technician, building inspection technology, automotive technology, retail management, culinary arts, and early childhood education.
Delivered by a Supportive Faculty
Faculty members of College of the Desert are dedicated to providing students with the skills and opportunities to succeed in their fields of interest. Along with the supportive COD staff, the college's faculty serves students by providing them with the tools needed to be prepared either for transferring to a 4-year institution or for careers in today's job market.
College of the Desert Scholarship Opportunities
College of the Desert is proud to offer a small scholarship program to international students who have completed at least one semester at the college. This merit based scholarship is offered each semester and is based on grades earned at the institution, community involvement, and a personal statement.