Certificate Programs

Normal ProgressAccelerated Program Clock HoursSemester Hours Method of Delivery
Business General Program35 Weeks+ 23 Weeks+480 Clock Hours 24 Semester HoursHybrid
Computerized Accounting 55 Weeks+36 Weeks+750 Clock Hours 38 Semester HoursHybrid
Computer Information System35 Weeks+23 Weeks+480 Clock Hours 24 Semester HoursHybrid
Computer Graphic Design35 Weeks+23 Weeks+480 Clock Hours 24 Semester HoursHybrid
Professional Computer Graphic Design54 Weeks+ 36 Weeks+735 Clock Hours 36 Semester HoursHybrid and Traditional
Web Design35 Weeks+23 Weeks+480 Clock Hours 24 Semester HoursHybrid
Web Software Technology53 Weeks+35 Weeks+720 Clock Hours 36 Semester HoursHybrid
English as a Second Language
*Duration based on 3 levels, out of 6 levels offered.
36 Weeks*36 Weeks720 Clock Hours In-person

Program Details

The certificate program in business general provides a unique blend of introductory bookkeeping and computer applications for general businesses. This program provides students with working knowledge and technical skills to perform various fundamental bookkeeping duties and office software using the computer. By the end of the program, students are able to create and edit QuickBooks, Microsoft Word and Excel files for a career as an entry-level general office worker or bookkeeper.

CourseLecLabUnits
CIS 101 Introduction to Computer Business Applications30303.0
GEN 120 Mathematics for Business & Consumers30303.0
BGP 104 Business Bookkeeping50505.0
ACT 120 Payroll Accounting20202.0
CAC 120 Excel for Accounting40404.0
CAC 160 QuickBooks40404.0
CIS 111 Microsoft Word30303.0
Total: 480 Clock Hours24024024.0

The certificate in computerized accounting program provides fundamental understanding and technical knowledge of accounting principles and process, and the practical use of accounting and tax software for both small business and corporations. This program provides students with working knowledge and relevant skills to perform various accounting duties using the computer. By the end of the program, students are able to prepare basic payroll and income taxes in preparation for a career in accounting as a bookkeeper.

Links: Course Descriptions | General Education Course Descriptions

CourseLecLabUnits
CIS 101 Introduction to Computer Business Applications30303.0
ACT 100 Principles of Accounting I40404.0
ACT 120 Payroll Accounting20202.0
ACT 140 Principles of Accounting II40404.0
CAC 160 QuickBooks40404.0
CAC 170 Tax Software3002.0
CAC 120 Excel for Accounting40404.0
CAC 210 Advanced Accounting Software40404.0
ACT 160 Individual Income Taxes40404.0
GEN 120 Mathematics for Business and Consumers30303.0
ACT 200 Cost Accounting40404.0
Total: 750 Clock Hours39036038.0

The certificate program in computer information system provides a unique blend of basic knowledge of accounting principles and computer processes, and the practical use of accounting and office software for small business. This program provides students with working knowledge and relevant skills to perform various elementary accounting duties and office software using the computer. By the end of the program, students are able to create and edit QuickBooks, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files for a career as an entry-level office assistant or bookkeeper.

CourseLecLabUnits
ACT 100 Principles of Accounting I40404.0
ACT 120 Payroll Accounting20202.0
CAC 160 QuickBooks40404.0
CAC 120 Excel for Accounting40404.0
CAC 140 Advanced Excel for Accounting40404.0
CIS 111 Microsoft Word30303.0
CIS 140 Microsoft PowerPoint30303.0
Total: 480 Clock Hours24024024.0

The certificate program in graphic design provides fundamental proficiency in computer-aided design work. By learning the Adobe Creative Suite, students become proficient in photo editing, illustration, desktop publishing and web design. This fast-paced program provides students with working knowledge and relevant skills to perform a variety of graphic tasks and projects. By the end of the program, students are equipped with the essential foundation to meet the industry standards as an entry-level graphic designer.

CourseLectureLab Units
CGD 160 Photoshop I 30303.0
CGD 170 Photoshop II30303.0
CGD 180 Illustrator I30303.0
CGD 185 Illustrator II 30303.0
CGD 190 InDesign30303.0
CGD 200 Dreamweaver I30303.0
CGD 210 Dreamweaver II30303.0
CGD 260 Principles of Graphic Design I30303.0
Total: 480 Clock Hours24024024.0

The certificate program in graphic design provides the fundamental understanding of the principles in graphic design and technical knowledge using the Adobe Creative Suite. This program provides students with working knowledge and relevant skills to perform a variety of tasks that meet current industry standards. By the end of this program, students develop and create a diverse portfolio in preparation for a career in graphic design as a Junior Web or Graphic Designer.

CourseLecLabUnits
CGD 133 Typography Design15302.0
CGD 135 Drawing for Graphic Design15302.0
CGD 150 Portfolio and Professional Practices15302.0
CGD 160 Photoshop I30303.0
CGD 170 Photoshop II30303.0
CGD 180 Illustrator I30303.0
CGD 185 Illustrator II30303.0
CGD 190 InDesign I30303.0
CGD 195 InDesign II30303.0
CGD 200 Dreamweaver I30303.0
CGD 210 Dreamweaver II30303.0
CGD 260 Principles of Graphic Design I30303.0
CGD 265 Principles of Graphic Design II30303.0
Total: 735 Clock Hours34539036.0

The certificate program in web design combines art and technology, providing students with a fundamental foundation in web design concepts, coding, and graphic design. Students learn to use the Adobe Creative Suite for scripting, programming, and graphic design for the web. In this program, students develop a portfolio of functioning websites. By the end of the program, graduates are prepared for a career as a web developer and digital designer.

CourseLecLabUnits
CIS 101 Introduction to Computer Business Applications30303.0
WST 151 XHTML, CSS and Accessibility30303.0
WST 154 Web Page Development & Scripting I30303.0
WST 156 Web Media Production30303.0
WST 157 Website Planning & Production30303.0
WST 165 Web Design I30303.0
CGD 160 Photoshop I30303.0
CGD 180 Illustrator I30303.0
Total: 480 Clock Hours24024024.0

The certificate program in web software technology provides the fundamental and technical knowledge in website development using the Adobe Creative Suite and coding. This program provides students with working knowledge and relevant skills to develop websites using HTLM5 and CSS3, programming, and scripting for the web. Students learn to use industry standard software and tools to develop a comprehensive portfolio of functioning websites. By the end of the program, graduates are prepared for a career as a web developer and web content manager.

CourseLecLabUnits
CIS 101 Introduction to Computer Business Applications30303.0
WST 151 XHTML, CSS and Accessibility30303.0
WST 154 Web Page Development & Scripting I30303.0
WST 155 Web Page Development & Scripting II30303.0
WST 156 Web Media Production30303.0
WST 157 Website Planning & Production30303.0
WST 165 Web Design I30303.0
WST 167 WordPress30303.0
CGD 160 Photoshop I30303.0
CGD 170 Photoshop II30303.0
CGD 180 Illustrator I30303.0
CGD 185 Illustrator II30303.0
Total: 720 Clock Hours36036036.0

This program is designed to provide non-native English speaking students with the language skills needed to enter U.S. colleges or universities, and/or to become gainfully employed in their home countries. The ESL program’s aim is to teach an intensive English course so students may learn the structure, grammar, and idiomatic use of the English language in the most comprehensive manner possible. To graduate from the ESL program, a student must complete a total of three consecutive levels, that is, 48 semester units (720 Clock Hours), and have maintained the school’s Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements. The ESL Achievement Scale explains the student’s ability by ESL Level.

Students who complete the ESL Program by graduating from ESL 6 can move onto the TOEFL courses which are specialty courses that introduce students to the test-taking techniques for improving their TOEFL score.

CourseLecUnits
ESL 1 Beginning Level24016.0
ESL 2 High Beginning Level24016.0
ESL 3 Intermediate Level24016.0
ESL 4 High Intermediate Level24016.0
ESL 5 Advanced Level24016.0
ESL 6 High Advanced Level24016.0
Total Needed:720 hours 48.0

Specialty CoursesLecUnits*
TOEFL iBT24016.0
TOEFL PBT24016.0
*Note: A total of 20 instructional hours per week are provided.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Degree and 720 Clock-Hour Degree Programs:

Applicants for the Associate of Occupational Studies or Associate of Applied Science programs and Certificate Programs 720 Clock Hours or more must meet the General Admission Requirements and the following requirements:

  1. Score of 28 or higher on the Scholastic Level ExamTM (SLE).
  2. Demonstrated desire to pursue a career in the field of study.
  3. For English as a Second Language Students: Minimum TOEFL® score of 450 for TOEFL PBT, or 45 for TOEFL iBT, or a minimum Cambridge Michigan English Exam score of 54, unless the country of origin uses English as the language of instruction.

 

Admission to Certificate Programs Less than 720 Clock Hours:

Applicants for the Certificate programs must meet the General Admission Requirements and the following degree program requirements:

  1. Score of 24 or higher on the Scholastic Level ExamTM (SLE).
  2. Demonstrated desire to pursue a career in the field of study.
  3. For English as a Second Language Students: Minimum TOEFL® score of 450 for TOEFL PBT, or 45 for TOEFL iBT, or a minimum Cambridge Michigan English Exam score of 54, unless the country of origin uses English as the language of instruction.

 

Admission to the ESL Certificate Program:

Applicants for the English as a Second Language (ESL) program must meet the General Admission Requirements and complete the following:

  • Take an English Placement Exam to place the applicant at an ESL level corresponding to their English proficiency.

 

For the complete policy on the Admissions Requirements, please reference the LAPC Catalog.

Start of Program

The Computer Graphic Design (CGD), Computer Information Systems (CIS), Computerized Accounting (CAC), and Web Software Technology (WST) programs admit new students at the start of each new course within the program.

The English as a Second Language (ESL) Program has an open enrollment window. If students enroll during a term and the ESL class has been in session for ten school days or more, students are given the option of auditing the class (no credit given) for its duration, or taking the class when it starts again. Students may progress to the next level in the ESL Program if the student passes the final exam for each subject with a grade of C or higher.