Associate in Arts - Liberal Arts - Arts and Letters Emphasis

at De Anza College USA

Students pursuing the Systems Programming A.A. degree learn computer programming fundamentals of both low-level and high-level languages and gain computing experience on both Windows and Linux platforms.

De Anza's Computer Information Systems (CIS) department has been a leading educational institution in Silicon Valley since the college was founded. Over the years it has developed a rich and diverse series of courses in many areas. Our courses meet the needs of both the transfer student and the industry professional. Students who take courses and earn degrees in the CIS department often go on to transfer to four-year universities in majors such as Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science and many other majors that required CIS courses.

The Health Technologies Department developed the Medical Assisting A.S. degree to train students in the fundamental clinical skills of reading vital signs, assisting with minor surgery, performing routine lab procedures, administering medication, and the administrative skills of medical coding and medical records management. Students also participate in administrative skills externships in local clinical sites as part of the program.

De Anza's Art Department emphasizes the teaching of strong technical skills and nurtures each individual's originality in order to prepare students for global inclusiveness through creative engagement.

The Graphic and Interactive Design program emphasizes the elements and principles of design in combination with the use of computers, software and other design peripherals to produce graphic design projects. Focus is placed on the creative integration and selection of type styles and images as they relate to the printed page, film/video output, web-based design, user interface design, and multimedia applications. The Graphic and Interactive Design program is designed to prepare students for the workforce.

The A.S. degree teaches students the fundamentals of conventional and CNC machine tools. Students learn to set up safely and operate manual mills, lathes, surface grinders and CNC equipment, including vertical and horizontal mills, lathes and rotary multiaxis components. They also learn to produce word address programs with CAD/CAM software. Students are taught to dimension and inspect parts using various inspection methods, and to analyze materials and processes used in manufacturing. Upon completion, students are prepared for employment working closely with engineers in a research and development environment.

Learn high-demand, high-wage skills, using the latest equipment!

We have experienced instructors and courses developed by industry experts to meet employers' needs in these areas:   

• Computer-Aided Design (CAD) – including Creo, SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD
• Machining and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) – including CNC Five-Axis Mill and CNC Lathe Y-Axis Tooling
• Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
• Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)
• 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing

This A.A. degree gives students a foundation for either employment or further study in the field of network programming. The curriculum offers students an introduction to computer programming, networking, and Internet protocols. Advanced topics include data structures, advanced computer programming, Internet programming with TCP/IP, and UNIX/LINUX utilities and shell features for file manipulation and communication.

De Anza's Computer Information Systems (CIS) department has been a leading educational institution in Silicon Valley since the college was founded. Over the years it has developed a rich and diverse series of courses in many areas. Our courses meet the needs of both the transfer student and the industry professional. Students who take courses and earn degrees in the CIS department often go on to transfer to four-year universities in majors such as Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science and many other majors that required CIS courses.

The Intercultural Studies Department offers an interdisciplinary major leading to certificates, an A.A. degree, or transfer in Intercultural (Ethnic) Studies.  This major represents the joint commitment of the African America, Asian American and Asian, Chicanx/Latinx, Native American, and core Intercultural Studies areas, and provides a diverse curriculum whose educational objectives include the following:

• Develop a methodology emphasizing comparative analyses of the history, politics, social dynamics, and current  challenges and opportunities of historically marginalized communities of color;
• Develop the skills and capabilities to critically analyze information prevalent in the dominant  culture from the perspective of historically marginalized communities of color;
• Examine ethnicity theory, race relations theory, feminist theory, cross-cultural communications theory, peace/conflict/ reconciliation theory, healing and social transformation theory and practices, and explore the intersectional and multidimensional issues of racism, institutions, power as they relate to advocating for equity and social justice.

The major also examines the need for and role of multiracial alliances, economic class analysis, the role of healing in social change work, and provides expertise in areas that will allow students to develop the critical analysis, interpersonal capacities, and leadership and organizing skills to be responsive to the multidimensional needs of historically marginalized communities of color in the short term, and to also contribute to long-term systemic transformation for equity and social justice.

This A.A. degree provides foundation-level art and fundamental ceramics instruction. In the ceramics courses, students gain the experience necessary for entry-level positions and learn intermediate-level skills needed for ceramics study at the university.

De Anza's Art Department emphasizes the teaching of strong technical skills and nurtures each individual's originality in order to prepare students for global inclusiveness through creative engagement.

Our program is designed to train future vocational and avocational artists in the ability to communicate creative expression through craftmanship, concept and design lexicon. Our instructors are practicing professionals whose work reflects a dedication to the development of creative and conceptual styles, as well as abilities.

The Film/TV: Production A.A. degree provides a more highly developed introduction to production for students interested in pursuing a career in the film or television industry or a baccalaureate degree in Film, Television, and Electronic Media. Students are exposed to various facets of professional film and/or television production, including producing, screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing and sound design.

We live in the age of the image, in a world of large and small screens. The Film/TV Department provides students with the critical skills to analyze media and the practical skills to create compelling content for spectators and screens of all sizes.

Integrating theory and practice, the Film/TV program at De Anza includes a comprehensive curriculum in Media Studies, Screenwriting, Film and Television Production, and Animation. We prepare you to transfer to a four-year university or to enter the workforce. 

The De Anza College Paralegal Studies Program was among the first paralegal studies programs to be initially approved by the State of California in 1984. Since then the program has continually provided a quality educational course of study that incorporates basic legal instruction along with practical training that graduates will need to successfully enter the work force. Our graduates are employed in private law offices, public agencies and corporate law offices.

The Paralegal Studies A.A. degree programs prepare students to work in the legal field as paralegals under the supervision of attorneys. Paralegal duties include performing factual and legal research, drafting legal documents and correspondence, interviewing clients and witnesses, assisting attorneys in pretrial work, including document discovery and analysis, and at trials and hearings, organizing and maintaining case files and coordinating the use of technology in legal work.

Designed primarily for students who plan on transferring to the University of California or California State University, the associate degree in Liberal Arts represents the completion of a broad area of study with an emphasis in one of the following four areas: Arts and Letters, Business and Computer Information Systems, Science, Math and Engineering and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The degree allows the student to develop a broad set of essential life/work competencies such as: communication, critical thinking, problem solving, quantitative reasoning and multicultural skills.