Associate in Arts - Philosophy

at Foothill College USA

Because of the increasingly technological nature of our society, science majors will find an impressive array of options and exciting opportunities. A science major can provide preparation for a career in fields related to biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, astronomy or engineering.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Students will be able to integrate the various fields of science in order to critically evaluate and interpret scientific information.
• Students will be able to assess how relevant scientific information could be used to inform their own personal economic, political and social decisions.

The Foothill College Theatre Technology program prepares theatre students for entry-level positions in professional and community theatre and for transfer to a four-year institution. A comprehensive two-year program, Theatre Technology offers the student an opportunity to explore the fundamentals of a variety of practical career opportunities.

Students interested in production and stage management, theatre design, and the creations of sets, props, costumes, lights, sound, and special effects are able to participate in both daytime lecture and laboratory classes and evening production experiences. The Theatre Arts department offers three major productions during the academic year and Theatre Technology students participate in the creation of technical elements for each of these productions.

Foothill College maintains direct contact with many Bay Area theatre companies and will assist advanced students in obtaining internships or employment.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Students will be able to explore further educational or workforce experiences in technical theatre with a minimal fundamental adjustment period.
• Students will function effectively in a variety of roles within a collaborative technical theatre environment.
• Students will develop skills for evaluating their own and others' contributions to successful outcomes in technical theatre.

The Theatre Arts department is an important center for theatre training encompassing acting, performance, literature, design and technical studies. Branches of the department include theatre technology, actor training and the general studies program for both majors and non-majors.

The Theatre Arts department operates a theatre program for both non-theatre major and theatre majors, consisting of theatre appreciation, multi-cultural theatre studies, studio-acting classes, production-related classes, musical theatre, technical theatre studies, industry preparation and electives in theatre specialization.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Students will be able to proceed to further educational opportunities or entry-level workforce employment in their prescribed area of the performing arts with a minimal adjustment period.
• Students will be able to employ skill sets of collaboration relevant to multiple arenas of alliance or teamwork within the performing arts arena.

Due to our increasingly technology-driven society, chemistry graduates will find an impressive array of opportunities for exciting careers in a wide range of fields. A chemistry degree can provide preparation for careers in areas such as basic research, pharmaceuticals, environmental protection, instrumentation, new product and process development, and education.

There is an increasing need for technical expertise in expanding fields such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, forensic science, clinical chemistry, food science, occupational safety and alternative fuels.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Students will have knowledge of current theories and applications in the field of chemistry.
• Students will have an enhanced ability to research, assess and evaluate topics of interest.
• Students will have an enhanced ability to communicate effectively using the language of chemistry.
• Students will have facility in the safe handling of chemicals and the execution of common laboratory techniques.

The major in Biological Sciences is primarily intended for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor's degree. This major prepares students for careers in the health professions, teaching, forestry, agriculture, environmental protection and conservation, wildlife biology, biotechnology, basic research and many other fields.

Students with an interest in biology who do not intend to transfer to a four-year institution and earn a bachelor's degree are encouraged to look into some of the other programs offered by the Biological and Health Sciences Division, which are: dental assisting, dental hygiene, diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound), environmental horticulture, paramedic, pharmacy technician, radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, veterinary technology and/or veterinary assistant.

The department also offers a Certificate of Achievement in Bio-Health Diversity and Inclusion Leadership. Medical schools, healthcare employers, and biological research organizations specifically seek out candidates with an understanding of how issues of diversity impact their work. These organizations and employers understand that attending to diversity is critical for patient health and for excellence in research. This certificate provides a pathway for biology and health science students to gain certification in diversity, equity, inclusion, and service in their fields, such that students are more competitive for transfer and job applications. In earning the certificate, students will complete their major biology courses for their field alongside at least one service-learning course focusing on service in bio/health fields.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• The biology majors sequence prepares students to use the scientific method to formulate questions, design experiments to test hypotheses, interpret experimental results to draw conclusions, communicate results both orally and in writing, and critically evaluate the use of the scientific method from published sources.
• The biology majors sequence prepares students to apply evolutionary theory at the molecular, cellular, organismal and population levels to explain the unity and diversity of living things.

Respiratory Therapy is a dynamic and challenging healthcare profession. Therapists work with physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals in intensive care units and hospital floor care areas. They are involved in the treatment, management, and rehabilitation of patients with lung and heart problems. Respiratory Therapists manage the ventilation of critically ill patients, as well as provide care to patients with acute and chronic pulmonary disease. The Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Graduates will have acquired the necessary knowledge, skills and values for the practice of respiratory therapy.
• Graduates will be able to demonstrate appropriate critical thinking skills, time management skills, communication skills and technical skills necessary to provide competent respiratory care in multidisciplinary care settings.

Accounting is the language of business. Accountants measure business activities, process that data into reports and communicate the results to decision-makers. The accounting curriculum focuses on preparing students to transfer to four-year institutions, sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and seek employment. Areas of study include accounting for decision making, accounting for internal and external use, financial statement analysis, review of financial accounting standards, payroll and business taxes, individual and advanced taxation, computerized accounting software, auditing and forensic accounting, governmental and not-for-profit accounting and ethics in accounting.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Students will be able to explain accounting terminology, concepts, principles, and frameworks.
• Students will be able to perform accounting-related calculations and demonstrate the ability to use methods and/or procedures to solve accounting problems.

The Child Development Program is an academic and vocational training program that prepares students for future work as early childhood educators in diverse early childhood settings. Courses and certificates are designed to meet entry-level requirements for the level of work chosen and/or meet the requirements needed to obtain a California Child Development Permit to become an Assistant Teacher, Associate Teacher, Teacher, Master Teacher and/or Site Supervisor in state-licensed, publicly funded, center-based child care and development programs. Students planning to transfer to a four-year university as a child development or related major may be able to apply some child development units toward the lower division major preparation requirements or qualify for the AS-T in Early Childhood Education. Please see a Foothill counselor for more information.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the needs and characteristics of children from birth through middle childhood, and the multiple influences on their development as related to the high-quality care and education of young children.
• Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of ethical standards and professional behaviors that deepen knowledge and commitment to the field of early care and education as related to National Association for the Education of Young Children Code of Ethical Conduct.

Computer programming, algorithms, data structures, and languages play an increasingly important role in academic, science and business careers. The Associate in Science degree satisfies the transfer requirements of many disparate 4-year colleges and universities. Our up-to-date curriculum is also valuable for enhancing the career opportunities of working professionals.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Students will be able to use standard software engineering tools to create reusable code.
• Students will be able to design a large program that takes advantage of existing code libraries.
• Students will be able to organize a complex program in a logical way, enabling the extension of the program.
• Students will be able to comprehend user requirements and produce code and documentation in an industry-accepted style that satisfies those requirements.
• Students will be able to develop software that solves problems in a variety of fields, including math, physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, business, and the Internet.

Physical Education is a multi-disciplinary educational experience. These choices include the traditional concentrations in teaching and contemporary choices of fitness, dance or athletic emphasis. Students interested in physical education, dance and athletics are candidates for this program.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• The student will complete this program with the ability to communicate the components of a physical education program to their professional staff.
• The student will demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and values of a multi-disciplinary program, which satisfy core requirements for many physical education transfer majors, including the traditional concentrations in teaching and contemporary choices of fitness, dance and athletic emphasis.