Academic Programs

The Behavioral Health Department offers a variety of pathways to gain foundational behavioral health knowledge and skills that can be applied to positions in a multitude of settings. By the end of the decade, positions in behavioral health are expected to grow by almost 30%, with entry level positions starting at $18-20/hour. Our program offers stackable credentials so students can continue to build their skills and increase salary potential, earning more as they go. Most of the microcredentials can be completed in one semester and there are opportunities to continue stacking into the AAS and then BAS degrees. Our pathways prepare students for an array of careers including Behavioral Health Assistant (Qualified BHA), Certified Addiction Technician (DORA), peer recovery specialist, patient navigator, and prevention specialist. With continued education, students can pursue career opportunities like case manager, program manager, program director, Certified Addiction Specialist (DORA), and behavioral health counselor.

In the Behavioral Sciences Department at the Community College of Aurora, we study, interpret, and celebrate individuals, societies, and cultures. We strive to understand both difference and connection and to create a better future.

Pursuing a degree in Biology or Chemistry can provide a pathway to opportunities in many areas. A degree in biology provides the foundation for careers in areas such as Health Sciences, Environmental Biology, Ecology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology. A degree in chemistry provides the foundation for careers in areas such as Health Sciences, Pharmaceutical industry, Textiles, Polymer Industry, Petrochemical, and Agriculture. College courses in biology and chemistry are the first steps in these career paths. An A.S. degree in either Biology or Chemistry provides the foundational knowledge for a multitude of careers. The Biology and Chemistry faculty and instructors at CCA are committed to provide a strong science foundation for our students so they will be successful in any pathway they pursue. 

Think that all community colleges are the same? Think again. CCA is one of the top-ranked community colleges in Colorado, and our Business Department prepares students for successful careers and transfer to four-year colleges through a student-centered, real-life learning approach, a solid foundation, and instructional excellence. Our faculty are working professionals in their fields and bring their real-world experience to the classroom. CCA faculty do not rely on teaching assistants to do all of the work for them, and will get to know you personally. Our class sizes are small enough for you to receive the level of instruction you need to excel.

The Business curriculum is flexible and includes many times and locations on CCA’s historic Lowry Campus. Choose from traditional classroom instruction, hybrid, self-paced, or online classes. Our programs provide varied opportunities for students seeking to improve their arsenal of skills, change careers, or those beginning their college studies for the first time. The best part? Our tuition rates are low and generous financial aid and scholarships are available.

The Department of Cinematic Arts prepares students to be professional directors, editors, cinematographers, screenwriters, producers, and actors for careers in motion picture, commercial, television and corporate video industries. In addition to providing specialized training in content creation, students learn employable skills, such as: project management, communication, problem solving, and critical thinking, which are among the top skills sought by employers in many industries. Small classes are taught by industry professionals. Hands-on, experiential learning with industry-standard equipment, gear, software, and facilities to prepare students for the real-world application of their skills and knowledge in a variety of media industries. 

Are you looking to build a career in information technology or computer science? Or perhaps, pursuing engineering, or higher education physical sciences? As the name indicates, the department of Computer Technology, Engineering and Physics (CTEP) at CCA serves these broad programmatic areas. Our faculty team includes experienced academic and working professionals who bring into their classrooms the best of both worlds. The mission of the department is to equip students with foundational knowledge and technical skills essential for successful entry into the workforce, as well as for transfer into four-year educational programs.

Our offerings include:

• Associate of Science (A.S) and Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degrees in computer technologies
• Certificate program in IT Tech and Support
• Associate of Engineering Science (A.E.S) transfer degrees in Civil, Electrical, and General Engineering
• Associate of Science (A.S) degree in Physics.
• Designated guaranteed transfer introductory Astronomy courses for students interested in laboratory-based science courses or requiring such courses for transfer programs.

Did you know you can get a jump start on your college plans by earning college credit while still in high school? Concurrent Enrollment offers students the opportunity to take college-level courses at either their high school or on the CCA campus! Not only can you get a head start on your college courses and possibly reduce the time you spend in college, but your school district pays for your college tuition!

What is Concurrent Enrollment?

The Concurrent Enrollment Program is an exciting partnership between the Community College of Aurora and high school districts that allow eligible 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students the opportunity to enroll in college credit courses while in high school. The Concurrent Enrollment Program consists of three separate components:

• Concurrent Enrollment courses on the CCA Campus
• Concurrent Enrollment courses in the high school
• The Ascent Program
• Concurrent Enrollment at the Community College of Aurora provides free college courses to qualified high school students.

Concurrent Enrollment is an exciting program that allows high school students to jump-start their college education or career training while also receiving high school credit.

CCA’s Concurrent Enrollment team strives to provide students, instructors, high school personnel, school districts, and CCA academic departments with the resources and support that empower students to successfully complete college-level courses during their high school careers and successfully transition to college. Interested in hearing a student’s perspective of the program? Click the “students” button below to hear stories from students who have participated in both Concurrent Enrollment and ASCENT.

Benefits of Concurrent Enrollment & Ascent

There are many benefits to completing Concurrent Enrollment courses at the Community College of Aurora including:

• Tuition for college courses is paid by the student’s school district and this translates to a saving of at least $400 for each 3 credit course taken through Concurrent Enrollment.
• Reduce the time spent pursuing a college degree – by completing college courses in high school students will have fewer credits to complete once they are enrolled in college.
• Transfer credits to any public college in Colorado. Students can select gtPathway (Guaranteed Transfer Pathway) courses that are guaranteed to transfer to any public college in Colorado including but not limited to the Community College of Aurora.
• Prepare yourself early for college-level course work. By taking college courses in a supportive high school environment. Students can prepare themselves earlier for the challenges in pursuing a higher education degree.

Are you passionate about early childhood education? Maybe you want to lead a child care center or start ont of your own. Here at the Community College of Aurora we have the programming to let you achieve your dreams in early childhood education. There are two degrees and four certificates available in Early Childhood Education. These degrees and certificates will put you on the path toward working with young children in a childcare or public school setting.

Associate of Arts (AA), Early Childhood Education, generally spans Pre-K through grade 3, permits students to complete general education requirements and specific early childhood coursework to transfer 60 credit hours to a four-year institution to complete coursework for an Early Childhood Licensure.

The English and Communication Department takes students through all the essentials of the language. From basic reading and composition to technical writing, poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, etc. this program ensures students leave will a full grasp of all the elements of English, which is important in any career choice.

The instructors in English and Literature teach curriculum that is student-centered, innovative in its development and focused on student success. With faculty hailing from a variety of backgrounds, both educationally and logistically, numerous methodologies in the delivery of course materials emanate from this diversity of thought and locale.

For more information about the English and Communication Department or courses, please contact us at [email protected].

Are you considering a career in the Health Sciences? At CCA, you can earn an in-demand certificate and/or degrees in the growing field of healthcare. The need for skilled health professionals grows every day and at CCA students are prepared to meet this demand. Career pathway opportunities include Certified Nurse Aid, Phlebotomy Technician, Patient Care Technician, Nursing, and Respiratory Therapy. The future of healthcare offers individuals the chance to pursue meaningful careers, make significant contributions to society, and achieve greater economic prosperity through a diverse range of opportunities. Healthcare also provides economic opportunities in several ways: Advanced Career Opportunities, Specialization and Expertise, Entrepreneurship, Global Demand, Diverse Career Paths, Remote Work and Flexibility, Lifelong Learning and Development. Overall, the future of healthcare offers individuals the chance to pursue meaningful careers, make significant contributions to society, and achieve greater economic prosperity through a diverse range of opportunities. 

At CCA, Health Science student’s will:  

• Receive high quality instruction and support services to prepare students for transfer and employment  in the health care industry. 
• Develop practical and professional skills for career preparation and readiness. 
• Gain valuable hands-on experience through clinicals and simulations

Students pursuing a degree in math have a wide range of career options available to them such as Actuary, Data Scientist, Statistician, Operations Research Analyst, Mathematician, Financial Analyst, Quantitative Analyst, Computer Programmer/Software Developer, Teacher/Professor, Cryptographer, just to name a few. A math degree offers enhanced career prospects in finance, tech, healthcare, and government with high demand and competitive salaries. Graduates gain critical analytical skills, leading to job stability, diverse career paths, opportunities, and increased earnings, ensuring long-term success. A math program offers specialized tracks like applied mathematics or statistics, emphasizing analytical thinking and quantitative skills for careers in finance and tech. With internships, research projects, and industry connections, students gain hands-on experience for roles in diverse fields. 

Welcome to the Public Service Department. CCA currently offers a pathway in Public Service through Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical Services, Paralegal and Fire Science.

Criminal Justice

From crime scene investigation to domestic violence and constitutional law, our courses cover a wide range of topics, covering the spectrum of Criminal Justice. We can help you prepare for a career in:

• Law Enforcement
• Probation
• Parole
• Homeland Security
• Corrections
• Juvenile Justice
• Private Investigations
• Courts
• Security
• and much more!

Emergency Medical Services

The Emergency Medical Services Training Program at CCA is your first step to becoming an EMT or Paramedic. EMT’s and Paramedics respond to medical and traumatic emergencies and render medical care while transporting patients to definitive care. Paramedics and EMT’s, as first responders, are the first step in the Emergency Medical Services system. When you complete one of the challenging programs at Community College of Aurora, you are prepared and ready to take on this valuable role. Classes fill up fast and space is limited – contact us today. The CCA EMS Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

CCA offers these certificates and degrees in Emergency Medical Services:

Paramedic – A.A.S.
Emergency Medical Technician Basic – Certificate
Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic – Certificate

CAAHEP
1361 Park St.
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org

CoAEMSP
8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8992
www.coaemsp.org

Fire Science

The Fire Science Technology Program at Community College of Aurora is your first step to becoming a Firefighter. We partner with Denver Fire Department and Aurora Fire Department for training facilities, college credit and test preparation. In addition, Denver Fire Department gives a guaranteed testing spot to our Fire Academy graduates! Classes fill up fast and space is limited – contact us today.

Firefighters respond to all types of emergencies and provide fire protection to their community. Firefighters fill a crucial role in the public safety system. When you complete one of the challenging programs at the Community College of Aurora, you are prepared and ready to take on this valuable role.

CCA offers these certificates and degrees in Fire Science:

• Fire Science Technology – A.A.S.
• Fundamentals of Fire Science – Certificate

Paralegal

When choosing a Paralegal program, it’s important to pick a college whose curriculum has the American Bar Association stamp of approval. Community College of Aurora is one of about 279 programs nationwide that has that distinction. An ABA-approved program means something to employers, who can be confident that all aspects of the curriculum have undergone rigorous review and that the delivery of classes, quality of education and student satisfaction will all fall within organizational guidelines.

At CCA, there’s the added benefit of faculty that are currently working, or have worked, in the legal field as both paralegals and attorneys. Students receive practical advice on what it’s like to work as a Paralegal within a law office, government setting or other legal fields. Students also can be assured they will have access to leading-edge research within the Paralegal discipline as they make their academic journey towards:

• Associate of Applied Science
• Paralegal Certificate

Note ~ UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF LAW: A paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training, or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.

A paralegal must refrain from the unauthorized practice of law and must act prudently in determining the extent to which a client or member of the public may be assisted without the presence of a licensed attorney. Any act that requires a legal license to perform unless otherwise authorized by applicable court rules constitutes the unauthorized practice of law.

As a paralegal, you are not to give legal advice, to appear in court or at other judicial proceedings to represent a client, to prepare documents applicable to legal actions and proceedings or which secure legal rights without the supervision of a licensed attorney, to accept or decline legal representation, or to set legal fees.

Welcome to Skilled Trades

CCA currently offers a pathway in Diesel Power Mechanics and Construction.
The Diesel Power Mechanics program trains entry-level diesel technicians for any industry where the power is supplied by diesel engines. This can include over-the-road Truck & Trailer, Earth Moving/Construction Equipment, Agriculture Farm Equipment, Power Generation Equipment, Automobiles/Light Truck and Heavy Rail Locomotive. Service Technicians are equipment experts responsible for diagnosing problems, finding solutions, and performing the necessary service or repairs on diesel-powered equipment. They use cutting-edge diagnostic maintenance systems, advanced technologies, and high-tech tools to service machines and engines in a variety of diesel power industries. The Community College of Aurora gives their students a basic industry-standard education that makes transition much easier into higher learning institutions such as an OEM factory or product-specific training.

Community College of Aurora offers two certificates in its Construction program – Construction Estimating and Construction Superintendent.

The field of construction management is booming in the Aurora and greater Denver area – CCA’s Construction Management program offers students an opportunity to earn a certificate in two growing fields: construction estimating and construction superintendent.

The Construction Management programs are provided by in partnership with the BuildStrong Academy of Colorado (formerly Colorado Homebuilding Academy) was founded specifically to address this labor issue. Through a series of innovative, industry-driven training programs for youth and adults, the Academy is building a highly-skilled labor force that can meet the demands of Colorado’s expanding construction industry.

Welcome to Social Sciences

The faculty and students of Social Sciences at the Community College of Aurora study, interpret, and celebrate individuals, societies, and cultures, to understand both difference and connection, and to create a better future.

Social Sciences Programs

Anthropology Economics Ethnic and Women’s Studies Geography History Political Science Philosophy

Social Sciences Plan of Study

Associate Degrees with Designations provide transfer pathways to Colorado state four-year colleges and universities in specified liberal arts and science designations.

The Center for Adult Education has a variety of programs available to help students improve their basic English skills and transition to college or a career. Programs offered include non-credit Community English as a Second Language (ESL), Citizenship preparation, and credit College Preparatory English as a Second Language (ESL).

Community English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes

CCA offers classes to help students learn English with a focus on speaking, writing, listening, reading, and grammar skills. The skills are taught in a daily life and work context.

Additional conversation and computer classes are available.

Citizenship Preparation Classes

Citizenship classes are for legal permanent residents who are ready to apply and prepared to become U.S. Citizens. Students will receive legal help to apply for their Citizenship and will learn English and civics skills to pass the naturalization test. Students must have a green card and an intermediate level of English.

The Center for Adult Education is located at:

CCA CentreTech Campus

16000 E. CentreTech Pkwy
Fine Arts Building Suite 103
Aurora, CO 80011

For information about any of these programs please email:

[email protected]

303-361-7369.

To begin the registration process for Community ESL and Citizenship, fill out an interest form HERE. To begin the registration process for College Preparatory ESL, please click apply in the heading on this webpage above.

The Visual and Performing Arts Department strives to help students develop and further hone their critical analysis skills, performance abilities, leadership potential and execution of the creative process in preparation for the dynamic academic, professional and intercultural contexts of the 21st century.