Academic Programs

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.

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.

Bring your vision to life with Community College of Aurora’s Colorado Film School is the path to putting your dream on the big screen. Here are just a few reasons why CFS is the smart choice to make: We are an internationally recognized school that has been ranked as one of the top film schools in the nation.Our instructors are professionals with real-world film industry experience who are invested in giving you the knowledge you need to succeed. Our Equipment and Facilities are updated regularly with state of the art industry standard software, cameras, and lighting equipment.We offer the highest value film school experience in the world – without breaking the bank. Our curricula is hands-on, offering a practical education that mirrors real-world film sets. Students have access to equipment and engage in the filmmaking process during the first semester of the program.

In Colorado, computers and information technology are big business.  In fact, four of the top five fastest-growing occupations in Colorado are computer-based. CCA collaborates with local and national businesses to ensure that our programs meet the needs of the workforce both today and tomorrow.

 

The Department of Computer and Digital Technologies at CCA boasts experienced professionals with steep backgrounds in the information technology field. Our full gamut of course offerings span hardware technology all the way through investigative techniques used in computer forensics to solve cybercrimes. We offer seven degrees and six certificates in computer and digital technologies.

 

We offer courses for the beginner just discovering how computers can impact their lives and careers, to advanced courses meant for working professionals looking to enhance their resume and keep up with the latest trends.

 

So, whether you are interested in learning the ins and outs of a single software suite such as Microsoft Office, administering computer networks, writing software using modern languages for client-server, web or mobile applications, or working towards eventual certification in the most arduous security protocols like CISSP, we can provide the necessary tools to succeed.

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.

 

Early Childhood Teacher Certificates:

• Early Childhood Entry Certificate, Level I – E.C.E.
• Early Childhood Teacher Certificate, Level II – E.C.E.
• Early Childhood Infant/Toddler Supervisor Certificate – E.C.E.
• Director Certificate

 

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 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 Department or courses, please contact us at VPAcadem[email protected]

Welcome to Health Sciences

Health Sciences is a fast-growing industry and CCA has programs for students to earn a degree or certificate to be prepared to meet this demand.

 

What is your goal?

Are you interested in a challenging career as a nurse working in a hospital or medical clinic? Are you ready to commit to coursework that can be demanding and a program that requires solid grades in all classes? The Integrated Nursing Pathway may be for you. This is a program which students apply to and if accepted, start classes at CCA. After two semesters, students graduate from CCA and move to the University of Colorado’s School of Nursing to start their nursing classes. Students graduate from CU with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing.

 

Are you interested in obtaining a certificate which will let you enter the workforce in two semesters or less? Do you want to work with patients caring for their basic needs? An individual certificate such as one for a Certified Nurse Aide, EMT, Phlebotomist, Patient Representative, or Patient Care Technician would be appropriate. These are certificates you can obtain in a short amount of time which can provide a base for career growth.

 

An articulated degree with Pickens Technical College allows for students interested in Respiratory Therapy to obtain an A.A.S. degree at CCA and be eligible to take the Registered Respiratory Therapist exams. This opens the opportunity to students interested in a bachelor’s in Healthcare Management from Metropolitan State University to transfer into that program.

 

Emergency Medical Services encompasses EMT and Paramedic programs and provides the challenging coursework necessary to become a first responder.

 

Fire Science Technology encompasses the Fire Academy and fire science coursework to become a firefighter.

 

What are the benefits of having a healthcare career in the Denver Metro area? Discover a variety of resources, job statistics, career resources and more at the Greater Metro Denver Healthcare Partnership website.

The CCA Mathematics Department offers a wide selection of math classes for both those that need to fulfill requirements and those that are pursuing a career path in the exciting field.

 

Program Level Outcomes (PLOs)

Statements which articulate, in measurable terms, what students should know and be able to demonstrate as a result of and at the conclusion of a program. PLOs communicate program goals explicitly and foster transfer of responsibility for learning from faculty to students.

 

A student who obtains an AS degree in Mathematics from the Community College of Aurora will demonstrate the following abilities:

Interpret information given from formulas, graphs, data, tables, and make inferences.Represent mathematical information symbolically, visually, numerically and verbally.Use arithmetic, algebra, geometric and statistical methods to solve problems and check the reasonableness of the results. It should be noted that while these will be assessed within the mathematics department, these are skills that should be developed and strengthened across the CCA curriculum

 

Program Learning Goals

Engage students in sound mathematical thinking and reasoning.Explore multiple representations of topics including graphical, symbolic, numerical, oral, and written.Analyze the structure of real-world problems and plan solution strategies.Develop a mathematical vocabulary by expressing mathematical ideas orally and in writing.

 

Program Learning Outcomes

Students should be able to apply mathematical reasoning based on definitions, axioms, and theorems to develop depth and breadth in mathematical knowledge essential to the course/program.  Students should be able to demonstrate the ability to use symbolic, graphical, numerical, and written representations of mathematical ideas in the context of sharing their work. Students should be able to demonstrate good problem-solving habits, including: estimating solutions and recognizing unreasonable results considering a variety of approaches to a given problem, and selecting one that is appropriate interpreting solutions correctly answering the questions that were actually asked Students should be able to communicate mathematical ideas in written, oral, and/or electronic format using the appropriate mathematical language, notation, and style.

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

 

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:

Paramedicine – A.A.S.
Emergency Medical Technician Basic – Certificate
Emergency Medical Technician Paramedicine – 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
• Associate of Applied Science-Management w/Paralegal Emphasis
• 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.

 

Police Academy

If you want a head start into the fast-paced world of law enforcement, this is where it begins! Our law enforcement graduates are working throughout the state. Many serve in leadership positions, and we are proud to have several past graduates go on to become police chiefs!
> Our program is certified by the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (POST). For 2023, our next part-time academy (we don’t run full-time academies) starts in the Fall, on August 21, 2023.

 

The coursework you complete at the academy applies directly to the AAS/CRJ degree too and is transferable to several in-state colleges and university Bachelor degree programs.
CCA offers these certificates and degrees in police/law enforcement:

• Criminal Justice – A.A.
• Criminal Justice – A.A.S.
• Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy Certificate

CCA’s science department has committed to providing all of our students with a learner-centered, hands-on experience in a small classroom setting. Academic achievement is valued at CCA, and our science instructors will help you obtain your goals.

 

Science Programs

Have you ever considered a future in engineering? Perhaps you’d like a career in the Health Sciences. Maybe you’d like to use our observatory while studying astronomy, build a robot and compete in a robotics challenge, or send an experiment of your own design into the stratosphere. At CCA, there are many options for students interested in the sciences.

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Engineering

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 skills and transition to college or a career. Programs offered include High School Equivalency (GED) preparation, Community ESL, and a bridge program into Healthcare certificate programs.

 

The Center for Adult Education is located at:

CCA Lowry campus in the North Quad Building
Room 200
9202 E. Severn Place
Denver, CO 80230

 

High School Equivalency Preparation Classes

The Community College of Aurora (CCA) offers Adult Basic Education (ABE) and High School Equivalency (GED) preparation classes at the Center for Adult Education on the Lowry Campus. The GED® test evaluates skills and knowledge in four different subjects: Language Arts (Reading and Writing), Science, Social Studies and Math.

 

High School Equivalency (GED) classes are held Monday through Thursday. Daytime classes are offered from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Evening classes are from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Your choice – choose either mornings or evenings. We also have available classes on Saturday OR Online. Most sessions are 10 weeks long.

 

The Center for Adult Education is located on the Lowry campus of CCA – near 6th Avenue and Dayton. The address is:

9202 East Severn Place
Building 901, North Quad – Room 200
Denver, CO 80230

 

The building is at the corner of Alton Way and Severn Place.

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.