Cerritos College launches 13 new programs for in-demand careers
New degrees and certificates expand pathways to AI, STEM, education, law, and more
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11, 2026
Media Contact: Aya Aoki; Public Relations and Communications
NORWALK, Calif. – September 11, 2026 – Cerritos College is expanding pathways to emerging careers and four-year universities with 13 new degrees and certificates now available to students, including programs in artificial intelligence, data science, marine biology, education, law, behavioral health, and more. The programs give students affordable options to build skills for growing industries, prepare for transfer, and meet evolving workforce needs across the region.
New Degrees & Certificates Offered:
Applied Technology & Skilled Trades
- Furniture Design (AS & Certificate of Achievement): Combines design theory, ergonomics, model making, and modern/traditional woodworking techniques. Prepares graduates for design studios, custom manufacturing, or advanced degree programs.
Arts, Humanities, and Communication
- Black/Africana Studies: Social Change and Social Justice (Certificate of Achievement): Examines the history, artistic production, and social movements of Black communities globally. Fulfills the ethnic studies transfer requirement for CSU and UC institutions.
- Academic English Foundations for Multilingual Students (Certificate of Achievement): Develops advanced reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills required for success in college-level coursework and professional environments.
- Academic English Skills for Multilingual Students (Certificate of Achievement): Helps intermediate and advanced ESL students build essential study skills and language proficiency for credit-bearing community college courses.
Business, Accounting, and Law
- Pathway to Law School (Certificate of Achievement): Introduces foundational legal concepts, critical thinking, and career exposure. Guides students through academic planning and the law school application process.
Education and Human Services
- Child and Adolescent Development (Associate of Arts for Transfer): Explores child development from conception through adolescence. Fulfills Child Development Teacher Permit requirements and prepares students for CSU transfer into education, youth leadership, or social services.
- Elementary Teacher Education: Integrated Programs (AS-T): Designed for prospective educators seeking an elementary or special education teaching credential. Focuses on critical thinking, pedagogy, and seamless transfer to university.
Science, Engineering, and Math
- Data Science (AS & Certificate of Achievement): Covers foundational statistics, programming, machine learning, and AI. Equips students to solve real-world data problems across entry-level analytics careers.
- Applied Artificial Intelligence (Certificate of Achievement): Provides practical, hands-on AI literacy for all majors. Focuses on workflow automation, productivity tools, and data analysis without requiring advanced math or coding prerequisites.
- Marine Biology (Associate of Science): Offers core biological coursework alongside experimental design and field data collection training. Prepares students for academic transfer or careers in environmental and research fields.
- Mathematics 2.0 (Associate of Science for Transfer): Establishes a rigorous mathematical foundation designed for problem-solving in science and engineering, providing a streamlined transfer pathway to the CSU system.
Health Sciences and Wellness
- Certified Wellness Coach (Certificate of Achievement): Trains students to deliver entry-level behavioral health support to youth up to age 25. Graduates will collaborate with school care teams to reinforce healthy coping strategies.
- Athletic Coaching (Certificate of Achievement): Covers coaching philosophy, exercise science, training plan design, and leadership ethics for entry-level positions in schools, recreation leagues, and competitive sports.
Through these new programs, Cerritos College is expanding pathways to four-year universities and careers while strengthening economic mobility across Southeast Los Angeles.
For more information about Cerritos College programs of study, visit the Learning and Career Pathways website.
About Cerritos College: Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers nearly 300 degrees and certificates in nine divisions. Annually, more than 5,000 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently averages 21,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.
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