Santa Barbara City College

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Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is a two-year community college founded in 1909. It is located on a 74 acre (299,000 m²) campus right over the beach in the city of Santa Barbara, California, USA. SBCC offers associate degrees in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, and occupational and technological training. Santa Barbara City College maintains an open admissions policy. All students, who are 18 years of age or hold a high school diploma, or its equivalent, are admitted. As one of the leading community colleges in California — and the nation — SBCC is known for its excellent transfer rates to the four-year colleges and universities. Currently SBCC ranks #1 in percentage of students that transfer to the University of California. As of 2004, total enrollment of full-time and part-time students reached 17,000. It is currently led by President John Romo.

[edit] New developments and programs

The Earth & Biological Sciences Building was completely re-built during 2000–2002, and is now one of the most technologically advanced science buildings in the state.

Established in 2001, the intention of the School of Media Arts (SOMA) is to promote collaboration, synergy, and resource maximization between programs with a similar mission: applied communication, visual literacy and digital media. Departments included in the School of Media Arts are: Film Studies, FilmProduction, Graphic Design and Photography, Journalism, Multimedia Arts & Technologies. SBCC works as a partner in the effort to attain these collaborative goals. In 2006, a new SoMA building was proposed and accepted by the Board of Trustees to be completed around 2009.

The music department at Santa Barbara City College is offers an eclectic and in depth course of study. Performance groups include three jazz ensembles, large and small vocal ensembles, a concert band, and a full symphony orchestra.

The Automotive program has been certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) as a “Master” training institution, having met strict industry standards in all eight of the automotive specialty areas. The eight areas of ASE specialization are Engine Repair, Engine Performance, Heating and Air Conditioning, Electrical Systems, Automatic Transmissions, Manual Transmission and Axle, Brakes and Front End.

Santa Barbara City College’s Marine Diving Technologies Program is recognized worldwide for its vocational excellence. It is the only community college degree program in the nation which is accredited by the Association of Commercial Diving Educators (ACDE), the International Diving Schools Association (IDSA) and the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI). The program trains and certifies for all levels of SCUBA diving.

The student newspaper is named The Channels; its website is at The Channels online.