Chaffey degree-program students must complete at least 18 semester hours of general education coursework. As of the 2010-2011 school year, these foundation classes include a required course in English composition; a communication and analytical thinking course; a laboratory course in the natural sciences; at least two humanities courses, including one arts and one humanities class; and two classes in the social and behavioral sciences, including one in American institutions and one in behavioral sciences.
Chaffey students receive the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree depending on their major course of study. In the 2010-2011 academic year, Chaffey degree-program students must complete a minimum of 18 units of study in a curriculum defined by the college. Degree students also must complete three units of multicultural and gender studies and two units of physical education, recreation and wellness. Beyond these requirements, students must select qualifying electives to assure they earn a minimum of 60 credit hours.
Students must earn at least 12 of their credit units through classes taken in residence at one of Chaffey's campus locations. Chaffey's 2010-2011 graduation requirements also include demonstration of writing, reading and mathematics competency through successful completion of applicable coursework. All students must maintain a "C" average --- 2.0 on a 4.0 scale --- in courses applicable to degree completion. Students must repeat any course in which they earn a grade lower than "C."
Many of Chaffey's program areas offer either an associate degree or a specialized certificate, the latter on completion of 14 credits of coursework. Many of these certificates offer professional standing in the state of California, such as the accounting program's tax preparer credential, which qualifies the holder as a Registered Tax Preparer. Like Chaffey degree programs, certificate programs require that students maintain a minimum "C" average in order to graduate.