Although most schools focus on either academic or vocational programs, Modesto Junior College offers programs in both. Students wishing to advance their job skills or become equipped to practice a certain trade can choose from nearly 50 areas of study in the college's Career and Technical Education department. Students who wish to earn associate degrees or earn credits with the intent to transfer to a four-year university can choose concentrations in the arts, sciences or humanities. The college also offers online and telecommuter classes.
Brandman University's branch in Modesto offers certificate programs for undergraduate and graduate students. Formerly known as Chapman University College, the university exists to equip working adults with quality higher education. On-campus offerings include associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs in business administration, education and liberal arts. Non-degree certificate programs in nutrition and wellness are also available. As an alternative to traditional classroom instruction, students may complete degree and certificate coursework exclusively or partially online.
Students at Kaplan College enroll in career-oriented degree and diploma programs. The college focuses on hands-on vocational training designed to help students develop and improve job skills in their chosen field. Students can choose to work toward diplomas or associate's degrees in allied health or criminal justice. The 24,000-square-foot Modesto campus features specially constructed medical labs, classrooms and media centers. The college's career services center helps Kaplan graduates and current students secure employment in their chosen fields.
An accredited independent college with campuses in Stockton and Modesto, Humphreys College awards associate's, bachelor's, master's and juris doctor degrees. Students choose majors and concentrations within the areas of law, business, education, human services and liberal arts. Small class sizes encourage personalized attention and class discussion. The Modesto campus is easily accessible by the public bus system and features a reference library, a bookstore and a student lounge in addition to classrooms. Alumni and current full-time students can take advantage of the college's career services when seeking employment.
Approximately 20 miles from Modesto in the city of Turlock, California State University Stanislaus is a four-year university awarding undergraduate and graduate degrees. Because of the school's small size, students experience the personal environment of a private college while paying the lower tuition rates of a public university. The university's six departmental colleges offer hundreds of majors and minors in the arts, business, health, the humanities and the sciences. The University Extended Education program offers degree, certificate and vocational programs for working non-traditional students in the community.