I N F O R M A T I O N F O R P R O S P E C T I V E S T U D E N T S ★ 2 0 0 8 ★

INSIDEstraight fromthe students:college 101

Transfer

Page ç

Career

Page è

Page í

E vEr wondErEd what it’s like to be in college?

Are you curious how students handle a “full

load” of classes while balancing a social life?

Want to know what it takes to complete

requirements for a

degree or to transfer

to another institution?

For Billy Buster

and Tabitha Neal,

the ins and outs

of college life are

explained for all to read

in their college blogs,

located on the MiraCosta

College web site at

www.miracosta.edu/blogs.

In their blogs, both

Billy and Tabitha discuss

their decision to attend MiraCosta, the challenges

they’ve encountered in college and the steps they

are taking to achieve their goals.

Billy, a business major with plans to transfer

to UC Berkeley, decided on attending MiraCosta

College during his senior year in high school. It’s a

decision he says he’ll never regret.

“Straight out of high school I was pretty confident

that I would have been able to go to whatever college I

wanted. I had pretty good grades, played three sports

and had everything that a college was looking for,”

says Billy. “But the whole thought of trying to decide

what I wanted to be for the rest of my life was a heavy

decision. So, at the end of my senior year, I decided

that MiraCosta was the right school for me because they

have a more personal connection with their students.”

For both Billy and Tabitha, a music major

involved in multiple campus clubs and activities,

college is much more than just taking classes; it’s an

opportunity to be involved with campus life, meet new

friends, travel and prepare for the next stage in their

college careers—transferring!

“Going to MiraCosta, I have been able to complete

the same general education and major prep classes

as I would at a university

for a whole

lot cheaper,”

explains Tabitha.

“MiraCosta also

gave me the

opportunity to figure

out where I want to

transfer. One thing I

learned at MiraCosta

is that once I transfer,

I get enrollment

priority over incoming

freshmen. Learning

about all these benefits

makes me wonder why everyone doesn’t take this path.

In my mind there are so many more pros than cons.”

To read more about Tabitha, Billy and other

MiraCosta College students, both past and present,

log on to their blogs at www.miracosta.edu/blogs.

MiraCosTa Up-Close

Page ë

Transfer

Median annual incom

e by level of education. Year-round, full-time w

orking men, 2005. Source: D

igest of Education Statistics.

There’s no doubt about it, education

pays, and it pays more with each degree

you earn. Take a look at the chart and

ask yourself, what are you worth?

What are You Worth?

What are You Worth?

associate degree:

$47,180

Bachelor’s degree:

$60,020

master’s degree:

$75,025

doctorate degree:

$85,864professional

degree:

$100,000

Totally authentic pie chart!

ç

High School Completion:

$36,302

less Than 9th Grade:

$22,330

Some High School, no Completion:

$27,189

Planning to Transfer? Transfer Success Starts Here!

FlExiBlE SCHEdulE—TakE your ClaSSES

day, niGHT or onlinE. Students lead busy

lives, so MiraCosta offers a variety of scheduling

options. Many students take an online class

along with their “traditional” classes to allow time

for work or other activities.

HElpFul CounSElorS. Both general and

University Transfer Center counselors will help

you develop an educational plan for each of your

semesters at MiraCosta, so that your time is well

spent and you transfer on time.

HonorS SCHolar proGram for motivated

students. If you complete this program you may

receive priority admission to UCLA, UC Irvine and

private schools such as Pitzer or Pomona College.

BEauTiFul CampuSES wiTH plEnTy oF parkinG. Both of MiraCosta’s

campuses, one in Oceanside and the other in Cardiff, feature state-of-the-art

facilities in scenic locations, with plenty of parking.

I F a BaCHElor’S dEGrEE is your goal, MiraCosta

College is a great place to start. MiraCosta

has transfer admission programs with seven

University of California campuses: UC Davis,

UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC Riverside, UC San

Diego, UC Santa Barbara and UC Santa Cruz. As a

MiraCosta College student, you’ll also be assigned

high priority to California State Universities,

even for impacted and popular programs. Plus,

MiraCosta’s transfer courses are accepted at

many private and out-of-state colleges and

universities. If this hasn’t convinced you to start

your college education at MiraCosta College,

check out these other reasons why you should

start on your road to success at MiraCosta:

aFFordaBlE FEES—you’ll pay a FraCTion oF

wHaT you’d pay aT a uC, CSu or privaTE univErSiTy. The average

annual cost in 2006-07 for fees and on-campus housing at a CSU was

about $17,000; at a UC campus, about $23,000; and private colleges can

cost $30,000 or more annually. If you attend MiraCosta and live at home,

you will spend about $800 for tuition and other fees.

Small ClaSSES and pErSonal aTTEnTion. Most classes at

MiraCosta have fewer than 30 students—compare this to lower-division

lecture classes of several hundred at large public universities.

Transfer

MiraCosta Graduate Transfers “Backwards”—Ends up at UC Berkeley

also became a note taker for Disabled Students

Programs and Services (DSPS).

“That experience exposed me to the power

of small groups and the difference people can

make. It has inspired me to look for a career that

makes a social difference.”

Katie is well on her way to achieving that

goal. She was accepted to every school she

applied for: UC Berkeley, UCSD, UCLA and

SFSU. She decided to transfer to Berkeley where

she will study rhetoric and look into joining the

Peace Corps.

“Coming here was the coolest thing,”

she reiterates. “MiraCosta was the perfect

stepping stone to go to a university where I

really want to be.”

Summer school

“Summer school allowed

me to complete a

semester’s worth of

work in half the time.” ★ L atoya R ogeR S ★

One of the things Katie is

most thankful for is the small

class size at MiraCosta College.

é

graduate. “The support of counselors and instructors was instrumental in making my college experience both successful and rewarding. Summer school is great!”

Summer session classes are taught by many of the same professors who teach during the traditional school year. Classes are offered in dozens of disciplines and are only six-to-eight weeks long! At the normal tuition for California residents, summer classes offer a bargain that can’t be beat!

Summer is the perfect opportunity to stock up on college credits and get a head start on those general education classes! Each summer, high school juniors, seniors and recent graduates attend MiraCosta College and take college-level transferable classes.

“Going to summer school gave me the opportunity to get a jump start on my education and graduate early,” says Latoya Rogers, a MiraCosta English

W HEn kaTiE SCHramm left UC Irvine to

come to MiraCosta College she was told

she was making a mistake. Despite the

warnings, Katie says her decision was

“the coolest thing I have

ever done for myself.”

Katie graduated

from a North San

Diego County high

school and immediately

moved away to UC

Irvine. However, after

completing her first

quarter at the university,

Katie decided it wasn’t

for her. She moved back

home and enrolled at

MiraCosta College.

“It was a really hard

decision to leave UC Irvine

because of the stigma

attached to it,” explains

Katie. “When I went to withdraw, people were

appalled I was going back to community college.

But, I am so happy I did. I am so thankful that I’ve

made this decision.”

One of the things Katie is most thankful

for is the small class size at MiraCosta College,

where she says she gets to interact more closely

with her professors both

inside and outside of the

classroom.

“The university

was so large. When

I came back to

MiraCosta I found

the professors to

be more available

and the classes

more intimate.

My questions were answered

immediately and I got the help I needed.”

While at MiraCosta, Katie became involved

with the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and was

elected vice president of public relations. She

CareerMiraCosta students benefit from classes taught by instructors with

industry experience and contacts; field trips to professional properties

including Legoland, local casinos, cruise ships, hotels and more; internships

in leading firms; and opportunities to connect with industry professionals.

Plus, students graduating from MiraCosta with an associate degree in

hospitality, restaurant or tourism management may receive guaranteed

admission to the world-renowned Les Roches school in

Switzerland and Spain to complete their bachelor’s degree.

For more information about the programs, contact Lead

Instructor Karen Smith at (760) 757-2121 extension 6404 or

ksmith@miracosta.edu, or visit www.miracosta.edu/hosp.

M iraCoSTa’S world-recognized Hospitality, Restaurant Management

and Tourism programs offer excellent training for those interested

in starting dynamic careers. These programs teach students

core business skills and prepare them for quick professional entry and

advancement in exciting jobs on cruise lines; in theme parks, hotels and

resorts; and in the travel and tourism industries.

Two Years or Less To a Great Job in the Hospitality Industry

Overlooking a valley and surrounded by the beautiful Swiss Alps,

Les Roches International School of Hotel Management sits just

below the heart of Crans-Montana, one of Switzerland’s most

renowned ski and summer resorts.

è

InTErESTEd in STarTinG a CarEEr

in the medical field? Then look no further

than MiraCosta College, where you can earn

a certificate or degree in two years or less and

immediately begin work in the health care field.

At MiraCosta, you can get the training and

education you need to become a medical assistant,

surgical technologist, certified nursing assistant, or

a licensed vocational or registered nurse.

MiraCosta’s Medical Assistant Program

prepares students to work in medical office

administrative positions, such as medical

receptionist, biller, coder, transcriptionist and

front office assistant. The program includes

training in basic procedures used in medical

offices, clinics and hospital settings.

MiraCosta College is one of only four

community colleges in California to offer a

Surgical Technology Program. The program

prepares individuals to work primarily in

the operating room. Surgical technologists

can also obtain employment as medical

sales representatives, laser/endoscopic

technicians, transplant technicians

and organ procurement technicians.

The Certified Nursing

Assistant (CNA) Program

qualifies students for

certification from the

California Department

of Health Services.

Program graduates

have started careers

in acute and long-term care facilities,

in-home care and clinics. Graduates also pursue

careers in private-duty nursing, hospice work or

employment at home-health agencies.

MiraCosta’s

Licensed Vocational

Nursing (LVN)

Program is accredited

by the California

Board of Vocational

Nursing and Psychiatric

Technicians. MiraCosta

LVN graduates find

jobs in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics,

physicians’ offices, and public health or various

governmental agencies. Students who have

experience as licensed vocational nurses

can take their career to the next level by

enrolling in MiraCosta’s LVN-RN Career

Ladder Nursing Program. More jobs

are expected to be created for

registered nurses than almost

any other occupation in

the United States.

For more information

about MiraCosta’s

nursing programs, visit

www.miracosta.edu/nurs

or call (760) 795-6842.

Start a Healthy Careerin MiraCosta’sNursing Programs

Career 2008-09 CertifiCatesAt MiraCosta, you can learn the skills you need to start a career in one year

or less! Earn a certificate in a wide array of career fields. You can also earn an associate degree and/or transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Behind the ScenesOf MiraCosta’sTechnicalTheatreProgram

“MiraCosta’s Technical Theatre Program

gave me the skills and opportunities to get where

I am today…designing in professional theatre,”

says Jeff Polunas, who is the resident sound

designer for PCPA Theaterfest.

For more information about the Technical

Theatre Program, visit www.miracosta.edu/dram

or www.miracostatheatre.com.

ê

M iraCoSTa’S nationally-recognized Performing

and Media Arts Department doesn’t just

produce great shows and showcase talented

actors, it’s also home to one of the best technical

theatre programs in the state.

Students in MiraCosta’s Technical Theatre

Program get well-rounded training in all aspects of

technical theatre. Instruction is both

theoretical and hands-on,

with many opportunities

to work on theatre

productions as well as

student shows

and music and

dance concerts.

MiraCosta students also

take advantage of

working relationships

with local theatres

and production companies such

as Moonlight Stage Productions,

New Village Arts, Sunshine Brooks Theater, North

Coast Repertory Theatre and Star Theatre.

aCCounTinGAccountingBilling, Cost and Accounting AssistantBookkeepingIncome Tax Preparer

adminiSTraTion oF juSTiCELaw Enforcement

arCHiTECTurE Architectural Technology

arTDigital Photography

auTomoTivE TECHnoloGyAutomotive Alignment, Brakes and SuspensionAutomotive ElectronicsAutomotive Quick Service AssistantAutomotive Repair: Drive Train SpecialistAutomotive Technology Basic Engine Performance

BioTECHnoloGyBioprocess TechnologyLaboratory SkillsResearch and Development Technician

BuSinESSBusiness FundamentalsEntrepreneurship Management Marketing Retail AssistantRetail Management

BuSinESS oFFiCE TECHnoloGyData EntryGeneral Office Medical TranscriptionOffice AssistantOffice Manager Secretary/Administrative AssistantVirtual Assistant

CHild dEvElopmEnTAssistant TeacherChild Development Associate Teacher Child Development Entrepreneurship Child Development Master Teacher Child Development Site Supervisor Child Development Teacher Early Intervention and Inclusion

CommuniCaTion STudiESOrganizational Communication

CompuTEr and inFormaTion SCiEnCEAdvanced Routing and SwitchingComputer ApplicationsComputer Internetworking FundamentalsComputer Network AdministrationE-CommerceMicrosoft Certified Office User (Proficient Level)Microsoft Certified Office User (Expert Level)UNIX Administration

CompuTEr SCiEnCEFundamentals of Computer Programming

CoSmEToloGyCosmetology

dESiGn draFTinG TECHnoloGyApplied DesignComputer-Aided Design and Drafting Computer-Aided Drafting Drafting FundamentalsMechanical Drafting

danCEPilates Certification

dramaTiC arTSDesign and Technology

HEalTH EduCaTionMassage Therapy Technician

HorTiCulTurEAgri-Business Management ArboricultureFloral Design Assistant Floriculture Irrigation Technology Landscape Architecture Landscape AssistantLandscape Management Nursery Assistant Nursery/Horticulture Crop Production Wine Technology

HoSpiTaliTyFront Office OperationsHospitality Management Rooms Division Management

inTErnET and mulTimEdia TECHnoloGyGraphic Design Print PublishingVideo and AnimationVideo and Media DesignVisual Communication Web DesignWeb Development and Design

kinESioloGyPersonal Fitness TrainerYoga Certification

mEdiCal adminiSTraTivE proFESSionalMedical Insurance and Coding SpecialistMedical Office ProfessionalMedical Office Specialist

muSiCBusiness of MusicDigital AudioDigital Audio Production GuitarMusic TechnologyPerformance TechnicianRecording Arts/Record Production SongwritingSound Reinforcement

nurSinGCertified Nursing Assistant Health Care FundamentalsHome Health AideLicensed Vocational Nursing (LVN)Registered Nurse

pHlEBoTomyPhlebotomy Technician (pending Dept. of Health approval)

pSyCHoloGy/SoCioloGyResearch FundamentalsVolunteer Services

radiaTion proTECTion TECHnoloGyRadiation Protection Technician

rEal ESTaTEProperty ManagementReal Estate Real Estate AppraisalReal Estate AssistantReal Estate Entrepreneurship Real Estate FinanceReal Estate Sales

rESTauranTCatering OperationsDining Room OperationsFood Service OperationsRestaurant Management

SpaniSHCareer Spanish for Medical Personnel

SurGiCal TECHnoloGySurgical Technology

TouriSmTravel and Tourism Management Travel Reservations

MiraCosTa Up-CloseMiraCosta Graduates Returnas Star ProfessorsBruce Hoskins, sociology instructor

A FTEr GraduaTinG from El Camino High

School in Oceanside, Dr. Bruce Hoskins

decided to join the Navy. “At the time, I

didn’t even know about MiraCosta,” says Bruce.

“I didn’t know that you could work full time and

go to college full time.”

After talking to friends who were MiraCosta

students, Bruce left the Navy and decided to

obtain his associate degree. Nine years after

graduating, he returned to MiraCosta as an

instructor of sociology.

“I always wanted to work here; it was my

grand plan to come back and teach,” says Bruce.

Bruce holds a

bachelor’s degree in

ethnic studies from the

University of California,

San Diego, and

master’s and doctorate

degrees in sociology

from the University of

Southern California.

Bruce says that

students regularly tell

him that his sociology

classes are some of the most fun and interesting

classes they have ever taken. He attributes

this to his efforts in promoting an open class

environment and encouraging student interaction.

“I assume students have knowledge. My

job is to help them frame what they know using

jourdon dayziE iS a miraCoSTa STudEnT

working toward an associate degree in

automotive technology. When he first enrolled at

MiraCosta, he visited the Career Center, where

he learned he could get paid for working in the

college’s Automotive Technology Program.

“I love the job; it’s so easy, I can go straight

from work to class, since my classes are in the

same building,” says Jourdon. “This job is also

great experience since once I graduate I am going

to start my career in the automotive industry.”

For students like Jourdon, who need extra

money or want professional work experience,

MiraCosta’s Work Study Program offers great

opportunities to earn competitive pay doing jobs

that look great on résumés. Students benefit

ë

“MiraCosta is really the only

place I ever wanted to teach,” says Christina Hata. “the

thing that has stood out the

most about MiraCosta both

when I was a student and now

as a faculty member is the

emphasis on the student.”

Get a JobGet a Job

a sociological perspective,” he explains. “I truly

believe students are equal shareholders in the

educational process.”

cHristina Hata, Business administration instructor

C HriSTina HaTa, an El Camino High School

graduate, started her college career at

MiraCosta College. She can still

remember the moment during her first

semester when she was sitting in an

English class and decided,

“I want to teach college.”

“I knew at that point that I

wanted to teach community college,”

she explains, “because it focuses

the most on learning.”

After completing her studies

at MiraCosta, Christina moved to

Colorado, where she took more

classes before earning a bachelor’s

degree in business administration

from Cal State San Marcos. She

then completed her graduate studies in

leadership and management at the

University of La Verne.

After graduating with her

master’s degree, Christina began

to pursue her goal of teaching at a

community college. She already had

fifteen years of business-related work

experience under her belt and had

started her own consulting company,

Sharp Organizational Solutions, an

organizational development firm

specializing in employee survey

research, training and development.

“I wanted to teach about

organizational life,” she says. “I wanted to teach

students how to be successful employees and

explore what really makes people happy at work.”

Christina was hired as a business

administration instructor at MiraCosta College

in fall 2006 and says she couldn’t be happier.

“I love it here!”

exclaims Dr. Bruce

Hoskins. “MiraCosta

has always been

home to me. When

I think of being an

alum, I think about

MiraCosta.”

MiraCosTa Up-Close A pplyinG For FinanCial aid

is a multi-step process that can

be confusing and a missed step

can lead to frustration and stress.

But don’t worry—help awaits you in

the Financial Aid Office!

Between tuition, books and supplies,

you might find yourself a little short on cash.

The staff in the MiraCosta College Financial

Aid Office can help you. Whether it is with an

enrollment fee waiver (BOGW), a Pell Grant or a

book loan, they want to assist you. But they can’t

do anything until you tell them that you need help.

The Financial Aid Office has multilingual

staff including counselors to answer your questions

five days a week.

Evening hours are

available four

days a week.

Why not come in and get some help and maybe

some money? Let the dedicated staff help you

stay in school and be successful!

For more information about financial aid,

call (760) 795-6711 or visit www.miracosta.edu/

financialaid.

from the convenience of working on campus

and the ability to work flexible hours based on

their class schedules. Plus, many students make

valuable contacts that really pay off in the long run.

“Students get the chance to meet

professors, other students and staff,” says Lisa

Montes, MiraCosta’s coordinator of student

employment. “They get the opportunity to work

with renowned faculty and many students obtain

excellent letters of recommendation from this

experience. For other students, a campus job

leads to promotions and scholarships.”

Besides helping students find work study and

internship opportunities, the Career Center also

provides instruction, guidance and resources.

For those students undecided or concerned

about their major and career goals, a visit to

the Career Center’s professional counselor is

always helpful.

“As a career counselor, I help students

identify both their major and career options

and what type of study and work brings

them satisfaction,” says Robbi

Rosen.

The Career Center

also offers workshops that

help students develop their

own résumé and cover

letter. This service helps

those students looking for a job or internship as

well as those wishing to transfer. Many universities

require résumés in the application process and

the Career Center can help make sure yours is

in top shape.

To find out more about work study

opportunities and the other career services

offered at MiraCosta

College, visit the

Career Center, which

is located in Building

3700 on the Oceanside

Campus. You can also find

out more information at

www.miracosta.edu/careers,

by calling (760) 795-6772 or by

e-mailing careers@miracosta.edu.

Daytime, Nighttime, Anytime Need Money for College?

í

Get a JobGet a Job

For morE THan a dozEn yEarS, MiraCosta has delivered online courses to

its students, allowing them to take classes whenever and wherever they want.

“CyberCosta,” MiraCosta’s online program, is especially convenient for those

students who have a busy schedule and have their own computer with Internet access.

“When the floodgates open

for enrollment, the online classes

are the first to fill,” says Brad

Hinson, who manages the college’s

CyberCosta Program and also

teaches web development.

“I think the main reason students take

the courses is for convenience. When

it’s online, they don’t have to be at a

certain place at a certain time.”

For those students wishing to

combine the flexibility of working

online with a classroom environment, and who like to work independently, there are

MiraCosta’s self-paced courses. These courses are conducted in campus computer

labs with faculty on hand to assist students.

For more information on MiraCosta’s online program, visit

www.miracosta.edu/cybercosta.

MiraCosta CollegeCOMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER

MiraCosta CollegeOCEANSIDE CAMPUS

MiraCosta CollegeSAN ELIJO CAMPUS

To Los Angeles

NOT TO SCALE

MISSON AVE.

MANCHESTER

OCEANSIDE BLVD.

COLL

EGE

BLVD

.

OCEANSIDE

P A C I F I C

O C E A N

CARLSBAD

ENCINITAS

CARDIFF

SOLANA BEACH

DEL MAR

SAN DIEGO

To Riverside

TEMECULA

ESCONDIDO78

155MiraCosta College

COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER

MiraCosta CollegeOCEANSIDE CAMPUS

MiraCosta CollegeSAN ELIJO CAMPUS

To Los Angeles

MISSON AVE.

MANCHESTER

OCEANSIDE BLVD.

COLL

EGE

BLVD

.

OCEANSIDE

NOT TO SCALE

CARLSBAD

ENCINITAS

CARDIFF

SOLANA BEACH

DEL MAR

SAN DIEGO

To Riverside

TEMECULA

ESCONDIDO78

155

P A C I F I C

O C E A N

San Elijo CampuS

3333 Manchester Avenue • Cardiff-by-the-Sea

The San Elijo Campus serves 3,000 students. The primary

mission of the campus is to prepare students for transfer.

Students may also choose from a variety of computer courses

and complete certificate programs including computer

networking, accounting and real estate. Students also enjoy a

variety of studio art and dance classes.

San Elijo Campus Highlights: San Elijo offers small classes

with personal attention; beautiful scenery with the campus

facing the San Elijo Lagoon; a new student center, which opened

spring semester 2008; and a recently remodeled Library and

Information Hub, which offers free tutoring, a math and writing

center as well as computer labs; plenty of parking; and active

student government and clubs.

oCEanSidE CampuS

1 Barnard Drive • Oceanside

MiraCosta College’s first and largest campus serves more

than 5,000 students in the college’s credit program. Students

may prepare to transfer in most majors offered by the University

of California or California State University, or complete a

certificate or an associate degree in a wide variety of career

and technical programs.

oceanside Campus Highlights: The Oceanside campus boasts

a park-like setting three miles from the beach on a 121-acre

hilltop location, with views of the coast and mountains, small

classes, plenty of parking, and active student government and

clubs. The campus has a new Horticulture Complex, completed

in 2007; a remodeled theatre, which opened in 2007; a beautiful

Library and Information Hub, which opened in 2003; and a new

building for art and music, which opened in spring 2008.

www.miracosta.edu

Outside the 760 area code, call us toll-free: 1-888-201-8480

Oceanside Campus1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056

(760) 757-2121

San Elijo Campus3333 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff, CA 92007

(760) 944-4449

Community Learning Center1831 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92058

(760) 795-8710

The hearing impaired may call us at the following TTY number: (760) 439-1060

ì

Printed by wind power, through a Green-e certified program

using Renewable Energy Credits (RECs).

Printed with environmentally-friendly soy based ink.