Make Your Major Matter
The vision behind Make Your Major Matter is to empower you to recognize the intrinsic value of earning a degree and/or certificate during your time here at Mesa College. This initiative promotes the significance of earning a degree, emphasizing its transformational impact on your educational and career pursuits.
Earning a degree is not automatic upon completing requirements. To apply for graduation, log into your mySDCCD portal and click on "My Academics" and then "Apply for Graduation".
Why Make Your Major Matter?
Personal Accomplishment
- Build your network
- Complete your educational and career goals
- Celebrate your achievements at the annual commencement ceremony
- Share your story & inspire your community
Career Development
- Align your major to your desired career
- Explore internships and employment opportunities through Handshake
- Employment preparation (Resume, Cover Letter, Interviewing)
- Explore the labor market
Transfer Preparation
- Explore transfer possibilities
- Obtain an associate degree for transfer
- Add value to your transfer application
How to Make Your Major Matter
Make your Major Matter by pursuing a Certificate of Achievement or Degree. Explore the Academic Plans below to get started on your journey.
Certificate of Achievement
Certificate programs are designed for students with specific personal or occupational goals. To qualify for the Certificate of Achievement, students must complete all requirements as stated in the Mesa College catalog.
Associate Degree
Associate degrees require completion of 60 or more degree-applicable units of college courses, with at least 12 semester units completed within the San Diego Community College District. Courses completed via Credit for Prior Learning, including credit by exam, do not qualify for the 12-unit in residence requirement.
Associate Degree for Transfer
The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor's degree in a similar major at a California State University (CSU) campus. For more information, review the Academic Requirements section in the Mesa College catalog.
Bachelor Degree
Bachelor’s degrees require completion of 120 or more degree-applicable units of college courses, with at least 12 semester units completed within the San Diego Community College District. Courses completed via Credit for Prior Learning, including credit by exam, do not qualify for the 12-unit in residence requirement.
Select Your General Education Pattern (Only Applicable to Degree earners)
In addition to major prepartion, a degree also requires you to complete a general education pattern. GE patterns are listed in the Mesa Catalog and vary based on academic goals
Connect with counseling to create or update your education plan today!
Finish Now
How Do You Get Your Degree?
- Submit official transcripts from all attended colleges/universities and request a transcript evaluation
- Track your progress via your education plan
- Connect with counseling to verify Degree/Certificate requirements
- Apply for Graduation in your student portal
- Celebrate at the commencement ceremony
- Receive degree in the mail 10-12 weeks after the end of the semester
Market Yourself as a Grad
- Connect your major to a career
- Highlight your experience and add your education to your resumé
- Find employment through Handshake
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Education Plan?chevron_right
- Your education plan will provide you with a tentative timeline to completion.
How do I follow up?chevron_right
- Great question! Who did you meet with? If you are waiting for an update from a specific department, search the department website to locate their contact information. Be sure to include your name and student ID number when communicating with a department.
How do I prepare for my last year at Mesa?chevron_right
- Verify Degree and/or Certificate of Achievement requirements with a counselor in a drop-in session or appointment.
- Attend a Transfer Workshop to review transfer requirements to a four-year college or university.
- Locate your applicable deadline to apply for graduation in order to obtain a degree/certificate through Mesa.
How do I prepare for my last semester at Mesa?chevron_right
- Apply for your degree and/or certificate before your graduation deadline.
- Update your personal information (address, email, & phone number) in the mySDCCD portal to receive diploma in mail 8-10 weeks after the end of the semester.
What services are offered in Student Services?chevron_right
- Explore the Student Support Services page for an overview of department services.
- Use the Mesa Journeys tool to receive emails about Student Services Departments that interest you.
Can I graduate if I am transferring to a university?chevron_right
- Yes. Connect with a transfer counselor today to discuss which degree and/or certificate can strengthen your transferability.
How do I apply for graduation?chevron_right
- Apply for graduation in your mySDCCD portal. Under “My Academics”, click on “Apply for Graduation”. View this apply for graduation video tutorial for a step-by-step guide.
What is the difference between graduation and commencement?chevron_right
- Applying for graduation is the process required to obtain a degree and/or certificate of achievement through SDCCD. Commencement is the optional annual ceremony held once a year to celebrate graduates within the academic year.
How do I graduate with honors?chevron_right
- Graduation with honors distinction is based upon all coursework that is associate degree and lower division baccalaureate degree applicable, or coursework applicable to the certificate of achievement. If eligible, an honors notation is placed on the student's official transcript and diploma.
- Graduation with Honors is granted to students who achieve an overall 3.5 GPA, High Honors is granted to students with an overall 3.75 GPA, and Highest Honors is granted to students with an overall 4.0 GPA.
Make Your Major Matter Student Testimonials
Real Student Testimonials
We asked students to let us know their reason for obtaining their degree. The Make Your Major Matter Project focuses on Personal Accomplishment, Career Development, and Transfer Preparation.
