Outstanding academics is a point of pride at Columbia College and a key part of our reputation for educating successful students. Columbia College offers 2-year associate degrees and certifications in a variety of the country’s leading industries.

Vocational Program

Vocational (ESL) Vocational ESL program is to help immigrants learn English skills which can be used in their employment or in a particular vacation or provide language education with instruction in job specific skills. View Vocational ESL program
	Online VESL Columbia College offers online ESL for those who want to learn English online. View Online VESL program
Occupational & Licensure Studies Our programs provide abundant knowledge and hands-on skills so that students can be successful in the fields that may require licensure. Associate Programs Certificate Programs
	Career Development Programs Explore all the degrees, programs of study, and classes that Columbia College has to offer. At the completion of the program, students receive an associate degree. View programs

Academic Freedom

In order to create an atmosphere most conducive to excellent teaching, Columbia College has adopted the following policy for academic freedom:

Academic freedom encourages the flow of ideas with the recognition that the freedom to teach and the freedom to learn carry both rights and responsibilities within the framework of the law and Columbia College’s curricular objectives.

The instructors, staff, and students of Columbia College shall be free from censorship and interference when speaking or writing. However, the authoritative position of instructors entails particular obligations. Instructors and staff, as representatives of Columbia College, are expected to be accurate, objective, and to exercise appropriate judgment and restraint, to encourage a spirit of respect for the opinion and culture of others, and to ensure the relevancy of subject matter in their respective subjects

Academic Term and Class Hours

Columbia College operates on a session system. The academic year is divided into five 10-week sessions. Each 10-week session has an A and B schedule. Schedule ‘A’ meets for ten weeks and Schedule ‘B’ meets the last five weeks of the session. Columbia College conducts classes during days, evenings and weekends. Day classes begin at 8:30 or 9:00 am, depending on the program. Evening classes begin at 5:30 or 6:00 pm, depending on the program, and can run until 10 pm or earlier. Columbia College’s certificate programs operate on a clock hour system. Students must complete the full amount of clock hours assigned for each program they must consult with their professors about their absentee policies, since absentee policies also vary according to program.

Faculty Responsibility

Columbia College requires faculty participation in curriculum development, academic planning, and the enforcement of academic quality to ensure our high-standards are continuously met.

The faculty has the responsibility to set, supervise, and enforce standards of academic quality that are necessary for maintaining the integrity of a Columbia College degree or certification.

The faculty and the administration shall have collective responsibility for academic planning and for carrying out the mission of the institution.