Getting InAdult High School Diploma Program
MiraCosta College provides classes for adults who wish to obtain their high school diplomas. Some classes are also appropriate for individuals who wish to increase skills in preparation for college course work, employment or advancement in the workplace, or personal growth. Classes are held at the Community Learning Center at 1831 Mission Avenue in Oceanside and are open to adults 18 years of age or older. Individuals who are under 18 years of age who can benefit from instruction may be allowed to enroll.
Any student enrolled in a day high school (regular or continuation) must meet the following criteria in order to take classes in MiraCosta's Adult High School Diploma Program: he or she must be a credit or California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) deficient student, 17 years old or older, who has attended at least five semesters of high school. Day high school students must also present a Concurrent Enrollment Permit signed by their day high school principal, counselor, and parent. An individual under the age of 18 who is not currently enrolled in a day high school (regular or continuation) may be allowed to enroll with a Minor's Permit signed by a parent or guardian.
The Concurrent Enrollment Permit and Minor's Permit are available at high school counseling offices, the Oceanside and San Elijo Admissions and Records Offices, and the Community Learning Center as well as online at www.miracosta.edu/ahsdp .
Note: Students enrolled in this program cannot receive federal financial aid.
Accreditation: The Adult High School Diploma Program is fully accredited by the Schools Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Accrediting Commission for Schools
533 Airport Blvd., Suite 200, Burlingame, CA 94010, Phone: 650.696.1060
Tuition: Courses offered in this program are provided tuition-free. There are some costs for the rental or purchase of books.
Hours Per Class/Credits Earned: Each adult high school course includes 49.5 in-class instructional hours plus 49.5 outside-of-class hours of laboratory or study time. Students receive five high school credits for each successfully completed class.
Adult High School Terms: Classes are offered in different formats and at a variety of times in order to meet students' varying needs. The regular school year has four 8-week terms plus a summer intersession.
Counseling and Evaluation: Counselors evaluate a student's standing upon his or her admission to the program, and they help the student plan a program to meet graduation requirements. (See Sources of Credit below.) Counselors are available throughout each term to assist students in program, college, and career planning as well as job searches.
Sources of Credit: Credit from the following six sources may be applied toward a high school diploma through the college's Office of Instructional Services:
1. Successful completion of MiraCosta College adult high school or specified credit courses
2. Transfer credit from other accredited secondary schools, colleges, and universities
3. High school correspondence courses from accredited institutions
4. Training completed during military service
Note: A veteran or service person may be granted credit for courses completed in service schools or for ratings earned while in service as recommended in "A Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services" issued by the American Council on Education.
5. Work achievement having educational value
Note: Elective credits may be granted on the basis of verified work achievement resulting in knowledge or skills comparable to those acquired in a secondary school class. In some cases, an achievement test may be required in addition to verification.
The granting of such credit is based upon the following basic principles:
- Credit for work achievement after the age of 18 may be granted toward graduation requirements.
- Credit will be granted on the basis of the length of full-time employment (10 elective credits per year or 5 credits for 6 months). No other divisions will be made to account for odd months above 12. No credit will be granted for work achievement in excess of 12 months if there is no change in the type of work performed. Exceptions may be made if the type of work is progressively more difficult, justifying a division into beginning and advanced courses.
- A person must be employed for at least one year with the same firm before work achievement may be considered for credit, and he/she must spend at least 6 months at each type of work for which credit is requested. For example, if a person were employed by the same firm as a machinist for 9 months and a draftsperson for 5 months, he/she would be eligible to apply for five work achievement elective credits as a machinist, but he/she would not be eligible to receive credit for the work as a draftsperson.
- Credit may be granted only for vocational experience in which wages or salary was received. A person who is self-employed and thereby earning a livelihood may be regarded as employed with pay.
6. Credit by examination
- Ten credits in a foreign language may be earned by passing an essay exam in the language. The student must see a counselor to make arrangements for an exam to be administered.
- General Education Development (GED) Testing Program: Students enrolled in the Adult High School Diploma Program may be granted credit based on their level of achievement on one or more portions of the GED. For example:
A score of 410–500 = 10 credits
A score of 510–600 = 20 credits
A score of 610–800 = 30 credits
Appropriate test scores may be used to acquire credits in the areas of English, mathematics, natural sciences, and electives. A maximum of 120 credits may be granted for the entire test battery.
The granting of credits does not constitute satisfaction of any of the competency requirements. In addition, no more than 40 elective credits will be granted for military training or ratings and/or work achievement.
Demonstration of Competency
Students must demonstrate competence in reading, writing, and mathematics. Upon entrance into the program, students' skill levels will be assessed and remediation provided as needed. Competence may be demonstrated by successful completion of specified courses or approved performance levels on a variety of standardized and faculty-developed assessments. The options may be viewed on the college website.
Diploma Requirements
1. 170 high school credits in the following areas as indicated:
| English | 40 | |
| English 1 1 | ||
| English 2 1 | ||
| English 3 1 | ||
| English 4 1 | ||
| English Skills Lab 1 | ||
| Natural Sciences * | 20 | |
| Life Science 1 - Biology | ||
| Life Science 2 - Human Anatomy and Physiology | ||
| Physical Science 1 - Chemistry | ||
| Physical Science 2 - Physics | ||
| Mathematics ** | 30 | |
| Basic Skills Math 1 | ||
| Basic Skills Math 2 | ||
| Algebra Essentials | ||
| Geometry Essentials | ||
| Contemporary Mathematics 1 | ||
| Contemporary Mathematics 2 | ||
| Social and Behavioral Sciences *** | 30 | |
| American Government | ||
| Economics | ||
| United States History 1 | ||
| United States History 2 | ||
| World History and Geography 1 | ||
| World History and Geography 2 | ||
| Humanities | 10 | |
| Introduction to Fine Arts 1 - The History and Development of Theatre and Dance | ||
| Introduction to Fine Arts 2 - The History and Development of Art and Music | ||
| Digital Storytelling | ||
| Electives | 40 | |
| Applied Computer Skills 1 (See Sources of Credit) | ||
| Total Units | 170 | |
| 1 | HSENG 21-25: Courses may be repeated one time each for credit, as stated in the course descriptions. HSENG 30: English Skills Lab. This course may be repeated up to 4 times for credit, as stated in the course description. |
| * | Must include both Life and Physical Sciences |
| ** | Must include 5 credits in HSMTH 20, HSMTH 30, HSMTH 41, HSMTH 42 or equivalent |
| *** | Must include HSAGT 10, HSECN 10, 10 credits in U.S. History, and 10 credits in World History and Geography |
2. Students must earn 20 credits in residence.
3. Students must meet competency requirements in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Scholarship and Attendance
Satisfactory progress must be demonstrated by satisfactory achievement (scholarship) and attendance. More than 6 hours of absence from class may result in the student being dropped from the class.
Course Repetition
Credit may not be earned through repetition of a course for which credit has previously been granted unless specifically stated in the course descriptions.
