Adult High School
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: he or she must be a credit deficient student, 16 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 miracosta.edu/ahsdp.
Note: Students enrolled in this program cannot receive federal financial aid.
Accreditation: The MiraCosta College Adult High School 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 Adult High School, 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 the Adult High School, college, and career planning as well as job searches.
Sources of Credit: Credit from the following seven 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. Vocational Training
- Five elective credits will be granted for every 48 hours of vocational training. A certificate of completion stating the number of course hours must be submitted.
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 Proficiency
Students must demonstrate proficiency in English and mathematics. Upon entrance into the program, students' skill levels will be assessed and remediation provided as needed. Proficiency may be demonstrated by successful completion of specified courses or approved performance levels on a variety of standardized assessments.
Diploma Requirements
1. 170 high school credits in the following areas as indicated:
| English | 40 | |
| English Grammar 1 1 | ||
| English Grammar 2 1 | ||
| Basic Skills: Reading and Study Strategies 1 | ||
| English 1 1 | ||
| English 2 1 | ||
| English 3 1 | ||
| English 4 1 | ||
| English Skills Lab 1 | ||
| Information Literacy 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 1 | ||
| Basic Skills Math 2 1 | ||
| Basic Skills Math 3 1 | ||
| Algebra Essentials 1 1 | ||
| Algebra Essentials 2 1 | ||
| Geometry Essentials 1 | ||
| 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 1 | ||
| Electives | 40 | |
| Applied Computer Skills 1 (See Sources of Credit) | ||
| Total Units | 170 | |
| 1 | HSENG 15 - 25 and HSENG40: 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 3 times for credit, as stated in the course description. HSIFA13: Course may be repeated one time for credit, as stated in the course descriptions HSMTH 11 - 30: Courses may be repeated one time each for credit, as stated in the course descriptions. |
| * | Must include both Life and Physical Sciences |
| ** | Must include 5 credits in HSMTH 20, HSMTH 21, HSMTH 30, 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 proficiency requirements in English 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.
Degree Conferred
A high school diploma is conferred upon completion of the diploma requirements.
Contact Information
|
Chair: Angela Senigaglia Dean: Kate Alder |
Full-Time Faculty
|
Julie Cord Erica Duran Angela Senigaglia Steve Wezniak |
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)
Adult High School Diploma
PSLO: Upon completion of this diploma, students will obtain an awareness of, and preparation for, higher education.
PSLO: Upon completion of this diploma, students will acquire improved workplace skills for employability.
PSLO: Upon completion of this diploma, students will demonstrate improved self-efficacy.
PSLO: Upon completion of this diploma, students will model a sensitivity to and an awareness of diverse perspectives.
Courses
HSAGT 10: American Government
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: Students are advised to take HSENG 25, HSUSH 11, and HSUSH 12 before taking this course and HSENG 40 before or concurrently with this course.
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course introduces students to the institutions of American government. Topics include the principles and moral values of American government, the rights and obligations of democratic citizens, the fundamental values and principles of civil society, the roles of the three branches of government, landmark Supreme Court interpretations of the Constitution, elective offices, powers and procedures of government, and comparison of American government to other systems of government in the world today. This course satisfies the American government requirement for graduation.
HSECN 10: Economics
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: Students are advised to take HSENG 25, HSUSH 11, HSUSH 12, HSWHG 11, and HSWHG 12 before taking this course and HSENG 40 before or concurrently with this course.
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course introduces students to the basic economic principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Topics include international economics, comparative economic systems, measurement, and methods. This course satisfies the economics requirement for graduation.
HSENG 15: English Grammar 1
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
The English Grammar 1 is a review of basic English skills in all areas through a prescriptive reading, writing, and grammar program as well as supplemental assignments targeted toward readers and writers who desire a pre-collegiate review. It is aligned with the California English Language Arts Content Standards and CB21 for ABE/ASE English courses two levels below to transfer. (May be repeated once.)
HSENG 16: English Grammar 2
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
The English Grammar 2 is a review of advanced English skills in all areas through a prescriptive reading, writing, and grammar program as well as supplemental assignments targeted toward readers and writers who desire a pre-collegiate review. It is aligned with the California English Language Arts Content Standards and CB21 for ABE/ASE English courses two levels below to transfer. (May be repeated once.)
HSENG 17: Basic Skills: Reading and Study Strategies
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: ALTERNATING TERMS
This course is designed to help students improve their reading comprehension and vocabulary in various academic subjects. Students critically analyze content-area readings, such as articles, novels, and short stories. The course emphasizes fundamental reading comprehension skills, general and academic vocabulary enhancement, study skills strategies, and principles of study reading. (This course may be repeated once.)
HSENG 21: English 1
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course helps students improve basic skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar. It introduces students to the writing process through basic autobiographical and short narrative responses. Class instruction emphasizes vocabulary development, reading comprehension and analysis of level-appropriate texts, and a command of Standard American English. Students also learn basic MLA formatting and display oral communication competency through basic presentation preparation and delivery. (This course may be repeated once.)
HSENG 22: English 2
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course builds upon the basic skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar from English 1. It introduces students to the writing processes of the five paragraph literary/expository essay on historically relevant topics for both in-class and at-home essay compositions. Class instruction emphasizes intermediate reading comprehension and analysis of level-appropriate texts and a continued command of Standard American English. Students also learn intermediate MLA formatting and display oral communication competency through an oral presentation and visual/multimedia aide. (This course may be repeated once.)
HSENG 23: English 3
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course develops intermediate skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar. It continues to allow students to practice the writing processes of the five-paragraph literary/expository essay introduced in English 2, but it moves into methods for writing argumentative paragraphs and essays on culturally relevant topics for both in-class and out-of-class compositions. Class instruction emphasizes intermediate reading comprehension and analysis of level-appropriate texts and a continued command of Standard American English. Students also learn advanced MLA formatting for in-text citations and display oral communication competency through an oral presentation and visual/multimedia aide. (This course may be repeated once.)
HSENG 25: English 4
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course develops advanced skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar. It continues to allow students to practice the writing processes of the argumentative essay introduced in English 3 but moves into methods for writing research paragraphs and essays on contemporary issues for both in-class and out-of-class compositions. Class instruction emphasizes advanced reading comprehension and analysis of level-appropriate texts and a continued command of Standard American English. Students also learn advanced MLA formatting for in-text citations and display oral communication competency through an oral presentation and visual/multimedia aide with involved the use of PowerPoint. (This course may be repeated once.)
HSENG 30: English Skills Lab
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Laboratory 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
The English Skills Lab is designed to improve English skills in all areas through a prescriptive reading, writing, and grammar program as well as supplemental assignments targeted towards readers and writers who require a pre-collegiate review of such skills. (This course may be repeated three times for a maximum of 20 credits.)
HSENG 40: Information Literacy
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
This course is designed for students wishing to improve their information literacy and their knowledge and use of information systems and technology as they relate to school and/or the workplace. It introduces a variety of services, programs, and degrees at the college and requires that students learn how to obtain information about them online as well as through face-to-face and written communications. (May be repeated once.)
HSIFA 11: Introduction to Fine Arts 1 - The History and Development of Theatre and Dance
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: ALTERNATING TERMS
This course introduces students to the history of theatre and dance from its prehistoric beginnings to the present, with an emphasis on the Renaissance through the twentieth century. Topics include a review of the prehistoric origins of dance, dance-drama, and theatre from countries all over the world. Students must complete Fine Arts I and Fine Arts II (or comparable courses) to fulfill the requirement for graduation. This course aligns with Visual and Performing Arts Content Standards.
HSIFA 12: Introduction to Fine Arts 2 - The History and Development of Art and Music
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: ALTERNATING TERMS
This course introduces students to the history of art and music from its prehistoric beginnings to the present. Topics include the prehistoric origins of art, architecture, and music of the late 19th through the mid-20th centuries and up to contemporary art and music. Students must complete Fine Arts I and Fine Arts II (or comparable courses) to fulfill the graduation requirement. This course aligns with Visual and Performing Arts Content Standards.
HSIFA 13: Digital Storytelling
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: Summer
This course teaches participants to find and focus the stories of their lives and tell them through video production. Instruction emphasizes personal narrative and advanced technologies in the service of creative expression. Students write, produce, and publish three- to five-minute digital stories that integrate narration, images, and music. Class time is split between lecture/discussion and hands-on computer skills development. (May be repeated once.)
HSMTH 11: Basic Skills Math 1
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Basic Skills Math 1 is designed to meet the basic skills mathematics improvement needs of students for a variety of purposes: to meet pre-collegiate requirements; to meet mathematics unit requirements for an adult high school diploma; and/or to help prepare for examinations such as the GED. Topics include the study of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. (This course may be repeated once.)
HSMTH 12: Basic Skills Math 2
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Basic Skills Math 2 is designed to meet the basic skills mathematics improvement needs of students for a variety of purposes: to meet pre-collegiate requirements; to meet mathematics unit requirements for an adult high school diploma; and/or to help prepare for examinations such as the GED. Topics include the study of percents, measurement, probability, and statistics.(This course may be repeated once.)
HSMTH 13: Basic Skills Math 3
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Basic Skills Math 3 is designed to meet the basic skills mathematics improvement needs of students for a variety of purposes: to meet pre-collegiate requirements; to meet mathematics unit requirements for an adult high school diploma; and/or to help prepare for examinations such as the GED. Topics include the study of elementary algebra and geometry. (This course may be repeated once.)
HSMTH 20: Algebra Essentials 1
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: ALTERNATING TERMS
Algebra Essentials 1 is intended for students with little or no previous algebra experience. Topics include the real number system, operations with algebraic expressions, linear equations and inequalities, graphing linear equations in two variables, and solving systems of linear equations. (This course may be repeated once.)
HSMTH 21: Algebra Essentials 2
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: ALTERNATING TERMS
Algebra Essentials 2 is intended for students with some beginning algebra experience. Topics include exponents and polynomials, factoring, an introduction to quadratic equations, rational expressions and equations, and solving applied problems. (This course may be repeated once.)
HSMTH 30: Geometry Essentials
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Geometry Essentials is intended for students with little or no previous geometry experience. Topics include segments and angles, triangles, parallel and perpendicular lines, polygons, special quadrilaterals, the coordinate plane, circles, area, and volume. This course incorporates many of the skills and techniques outlined in the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) report as fundamental skills and workplace competencies. (May be repeated once.)
HSSCI 11: Physical Science 1 - Chemistry
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: To be arranged
This introductory chemistry class introduces students to the study of matter and changes in matter. Topics include states of matter, chemical and physical changes, the development of the atomic theory, the periodic table and its use, writing chemical formulas, balancing chemical equations, types of chemical reactions, and an introduction to organic chemistry.
HSSCI 12: Physical Science 2 - Physics
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: To be arranged
This introductory physics course is non-algebra based and introduces students to the basic concepts of physics. Students learn to solve basic physics problems using metric measurements. Topics include motion, forces, forces in fluids, work, machines, energy, thermal energy, and heat.
HSSCI 21: Life Science 1 - Biology
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: To be arranged
This introductory biology course covers the basics of cell biology, including cellular organization, cellular transport systems, cellular metabolism, and the requirements for life. The course also introduces genetics, including the structure and functions of DNA, Mendelian genetics, probability, and cellular reproduction.
HSSCI 22: Life Science 2 - Human Anatomy and Physiology
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: To be arranged
This course in human anatomy and physiology covers each of the eleven organ systems of the human body. It emphasizes learning the structures of each system along with their functions. The course also provides a more in-depth study of the physiology of cellular respiration, homeostasis, immunology, reproduction, and growth and development.
HSUSH 11: United States History 1
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: Students are advised to have completed HSENG 23, HSWHG 11, and HSWHG 12 prior to taking this course.
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
This course introduces students to the major turning points in United States history from the nation's beginnings to the Great Depression with an emphasis on the twentieth century. Topics include a review of the nation's beginnings, the impact of the Enlightenment, industrialization, the impact of religion, World War I, the U.S. as a world power, the 1920s, and the Great Depression. Students must complete both HSUSH 11 and HSUSH 12 to fulfill the United States history requirement for graduation.
HSUSH 12: United States History 2
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: Students are advised to have completed HSENG 23, HSUSH 11, HSWHG 11, and HSWHG 12 prior to taking this course.
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course introduces students to the major turning points in United States history from World War II to the present day with an emphasis on the twentieth century. Topics include World War II, post-World War II economic and social transformation, U.S. foreign policy since World War II, civil rights and voting rights, and major social and domestic policy issues in contemporary American society. Students must complete both HSUSH 11 and HSUSH 12 to fulfill the United States history requirement for graduation.
HSWFP 11: Applied Computer Skills 1
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
In this course, students develop essential computer and information technology skills for workplace and educational success. They develop some proficiency in using word processing software; access, evaluate, and utilize information resources using the Internet and Web browsers; and get familiar with a course management system. Previous experience using computers is recommended.
HSWHG 11: World History and Geography 1
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: Students are advised to have completed HSENG 22 and a basic computer literacy course prior to taking World History 1.
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
This course introduces students to world history, culture, and geography from the late eighteenth century to the conclusion of World War I. Topics include Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian roots of Western political ideas, Democratic Revolutions, Industrial Revolution, Imperialism, and World War I. Students must complete both HSWHG 11 and HSWHG 12 to fulfill the world history requirement for graduation.
HSWHG 12: World History and Geography 2
High School Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: Students are advised to have completed HSENG 22, HSWHG 11, and a basic computer literacy course prior to enrolling in this course.
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.62)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
This course introduces students to world history, culture, and geography from the conclusion of World War I through the present. Topics include Totalitarianism, World War II, international developments after World War II, and nation-building in the contemporary world. Students must complete both HSWHG 11 and HSWHG 12 to fulfill the world history requirement for graduation.
