Trades Studies

SJVC's Trades Studies program may be completed in 25 weeks. The program is designed for trades professionals who want to advance their career and who have earned a certificate of completion in Aviation Maintenance Technology; Electrical Technology; Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration; or Maintenance Technician from San Joaquin Valley College. The Trades Studies Associate of Science degree affords excellent opportunities for professional growth and development through instruction in general education coursework designed to produce the competencies of higher education that employers expect of college graduates.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, the successful student will be able to:

• Relate and apply concepts of communication, reasoning, critical analysis, ethical behavior and appropriate interpersonal interaction to situations in his or her career and personal life.
• Demonstrate the social skills, professional appearance, attitudes, and behavior that employers expect of all SJVC graduates.

Graduates earn an Associate of Science in Trades Studies. Admission requires successful completion of a certificate program in Aviation Maintenance Technology; Electrical Technology; Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration; or Maintenance Technician from San Joaquin Valley College, with a minimum of 30.0 units of lower-division courses.

Making the decision to go back to school is one of the biggest steps on your journey to enrolling. At SJVC, our admissions process is straightforward, and our Admissions Department is dedicated to helping prospective students select the programs that best suit their needs and qualifications.

May be completed in 25 weeks (Associate of Science bridge for certificate graduates). Offered to students through the Online Division.

SJVC participates in federal financial aid programs; students who wish to apply for financial aid assistance must establish financial aid eligibility each year. In order to determine financial aid eligibility, students must complete the application process, meet academic progress standards, and be enrolled at least part-time. Financial assistance awarded through SJVC may consist of a combination of grants, loans, and scholarships. SJVC participates with federal, state and private agencies in providing various aid programs.

Types of Financial Aid Available

• Federal Pell Grant Program – an important source of aid for students who demonstrate a financial need; a grant does not have to be repaid.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants – a limited number of awards targeted to students who have the lowest calculated family income.
• Federal Direct Stafford Loans (Subsidized) – for students requiring additional financial assistance; must be repaid, beginning six months after graduation or termination.
• Federal Direct Stafford Loans (Unsubsidized) – independent students may borrow and begin interest payments while in school.
• Federal Direct PLUS – parents of dependent students may borrow funds to meet educational expenses.
• Institutional Loan – the College offers a low-interest loan program used only to pay tuition charges not covered by financial aid.
• Student Scholarships – the College awards up to $40,000 annually in scholarships to high school seniors who meet certain requirements.

Total program tuition is $16,703 (tuition only; any fees billed separately).

The Career Services Department offers a wide variety of career planning and employment-related services to current SJVC students and alumni. While SJVC does not guarantee employment, income, or wage rate, Career Services staff are available to assist students in developing job-readiness skills and pursuing employment in their chosen career fields. Some of the services offered include:

• Résumé development
• Job search assistance
• Interview techniques
• Career development courses
• Career information panels
• Employment-related workshops and programs

Career Academy

The Career Services Department partners students with the Career Academy to prepare students for the job search process. Utilizing an innovative, interactive hub, students will:

• Engage in a variety of professional development games and activities.
• Create high-quality professional résumés highlighting the skills acquired throughout their program.
• Participate in mock interview sessions to develop effective interviewing skills.

A final exit interview will capstone the student's preparedness for interviewing with potential employers. Successful completion of each of these items is a graduation requirement.

Housing

San Joaquin Valley College does not have dormitory facilities under its control, nor does it assist students in securing housing. However, limited guidance may be available through the Academic Dean to help students explore local housing options. According to the California Student Aid Commission's 2025–26 Student Expense Budget, students should budget approximately $1,691 per month for housing, which includes rent and utilities. These estimates are intended to help students plan their budgets and do not reflect actual housing offers or guarantees; students are solely responsible for evaluating and securing their own housing arrangements.

Additional Information and Student Services

Additional information related to the provision of student services and campus life in general may be found in the Student Handbook.