Courses

01-49 Credit courses, not transferable, serve special populations; not intended for AA/AS degree credit
50-89 Credit courses, not transferable, developmental; not intended for AA/AS degree credit
90-99 Credit courses, not transferable, applicable for AA/AS degree
100-199 Credit courses, transferable to the California State University; generally taken during the 1st year
200-299 Credit courses, transferable to the California State University; generally taken during the 2nd year
300-399 Credit courses, not transferable, skill credit courses; applicable for the AA/AS degree
600-999 Noncredit courses, not transferable

Prerequisites/Co-requisites

Prerequisite courses must be successfully completed prior to the student enrolling in the selected course. If a course lists a
co-requisite, students must be enrolled in the co-requisite course and the selected course in the same term.

Recommended Preparation

Students are advised to complete the recommended course or courses before enrolling in the selected course. Recommendations increase the student’s ability to succeed.

CSU-transferable (CSU)
Courses identified with the CSU code at the end of the description are transferable to campuses of the CSU system. However, they may only be transferable as an elective. Courses number 100-299 are CSU transferable. Students should seek the advice of a counselor for complete information about the transferability of courses toward meeting general education or major requirements. Lists of CSU-transferable courses are available at www.assist.org.

UC-transferable (UC)

NVC offers many courses that are transferable to all UC campuses. A course must be on the Transfer Course Agreement (TCA) at the time it is taken to be transferable to UC. Courses identified with a UC code at the end of the description are transferable. Lists of UC-transferable courses are available at www.assist.org.

Availability of Course Offerings

The courses listed in the catalog may not be offered every term or every year. Students should refer to the current Schedule of Classes online each semester for course offerings.

Credit Courses

Every semester students can choose from hundreds of courses for which they can earn college credit. The class schedule includes general education courses to enrich the student’s educational background; courses used to transfer to four-year institutions; courses which prepare the student for employment in business and industry; and courses in basic skills which strengthen the student’s educational foundation. Most courses are offered on a full-semester basis, but there are also short-term courses beginning throughout the semester. 

Day, Evening and Weekend Classes

Classes are taught in the day and evening in full-term and short-term formats. All evening classes are planned and scheduled through the instructional divisions. Napa Valley College offers a limited number of courses scheduled on the weekend. 

Summer Session

NVC also offers day and evening classes during the summer. Students attending summer classes should be prepared for an intensive period of study, with courses offered in 6 and 8 week formats. 

Distance Education: Online and Hybrid Courses

Another facet of the Napa Valley College experience is distance learning or online education. Distance learning students and teachers engage in a cooperative learning experience by accessing a virtual classroom, utilizing a variety of web-based technologies, such as websites, videos, group discussions and projects. Students partake in an interactive style of learning that harnesses the distinctive knowledge and life experiences of each participant. Distance Education classes require the same rigor as their face-to-face equivalent. In addition, they require the student to apply self-discipline to stay on task, and a level of technological knowledge to navigate and utilize a virtual learning environment. Online classes require as much or more work as a traditional face-to-face class. Hybrid classes combine face-to-face instruction with online components. Fully online and hybrid courses are offered each semester and summer terms. Students must have access to a computer and reliable Internet service throughout the term of the course. 

Community Education and Noncredit Classes

The Community Education program at Napa Valley College is comprised of workshops, fee-based and noncredit courses, educational trips and tours, and short-term occupational training programs. Students who are interested in taking noncredit and community education may register online or by phone, e-mail, mail, or walk-in at the Upper Valley Campus in St. Helena. For more information, visit http://www.napavalley.edu/CommEd/Pages/default.aspx or call (707) 967-2900.

Noncredit Program

Napa Valley College offers noncredit classes and programs to provide students with access to a variety of courses at no cost to assist them in reaching their personal, academic and professional goals. Noncredit instruction serves as a key contributor to “open access” for students with diverse backgrounds and those seeking ways to improve their earning power, literacy skills and access to higher education.

Community Education

Napa Valley College encourages lifelong learning. Working with local businesses, service organizations, and interested citizens, the Community Education Program offers noncredit and fee-based community classes, Trips and Tours, and activities including kids’ classes and cooking classes, designed to serve students of all ages whose educational goals do not require college credit.

The flexible nature of Community Education programs allows the college to be responsive to the expressed interests and needs of specific populations or organizations. This includes courses such as one-day workshops and seminars or classes ranging from a few weeks to an entire semester. Classes are offered on a “not for credit” basis and do not normally require lengthy student preparation or regular exams. The classes, trips, and activities provided under Community Education are designed to stimulate personal and professional growth, as well as create new interests and provide opportunities for continual learning.

The college functions as a community center, a gathering place where campus facilities are made available for the use of community groups whenever possible. The college also maintains such services as:

1. A program of public events and cultural activities including lectures and forums, art exhibits, outdoor theater and concerts;
2. A series of seminars, workshops, and conferences to meet special needs of diverse populations — business, industry, and the professions; and
3. Campus tours.