Fast-Track Your Future:

Free Noncredit Courses for Career and College Pathways

Improve your skills at Saddleback College with our  tuition-FREE noncredit classes! Start your journey today and reach your goals with dedicated noncredit support. 

Whether you're looking to advance your career, prepare for college, earn short-term certificates, improve your English, or achieve your high school equivalency, start in Saddleback College's noncredit programs.

Get started in Noncredit

How noncredit classes help you!

  • Build confidence and earn certificates

  • Start when you're ready: open admissions and registration 

  • Bilingual support and counseling available

  • Undocumented students welcome 

  • Enjoy the convenience of online and in-person classes

  • Seamlessly transition from noncredit to credit courses

Learn about Saddleback's Noncredit Pathways

Extended Learning

Empower your future with Saddleback College Extended Learning.

Saddleback College Extended Learning invites students of all ages, abilities, and ethnicities to embark on an educational journey designed to jump-start career development and college preparation. Our diverse range of noncredit, free certificate programs provides an inclusive and supportive environment, ensuring every student can achieve their educational and professional goals.

Students enrolled in these programs receive guidance from experienced faculty and benefit from a collaborative learning environment. Through practical coursework and real-world applications, students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to advance in the workforce or transition to credit courses at Saddleback College.

Tuition-free noncredit pathways include:

  • Adult Education Basic Technology Skills (AEBT)

  • Adult Education English as a Second Language (AESL)

  • Adult Education Food and Nutrition (AEFN)

  • Adult Education High School Equivalency (HSE)

  • Adult Education Workforce Preparation for Occupational and Academic Skills for Independence and Success (OASIS)

  • Emeritus Institute (active seniors and older adults)

At Saddleback College Extended Learning, students receive the support and guidance they need to gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to achieve their educational and career goals.

School of Arts, Media, Performance and Design

Explore your artistic and creative passions here at Saddleback.

The School of Arts, Media, Performance and Design (AMPD) is a vibrant and dynamic area where creativity is our common goal. Comprising a diverse and talented group of students, faculty, and staff, AMPD fosters a rich atmosphere of collaboration and innovation. 

Students enrolled in these programs come together to explore their creative potential. The faculty, consisting of experienced professionals and dedicated educators, provides guidance and mentorship, nurturing each student’s unique talents. Students are involved in hands-on projects and real-world applications of their craft. Through exhibitions, performances, design opportunities, or multimedia projects, students engage in artistic experimentation, critical thinking, and the development of skills essential for success in the creative industries.

Tuition-free noncredit pathways include:

  • Barbering

  • Cosmetology

  • Esthetician

  • Hairstyling

  • Manicuring

School of Business and Industry

Developing skills, knowledge, and practical experience for the business and industry landscape of today and tomorrow.

The School of Business and Industry offers a comprehensive and innovative education platform designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, andpractical experience necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic business and industry landscape. With a focus on fostering critical thinking, leadership abilities, and industry-specific expertise, the school provides a diverse array of programs tailored to meet the needs of aspiring professionals across various business sectors. 

Students enrolled in programs within the school will find relevance and alignment with current market trends and emerging technologies. Students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning experiences, internships, and industry projects, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Tuition-free noncredit pathways include:

  • Business 

    • Financial Literacy

    • Nonprofit Business Administration

    • Workplace Readiness

  • Computer and Information Management (CIM)

    • CISCO Network Specialist

    • IT Help Desk Specialist

    • Microsoft Solutions Expert

    • Web and Mobile Developer Bootcamp

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Nurturing critical thinkers and global citizens for a variety of careers.

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences offers programs and coursework that play a crucial role in informing public policy, addressing societal challenges, and contributing to our understandingof human behavior. Classes often involve lively discussions, debates, and research projects, providing mentorship and guidance while encouraging independent thinking. 

Students in this vital area learn to think critically, challenge assumptions, and understand diverse perspectives, preparing them for a variety of careers.

Tuition-free noncredit pathways include:

  • Child Development Education 

    • Family Childcare

School of Health and Wellness

Comprehensive, hands-on training for a professional and compassionate healthcare workforce.

The School of Health and Wellness provides students with a comprehensive offering of health careers, exploring the connections between science, medicine, and society. Through practical learning in classrooms equipped to simulate real-world medical environments, students gain critical thinking and analytical skills and a deeper understanding of health issues that strengthen their ability to help others.

Students emerge from the School of Health and Wellness with the training and ethicalfoundation required to provide competent and empathetic health services in a variety of settings, contributing significantly to the well-being of individuals and communities.

Tuition-free noncredit pathways include:

  • Health Science

    • Acute Care Nursing Assistant (Acute CNA)

    • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

    • Communication Skills for Nursing Students

    • Emergency Nurse Training Program

    • Home Health Aide

  • Medical Lab Technology (MLT)

    • Clinical Lab Assistant & Phlebotomy Program

School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

Advancing knowledge and discovery for excellence in STEM education.

Recognizing the significance of STEM disciplines in our rapidly evolving world, the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math provides an immersive learning environment that empowers students to explore the realms of scientific inquiry, technological advancement, engineering innovation, and mathematical reasoning. 

Our passionate faculty, comprised of industry experts and seasoned academics, cultivate a collaborative community where diverse perspectives converge. Our students are not just learners, but are catalysts for change, learning skills to address global challenges and drive innovation across various fields.

Applying is Easy!