MiraCosta College
Encyclopedia
MiraCosta College is a community college
located in the northern coastal region of San Diego County, California
. MiraCosta College is located at 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside, California
92056. It also has a campus in Cardiff-by-the-Sea and a Community Learning Center in Oceanside.
. Originally, MiraCosta was known as Oceanside-Carlsbad Junior College. There were 122 students enrolled and 20 faculty members. It was the second community college to be established in San Diego County. Only 16 courses were initially offered and they counted as credit toward advanced standing at the University of California
.
By 1959, Oceanside-Carlsbad Junior College enrollment had grown to 500 full-time students in classrooms on 30 acres (12.1 ha) adjacent to Oceanside High School. In 1960, voters approved a separate community college district and a bond issue to provide funding for a new college campus.
In 1964, the college relocated to its present 121 acres (49 ha) hilltop location and was renamed MiraCosta College. The name MiraCosta (Spanish
for "behold the coast") refers to the panoramic ocean and coastal mountain views from the campus. The property was purchased for $575,000 and was part of a parcel owned by renowned ice skater Sonja Henie
. A neighborhood in Oceanside named Henie Hills is to the west of the campus.
The district once again expanded in 1976 to include all of the North County coastal communities from Camp Pendleton to Del Mar
. By 1978, enrollment was more than 7,000 students. A satellite campus opened in Del Mar in a vacant elementary school. This campus served students who lived in the southern portion of the district. In the first semester, 1,034 credit students enrolled. Soon after, MiraCosta purchased a scenic 48 acres (19.4 ha) parcel near the San Elijo Lagoon in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. The San Elijo Campus opened in 1988 to 2,500 credit students.
In the 2000s, MiraCosta's three campuses continue to change and grow. The college has completed several large construction projects that put it on the map for its technological and arts offerings, and enrollment has reached a new high.
In 2000, the Adult Learning Center relocated to its current permanent CLC location on Mission Avenue in Oceanside and was renamed the Community Learning Center. Over the years the center has expanded its adult education offerings to include parenting classes, workshops for older adults, and programs for those who are physically and mentally challenged. The Cisco Academy, which offers training in computer networking, is also housed at the center. The college's Small Business Development Center is right next door.
In 2002, MiraCosta opened the doors to its beautiful new Child Development Center on the Oceanside Campus, which provides both academic instruction to students and child care services to student, staff and community families. The curriculum is specifically designed to encourage early childhood learning.
Also on the Oceanside Campus, years of planning and work culminated with the opening of the $13- million, 48000 square feet (4,459.3 m²) library and information hub in 2003. The two-story library is nearly three times the size of the building it replaced and is home to an extensive collection of books and journals, more than 400 computers, the Tutoring Center, Math Learning Center, Writing Center, Teaching Innovation Center, a television studio, teleconferencing center and other high-tech academic facilities.
In November 2005, MiraCosta, in partnership with Genentech and other local biotech firms opened the biotech facility, an impressive 3500 square feet (325.2 m²), state-of-the-art building designated as a Center of Excellence in bioprocessing by the U.S. Department of Labor. Across the street from the biotechnology facility, a remodeled Horticulture Complex was dedicated in August, 2007. This state-of-the-art, 15,250- square-foot building houses a greenhouse, laboratories and classrooms specifically designed to give students a “hands on” learning experience in the art and science of cultivating plants.
In the past nine years, MiraCosta has also invested in the arts, and now boasts a beautifully remodeled theatre and a new creative arts building. In the beginning of 2007, MiraCosta’s newly remodeled theatre hosted its first show. The theatre, a contemporary space designed specifically for college actors by San Diego's Old Globe architect Gene Weston, seats 243 and features a more accessible and welcoming entrance, new seats and paint, a new curtain, an expanded lobby and box office, and remodeled restrooms.
One of the latest additions to the Oceanside Campus is the Creative Arts Building, which measures 21,600- square-feet and boasts an outdoor studio overlooking a spectacular view of Oceanside all the way to the ocean. This state-of-the-art building replaces the music building and one art building constructed in the ‘60s and houses sec student centerthe college’s art and music programs—with classroom studios for painting, drawing, and printmaking and recording studios, piano labs, and rehearsal space. Currently under construction is a classroom building for art history and new genre art and a 400-seat concert hall. In 2010, MiraCosta opened a state-of-the-art Concert Hall, the college’s largest performance venue, which was designed specifically for vocal and instrumental performances. The 400-seat, 12000 sq ft (1,114.8 m²). building not only provides students first-hand experience in a professional performance setting, but also provides the community with a beautiful venue in which to enjoy MiraCosta’s top-notch music performances.
On the San Elijo Campus, students are enjoying the new student center, which opened during the 2008 spring semester. The new center houses the college bookstore, a cafeteria with indoor/outdoor and rooftop dining, health services, student activities, and meeting and multi-use conference rooms.
MiraCosta also saw some changes in leadership during the current decade. In 2004, Tim Dong retired after serving 10 years and Victoria Muñoz Richart took over as superintendent/president. Dr. Richart served just under three years, and after her departure in June 2007, MiraCosta had two interim superintendent/presidents, John Hendrickson and Susan Cota. In March, 2009, MiraCosta welcomed new superintendent/president Francisco Rodriguez.
Despite recent controversy concerning a former college president, misconduct by an instructor and discord within its board of trustees which led to the college being placed on warning by its accrediting agency, MiraCosta College has emerged victorious in the last year, and with a few newly seated trustees and a renewed spirit of collegiality, the warning was lifted and MiraCosta's accreditation reaffirmed.
As the campus grew during the 2000s, so did student enrollment. Student enrollment reached an all-time high in spring semester 2010, with 14,000 credit students enrolled and another 8,000 noncredit students.
(2+2 program). With an associate's degree, students can transfer to a 4-year university or begin work
. MiraCosta also offers over 50 different certificates for students interested in short-term training in a specific career area. Certificates can be completed in one or two years.
Partial list of associate's degrees and certificate programs offered at MiraCosta:
. MiraCosta also has a surf team that competes in the college division of the National Scholastic Surfing Association
(NSSA). The school colors are blue, green and white, and the college’s team name is the Spartan
s. Intramural sports are also offered to the campus community.
College activities: Periodic “College Hour” events at noon featuring many cultural events and performing arts featuring guest artists as well as student work.
More than 30 student clubs meet regularly and contribute to campus life.
MiraCosta hosts a number of arts, music, theatre, dance, film and cultural events throughout the year. Check out upcoming events at www.miracosta.edu/events.
Community college
A community college is a type of educational institution. The term can have different meanings in different countries.-Australia:Community colleges carry on the tradition of adult education, which was established in Australia around mid 19th century when evening classes were held to help adults...
located in the northern coastal region of San Diego County, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. MiraCosta College is located at 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside, California
Oceanside, California
-2010:The 2010 United States Census reported that Oceanside had a population of 167,086. The population density was 3,961.8 people per square mile...
92056. It also has a campus in Cardiff-by-the-Sea and a Community Learning Center in Oceanside.
History
MiraCosta was founded in 1934. Classes began in a wing at Oceanside High SchoolOceanside High School
-Campus:Oceanside High School rests between the beach and Interstate 5. The remodeled campus includes many palm trees and new sport fields. There is a three-story Science & technology building and Senior Hall...
. Originally, MiraCosta was known as Oceanside-Carlsbad Junior College. There were 122 students enrolled and 20 faculty members. It was the second community college to be established in San Diego County. Only 16 courses were initially offered and they counted as credit toward advanced standing at the University of California
University of California
The University of California is a public university system in the U.S. state of California. Under the California Master Plan for Higher Education, the University of California is a part of the state's three-tier public higher education system, which also includes the California State University...
.
By 1959, Oceanside-Carlsbad Junior College enrollment had grown to 500 full-time students in classrooms on 30 acres (12.1 ha) adjacent to Oceanside High School. In 1960, voters approved a separate community college district and a bond issue to provide funding for a new college campus.
In 1964, the college relocated to its present 121 acres (49 ha) hilltop location and was renamed MiraCosta College. The name MiraCosta (Spanish
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
for "behold the coast") refers to the panoramic ocean and coastal mountain views from the campus. The property was purchased for $575,000 and was part of a parcel owned by renowned ice skater Sonja Henie
Sonja Henie
Sonja Henie was a Norwegian figure skater and film star. She was a three-time Olympic Champion in Ladies Singles, a ten-time World Champion and a six-time European Champion . Henie won more Olympic and World titles than any other ladies figure skater...
. A neighborhood in Oceanside named Henie Hills is to the west of the campus.
The district once again expanded in 1976 to include all of the North County coastal communities from Camp Pendleton to Del Mar
Del Mar, California
Del Mar is an upscale beach town in San Diego County, California. The population was 4,161 at the 2010 census, down from 4,389 at the 2000 census. The San Diego County Fair is hosted on the Del Mar Fairgrounds every summer. Del Mar is Spanish for "of the sea" or "by the sea", because it is located...
. By 1978, enrollment was more than 7,000 students. A satellite campus opened in Del Mar in a vacant elementary school. This campus served students who lived in the southern portion of the district. In the first semester, 1,034 credit students enrolled. Soon after, MiraCosta purchased a scenic 48 acres (19.4 ha) parcel near the San Elijo Lagoon in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. The San Elijo Campus opened in 1988 to 2,500 credit students.
In the 2000s, MiraCosta's three campuses continue to change and grow. The college has completed several large construction projects that put it on the map for its technological and arts offerings, and enrollment has reached a new high.
In 2000, the Adult Learning Center relocated to its current permanent CLC location on Mission Avenue in Oceanside and was renamed the Community Learning Center. Over the years the center has expanded its adult education offerings to include parenting classes, workshops for older adults, and programs for those who are physically and mentally challenged. The Cisco Academy, which offers training in computer networking, is also housed at the center. The college's Small Business Development Center is right next door.
In 2002, MiraCosta opened the doors to its beautiful new Child Development Center on the Oceanside Campus, which provides both academic instruction to students and child care services to student, staff and community families. The curriculum is specifically designed to encourage early childhood learning.
Also on the Oceanside Campus, years of planning and work culminated with the opening of the $13- million, 48000 square feet (4,459.3 m²) library and information hub in 2003. The two-story library is nearly three times the size of the building it replaced and is home to an extensive collection of books and journals, more than 400 computers, the Tutoring Center, Math Learning Center, Writing Center, Teaching Innovation Center, a television studio, teleconferencing center and other high-tech academic facilities.
In November 2005, MiraCosta, in partnership with Genentech and other local biotech firms opened the biotech facility, an impressive 3500 square feet (325.2 m²), state-of-the-art building designated as a Center of Excellence in bioprocessing by the U.S. Department of Labor. Across the street from the biotechnology facility, a remodeled Horticulture Complex was dedicated in August, 2007. This state-of-the-art, 15,250- square-foot building houses a greenhouse, laboratories and classrooms specifically designed to give students a “hands on” learning experience in the art and science of cultivating plants.
In the past nine years, MiraCosta has also invested in the arts, and now boasts a beautifully remodeled theatre and a new creative arts building. In the beginning of 2007, MiraCosta’s newly remodeled theatre hosted its first show. The theatre, a contemporary space designed specifically for college actors by San Diego's Old Globe architect Gene Weston, seats 243 and features a more accessible and welcoming entrance, new seats and paint, a new curtain, an expanded lobby and box office, and remodeled restrooms.
One of the latest additions to the Oceanside Campus is the Creative Arts Building, which measures 21,600- square-feet and boasts an outdoor studio overlooking a spectacular view of Oceanside all the way to the ocean. This state-of-the-art building replaces the music building and one art building constructed in the ‘60s and houses sec student centerthe college’s art and music programs—with classroom studios for painting, drawing, and printmaking and recording studios, piano labs, and rehearsal space. Currently under construction is a classroom building for art history and new genre art and a 400-seat concert hall. In 2010, MiraCosta opened a state-of-the-art Concert Hall, the college’s largest performance venue, which was designed specifically for vocal and instrumental performances. The 400-seat, 12000 sq ft (1,114.8 m²). building not only provides students first-hand experience in a professional performance setting, but also provides the community with a beautiful venue in which to enjoy MiraCosta’s top-notch music performances.
On the San Elijo Campus, students are enjoying the new student center, which opened during the 2008 spring semester. The new center houses the college bookstore, a cafeteria with indoor/outdoor and rooftop dining, health services, student activities, and meeting and multi-use conference rooms.
MiraCosta also saw some changes in leadership during the current decade. In 2004, Tim Dong retired after serving 10 years and Victoria Muñoz Richart took over as superintendent/president. Dr. Richart served just under three years, and after her departure in June 2007, MiraCosta had two interim superintendent/presidents, John Hendrickson and Susan Cota. In March, 2009, MiraCosta welcomed new superintendent/president Francisco Rodriguez.
Despite recent controversy concerning a former college president, misconduct by an instructor and discord within its board of trustees which led to the college being placed on warning by its accrediting agency, MiraCosta College has emerged victorious in the last year, and with a few newly seated trustees and a renewed spirit of collegiality, the warning was lifted and MiraCosta's accreditation reaffirmed.
As the campus grew during the 2000s, so did student enrollment. Student enrollment reached an all-time high in spring semester 2010, with 14,000 credit students enrolled and another 8,000 noncredit students.
Academic programs
MiraCosta College offers associate's degrees equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
(2+2 program). With an associate's degree, students can transfer to a 4-year university or begin work
Employment
Employment is a contract between two parties, one being the employer and the other being the employee. An employee may be defined as:- Employee :...
. MiraCosta also offers over 50 different certificates for students interested in short-term training in a specific career area. Certificates can be completed in one or two years.
Partial list of associate's degrees and certificate programs offered at MiraCosta:
- Art
- Accounting
- Behavioral Sciences
- Biological Sciences and Biotechnology
- Business Administration
- Child Development
- Communication Studies
- Computer Studies
- Cosmetology
- Counseling/Career Studies
- Entrepreneurship
- Health Occupations
- History
- Horticulture, Architecture and Applied Technologies
- Hospitality Management
- Internet and Multimedia Technology
- Kinesiology, Health and Nutrition
- International Languages
- Library
- Licensed Vocational Nursing
- Marketing and Management
- Mathematics
- Media Arts and Technologies
- Performing and Media Arts
- Physical Sciences
- Restaurant, Travel and Tourism
- Registered Nursing
- Social Science
- Spanish
Athletics
MiraCosta College's men's/women's basketball and soccer teams compete in the Pacific Coast ConferencePacific Coast Conference
The Pacific Coast Conference was a college athletic conference in the United States which existed from 1915 to 1959. Though the Pacific-12 Conference claims the PCC's history as part of its own, the older league had a completely different charter and was disbanded in 1959 due to a major crisis...
. MiraCosta also has a surf team that competes in the college division of the National Scholastic Surfing Association
National Scholastic Surfing Association
The National Scholastic Surfing Association is a surfing association in the United States. It is the highest level for competitive amateur surfing in the country. Founded in 1978 by Chuck Allen, John Rothrock and Tom Gibbons, the association was formed with the purpose of uniting amateur surfers...
(NSSA). The school colors are blue, green and white, and the college’s team name is the Spartan
Spartan Army
The Spartan army was the military force of Sparta, one of the leading city-states of ancient Greece. The army stood at the centre of the Spartan state, whose citizens' primary obligation was to be good soldiers. Subject to military drill from infancy, the Spartans were one of the most feared...
s. Intramural sports are also offered to the campus community.
Campus life and resources
Student Resources: Library and Information Hubs at both the Oceanside and San Elijo campuses; more than 1,000 networked computers for student use; Wellness Center at the Oceanside Campus; free tutoring in nearly every subject; more than 1,500 students participate in Service Learning projects related to class curricula; Honors Scholars Program and active national honor society.College activities: Periodic “College Hour” events at noon featuring many cultural events and performing arts featuring guest artists as well as student work.
More than 30 student clubs meet regularly and contribute to campus life.
MiraCosta hosts a number of arts, music, theatre, dance, film and cultural events throughout the year. Check out upcoming events at www.miracosta.edu/events.
Notable alumni
- Adam BrodyAdam BrodyAdam Jared Brody is an American film and television actor and part time musician. He began his career in 1995, appearing on Gilmore Girls and other series, and subsequently came to fame for his role as Seth Cohen on The O.C. Brody later appeared in several film roles, including Mr. & Mrs...
, actor on the TelevisionTelevisionTelevision is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
series, The OC - Kevin TowersKevin TowersKevin S. Towers is currently the general manager for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He also served as the general manager of Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres from 1995-2009.-Playing career:...
, general manager of the Arizona DiamondbacksArizona DiamondbacksThe Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...