Accelerate Your Future with the ACE Program!
The Accelerated College Education (ACE) program at the Natomas Center puts you on the fast track toward a Bachelor's degree!
ACE is designed for working adults who wish to complete 46 units of general education transfer and Associate degree requirements. The program is made up of a pre-planned set of classes. Students enroll in two short-term classes every eight weeks during the semester, for a total of 10-12 units each semester. Each week, students attend classes one weeknight and on Saturday at the Natomas Center. No classes are scheduled in the summer.
ACE is a cohort program that allows you to complete a two-year set of courses as a unified group of students. As a cohort you have the opportunity to collaborate and learn from your fellow students over the course of your study. The cohort model fosters long-lasting relationships that can extend beyond the classroom.
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The Natomas Center is located at 2421 Del Paso Road, Sacramento, CA 95835. For further information, contact the Natomas Center at (916) 485-6000.
Frequently Asked ACE Program Questions
ACE Advantages
ACE provides a convenient schedule for working students or other busy adults learners. ACE allows students the opportunity to complete general education and associate degree classes at a much quicker pace.
- Continue working while you complete your educational goals
- Prepare to transfer to a university
- By completing the ACE Program you can qualify for the CSU General Education Certificate or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer (IGETC) Certificate
I have already completed some of the courses offered by ACE. Can I still participate in this program?
Absolutely. You will need to make a counseling appointment to review your course work.
How do I find out my English and math placements?
For more information on placements, visit the ARC Assessment Center website.
Fall Start Course Pattern
Refer to the calendar in the schedule or the course syllabi for exact dates. There is a PDF document showing the fall course pattern.
First Year
August - October
HCD 310 (3 Units) and ARTH 300 (3 Units)
Break - 1 week
October - December
HIST 330 (3 UNITS) and ANTH 310 (3 UNITS)
Winter Break
January - March
POLS 301 (3 UNITS) and PHIL 300 (3 UNITS)
Break - 1 week
March - May
PSYC 300 (3 UNITS) and HIST 308 (3 UNITS)
Summer Break
Second Year
August - October
ENGWR 300/94* (3 UNITS/2 UNITS) and ASTR 300 (3 UNITS)
Break - 1 week
October - December
ENGWR 302* (3 UNITS) and PSYC 330* (3 UNITS)
Winter Break
January - March
ANTH 300 (3 UNITS) and ANTH 301 (1 UNIT)
Break - 1 week
March - May
TAFILM 300 (3 UNITS) and SPEECH 301 (3 UNITS)
Summer Break
This program meets the requirements for the CSU General Education or Intersegmental General Education Transfer (IGETC) Certificates. This course pattern does not meet all requirements for graduation.
46 Units in the ACE program
14 Additional units needed for an AA/AS degree**
60 Total Units
* Prerequisite must be completed prior to enrolling in this course.
** See a counselor for additional requirements for an AA/AS degree and graduation requirements.
Spring Start Course Pattern
Refer to the calendar in the schedule or the course syllabi for exact dates. There is a PDF document showing the course pattern.
First Year
January - March
HCD 310 (3 UNITS) and ARTH 300 (3 UNITS)
Break - 1 week
March - May
HIST 330 (3 UNITS) and ANTH 310 (3 UNITS)
Summer Break
August - October
POLS 301 (3 UNITS) and PHIL 300 (3 UNITS)
Break - 1 week
October - December
PSYC 300 (3 UNITS) and HIST 308 (3 UNITS)
Winter Break
Second Year
January - March
ENGWR 300/94* (3 UNITS/2 UNITS) and ASTR 300 (3 UNITS)
Break - 1 week
March - May
ENGWR 302* (3 UNITS) and PSYC 330* (3 UNITS)
Summer Break
August - October
ANTH 300 (3 UNITS) and ANTH 301 (1 UNIT)
Break - 1 week
October - December
TAFILM 300 (3 UNITS) and SPEECH 301 (3 UNITS)
Winter Break
This program meets the requirements for the CSU General Education or Intersegmental General Education Transfer (IGETC) Certificates. This course pattern does not meet all requirements for graduation.
46 Units in the ACE program
14 Additional units needed for an AA/AS degree**
60 Total Units
* Prerequisite must be completed prior to enrolling in this course.
** See a counselor for additional requirements for an AA/AS degree and graduation requirements.
Is it possible for me to take just one of the courses in the 8 week session?
While we encourage students to take the package of courses together, under some circumstances a student might be able to take only one of the courses offered in the 8 week session. You should consult with the coordinator of the program to determine if this is a possibility.
Are ACE classes and units treated any differently from other ARC classes?
No, the classes and units earned through the ACE Program are treated exactly the same as any other course and become part of your permanent record. ACE classes can be applied towards degree applicable programs. Students would need to speak to a counselor to determine degree eligibililty.
ACE Courses offered for Fall 2020
Fall 2020 1st 8 - Week Session
1st 8-Week Session: (Saturday, August 22 – Wednesday, October 14)
New Cohort (must attend an Information Session to get enrolled):
HCD 310: Hybrid; Sat. 8:30 – 11:33am -10767
ANTH 310: Hybrid; Sat. 12:40 – 3:45pm - 11119
Continuing Cohorts (ACE students enrolled first then open to all):
ANTH 300: Hybrid; Sat. 8:30 – 11:35am - 13107
ANTH 301: Hybrid; Sat. 12:40 – 3:45pm - 13108/21055
ASTR 300: ONLINE - 11180
ENGWR 300: ONLINE -11835
ENGWR 300+ENGWR 94: ONLINE - 13329/13284
ENGRD 111: ONLINE - 13113/13114
ENGWR 95: ONLINE - 13285/13741/19825
Spring Fall 2nd 8 - Week Session
2nd 8-Week Session: (Saturday, October 17 – Saturday, December 12)
New Cohort (must attend an Information Session to get enrolled):
TAFILM 300: ONLINE - 12240
HIST 330: Hybrid; Tues. 7:45 – 9:20pm - 13109
Continuing Cohorts (ACE students enrolled first then open to all):
SPEECH 301: Hybrid; Sat. 8:00 – 12:20pm - 11197
MUFHL 300: ONLINE - 13656
PSYC 330: Hybrid; Sat. 8:30 – 11:35am - 11834
ENGWR 302: ONLINE - 12208/12921
Interested in Starting Fall 2020?