Fresno City College: A Legacy of Education and Opportunity

Fresno City College (FCC) stands as a cornerstone of education in the San Joaquin Valley, offering a diverse range of programs and a rich history deeply intertwined with the region's development. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a leading community college, FCC has remained committed to providing accessible, high-quality education to meet the evolving needs of its students and the community.

A Historical Overview

The seeds of Fresno City College were sown in 1907 when C. L. McLane, then superintendent of schools for the city of Fresno, recognized the pressing need for accessible college instruction for students in the San Joaquin Valley. Largely through McLane's efforts, Fresno Junior College was established.

The college's journey began at the former Fresno High School campus on "O" Street. In 1921, Fresno Junior College entered a collaborative phase, merging with Fresno Normal School (later Fresno State College and now California State University, Fresno) to operate on the same campus as the four-year institution.

A significant turning point arrived in 1948 when new legislation empowered local school districts to independently operate junior colleges. Fresno City College returned to the "O" Street campus, sharing it with Fresno Technical High School. By 1950, the technical high school program was phased out, prompting the district to seek a new, dedicated campus. Negotiations concluded with the purchase of the University Avenue site from Fresno State College.

This site held historical significance, featuring the original classroom building of the former Fresno State College (now California State University, Fresno). This building, along with the library, McLane Hall, and several technical shop buildings, formed the core of the FSC campus. When the California State University system added FSC to its rolls in 1946 and acquired land for its current location on Shaw Avenue and Cedar Avenue, the "old campus" was given to the newly re-organized community college system. Fresno Junior College moved onto this campus in 1947 from the downtown Fresno site which it occupied since 1910.

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The Library Building: A Testament to Architectural Grandeur

The Library building itself is a landmark, reflecting a blend of history and architectural artistry. Construction began in 1931, and the Fresno State Teachers College library opened in September 1933. The architectural design is primarily Romanesque with its extensive use of curved arches, terra cotta tile roof and brickwork. There are 100,000 face bricks in six shades of color, ranging from buff to purple, laid with unequal thickness of mortar. The eight terra cotta columns of the vestibule are of three different designs and the brick work flooring has various patterns and colors. Above the three brass light fixtures, the painted overhang features a motif of large, intricate rosettes and smaller, more simplified, ones.

The Lobby houses the Freedom Shrine, displaying copies of key documents related to American freedom. From the Lobby, you can turn left and go to the Learning Resources Office, Tutorial and Media Centers, the Student Success Computer Lab, Financial Aid and various other college offices. If you go straight ahead and up the stairs, you will reach the second floor classrooms. Although, the original brick circulation desk has been replaced, multicolored brick arches are incorporated into the “washed” walls. The Library Conference Room was originally a browsing room for students with lounge furniture, a fireplace, leather-covered doors and knotty-pine paneling.

The Reference Room, originally the Main Reading Room, bears the inscription "There is no past, so long as books shall live," a line from "The Souls of Books" by Edward Lytton. The room is 107 feet long and 50 feet wide with columns and arched windows running down the length of the room. The ceiling is 30 feet high and the 12 bell-shaped lamps are of bronze. In 1976, mercury vapor light fixtures were installed in the ceiling to improve the lighting. The ceiling artwork is the most famous feature of the library. The ceiling was designed by Anthony B. Heinsbergen of Los Angeles, California. He was born in Holland and came to the United States in 1906. He created the art work for the Los Angeles City Hall, the California State Building also in Los Angeles, twenty-two Pantages theaters across the country, including the Tower Theater in Fresno, and many other civic buildings. Heinsbergen often painted on canvas and then applied them like wall paper.

Academic Divisions and Programs

Fresno City College is organized into nine main divisions, each offering a diverse array of programs and courses designed to meet the varied academic and career goals of its students.

Allied Health, Physical Education and Athletics Division

This division provides courses for fulfilling requirements in a number of Allied Health programs, as well as courses and programs in Physical Education and Recreation Leadership. Students interested in healthcare professions or pursuing a career in fitness and recreation will find a strong foundation here.

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Applied Technology Division

The Applied Technology Division provides quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that meet today’s demand for high skilled workers with the appropriate training and technical skills in order to enter the workforce. These programs offer an affordable and strong foundation to starting a career in just two years or less, and gain the knowledge you need to succeed in a growing number of high paying careers. With a focus on hands-on learning and industry-relevant skills, graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce in fields such as manufacturing, construction, and automotive technology.

Business Division

Fresno City College's Business Division offers transfer, occupational, and life-long learning programs designed to meet the unique needs of each student. Students interested in transferring to a 4-year college or university will benefit from the Associate in Science in Business Degree. This degree provides lower division courses to students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in a similar major at a California State University campus. The division prides itself on community partnerships, competency-based education, and job placement, ensuring students gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today's competitive business environment. New programs are continually developed to teach skills that relate directly to jobs.

Fine, Performing and Communication Arts Division

The Fine, Performing and Communication Arts Division offers a rich variety of courses to acquaint students with the arts. The courses in the division examine the breadth of human experience through the study, analysis and discussion of art, film, music, theater, dance and communication. Students can explore their creativity and develop their artistic talents through a variety of courses and performance opportunities. The Performing Arts at Fresno City College are vibrant and alive.

Humanities Division

The Humanities Division offers courses that enrich students' lives while improving skills in reading and writing. Humanities courses meet general education requirements, and major requirements to complete various associates degrees and lower division transfer requirements. An integrated program of study in the humanities provides students with a foundation in the liberal arts that prepares them for further study in many different disciplines.

Library and Archives

For those drawn to the world of information and preservation, Fresno City College provides pathways to careers in libraries and archives. These programs equip students with the skills to organize, manage, and provide access to information resources.

Math, Science and Engineering Division

The Math, Science and Engineering Division offers courses for fulfilling requirements in its own programs as well as programs offered by other divisions. Many of the courses are for students in transfer programs (ADT). These include courses, which fulfill lower division requirements for majors as well as courses taken for general education. Students can pursue studies in mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering, preparing them for further study or careers in STEM fields.

Social Sciences Division

The interdisciplinary courses offered in the Social Sciences can prepare students for careers in all industries and service areas nationally and internationally. Students can explore a variety of disciplines, including history, psychology, sociology, and political science, gaining a deeper understanding of human behavior and social systems.

Specialized Programs and Resources

Beyond its core academic divisions, Fresno City College offers a range of specialized programs and resources to support student success and community engagement.

Basic Fire Academy: This program prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a State of California Certified Firefighter 1.
Culinary Arts: Aspiring chefs can launch their careers in under 18 months, earning certifications at three different levels.
Law Enforcement: Students interested in law enforcement can benefit from Fresno City College's renowned Police Academy, which offers training for cadets and professional development opportunities.
Nursing and Health Sciences: Fresno City College boasts one of the highest pass rates in the state for nursing and health sciences programs.
Ram Pantry: The Ram Pantry is a free food assistance program for college students currently enrolled at Fresno City College.
Career & Technology Center (CTC): The Career & Technology Center (CTC) provides training based upon industry needs at a low cost. No high school diploma required. The Career & Technology Center offers several training programs ranging from 20 to 30 weeks.
The Training Institute: The Training Institute provides career training, professional development, continuing education, online programs, and corporate training.

General Education and Degree Requirements

To complete a degree at Fresno City College, students must complete 60 units with at least a 2.0 (C) grade point average in all courses applicable to degree. These units include Major Requirements as shown below in the major sheets and the FCC General Education (GE) requirements. GE requirements are for all students regardless of major. If you are transferring to a UC or CSU, then you should compare the GE requirements of each institution so you choose the ones best suited to your degree and institution. Fresno City College offers Associate in Science (AS) and Associate in Arts (AA) degrees.

A Focus on Transfer and Career Readiness

Fresno City College is committed to preparing students for both transfer to four-year universities and direct entry into the workforce. The college offers a variety of transfer programs, ensuring that students can seamlessly continue their education at a UC or CSU institution. For students seeking immediate career opportunities, FCC's career and technical education programs provide the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in high-demand industries.

Ram Pathways bring together groups of related study programs that share core classes and career routes. They're like a roadmap - you start with a big picture of what you want to study, then zoom in to focus on a specific program or major. This can lead to getting certificates, associate degrees, and even getting ready to transfer to a university.

Diversity and Inclusion

Fresno City College embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment for all students. The college recognizes and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the San Joaquin Valley, including the contributions of the Yokuts and Mono tribes, whose ancestors have inhabited the region since time immemorial. This area is dedicated to the Yokuts and Mono tribes and their ancestors. Since time immemorial these indigenous nations have occupied the San Joaquin Valley and Sierra Foothills developing distinctive cultures that have emphasized a love for the land and community.

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