Founded in 1921, Modesto Junior College is one of the oldest community colleges in California. It is located in the heart of the state’s great Central Valley. The college offers high quality transfer, vocational, and general education programs. Associate in Arts and Science degrees are awarded. Certificate programs include Agriculture, Supervisory Training, Real Estate, Fire Science, Dental and Medical Assisting, Shakespeare Studies, and Speech Communication. In addition to academics, Modesto Junior College provides a semester abroad program through the American Institute for Foreign Study. The college includes two campuses - the East Campus on College Avenue and the West Campus on Blue Gum and Carpenter avenues. The main auditorium, gymnasium, stadium, student center, and the library are found on the East Campus, while the West Campus houses Child Development Center, Child Care Center, the Print Shop, and offices for the Yosemite Community College District. It is the prime center for technical education, culinary arts, nursing, medical and dental assisting, and other allied health and consumer sciences. Modesto’s Great Valley Museum of Natural History, located at the corner of College and Stoddard avenues, strives to provide information on science and natural history through classes, programs, and exhibits. Further, Modesto Junior College is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It is also approved by the State Department of Education to train veterans.