The Petaluma Campus of Santa Rosa Junior College specializes in programs tailored to the agricultural and equine industries of Sonoma County, while also providing core transfer courses and vocational training. This location emphasizes practical, hands-on learning in a rural setting, complementing the broader offerings at the Santa Rosa Campus.
The campus features specialized facilities such as the Agriculture/Natural Resources Building, equine arenas, and demonstration farms, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Partnerships with local wineries, farms, and equestrian centers provide internships and job placement opportunities. The curriculum supports associate degrees and certificates that align with industry demands in Northern California's agriculture sector, which is vital to the economy.
Students at Petaluma also engage in interdisciplinary projects, such as sustainable farming initiatives and community outreach programs. The smaller campus size promotes personalized instruction and strong student-faculty relationships. Transfer students can complete IGETC requirements here before moving to larger universities. Additionally, the campus hosts events like farm-to-table demonstrations and equine shows, enhancing cultural and professional development. This location is particularly suited for those interested in rural professions, environmental stewardship, and hands-on trades, contributing to SRJC's mission of regional relevance and excellence in education.
In total, the Petaluma Campus enriches SRJC's portfolio by focusing on niche areas, preparing graduates for careers in growing fields like organic farming and animal husbandry while offering foundational academics.
The Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) at Santa Rosa Junior College is a specialized facility dedicated to preparing students for careers in law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical response, and corrections. This campus provides intensive, scenario-based training using state-of-the-art equipment and simulation environments, focusing on practical skills rather than traditional academics.
The center features a 40-acre training complex with shoot houses, burn towers, driving tracks, and obstacle courses, simulating real emergencies. Instruction follows POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) guidelines, ensuring graduates meet California state requirements. Partnerships with local agencies like the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office and fire departments facilitate recruit hiring and continuing education.
Programs are cohort-based, with rigorous schedules combining classroom theory, physical drills, and field exercises. Non-credit options include refresher courses and community safety seminars. The PSTC supports diversity initiatives, offering scholarships and outreach to underrepresented groups in public safety. Students gain not only technical skills but also ethical decision-making and teamwork abilities essential for these demanding professions.
As a key component of SRJC, the PSTC addresses regional needs for qualified public safety personnel, contributing to community safety and emergency preparedness. Its focus on hands-on, accelerated training makes it ideal for career changers and high school graduates entering protective services, with high employment rates upon completion.
The Santa Rosa Campus of Santa Rosa Junior College serves as the flagship location, offering a comprehensive array of academic programs designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year universities or entry into the workforce. This campus hosts the majority of the college's course offerings, spanning a wide range of disciplines.
Additionally, the campus supports non-credit courses in English as a Second Language (ESL), community education, and workforce development workshops. With over 100 degree and certificate programs, students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and resources like the library, tutoring centers, and career services. The curriculum aligns with California transfer requirements, ensuring seamless progression to UC and CSU systems. Extracurricular integrations, such as honors programs and study abroad opportunities, enrich the learning experience. This campus is ideal for students seeking a broad, foundational education in a supportive environment, fostering lifelong learning and personal growth across diverse fields.
Overall, the Santa Rosa Campus embodies SRJC's commitment to accessible, high-quality education, serving thousands of students annually with innovative teaching methods and real-world applications. Programs evolve with community needs, incorporating emerging technologies and sustainable practices in environmental science and agriculture-related courses.
