Monterey Peninsula College offers the following types of programs:

• Career Education: MPC’s career education programs offer students the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills needed for employment and job advancement. Students in career education pathways can earn short-term noncredit certificates as well as for-credit certificates and degrees that recognize the completion of a series of coursework that prepares students for employment or career advancement.
• Transfer: MPC’s transfer programs are designed to enable students to complete lower-division requirements in preparation for transfer to a baccalaureate-granting institution. MPC courses parallel those offered to freshman and sophomore students at the University of California, California State University, and private colleges and universities. Students may elect to complete an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) which guarantees admission into selected programs at campuses in the CSU system.
• Skill Development: Courses and programs in basic skills are offered to students needing to increase performance levels in English, reading, study skills, math, critical thinking and other fundamental skills required for successful completion of college-level course work. Learning support services are available for language and mathematics skill development.
• Language Acquisition: MPC’s English as a Second Language program is designed to help non-native English speakers communicate by gaining fluency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing English. 

In order to increase access, Monterey Peninsula College offers courses in the community as well as on the Monterey, Marina, and Seaside campuses. Classes are also offered through the Older Adult program at senior citizen centers and at other easily accessible sites. MPC has a robust “dual enrollment” program to provide high school students with the opportunity to enroll in college classes.

Further, Monterey Peninsula College provides distance education through its growing number of online courses. Some online courses require on-campus orientations. Finally, Monterey Peninsula College offers a wide range of courses through Instructional Agreements, providing educational opportunities in partnership with numerous agencies and firms in the community.