A Message from the President

Welcome to Foothill College!  

Thank you for choosing Foothill College as your higher education partner. You’ve joined us at an exciting time in our institution’s history—one marked by innovation, community, and a steadfast commitment to student success.

In 2024–2025, Foothill College continued its trajectory as a leading institution both regionally and nationally. We officially opened the doors on our new Campus Center Student Services hub, bringing together vital student resources in one dynamic space—home to the Owl’s Nest Community Resource Center, Pride Center, BIPOC Center, the ASFC Welcome Center, and the Mental Health & Wellness Center. These centers are more than rooms—they are spaces where students feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Our impact has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, we were once again honored to be voted Best Community College in the Bay Area by Bay Area News Group readers and Niche awarded us the #1 Community College in California spot for the third time in the last four years—a testament to our quality, commitment, and community trust.

But what truly sets Foothill apart is our people. Alongside our outstanding faculty, classified professionals and administrators work tirelessly to support you—from academic counseling to health services, financial aid, tutoring, transfer guidance, and more. Our staff are often the first friendly face a student meets, and their contributions shape every step of the student experience.

For students looking to transfer to a four-year institution, you’re in the right place. Foothill offers six University of California Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) agreements, a Transfer Alliance Program (TAP) with UCLA, and strong partnerships with the California State University system. In 2024 alone, we awarded over 1,000 Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADTs). Annually, our students gain admission to some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions.

If you're looking for a professional qualification to advance your career, our degree and certificate programs offer practical, hands-on training. Foothill now offers two bachelor's degrees—one in Dental Hygiene and a brand new program in Respiratory Therapy. Apprenticeships, including the first-in-the-nation, Process Technician apprenticeship for semiconductor manufacturing, and career education programs at our Los Altos Hills and Sunnyvale campuses, as well as regional partner sites, prepare students to contribute immediately in high-wage and high-demand fields like Dental Hygiene, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Paramedicine, Radiologic Technology, and Respiratory Therapy.

We are proud of our legacy as pioneers in online education. Years before remote learning became the norm, Foothill College developed one of the country’s first virtual classroom platforms. Today, we continue to lead with flexible, high-quality instruction—offering in-person, online, hybrid, and even virtual reality-enhanced learning experiences, to support student learning.

Alongside our phenomenal instructional faculty, you will be supported by knowledgeable and committed faculty and classified staff in our academic counseling, psychological counseling, tutoring, mental health services, Transfer Center, and financial aid offices. We also offer many learning communities that provide unparalleled support, especially to those whose families are new to higher education.    

We know you will enjoy your time on campus–whether walking the footpaths around our beautiful main campus in Los Altos Hills or the halls of our Sunnyvale Center. Online learners will find our virtual campus and classrooms a rich, human experience. In all places and at all times, we embody our core values of Integrity and Honesty, Transparency and Openness, Innovation and Curiosity, Equity-mindedness and Inclusion, Community and Collaboration, and Love and Compassion while delivering an education worthy of our high rankings.    

We wish you the very best on your journey with us!   

Kristina Whalen, Ph.D. 
President, Foothill College 

Introduction

Foothill College is a public, two-year college and part of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District.

Main Campus
12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022-4599
650.949.7777
foothill.edu

Sunnyvale Center
1070 Innovation Way, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1200
foothill.edu/sunnyvale

Accreditation

Foothill College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Foothill College’s accreditation was reaffirmed in January of 2025 by ACCJC after the completion of a comprehensive self-study in December 2023 and site evaluation team visit on September 30 and October 1, 2024. Learn more at foothill.edu/accreditation.

Foothill College is also accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation, American Medical Association Council on Medical Education, and Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

This Catalog is Your Key to Success

The information you need to succeed as a Foothill College student is in this catalog. The following pages contain a wealth of information about courses, campus resources, student services, program descriptions, degree requirements, and college policies and procedures.

Use the catalog to:

• Plan your educational program;
• Review Foothill College policies and procedures;
• Learn about course and degree requirements; and
• Find important dates, phone numbers and locations.

Whether you want university-transfer preparation, career-training programs, basic skills improvement or professional development, you’ll find that Foothill College is a lively center for outstanding instruction and enriching student activities. Lives change in powerful ways at Foothill College.

At Foothill, we also have fun. From student clubs and social events to intercollegiate athletics and performing arts, Foothill offers you the total college experience.

Our students, faculty and staff come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. These traits, combined with our majestic campus, make Foothill a leader in providing students with a comprehensive, high-quality education.

Rules & Policies May Change

Please note that the 2025-2026 academic catalog will be valid from June 30, 2025 through September 6, 2026, covering Summer Session 2025 through Summer Session 2026. Starting with the 2026-2027 academic year, the Foothill College catalog will begin with Fall Quarter.

The Foothill-De Anza Community College District and Foothill College have made every reasonable effort to determine that information in this catalog is accurate. Changes may result from California legislature statutes or rules and policies adopted by the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board of Trustees, chancellor or institutional designee. Courses and programs offered, together with other matters contained herein, are subject to change without notice by the administration of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District or Foothill College for reasons related to student enrollment, level of financial support, or for any other reason, at the discretion of the district and college. The district and college further reserve the right to add, amend or repeal any of its rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

12345 El Monte Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
650.949.7777
foothill.edu

To request this publication in alternative media, call 650.949.7017