Existing law sets forth the missions and functions of California’s public and independent segments of higher education, and details the ways in which their respective institutions are to be differentiated. Existing law requires the California Community Colleges, as a primary mission, to offer academic and vocational instruction at the lower division level, and authorizes these institutions to grant the associate in arts and the associate in science degree. Existing law specifies that the California State University shall offer undergraduate and graduate instruction through the master’s degree in the liberal arts and sciences and professional education.