The significance of short cycle higher education has been internationally recognized. The innovation program has been going on since the introduction of Junior Colleges in the U.S.A. at the beginning of the present century. There has been a steadfast development of the system the 1960's on and many comprehensive community colleges were established throughout the country. As of 1974, the number of community and junior colleges are 1203. They assume the democratic role of the higher education in the United States. There has been the same kind of emphasis placed on the junior college education in Korea and it is desirable for us to make a constant reference to the system in the advanced countries with the special situation of Korea in mind. The present study attempts to 1) review the developmental processes, 2) explore the function, 3) analyze t he present status and characteristics, and 4) determine the trend of innovation of community and junior colleges in the U.S.A. Bunker-Hlill Community College, Miami-Dade Community College and Tarrant County Junior College were the object of the present case study. The result of study is as follows: A. The characteristics of American Community and Junior Colleges 1. The majority of community and junior college students commute to school. 2. The school expenses are much cheaper than for regular colleges. 3. Graduates from senior high schools and over 18 year old are entitled to enter a community or a junior college. 4. The student size, curriculum, motivation of freshmen are varied. 5. One of the most important functions of the system is to prepare the local people for community services. 6. The placement counseling is laid stress upon. B. The innovational trend of Community and Junior Colleges in the U.S.A. 1. For the last 20 years the number of the public comprehensive community colleges has shown a rapid increase. 2. The development of Community and Junior Colleges offers better opportunities of higher education. 3. The training for semi-professionals demanded in the industrial society is stressed upon. 4. School buildings and educational facilities have been modernized and well provided for. 5. The curricula offered by various programs depend on the needs both of the students and the community. 6. The articulation between senior high schools and community colleges, between the latter and regular colleges is well coordinated. 7. The leveling up of professors' quality of community and junior colleges is stressed. 8. Community and Junior College Association activities are stimulated through seminars, researches and inter-school information exchanges.