Washtenaw Community College: Degree Programs and Opportunities
Washtenaw Community College (WCC), established in 1965, stands as a public community college committed to providing high-quality education and diverse opportunities for students to achieve their academic and career goals. Located in a vibrant suburb, WCC offers a comprehensive range of programs, resources, and support services designed to empower students to succeed.
Academic Overview and Program Offerings
WCC offers approximately 137 credit programs spanning various fields, including business, health, advanced manufacturing and skilled trades, public service, humanities, social science, math, natural sciences, art, and technology. With more than 130 programs, including 50 that are 100% online, there’s a WCC program that helps students earn the credentials they need to help them find the job they want. The college utilizes a trimester-based academic year, providing students with flexibility in their studies. The student-faculty ratio is 18-to-1, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.
The highest degree offered at Washtenaw Community College is an associate degree. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 59 different fields. Popular programs include: General Studies, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, and Business Administration and Management, General.
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
More than 100 of WCC’s programs are in CTE fields. Career and technical education, or CTE, is a term that applies to high-wage, high-skill, high-demand careers. For students unsure of what they want to pursue, but know they want to earn credentials in an in-demand field, WCC provides pathways to success.
Hands-on Training and Industry Partnerships
WCC distinguishes itself through its emphasis on hands-on training and strong partnerships with local and national businesses and organizations. These collaborations ensure that students acquire the skills and knowledge demanded by employers, making them highly competitive in the job market.
Read also: Alumni Success Stories at WCC
Advanced Automotive Transportation and Manufacturing
WCC provides hands-on training in the #1 auto producing state in the country. Hands-on training in WCC’s Advanced Automotive Transportation and Manufacturing programs prepares students for work in crash labs, powertrain development facilities, and more as a certified automotive technician, including servicing electric vehicles, serving as a materials engineer or first-line supervisor, and more.
Union Partnerships
WCC’s Union Partnerships allow members of skilled trade unions to earn college credit for apprenticeship and career experience.
Creative Fields
Students learn the latest technology and trends so they graduate with marketable skills in the creative field. WCC labs have the latest software and technology, including a 3D printer, green screen studio, photography studio, and free loaner equipment.
Business Programs
Students can launch their business or prepare to transfer to a bachelor’s of business administration degree program-all in a few short weeks.
Skilled Trades
Students get the skills needed to land a job as a first-line supervisor or entry-level management position in construction, HVACR, and welding trades.
Read also: Explore WCC Course Offerings
Healthcare
Students have an even greater impact on the lives of others by becoming a skilled and licensed healthcare professional, healthcare manager and more. They can make a difference while making a living.
STEM Programs
STEM jobs are some of the fastest-growing occupations in the country. WCC’S STEM programs, including pre-engineering and pre-science, pre-med transfer programs prepare students for transfer to four-year universities to complete their bachelor’s degree-at a significantly reduced cost given WCC’s low tuition.
Transfer Agreements
WCC has transfer agreements with many higher education institutions, including the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University. Pursuing your education at one of the top community colleges in Michigan sets students up for easy transfer to dozens of top-tier schools.
Student Support and Resources
WCC is committed to student success, offering a wide array of support services and resources to help students thrive academically and personally.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Many students receive financial aid in part because of the WCC Foundation. According to 2016-2017 school year data, the Foundation awarded approximately 1,000 scholarships, totaling more than $700,000. The Foundation oversees the Student Emergency Fund, a project that assists students with unexpected financial strains, including shutoff notices, car repairs, medical expenses and food.
Read also: Employment at WCC
At Washtenaw Community College, 35 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid and the average scholarship or grant award is $4,709. If you're a Michigan resident 25 years or older, you may qualify for free tuition through the Michigan Reconnect scholarship program. Students can earn their Associate degree for free or earn their Bachelor's degree for the price of 1 year with up to 3 years covered at WCC. Out-of-district students may still qualify for a significant tuition reduction. WCC also invest in its students with scholarships for childcare, books, and more.
Academic and Career Counseling
WCC provides academic/career counseling services to guide students in their educational and career paths.
Employment Services
Employment services are available for students, assisting them in finding job opportunities and internships.
Placement Services
Placement services for completers help graduates transition into the workforce.
Veterans' Center
WCC opened a veterans' center in 2012 to centralize the work done to help veterans and active duty members transition to college. The Wadhams Veterans Center serves veterans and current military personnel, spouses and dependents of veterans, and students in the National Guard or reserves.
Child Care Facility
Washtenaw Community College provides a nationally accredited and licensed child care facility in the Family Education Building for children age 18 months to 5 years. The service center was established in 1968 for WCC students, staff and faculty. The center offers a comprehensive child development program which emphasizes the child's self-identity and feeling of worth. Children are supported in strengthening learning in key areas through active learning, discovery, and problem solving.
Campus Life and Location
WCC's campus is located in a suburb, offering a peaceful and conducive learning environment. Ann Arbor is one of the country’s top college towns with a walkable downtown that includes culinary hotspots and a thriving arts scene with galleries, museums, theatrical organizations, and more. It’s also one of the most educated cities in the US and a tech hub.
Admissions and Enrollment
The school has an open admissions policy and offers credit for life experiences. One fast, free application could set students up for long-term career success.
The student headcount for the 2016-2017 academic year was 20,718. Of that, 2,170 were first generation students; 1,013 were single parents; and 643 were veterans. Adults age 18-24 years represent almost 48 percent of the WCC student body. According to data for the Fall 2017 semester, 812 international students attended Washtenaw Community College. Total Entering Students in Fall 2023 were 3,196.
Tuition and Fees (2020-2021)
- In-district tuition and fees: $2,520
- In-state tuition and fees: $4,248
- Out-of-state tuition and fees: $5,856
Books and supplies: $1,126
tags: #Washtenaw #Community #College #degree #programs
