Westchester Community College - Overview
Westchester Community College is Large and Accomplished
Westchester Community College (WCC) is a public, 2-year college and one of the largest community colleges affiliated with the State University of New York (SUNY) system. It was founded in 1946, and in 1957 it relocated its main campus to 218 acres of the John A. Harford estate in Valhalla, New York.
Today WCC has an annual part- and full-time student enrollment of approximately 12,000 individuals who attend classes at the main campus in Valhalla or at WCC extension sites in New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Yonkers, Shrub Oak, Mahopac, Ossining, Port Chester, and White Plains. WCC's Continuing Education Division is the largest in the SUNY system and raises the college's total student enrollment above 24,000.
WCC is recognized as a Veteran Friendly Campus with extensive services geared towards veterans. WCC also has been recognized for its commitment to student diversity. The college has more than 50 associate degree and certificate programs.
Academic Overview
Westchester Community College is dedicated to the belief that growth and adaptation through educational experience are possible for individuals and organizations at all stages of development.
WCC offers 3 types of associate degrees in 36 subject areas: the Associate in Arts (AA) degree for students transferring to 4-year institutions in the liberal arts; the Associate in Science (AS) degree for those transferring to 4-year institutions for business, math, science, or health careers; and the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree for students preparing to seek immediate employment, change careers, or transfer.
In addition, WCC offers certificate programs in approximately 20 career fields that require between 15 and 33 credits to complete.
WCC's Continuing Education Division offers programming for people of every age considering career choices, changes, or personal development. These programs include customized training for businesses, innovative programming for older adults, and an arts and culture series open to the public.
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree Program
Requirements for the AA degree at Westchester Community College are equivalent to the first 2 years at an accredited 4-year institution and emphasize the liberal arts and sciences. Graduates typically transfer to baccalaureate-granting institutions.
There are 4 AA degree programs at WCC: the Communications and Media Arts AA degree program; the Liberal Arts and Sciences/Childhood Education (Teacher Transfer) AA degree program; the Liberal Arts and Sciences/Humanities AA; and Liberal Arts and Sciences/Social Science AA
Associate of Science (AS) Degree Program
Requirements for the AS degree at WCC are equivalent to the first 2 years at an accredited 4-year institution; they are designed to balance a professional orientation with the liberal arts and sciences. Graduates typically transfer to baccalaureate-granting institutions.
AS degrees are granted in a wide range of disciplines including various aspects of accounting, business, and computers; digital filmmaking; engineering; food service, food, and nutrition; human services; liberal arts and sciences/mathematics and science; and individual studies.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree Program
The curriculum for the Associate in Applied Science degree (AAS) prepares graduates for immediate employment within specific technical fields. The requirements combine specific career preparations with a firm foundation in the liberal arts and sciences. Although the AAS is not intended as a transfer degree, graduates in some professions do transfer to baccalaureate-granting institutions.
WCC offers 29 AAS degree programs in a wide range of disciplines from business, justice, human services, technology, energy, healthcare, food, education, veterinary technology, and entertainment.
Certificate Programs
WCC offers 22 certificate programs covering virtually every sector of business, profession, and service that comprise today's economy.
Certificate programs prepare students for immediate employment in a variety of skilled occupations. College credits earned in certificate programs can often be applied to parallel associate degrees offered at WCC. Certificates provide a well-rounded course of study which may include English, mathematics, and science courses, in addition to occupational training.
Continuing Education Program at WCC
The Division of Continuing Education at Westchester Community College offers a large variety of affordable, quality, credit and non-credit classes for all ages at numerous WCC locations and online. The division's commitment to lifelong learning and professional development is exemplified by its comprehensive offering of programs and support.
Continuing education students at WCC can not only improve career or language skills but also explore the creative side of life through a variety of workshops ranging from music, dance, and yoga to cooking, local history, and folklore.
Award Winning WCC Faculty
Westchester Community College's faculty members and professional staff members have received more SUNY Chancellors Awards for Excellence than those of any other community college in the SUNY system. More than 98 percent of faculty members hold master's or doctorate degrees in their fields. The student/faculty ratio is 16:1.
Student Life at WCC
The Office of Student Involvement is one of the busiest places on the main campus. This is where a student can access almost 80 different student clubs and organizations that cater to a wide variety of cultural, career, and personal interest fields. The office also is the hub for all student information on campus from bus schedules and voter registration forms to a variety of student services, athletics, scholarships, counseling, and employment services.
Westchester County Campus Just Minutes from Manhattan
The main campus of WCC in Valhalla, NY, is located in Westchester County. The county is located 11 miles from Columbus Circle in New York City and has almost 1 million residents. Its geographical setting is beautiful, with the Long Island Sound on the southeast and the Hudson River on the west. Within the county's borders, the terrain is largely rolling hills, intersected by the Croton, Bronx, and Saw Mill rivers.
It has retained much of its rural character, while adopting the urban and suburban lifestyles dictated by its proximity to New York City.