About Wharton County Junior College

Statement of Mission

Wharton County Junior College is a public, two-year, comprehensive community college offering a wide range of postsecondary educational programs and services including associate degrees, career/vocational certificates, continuing education courses, cultural affairs, and leisure-time activities for the benefit of the community and a population of students that varies in age, background, and ability.

The College affords opportunities for individual growth and expression and promotes the development of the total person through scholarly and creative activity and the application of knowledge for the good of society. Its curricular and co-curricular activities lay a foundation for lifelong learning and involved citizenship and encourage the pursuit of knowledge, innovation, experimentation, and excellence in human endeavor. It prepares students for entry-level positions, for advancement in various occupations and professions, for a broad understanding of the liberal arts and sciences, and for transfer to baccalaureate granting institutions.

In fulfilling its mission, the College:

1. Offers associate of arts, associate of arts in teaching, and associate of applied science degrees;
2. Offers transfer curricula in preparation for the baccalaureate degree;
3. Offers career/vocational curricula leading to certificates and associated degrees;
4. Offers remedial and developmental courses and services, as well as adult basic education, to assist under prepared students to achieve competency in basic skills and thus gain access to programs;
5. Supports excellence in instruction in all academic areas by the encouragement of faculty professional development for the improvement of teaching and learning through innovative teaching methodologies, research and public service;
6. Provides library and other instructional resources as integral parts of the educational process;
7. Supports students in the learning process through counseling and academic advising;
8. Offers continuing education, non-credit, courses and programs to meet the needs of business, industry, government, and the community-at-large, and to contribute to the economic development of its service region;
9. Provides varied cultural opportunities, recreational activities, and community services to enhance the quality of life in its service region;
10. Actively cooperates with school districts, vocational-technical schools, other colleges, and universities to promote a more productive educational environment within its service region;
11. Encourages the innovative and effective use of technology to increase and enrich educational opportunities for students and the community.

Wharton County Junior College is an institution that emphasizes personal attention to students, innovation and flexibility in its credit and non-credit offerings, and responsiveness to the diversity of communities it serves. The College is dedicated to providing an educational environment that recognizes individuality, stresses the importance of human relationships, and reflects the democratic values of our society.

Approved by the WCJC Board of Trustees
May 19, 2024

Historical Sketch

WCJC Today

Wharton County Junior College’s tax district encompasses Wharton County and the Needville Independent School District located within Fort Bend County. WCJC has a service area that includes Wharton, Matagorda, and Colorado counties, as well as parts of Fort Bend, Jackson, and Austin counties. To better serve its students, the College offers courses at four campuses in Wharton, Sugar Land, Richmond, and Bay City. In addition, the College offers classes at the El Campo Northside Education Center.

Wharton Campus

Most degree and certificate programs as well as many continuing education courses are offered in Wharton. Many students live at home; however, students have the opportunity to live on campus or in local apartments and to participate in campus life. Frankie Hall, a residence hall for men, houses seventy-five students. Mullins Hall, a residence hall for women, houses fifty-three students.

The College participates in three competitive sports: Volleyball for women, Baseball for men, and Rodeo for men and women. WCJC also has a choir, a band, and a drama program. These sports and fine arts programs offer student scholarships. Campus life includes intramural activities for men and women, student government, and a variety of clubs.

Sugar Land Campus

The Sugar Land campus is conveniently located on the University of Houston Sugar Land campus in Brazos Hall. This transfer-driven campus offers numerous academic and vocational courses which allow students to take advantage of the Wharton County Junior College/University of Houston partnership on the same campus.

Richmond Campus

The Richmond campus offers a full range of technical, vocational, and academic courses. Various transfer courses, computer science, Process Technology, Cosmetology, EMS, and Police Academy programs are offered on the Richmond campus. Noncredit programs are housed on this campus as well.

Bay City Campus

The Bay City campus is home to the College’s Process Technology, Nuclear Power Technology, and Manufacturing Technology programs, and Construction Trades Training. The campus also offers transfer courses and continues to expand its programmatic offerings and training facilities in response to Bay City’s economic development initiatives, such as the establishment of the new Tenaris plant in Matagorda County.

El Campo Extension Center

Wharton County Junior College offers transfer and Continuing Education courses at the Northside Education Center in El Campo.

University Articulation Agreements

Wharton County Junior College has several university articulation agreements that are in place to aid students in transferring. Students are encouraged to visit with a WCJC academic advisor to inquire about transfer plans available to Texas universities.