General Academic Information

Degrees and Certificates

The College offers two types of Associate degrees: The Associate of Arts/Science (AA/AS) and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS).

The Associate of Arts/Science degree is a twoyear degree designed for students intending to transfer to four-year institutions to complete baccalaureate degrees. AA/AS degree programs parallel the first two years of study at four-year institutions; that is, the AA/AS degree program constitutes the freshman and sophomore years of a bachelor’s degree. A student may receive only one AA or one AS degree, but not both. Students should select courses carefully with an academic advisor to be sure that the courses taken at WCJC match the first two years of the intended major upon transferring to a four-year institution.

The Associate of Applied Science is designed for students in technical and career programs who intend to seek employment in identified occupational areas. Some AAS programs transfer seamlessly into upper-level Bachelor degree programs at various local universities.

The College also offers both semester credit hour and noncredit programs, leading to certificates in career fields not requiring a degree for employment. Certificate programs vary in length from fewer than 100 clock hours up to one year.

The following example serves to illustrate the distinctions between AA/AS and AAS degrees, and between degrees and certificates.

Wharton County Junior College offers an AS degree that focuses on the field of Criminal Justice. This program is designed for students who intend to transfer to a four-year institution to major in some aspect of criminal justice (e.g., probation and parole, juvenile justice, law enforcement, criminal justice administration).

The College also offers a two-year AAS degree with a major in Law Enforcement for students who intend to enter the police profession immediately upon graduation.

In addition, the College offers a certificate program through its state-certified police academy for students who wish to become Texas peace officers but who do not desire a degree.

Instructional Divisions

Courses and instructional programs are offered through seven divisions. Each division is composed of specialized departments, each with a standing Department Head or Program Director. All divisions report to the Vice President of Instruction.

Students may seek degree or certificate-specific advising from either department heads or division chairs, as well as from WCJC academic advisors.

Division of Allied Health

Division Chair: Carol Derkowski
979-532-6428

Departments:

Division of Communications and Fine Arts

Division Chair: Patrick Ralls
979-532-6978

Departments:

Division of Life Sciences

Division Chair: Kevin Dees
979-532-6460

Departments:

Division of Math and Physical Sciences

Division Chair: Jennifer Mauch
979-532-6396

Departments:

Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Division Chair: Amanda Shelton
281-239-1581

Departments:

Division of Technology and Business

Division Chair: David Kucera
979-532-6342

Departments:

Division of Vocational Science

Division Chair: Gary Bonewald
979-532-6540

Departments:

Community Outreach Programs

WCJC provides noncredit courses and programs, recreational activities, and community services to assist individuals in achieving educational and career goals, offer lifelong learning opportunities, and contribute to the economic development of its service area. The College provides the following:

• Continuing Education
• Corporate and Customized Training
• Online Courses and Training Programs
• Senior Citizens Program

A variety of noncredit offerings and grant-funded programs are offered in areas such as job readiness skills, occupational and career training, profession-specific continuing education, and customized workforce training. The Senior Citizens Program offers Meals-On-Wheels, local transportation, center meals, senior citizen health screenings, as well as educational and recreational programs.

Continuing Education

WCJC’s Continuing Education Department provides a variety of offerings in various fields of study including:

• Business & Leadership
• Career Training
• Construction Trades
• Health Careers
• Leisure and Fitness
• Mirror w/Credit Courses
• Online Training
• Public Safety
• Real Estate & Mortgage
• Test Preparation
• Water & Wastewater Training

Corporate and Customized Training

WCJC’s Continuing Education Department strives to be responsive to business and industry needs. Training courses can be customized to meet specific needs of local employers to enhance the quality of the workforce. WCJC can also assist area businesses, both large and small, in securing state-funded grants to support business expansion, job creation, and employee training.

Online Courses and Training Programs

WCJC’s Continuing Education Department partners with ed2go to offer online enrichment courses and career training programs. These convenient, open-enrollment programs are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional level positions for many indemand occupations.

Programs are designed by a team of professionals from each respective field who work to provide students with an effective, web-based learning experience. Instructors/mentors are actively involved in the online learning experience. Instructors respond to any questions or concerns as well as provide encouragement and motivation towards success.

Benefits of Online Career Training:

• Learn in-demand job skills
• Begin at student’s convenience
• Work at student’s own pace
• Affordably priced

Senior Citizens Program

The WCJC Senior Citizens Program provides a meal and activity program to senior citizens 60 years and older. The WCJC Senior Citizen Center, funded by the Houston-Galveston Area Council, Texas Department of Health and Human Services, Texas Department of Agriculture, and County Resources, provides center meals and activities on a daily basis to promote social interaction. In-home meals to qualified homebound seniors are offered in Wharton and Colorado counties. The Senior Citizens Program also provides transportation to and from the center, as well as to medical appointments, grocery stores, the post office, pharmacies, and for other local errands. All services are provided at no cost to seniors, though donations are greatly appreciated. Senior Citizen centers are located in Wharton, El Campo, Eagle Lake, Columbus, and Weimar.