Admissions Q&A

What IS a community college? What's an Associate's Degree?
Here are a few common questions students have during the application process.

Q. What’s a community college?
A community college is a comprehensive, open-door institution, committed to providing an affordable higher education of the highest quality. Being a community college means we are conveniently located and our tuition is comparatively low. It means our college is cost effective, innovative, and committed to student success. It means we dynamically adapt to the changing needs of our students and our community.

As a community college, we offer college credits that transfer to four-year schools, career training programs, and continuing education courses. Three types of associate degree are granted (see explanation below) as well as 20 certificate programs designed to upgrade existing skills or retrain workers. As a community college, we offer extensive corporate training and community education programs.

Our many programs for academic support and advisement help our students achieve their goals. As a community college, we provide more than just the opportunity to enroll; we provide the tools to succeed.

Q. What’s an associate degree?
An associate degree requires completion of at least 64 college credits, including both core and degree requirements, and is granted by an accredited two-year college. The associate degree establishes proof of your ability to perform college work and ensures that you complete requirements needed for a bachelor's degree in your major. Associate degree graduates are admitted to better four-year schools than they would have been as high school graduates and often qualify for scholarships from their transfer college. The associate degree is also a credential that carries weight in the employment market. It serves as a stepping stone to career or to college transfer.

Westchester Community College grants three types of associate degree. The Associate in Arts and the Associate in Science degrees require completion of 64 credits in a major that parallels the first two years of liberal arts and sciences at an accredited four-year college or university. Westchester Community College graduates are well prepared for ready transfer.

The Associate in Applied Science degree requires completion of a program that combines a firm foundation of liberal arts and sciences courses with specific career preparation. Graduates are prepared to seek immediate employment, although they may also decide to transfer to four-year institutions.

Westchester Community College offers four A.A. degrees: Communications and Media Arts, Individual Studies, Liberal Arts & Sciences/ Humanities, and Liberal Arts & Sciences/ Social Sciences.

Eight A.S. degrees are offered: Business Administration, International Business, Computer Science, Engineering Science, Financial Office Specialist, Food Service Administration: Foods & Nutrition, Individual Studies, and Liberal Arts & Sciences/ Mathematics & Science.

There are currently 26 A.A.S. degree programs: Business Administration, Marketing,  Retail Business management, Chemical Dependency Counseling, Computer information Systems, Criminal Justice: Corrections, Criminal Justice: Police, Early Childhood, EMT Paramedic, Apprentice Training Automotive, Civil Technology, Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology, Visual Arts, Food Service Administration, Dietetic Technician (Nutrition Care), Food Service Administration, Restaurant Management, Human Services, Networking, Nursing, Paralegal, Performing Arts, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care.

Q. What’s a certificate program?
Certificate Programs prepare students for immediate employment in a variety of skilled occupations. These programs require completion of 28-36 credits and provide well-rounded courses of study which may include English, mathematics, and science courses in addition to occupational training. Certificate credits are transferable if you wish to continue your education after completing the Certificate. Certificates are available in: Applied Art, Chemical Dependency Counseling, Computer Art, Computer Aided Drafting, Early Childhood, Emergency Medical Technology Paramedic, Financial Office Specialist, Human Services, Networking, Paralegal, Practical Nursing, Adult. For more information, call Admissions at (914) 606-6735.

Q. What’s a noncredit certificate program?
If you need marketable skills in today's work place and need to acquire these skills in a short period of time, noncredit certificate programs were designed for you. Noncredit courses usually have no grades, tests, or admission requirements. If you work, day, evening, and weekend classes are available to suit your schedule. Current noncredit certificates include Programming, Office Communications, and Desktop Publishing. For a free brochure, call Continuing Education at (914) 606-6830 or email continuinged@sunywcc.edu.
 

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