WNC Profile

Western Nevada College is a comprehensive community college which serves more than 6,000 students each semester within an 18,000-square-mile service area. One of four community colleges within the Nevada System of Higher Education, it is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and of Colleges and Universities.

WNC reaches out to its urban and rural communities with campuses in Carson City, Fallon and Minden/Gardnerville as well as instructional centers in Dayton, Fernley, Hawthorne, Lake Tahoe, Lovelock, Smith Valley, and Yerington. Distance education courses, including interactive video and Internet classes, allow even those in remote locations ready access to higher education.

The college offers some 50 academic degrees and certificates in areas as diverse as engineering and construction technology, nursing, musical theatre, golf facilities management, geographic information systems, criminal justice and graphic design. Students may also complete up to two years of many baccalaureate degree programs, such as teacher preparation, for transfer to a university.

In response to industry needs, the college designs specialized training programs in machine tool, drafting, electronics, computing and other occupational areas. Customization often includes providing specialized instruction at the times and locations most convenient to employers, including on-site programs. Recent training programs conducted for area businesses have included welding certification, math, English, supervisory training, and computer applications.

Western's faculty is recognized as highly educated and highly accessible. Faculty dedication is reflected in the recently revised college mission that endorses the commitment to free and unfettered inquiry; tolerance and respect for differences; development of critical thinking skills; good citizenship; and lifelong learning. In a recent graduate survey, 40 percent of respondents rated the quality of instruction "excellent," and 44 percent said it was "above average." Not one rated it below average.

WNC students represent the individualism and diversity of our society. They enter college with different goals and expectations. WNC offers a diverse curriculum which is flexible and tailored to meet those individual needs. By offering diverse degree and certificate programs, scheduling classes at convenient times, and providing small class sizes and one-one-one counseling opportunities, WNC helps to ensure students a positive and successful college experience.