Bachelor’s Degrees Programs at West

West Los Angeles College is one of only a handful of California Community Colleges authorized to offer Bachelor’s degrees in select areas. Students who earn their Bachelor’s Degree at West can look forward to less debt, if any, at graduation. The cost of tuition at West is more affordable than even public universities and can be less than half the cost of private universities. And, classes are smaller and taught by supportive, experienced instructors not teachers’ assistants.

Visit each degree program page for information on how to apply, course requirements and more.

Dental Hygiene

The Bachelor of Science Dental Hygiene program at West is affiliated with the UCLA School of Dentistry. Our students get practical experience serving diverse populations in our own dental clinic, Veterans Dental Clinics, Free Clinic of Simi Valley, and Southbay Children's clinic. The Dental Hygiene program started at West in 1978 as an Associate Degree path. In 2017, it became one of the first programs to be converted to a Bachelor’s Degree path among the California Community Colleges.

Aviation Maintenance Technology: Avionics

As aircraft systems become more electronically complex, there is a critical need for training in avionics, the advanced electronic systems that perform a range of functions including engine controls, flight controls, navigation, and more. Employers are looking for avionics technicians trained in the fundamentals of avionics theory, with a heavy emphasis on avionics troubleshooting skills, plus hands-on aircraft experience, an FCC license, and aircraft electronics certifications. The WLAC avionics program was designed to meet this demand.

Background

In 2014, California Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 850 (Block, 2014) authorizing the California Community Colleges Board of Governors to establish the statewide baccalaureate degree pilot program at 15 California community colleges. In May 2015, the Board of Governors approved applications from 15 colleges, including West Los Angeles College, to participate. The first Baccalaureate Degree Program graduates received their degrees in spring 2018. In 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 927 (Medina) authorizing the Board of Governors to expand and extend the operation of the statewide baccalaureate degree pilot program indefinitely…about California Community Colleges’ Baccalaureate Degree Programs