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College Catalog

The Western Nevada College Catalog is an annual publication which lists academic programs, policies and procedures. In addition, it includes information about fees, locations, curriculum requirements, course descriptions, and other helpful information about WNC. Requirements for degrees and certificates of achievement can change with each academic catalog. There are specific policies that dictate which catalog and resulting set of degree/certificate requirements you may follow. Each WNC catalog is effective for the fall, spring and subsequent summer terms. 

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College Profile

For over 50 years, Western Nevada College has offered affordable and quality education in Nevada.

The dreams of local educators, civic leaders and young minds became a reality when we opened our doors in September 1971. We began our charge for access to higher education without dedicated buildings, using classes throughout the community from Reno to Hawthorne, including the Tahoe Basin. The Carson City campus opened in 1974 with the construction of the Bristlecone building; we expanded our footprint to Fallon in 1981, and our Douglas Campus opened in 1997. We have consistently grown and evolved to meet the needs of a growing and thriving Nevada, and while our history is rich with accomplishments and student success…the best is yet to come. We will celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2021, and look forward to many years of opportunity, innovation and academic excellence!

Affordable Education

At Western, you can complete the first two years of a bachelor degree for a fraction of the cost of a university. We offer industry-recognized credentials to get you ready for the workplace in as little as a semester, and our online degrees and classes make it possible for you attend WNC while maintaining your commitments to work and family.

Through the generosity of community donors and state-led scholarships and grants, there is more financial aid than ever to help make college possible for you.

30 minutes to the Biggest Little City

A trip to the “big” city offers a variety of cultural, entertainment and basic needs. Big-name concerts, museums, shopping, historic casinos such as the Atlantis and Eldorado, sporting events, and walkways along the majestic Truckee River that allow visitors access to art galleries and restaurants. The growing tech city is also known for its events, such as the Great Reno Balloon Races, the Air Races, River Festival, Artown, Reno Rodeo, Hot August Nights and Barracuda Championship.

40 minutes to the Slopes

The mountains overlooking and casting incredible shadows on Lake Tahoe become the focus of visitors when the temperatures plummet. There are a dozen ski resorts that offer a variety of terrain and back-country trails for adrenaline sports enthusiasts. In addition to skiing and snowboarding for the powder hounds, this winter playground provides sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cross-country tours and ice skating to keep the heart racing. With approximately 300 sunny days out of the year, fishing still is a winter pastime, but if you prefer indoor excitement, there are concerts, comedy shows, shopping, hockey and gambling to make Lake Tahoe very enticing.

40 minutes from the Tahoe shores

Only 40 minutes away is Lake Tahoe — the largest alpine lake in North America. The mesmerizing bright-blue water, snow-capped Sierra, array of wildflowers and majestic pine trees can lift the spirits and brighten the mood of any visitor. The outdoor paradise offers beaches, ski resorts, hiking trails, mountain biking trails, boating, fishing, gaming and a variety of entertainment, including American Century Golf Championship, Lights on the Lake Fireworks, SnowGlobe Music Festival, Octoberfest, Summer Concert Series, Valhalla Renaissance Faire and Tahoe Brewfest.

30 minutes to the Queen of the Comstock

Less than a half-hour away is an exclusive chance to step back into the past and learn about 19th Century Nevada. Home to the “Comstock Lode,” the first silver ore strike in the U.S. that lured hundreds of prospectors to the area with dreams of becoming rich, the town has morphed into a national historic landmark. Virginia City has kept much
of its history, from its beautiful Victorian buildings, museums, mines, Old West-style saloons and the V & T Railroad, and offers unique summertime events such as camel and outhouse races.