WC set to launch key new programs for Fall 2025
Weatherford College is set to launch seven new academic programs this fall, marking the largest expansion of academic programs in the college’s history. This move reinforces the college’s commitment to providing affordable, high-quality education that directly addresses critical workforce needs and offers clear pathways for student advancement.
The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Computer Science provides a flexible and comprehensive pathway for students with an associate degree in information technology to advance their careers. This program is designed to help graduates build on their existing knowledge, gain new skills and effectively compete in the fast-growing technology sector. It particularly benefits those looking to advance into higher-paying roles. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer science jobs boast a median annual pay of $78,690.
The new Associate of Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technology is a 60-credit hour program that trains students for essential healthcare roles. Medical Lab Technicians are crucial to patient diagnosis, analyzing blood and body fluids to help doctors detect diseases and guide treatment. With 85 percent of clinical diagnosis decisions relying on lab test results, MLTs are in high demand across hospitals and clinics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong job growth for MLTs, with a median annual salary of $60,780. This program also offers paths to bachelor’s or even doctoral degrees in the field.
The Associate of Applied Science in Golf and Sports Turf Management provides specialized training for careers as golf course and sports turf superintendents. This unique program uses the recently donated Canyon West Golf Course as a real-world classroom, providing students with unmatched hands-on experience in maintaining turf, managing courses and practicing environmental care. The curriculum directly addresses the industry’s needs for highly skilled professionals.
The Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology gives students extensive hands-on experience across a wide range of automotive topics. This includes electrical systems, brakes, steering, engine repair, climate control and hybrid systems. An automotive technology degree prepares graduates for both hands-on technical jobs and management positions in today’s rapidly changing automotive industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median pay for automotive technicians was $47,770 in May 2023. This program also offers scholarships through Gilchrist Auto Group for selected participants.
The new Associate of Arts in Mass Communication allows students to explore various career paths in journalism, radio announcing, marketing and public relations. Students in this program will take classes alongside those in the AAS in Radio/TV Broadcasting, gaining practical experience that can lead directly to jobs or transfer seamlessly to bachelor’s degree programs.
Complementing the Mass Communication AA, the Associate of Applied Science in Radio/TV Broadcasting teaches students practical skills for careers such as radio announcer, public relations specialist and journalist. Students will have unique opportunities to learn from experienced radio personalities at The Coyote radio station, receiving invaluable real-world training. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates a median annual pay of $57,500 for related occupations.
The Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts will provide a cook/baker certificate and an associate’s degree specializing in culinary arts to train chefs within the hospitality sector. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates a strong growth rate of 22 percent for chefs and head cooks through 2030, highlighting the demand in this sector.
“Weatherford College is strongly committed to providing affordable bachelor’s degrees and valuable workforce credentials,” said Weatherford College President Tod Allen Farmer. “We are expanding opportunities for our students while also supplying the skilled workers our local businesses need. These new programs are a direct result of extensive industry feedback and careful planning, ensuring our graduates gain relevant skills for in-demand jobs at an affordable cost.”
In its ongoing commitment to academic innovation, Weatherford College has also recently added the following programs:
- BAAS in Early Childhood Education and Teaching
- AAS in Welding
- AAS in Robotics and Automation Technology
For more information on these new and expanded programs, including admission requirements and how to apply, visit wc.edu.