What West Los Angeles College is like

What it's like

West Los Angeles College is a public community college in Culver City with a strong athletic tradition and practical focus. The college serves the LA area with both transfer and vocational pathways, producing over 600 degrees and certificates annually across 39 fields. Athletics have a visible presence—the Wildcats compete in 12 varsity sports and have historically hosted Olympic events on campus.

Academic feel

WLAC offers 25 transfer programs alongside 18 vocational-oriented programs, providing pathways to four-year institutions or direct workforce entry. The college is authorized to award two bachelor's degrees—in dental hygiene and avionics—making it one of only 15 California community colleges with this credential authority. Research activity spans mechanics, psychology, ecology, classical mechanics, applied mathematics, and entropy rate, reflecting faculty engagement across STEM and social science disciplines.

Strengths

• One of only 15 California community colleges approved to offer bachelor's degrees, with programs in dental hygiene and avionics.[1][2]
• Awards over 600 degrees and certificates annually across 39 fields, providing diverse pathways for workforce and transfer students.[1][2]
• Sponsors 12 varsity sports and has hosted Olympic track and field events on campus.[1]

Traditions

• Athletic teams are nicknamed the Wildcats, a name adopted in 2008 to replace the previous Oilers nickname.[1]
• Has produced notable alumni in professional sports, including NFL players Warren Moon, Isaac Bruce, Keyshawn Johnson, and Rashied Davis.[1]