Embark on an unforgettable journey toward a brighter future as you graduate from Wharton County Junior College. Our dedicated faculty and staff work tirelessly to provide the support and resources you need to succeed. Prepare to celebrate your achievements with this major milestone in your educational career!
The Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees are designed for you to transfer your credits to a four-year university. You may only complete one A.A. or A.S. degree at WCJC.
Applicants for the A.A. or A.S. degree must:
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is designed for you to immediately enter the workforce after graduation. However, you can still use your A.A.S. degree to transfer to a four-year university.
Applicants for the A.A.S. degree must:
WCJC certification programs are designed to prepare you with the occupational skills required to enter the workforce in a short period of time. Some certificate programs provide a direct pathway to an A.A.S. degree.
A Level One certificate must consist of at least 15 credit hours and no more than 42 credit hours.
A Level Two certificate may consist of between 30 credit hours and 51 credit hours.
The minimum acceptable standard of satisfactory progress is an institutional average of at least a 2.0 GPA on attempted hours. Certificates will not be awarded unless the minimum 2.0 GPA is achieved in all coursework required to complete the certificate. Courses required in a certificate program may be transferred from another accredited institution for up to 25% of the total program hours, with the approval of the Department Head.
Commencement for Academic Year 2024 will be held on May 9 and 10, 2025 in the Gene Bahnsen Gymnasium on the Wharton Campus.
WCJC hosts three ceremonies:
Doors will open at 8:30am for the 10am ceremony and at 12:30pm for the 2pm ceremonies.
Reserved seating is prohibited. Please urge your family and friends to arrive early.
Commencement will be live-streamed to the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Wharton Campus
to provide overflow seating, as needed.
Commencement is a time for celebration and recognition of your academic success, and the faculty and staff of Wharton County Junior College congratulate you! Please follow these guidelines regarding commencement etiquette and dress to highlight the importance of this milestone.
Apply for graduation during the semester in which you will be completing your degree or certificate requirements. Please review your degree evaluation by logging into Online Services or you may speak with an academic advisor if you have any questions. Submit your Graduation Application through Online Services by selecting “Student” > “Student Records” > “Apply to Graduate”.
The Office of the Registrar reviews graduation applications throughout the semester. You should expect a minimum processing time of five business days before you receive an email with your graduation status.
You will receive your diploma 6-8 weeks following the end of the semester in which you graduate. Your diploma will be mailed to the address listed on your application for graduation.
You can request to replace your diploma in the event that yours is lost or damaged. If you have an "Accounts Receivable" hold on your student account, you will not be eligible to receive a reprint until your outstanding debt has been paid in full.
WCJC holds one commencement in the Spring of a given academic year. All graduates from the preceding Fall, current Spring, and upcoming Summer terms will be recognized during this event. If you are graduating in the summer, you must be registered and have payment in place for your final courses in order to participate in the ceremony.
There are two ceremonies held during commencement: a ceremony that begins at 10am for all Associate of Arts and Associate of Science graduates and a ceremony that begins at 2pm for all Associate of Applied Science graduates.
Students completing the required courses in the Summer may attend the May graduation ceremony directly preceding the completion of their degree. In order to participate, you must be registered for your Summer courses and have submitted payment. Be sure to submit your graduation application by the spring deadline.
Yes! The graduation application is used to indicate that you are completing your degree or certificate and want it to be conferred. Attending the ceremony is not required to graduate from WCJC.
We do not issue tickets or reserve seats. You may invite as many guests as you would like. However, seating is limited so please ensure that your guests arrive early to secure a spot.
If you or your guest need assistance with seating requirements, please indicate the request on your application for graduation. You may also contact the Registrar's Office at registrar@wcjc.edu or 979-532-6303.
