Merced College Campuses

The Los Banos Campus of Merced College extends educational opportunities to the western region of Merced County, focusing on accessible, career-oriented programs that align with local industry demands, particularly in agriculture and healthcare. This satellite campus offers a selection of associate degrees, certificates, and transfer courses, emphasizing practical skills and community engagement.

Central to the campus's offerings are vocational programs designed for quick entry into the workforce. In agriculture, students explore farm management, irrigation technology, and pest control, leveraging the area's vast farmlands for field-based learning.

• Health Occupations: Practical nursing, certified nursing assistant (CNA), and home health aide courses provide essential training with clinical rotations at nearby facilities.
• Agricultural Sciences: Programs in dairy science, equine studies, and agricultural mechanics address the needs of the rural economy, including equipment operation and soil management.
• Business Essentials: Basic accounting, computer applications, and small business management courses support entrepreneurial ventures in the agricultural sector.
• General Education: Core classes in English composition, mathematics, and social sciences facilitate transfer to the main campus or universities.
• Early Childhood Education: Courses in child development and preschool teaching prepare students for roles in daycare and educational support.
• Public Safety and Emergency Services: Firefighter academy training and emergency medical technician (EMT) certification focus on rural response strategies.
• Industrial Technology: Welding fabrication, diesel mechanics, and manufacturing processes offer hands-on certification for trade jobs.
• English as a Second Language (ESL) and Basic Skills: Non-credit options for language acquisition, literacy, and high school equivalency build foundational abilities.

The campus prioritizes flexible scheduling with evening and online options to accommodate working adults and families. Faculty bring industry experience to the classroom, ensuring relevant instruction. Facilities include modern labs for welding and nursing simulations, as well as outdoor areas for agricultural demonstrations. Community outreach includes workshops on sustainable farming practices and health fairs. With a commitment to affordability and inclusivity, the Los Banos Campus empowers over 2,000 students yearly to advance their careers, transfer seamlessly, or gain new skills. It plays a vital role in fostering economic growth by bridging education with local employment opportunities in a dynamic, supportive setting.

The Merced Campus of Merced College serves as the primary hub for a diverse array of academic and vocational programs tailored to the needs of the Central Valley community. As a comprehensive community college, it offers over 100 associate degrees and certificates across various disciplines, emphasizing hands-on learning and transfer opportunities to four-year universities.

Key areas of study include health sciences, where students can pursue nursing, medical assisting, and emergency medical services programs that prepare them for immediate employment in local healthcare facilities. The campus features state-of-the-art simulation labs for practical training in patient care and diagnostics.

• Business and Management: Courses in accounting, entrepreneurship, office administration, and marketing equip students with skills for entry-level positions or further business education.
• Agriculture and Natural Resources: Specialized programs in crop science, animal science, and sustainable farming reflect the region's agricultural economy, including agribusiness management and viticulture.
• Liberal Arts and Humanities: Transfer-focused classes in English, history, philosophy, and foreign languages support general education requirements for bachelor's degrees.
• STEM Fields: Mathematics, biology, chemistry, and computer science courses, along with engineering fundamentals, provide a strong foundation for science and technology careers.
• Social Sciences: Psychology, sociology, anthropology, and child development programs address human behavior and community services.
• Arts and Communication: Visual arts, music, theater, and journalism offerings foster creative expression through studios, performances, and media labs.
• Public Safety: Fire technology, criminal justice, and law enforcement training prepare students for roles in emergency response and policing.
• Industrial and Trade Skills: Welding, automotive technology, and construction management provide vocational certificates for skilled trades.

Additionally, the campus supports continuing education through non-credit courses in ESL, GED preparation, and workforce development workshops. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized support to achieve their educational goals. The curriculum integrates modern technology and real-world applications, ensuring graduates are competitive in the job market. Community partnerships enhance experiential learning via internships and service projects. Overall, the Merced Campus promotes lifelong learning and economic mobility for over 10,000 students annually, blending academic rigor with practical relevance in a supportive environment.