About Los Angeles Pierce College

Pierce College is one of nine campuses of the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD). As a community college, Pierce is part of the post-secondary level of education in the United States. It is a comprehensive college with courses offered in 145 disciplines which includes 85 degree programs and 60 certificate programs. Approximately 15,000 students enroll each semester with international students attending from over 35 countries around the world. Students can pursue a 1-year Certificate of Completion, an Associates Degree, or prepare for university transfer. 

Pierce College has one of the highest university transfer rates in California. Many of our students transfer to the University of California system, the California State University system, and private universities, such as the University of Southern California, to earn bachelor’s degrees. Pierce has a solid reputation for being a student-friendly institution, offering students high-quality and challenging courses that will prepare them for university or vocational work. Pierce students benefit from smaller class sizes and lower tuition than a four-year university.

Pierce College is located in upscale Woodland Hills, California, a thriving suburb of Los Angeles in the San Fernando Valley.  The summers are warm and the winters are mild, which enables students to explore the area year-round. 

Points of interest within a short driving distance of Pierce College:

• Cities: Malibu, Hollywood, and Downtown Los Angeles
• Theaters: Pantages, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and the Disney Concert Hall  
• Theme Parks: Universal Studios, Magic Mountain, and Knott's Berry Farm 
• Movie Studios: Universal, Warner Bros, Disney, and Dreamworks
• Museums: The Getty, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Broad, and more
• Cultural Centers: Chinatown, Koreatown, Little Tokyo, and Olvera Street

Academic Programs

Pierce College offers Associates Degrees, Associates Degrees for Transfer (ADTs), and Certificates of Completion. The college also prepares students for university transfer by offering a variety of general education and major preparation coursework.

While Pierce offers courses in 145 disciplines, the majors that are most popular with international students are:

• Agricultural Sciences 
• Biology
• Business Administration 
• Child Development
• Computer Science
• Cybersecurity
• Engineering
• Hospitality and Hotel Management
• Marketing
• Media Arts 
• Pre-Nursing/Nursing
• Veterinary Technology

University Transfer Opportunities

Many students who attend Pierce College complete their transfer requirements before attending a 4-year university. This includes courses in general education and major preparation which will generally transfer to the university for credit. Each new student will have the opportunity to meet with an academic counselor to create a comprehensive educational plan. 

Fall 2020 Pierce transfer data:

• #1 in transfer admission rate to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
• #1 in transfer to California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
• Top 11% in transfers to the University of California system
• Top 10% to the California State University system 

International Student Services 

The International Student Services Office provides the following support services for F-1 students:

• Application advisement
• F-1 status advisement
• Academic and personal counseling
• Workshops on international student topics

The college provides these support services and programs for all students:

• Academic tutoring
• Athletics
• Cafeteria and cafe to purchase food
• Career and Transfer Center
• Computer labs
• Honors Program
• Music and theater productions 
• Student clubs 

Most students live in apartments or rooms in the vicinity of the college. There are also home stay programs in the area where students may live with local families.

Admission

International students can apply for the Fall , Spring, or Summer terms.  To request more information, complete the inquiry form, and LAPC International Student Services will respond to you directly.