Huntington Beach, Calif. — Golden West College (GWC) is expanding academic pathways, strengthening university partnerships, and launching innovative programs for Spring 2026, including new online offerings, workforce training opportunities, and the only fully Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) music degree program in Orange County.
From flexible online courses to hands-on career preparation, these updates reflect GWC’s ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of students, employers and the local community.
NEW Ocean Lifeguarding Training with Huntington Beach Fire Department
Beginning Spring 2026, GWC will launch a new noncredit Ocean Lifeguarding Academy in partnership with the Huntington Beach Fire Department. Training will occur alongside official HB lifeguard tryouts, with instruction provided directly by Marine Safety personnel.
The academy follows the United States Lifesaving Association curriculum and includes both classroom and ocean-based training in:
Training will be held at the City of Huntington Beach Department of Marine Safety headquarters. Students must demonstrate strong swimming ability and athletic conditioning to complete the program successfully.
New Online Courses and Transfer Pathways
Business Analytics (BUS G160) – 12-Week Online Course
GWC introduces Analytics for Business, a fully online 12-week class designed for students beginning their journey into business analytics, marketing, or data science. The course covers foundational tools, techniques, and real-world applications of data analysis.
This class articulates to California State University, Long Beach’s Data Analytics Program, creating a smooth pathway into one of the region’s most in-demand fields.
Expanded Teacher Preparation Pathways
GWC continues to grow its teacher education partnerships with Cal State Long Beach and University of California, Irvine.
Through these partnerships, GWC students receive:
CSULB offers targeted preparation for Education Specialists through the Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP), allowing students to earn their bachelor’s degree and credential simultaneously. UCI’s CalTeach program focuses on preparing future math and science educators and offers grant-supported cross-enrollment opportunities.
These pathways ensure students gain classroom experience while preparing to teach both students with and without disabilities.
Strength & Stretch (Dance) – Now Offered Fully Online
For the first time, GWC’s Dance Department will offer Strength and Stretch online, a format that has seen strong enrollment at colleges statewide. The course provides guided instruction in fundamental stretching techniques, strength conditioning and body alignment theory. Students practice combinations on the floor, at the barre and with partners, supported by discussions of anatomical principles. Students who enroll earn transfer credit for the California State University and University of California systems.
NEW Online Modern Policing Degree
GWC now offers its Modern Policing associate degree fully online, joining only a small number of colleges statewide with this capability. The program provides foundational preparation for careers in law enforcement, public safety, and community-engaged policing. The online format also offers flexibility working adults need to complete their degree on their schedule.
Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Expansion
Golden West College has reached 72% Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) across all of its academic programs, reducing financial barriers for thousands of students.
Beginning Spring 2026, GWC will offer many fully ZTC programs, including the only 100% no-textbook-cost Associate of Arts in Music in Orange County, eliminating textbook expenses for an entire degree pathway and supporting equitable access to arts education.
