Howard Community College

No matter where you’re going in life …

     Earn a degree
     Start a career
     Upgrade job skills
     Pursue personal interests

… You Can Get There From Here.

The HCC Vision

Howard Community College is a dynamic, creative learning community that strives to meet challenges by providing innovative solutions leading to learning breakthroughs for all students. We are dedicated to establishing strong student and community connections and to working together to stimulate students, faculty, and all members of our learning community to develop their talents and to discover their greatness.

Dedicated to preparing students for success, Howard Community College (HCC) in Columbia, Maryland, is known for its progressive and innovative programs and for its reputation as one of Maryland’s most technologically advanced campuses. An integral part of the community, the college was authorized by Howard County and approved by the State of Maryland in 1966 -- the same period when James Rouse’s vision of a planned community began to take root.

Since its first class in October 1970, HCC has grown to become the college of choice for Howard County residents. Nearly 7,000 students pursue a variety of studies leading to transfer to four-year colleges or immediate employment upon graduation. An additional 14,000 students take continuing education courses for personal or professional development.

HCC is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

The Campuses

HCC’s main campus is situated on 120 acres in the heart of Howard County. Customized training is available from the Charles Ecker Business Training Center (BTC) in Columbia’s Gateway corporate park near Interstate 95
The Laurel College Center (LCC) is an innovative partnership to make higher education more accessible to people who live and work in the Laurel area. HCC and Prince George’s Community College offer credit and noncredit classes at the LCC.

The Belmont Conference Center, an 18th century estate in Elkridge, is a beautiful, secluded site for executive retreats, corporate training, weddings and special events.

Programs and Features

HCC strives to continually monitor the educational needs of its service area and develop programs to meet those needs. Innovative programs include:

Computer certification partnerships: HCC has partnered with organizations such as CompTIA, Microsoft, CheckPoint and Cisco to prepare students for successful entry into the IT employment market.

James W. Rouse Scholars Program: An innovative honors program featuring leadership training and articulation agreements with prestigious universities including Johns Hopkins, Temple, Boston, and George Washington.

Silas Craft Collegians Program: A program designed to increase the retention, educational performance, and graduation rates of participating students. The program is aimed at recent high school graduates whose past academic performance may not reflect their true potential.

Flexible Learning: HCC helps adjust to busy schedules with Internet classes, Weekend College, Fast Track classes (three credits in as few as three weekends), and classes on television or video. A complete degree can be earned through flexible learning programs.

Maryland Statewide Programs: As the designated Maryland statewide trainer in Biomedical Engineering Technology and Cardiovascular Technology, all Maryland residents may enroll in the two programs at in-county tuition rates.

The Region

In Howard County, communities ranging from historic mill towns like Ellicott City to the planned city of Columbia are home to more than 228,000 residents. Now a city of 80,000, Columbia maintains a small-town feel through its 10 villages clustered around schools, shopping and recreational facilities. The school system is considered one of the best in the country. Commercial centers are balanced by miles of greenspace, farmland and lakes. Baltimore and Washington, D.C. are less than 20 miles; the ocean and mountain resorts are only three hours away.

Howard County enjoys an impressive variety of arts groups and performance venues, including Rep Stage, Columbia’s professional theatre company in residence at Howard Community College. Pro sports enthusiasts are minutes away from the Baltimore Orioles, Baltimore Ravens, and Washington Redskins.

The county’s stable and friendly business climate attracts both national and international companies. More than 100,000 employees work in 6,000 businesses ranging from high technology and telecommunications firms to wholesale distributors and manufacturers. Buses and trains carry commuters to Baltimore and Washington.