College Profile
Since 1970, Howard Community College (HCC) has been the leading college choice for students and families in Howard County. Founded by the Board of Education of Howard County, HCC was formally authorized by the Howard County Commissioners and approved by the State of Maryland in 1966. The first classes were held in October 1970. Today, approximately 42 percent of all Howard County undergraduates attend HCC.
A public community college, HCC offers associate degree and certificate programs to more than 14,000 credit students annually in academic programs leading to transfer to four-year colleges or to immediate employment upon graduation. Over 15,000 additional students take noncredit courses for personal or professional development.
HCC has a reputation as one of Maryland’s most technologically advanced campuses for state-of-the-art multimedia computer labs for mathematics, English, world languages, cybersecurity, information technology, and computer training, as well as its strong offering of online courses.
Conveniently located in the heart of Howard County, the HCC campus features the Science, Engineering, and Technology Building with advanced teaching and learning spaces for students pursuing degrees or careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. The Health Sciences Building offers modern classrooms and simulation laboratories to train nursing and allied health students.
Arts programs take center stage at the Peter & Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center, Alfred J. Smith, Jr. Theatre, Studio Theatre, and the outdoor Dreier Stage. The Horowitz Center features a recital hall, theatre, piano and multimedia labs, art galleries, a photography center, studios for music, sculpture, painting, ceramics, and much more.
The Mary Ellen Duncan Hall for English, Languages, and Business houses classrooms and labs for reading, writing, ESL, world languages, multimedia computer technology, as well as the Center for Entrepreneurial Business Excellence and the 3D Innovation Hub.
The Athletics & Fitness Center features a 25-yard, multi-lane indoor pool; cardio and weight room; gymnasium; and five soccer-length regulation fields, including a 400-meter track. HCC is home to the Dragons student/athlete teams, including basketball, cross-country, lacrosse, soccer, track, and volleyball.
The Rouse Company Foundation Student Services Hall (RCF) is a central source for admissions, registration, advising, testing, financial aid services, and other student services. The RCF Hall also houses the bookstore and Cafe on the Quad.
Other facilities include the James Clark Jr. Library Hall with more than 40,000 volumes of reference materials and online databases, and the Patrick and Jill McCuan Hall with offices, classrooms, and Dragon Digital Media (the college television station and e-radio station). Also on campus is the Children's Learning Center, which offers year-round child care for infants through preschool-aged children.
The Dwight A. Burrill Galleria is a spacious two-story windowed atrium for quiet study, informal gatherings, or special events. A Student Activities Center serves as the hub for student government, newspaper, and other student activities.