Maryland's public community college serving Howard County with 100+ programs and workforce development.
Howard Community College offers more than 100 credit and non-credit programs across eight academic divisions: Arts & Humanities, Business & Computer Systems, Continuing Education & Workforce Development, English & World Languages, Health Sciences, Mathematics, Science Engineering & Technology, and Social Sciences & Teacher Education. The college provides associate degrees, certificates, apprenticeships, and workforce development training. Notable facilities include the Science Engineering and Technology (SET) building with dedicated labs for 3D printing and cybersecurity, and the Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center with three performance venues and art galleries.
The main campus in Columbia spans 120 acres with 14 buildings including the James Clark Jr. Library Hall, Mary Ellen Duncan Hall, and the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center. Satellite campuses operate in Laurel. The college features a 250-seat studio theatre, 424-seat Smith Theatre, recital hall, dance studios, and rooftop telescope observation area. Students can participate in clubs, sports through NJCAA affiliation, wellness programs, and community events including the Howard County Community Dance Festival and HCC Jazz Festival.
HCC welcomes high school students, adult learners, veterans, military families, and international students. The college offers dual enrollment for high school students, co-requisite education, honors programs, and learning communities. Application is straightforward with four steps: apply, register for classes, pay for college, and prepare for success. The college also serves students seeking GED/NEDP high school diplomas and provides English language instruction.
Howard Community College earned the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in the education category in 2019, recognizing institutional excellence. The college has hosted notable visitors including First Lady Michelle Obama in 2015 for the Essence College Tour. Men's Track and Field won the 2013 NJCAA Outdoor Track and Field championship. The college emphasizes career services, transfer pathways to four-year institutions, and workforce development partnerships with local employers.