Howard Community College
Howard Community College
Introduction
Howard Community College (HCC), located in the heart of Columbia, Maryland, is a leading institution of higher learning that has served the community since its founding in 1966. With a strong emphasis on accessibility, diversity, academic excellence, and workforce development, HCC has become a cornerstone of education in Howard County and the surrounding region. The college serves thousands of students each year, offering a wide range of academic, professional, and personal development opportunities.
History and Mission:
Established in response to the growing demand for affordable and accessible higher education, Howard Community College opened its doors in 1970. Since then, it has grown steadily in scope, size, and reputation. The college was created to serve students from all walks of life—whether they were pursuing degrees, preparing for university transfer, seeking workforce skills, or learning for personal enrichment.
The mission of HCC is to provide pathways to success through accessible, high-quality educational experiences.
Campus and Facilities
HCC’s campus is located on a beautiful, expansive site in Columbia, surrounded by green space and accessible by major transportation routes. The college has undergone numerous expansions to provide state-of-the-art facilities and technologies that meet the evolving needs of modern learners.
Key facilities on campus include:
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The Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) Building – A center for innovation, housing laboratories, classrooms, and collaborative learning spaces for students in STEM programs.
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Health Sciences Building – Equipped with advanced medical simulation labs and classrooms, this facility supports programs in nursing, radiologic technology, physical therapy assistant, and more.
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The Rouse Company Foundation Student Services Hall – A centralized hub for student support services, including registration, financial aid, advising, and career services.
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Duncan Hall and McCuan Hall – These buildings include classrooms, faculty offices, and media production facilities like Dragon Digital Media.
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Athletics and Fitness Center – Home to HCC’s athletic teams and wellness programs, with facilities for basketball, volleyball, and fitness training.
Academic Programs
Howard Community College offers over 100 academic programs, including associate degrees and certificates. These programs span a broad range of fields, including liberal arts, sciences, technology, business, health, education, and the arts. HCC also offers specialized career programs and transfer tracks that align with Maryland's four-year universities.
1. Degree Programs: Howard Community College
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Associate of Arts (AA)
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Associate of Science (AS)
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Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
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Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT)
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Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)
2. Areas of Study Include: Howard Community College
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Nursing and Allied Health
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Business Administration
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Information Technology
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Engineering and Computer Science
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Early Childhood Education
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Graphic Design and Digital Media
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Theatre and Performing Arts
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Environmental Studies
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Criminal Justice
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Psychology and Sociology
The college has articulation agreements with many universities, allowing seamless transfer for students who plan to continue their education at a four-year institution.
Accelerated Pathways and Learning Formats: Howard Community College
In recent years, HCC introduced the Accelerated Pathways model, which offers condensed 7-week terms to help students earn their degrees more quickly. These shorter terms provide flexibility for working adults, parents, and non-traditional students who want to balance education with other responsibilities.
HCC also embraces multiple formats for course delivery:
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In-person traditional classes
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Online asynchronous courses
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Online hybrid (blending online and occasional in-person meetings)
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Remote scheduled classes (synchronous via video platforms)
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Evening and weekend classes
These options ensure that students have the flexibility to choose a learning method that fits their needs.
Student Support Services: Howard Community College
Howard Community College provides robust support services to help students succeed academically and personally.
Academic Support:
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Tutoring centers for writing, math, science, and business
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Academic coaching and study skills workshops
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Honors programs and learning communities
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Library services and research support
Advising and Career Services: Howard Community College
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Academic advising for course planning and transfer preparation
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Career counseling and resume assistance
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Internship and job placement support
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University transfer fairs and partnerships
Financial Aid and Scholarships:
HCC offers federal and state financial aid, as well as scholarships and tuition waivers. The Financial Aid Office assists students in applying for grants, loans, and scholarships to make college more affordable.
Diversity and Inclusion Services:
The college promotes an inclusive learning environment, supporting first-generation students, multilingual learners, and students from historically underrepresented communities. Programs such as Ambiciones, Howard P.R.I.D.E., and Step Up serve specific student populations with mentorship and community engagement opportunities.
Disability Support Services:
For students with documented disabilities, HCC provides reasonable accommodations, including assistive technology, testing accommodations, note-taking services, and individualized academic planning.
Parent and Family Support: Howard Community College
The college offers special programs for student parents, including access to child care resources, workshops, and scholarships targeted at helping parents pursue their educational goals.
Student Life
Student life at HCC is dynamic and diverse, offering numerous clubs, organizations, and activities. The Student Government Association (SGA) represents the voice of the student body, organizes campus events, and advocates for student needs.
Other student engagement opportunities include:
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Honor societies like Phi Theta Kappa
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Student Program Board (SPB) events
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Cultural celebrations and awareness programs
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Volunteerism and service-learning
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Student-run media such as the HCC Times
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Leadership development workshops
There are also fitness and recreational opportunities on campus, as well as intramural sports and wellness programs.
Athletics: Howard Community College: Howard Community College
HCC is home to the Dragons, the college’s athletic teams. The college competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference (MD JUCO).
Sports offered include:
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Men's and Women's Soccer
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Basketball
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Track and Field
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Cross Country
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Volleyball
Athletes receive academic support, strength training, and team-building opportunities. HCC athletes have successfully transferred to NCAA Division I, II, and III schools.
Community Engagement and Continuing Education
HCC plays a vital role in the Howard County community through partnerships, public events, and continuing education programs.
Community programs include:: Howard Community College
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Adult Basic Education and GED Preparation
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English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction
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Professional development and licensing (e.g., real estate, IT, healthcare)
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Youth programs and summer camps
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Lifelong learning courses for seniors and hobbyists
The college also works closely with local businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits to provide workforce training and economic development.
International Students: Howard Community College
Howard Community College welcomes international students and provides visa assistance, ESL support, academic advising, and integration resources. Students from around the world benefit from small class sizes, cultural exchange, and pathways to further education in the United States.
Faculty and Leadership: Howard Community College
HCC is known for its high-quality faculty, who combine academic credentials with real-world experience. Professors often hold advanced degrees in their fields and are committed to student engagement and teaching excellence.
The college is led by a visionary administration that focuses on innovation, student achievement, and community impact. In recent years, HCC has placed particular emphasis on equity, digital transformation, and adapting to the evolving landscape of higher education.
Recognition and Awards: Howard Community College
Howard Community College has received numerous awards and accolades for its programs, diversity efforts, innovation, and student success initiatives. The college is consistently ranked among the top community colleges in Maryland and has earned national recognition for academic quality and student satisfaction.
Conclusion
Howard Community College stands as a model for what a community college can be—accessible, inclusive, innovative, and committed to excellence. With a wide range of academic programs, dedicated faculty, modern facilities, and deep ties to the local community, HCC provides students with the tools and support they need to succeed. Whether students are preparing for university, building a career, or learning for personal enrichment, HCC offers a welcoming and empowering environment that opens doors to a brighter future.
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