Since its founding in 1946, Hagerstown has gone on to serve the local community with a diverse range of courses in liberal arts, science and technology, along with continuing education offerings and certificate programs. Each year, the school draws some 2,500 students in its for-credit classes and an additional 7,000 in non-credit courses.
The school is located just outside of Hagerstown, on a 300-acre campus with aesthetic gardens tended by the Mable R. Walter Arboretum. In the past few years a number of significant new structures have opened on campus, including a Learning Resource Center (LRC), an amphitheater and a new student center.
The LRC houses more than 350 computers, smart classrooms, distance learning facilities, television and radio production studios, and a library. The Kepler Theater and Alumni Association Amphitheater allow for a variety of arts performances throughout the year. The College Center, which opened in 2002, includes a student bookstore, career center, student activities office, Student Government Association office, and a lounge area with a coffee bar and food services.
While all these enhancements are exciting, college administrators emphasize that the buildings exist first and foremost to support the school's dedication to academic excellence. The school offers more than 50 programs of study; it awards associate degrees, gives students useful career skills, and also prepares them to transfer their credits to four-year institutions.
With a student/faculty ratio of 18 to 1, professors are able to interact with students on a personal level, offering them career guidance and academic mentoring, in addition to book learning. Many of the professors have direct work experience in their fields of expertise.
As Hagerstown's campus has continued to grow and change, so have its academic offerings.
Beginning with the 2002 fall semester, for example, the school initiated an associate of arts in teaching degree for elementary education. A set series of courses ensures that students will be prepared to transition smoothly into elementary-teacher education programs at a range of public or private four-year institutions throughout the state, including Frostburg State University and Towson University.
Likewise, the continuing education curriculum has evolved in response to the changing forces that shape society. Two parent education courses, for example, address the issues of divorce and terrorism. "Children and Divorce: Preventing Trauma" helps parents acquire the skills they need to guide children through a parental split, while "Toys to Terrorism: Helping Children Cope with a Violent World" focuses on strategies and resources for parents to use in helping their children deal with the violence inherent in today's society.
Overall, Hagerstown Community College remains what it has always been: A central resource for learners of all stripes, from those just beginning their post-secondary academic work, to returning students looking to enhance their skills and further their careers.
The school is located just outside of Hagerstown, on a 300-acre campus with aesthetic gardens tended by the Mable R. Walter Arboretum. In the past few years a number of significant new structures have opened on campus, including a Learning Resource Center (LRC), an amphitheater and a new student center.
The LRC houses more than 350 computers, smart classrooms, distance learning facilities, television and radio production studios, and a library. The Kepler Theater and Alumni Association Amphitheater allow for a variety of arts performances throughout the year. The College Center, which opened in 2002, includes a student bookstore, career center, student activities office, Student Government Association office, and a lounge area with a coffee bar and food services.
While all these enhancements are exciting, college administrators emphasize that the buildings exist first and foremost to support the school's dedication to academic excellence. The school offers more than 50 programs of study; it awards associate degrees, gives students useful career skills, and also prepares them to transfer their credits to four-year institutions.
With a student/faculty ratio of 18 to 1, professors are able to interact with students on a personal level, offering them career guidance and academic mentoring, in addition to book learning. Many of the professors have direct work experience in their fields of expertise.
As Hagerstown's campus has continued to grow and change, so have its academic offerings.
Beginning with the 2002 fall semester, for example, the school initiated an associate of arts in teaching degree for elementary education. A set series of courses ensures that students will be prepared to transition smoothly into elementary-teacher education programs at a range of public or private four-year institutions throughout the state, including Frostburg State University and Towson University.
Likewise, the continuing education curriculum has evolved in response to the changing forces that shape society. Two parent education courses, for example, address the issues of divorce and terrorism. "Children and Divorce: Preventing Trauma" helps parents acquire the skills they need to guide children through a parental split, while "Toys to Terrorism: Helping Children Cope with a Violent World" focuses on strategies and resources for parents to use in helping their children deal with the violence inherent in today's society.
Overall, Hagerstown Community College remains what it has always been: A central resource for learners of all stripes, from those just beginning their post-secondary academic work, to returning students looking to enhance their skills and further their careers.