FCC offers associate of arts, associate of arts in teaching, associate of science, and associate of applied science degrees, as well as certificates and letters of recognition in career programs. The Carnegie Classification for the College is Associate’s - High Transfer-High Traditional.
A History
Founded in 1957, Frederick Community College has grown from 77 students to more than 16,000 students registered each year in credit and Continuing Education (non-credit) programs. Started as an evening school, FCC moved from Frederick High School to a facility on North Market Street, and finally, in 1970, to its permanent home on Opossumtown Pike.
Today’s beautiful campus is a community asset that serves students of all ages and backgrounds. The College is committed to meeting the needs of all students and maintaining high-quality Instruction at an affordable cost. FCC awards associate of arts, associate of arts in teaching, associate of applied science, and associate of science degrees and certificates of accomplishment in more than 50 fields of study. Many students select transfer programs that allow them to continue on to a four-year college for a bachelor’s degree. The College offers an array of career-oriented programs that prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce. The Continuing Education/Workforce Development programs offer non-credit courses in business, computers, real estate, and general interest, as well as contract training for business and industry.
The average age of FCC students is 25; about 67 percent attend part time, and 71 percent plan to transfer to a four-year school. The College understands the special scheduling and counseling needs of adult part-time student and offers convenient evening, weekend, and online classes.
The Campus
The development of our 97-acre campus mirrors the growth of our student population. The most recent building renovation and update was the Monroe Center which was completed in October 2017. Completed in January 2016 was the opening of the Gladhill Learning Commons in Linganore Hall. The new flexible research and learning space offers academic support services, study spaces, and technology in order to promote collaboration and inspire academic excellence.
Additions and renovations to Braddock and Catoctin halls were completed in 2015, providing state-of-the-art science and computer labs, upgraded classrooms geared toward collaborative learning, and study, tutoring, and lounge areas where students can get support from faculty and other students.
Other campus highlights include the Visual & Performing Arts Center, which has an art gallery, a 400-seat theater, and a small studio theater for more intimate productions; and our Student Center, where students can find the Cougar Grille, the Center for Student Engagement, and the bookstore, as well as student lounges and classrooms.
Visit frederick.edu to learn how FCC can help you reach your academic and career goals.
Mission, Vision & Values
Our Mission
Focused on teaching and learning, Frederick Community College provides affordable, flexible access to lifelong education that responds to the needs of diverse learners and the community.
Vision
We transform individuals and communities through learning.
Core Values
Excellence: Providing educational experiences and programming that reflect high academic standards, quality instruction, and exemplary student support
Learning: Engaging all learners in critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and the lifelong pursuit of knowledge and skills
Diversity: Being culturally conscious and inclusive by embracing the visible and invisible human differences that affect the learning and success of students, faculty, staff, administrators, and members of the community
Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking, technological solutions, and alternative approaches to advance learning and student success
Community: Responding to the needs of Frederick County with accessible, affordable education while encouraging engagement, communication, and collaboration within and beyond the College
Integrity: Applying fair and ethical standards in all policies, procedures, and practices
Strategic Plan 2020-2025
Model educational excellence by designing and delivering student learning experiences, pathways, and programs that increase student access, success, and completion.
Support the student learning experience through data-informed enrollment management, responsive programming, and efficient systems.
Lead the College with excellence, transparency, and accountability.
Ensure the fiscal stability and sustainability of the College.
For the full version of the College's strategic plan, please visit frederick.edu.
Community Outreach
FCC Foundation and the Office of Institutional Advancement
The Frederick Community College Foundation, Inc. is a philanthropic network of advocates enriching the vitality and quality of life in our community by promoting access to higher education. In partnership with individuals, organizations, and businesses, the mission of the Frederick Community College Foundation is to remove barriers to a community college education and provide financial support so all students can succeed and positively contribute to our community.
The Foundation is governed by an independent Board of Directors. This group of College ambassadors is committed to providing outstanding private support for the priority needs of the College including scholarships, Student Success Funds and program support. All gifts to the Foundation are tax deductible as charitable donations subject to IRS regulations.
For further information about the Foundation, contact:
- Deborah W Powell,
Executive Director
301-846-2438 or dpowell@frederick.edu
For information on scholarships, go to frederick.edu/foundationscholarships.
For information on the Student Success Fund, go to frederick.edu/studentsuccess or contact:
- Michael Thornton,
Scholarship Program Manager
301-846-2438 or mthornton@frederick.edu
Alumni Connection
The FCC Alumni and Friends Connection fosters relationships to support the overall advancement of the College, and provide opportunities for professional and community engagement.
The FCC Alumni and Friends Connection serves as a vehicle for alumni and friends of FCC to maintain a lifelong partnership in its educational and cultural programs and to provide a link between the College and the community it serves. Whether you received a college degree, attended a Fine Arts performance, or sent your children to Kids and Teens on Campus, rediscover your academic legacy and the memories and friends that made your college experience exceptional. Contact the FCC Foundation at 301-846-2438 or alumni@frederick.edu.
Jack B. Kussmaul Theater
The Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, located in the Visual & Performing Arts Center, offers quality musical and theatrical performances, lectures, and educational programs for the College and community. The 409-seat theater features a three-section mezzanine and orchestra seating. Support areas for the 1,800-square-foot stage include a box office and green room with male and female dressing areas. The Jack B. Kussmaul Theater is available for rental. For additional information, call 301.846.2493.
The Mary Condon Hodgson Art Gallery
The Mary Condon Hodgson Art Gallery, located in the lobby of the theater, exhibits a variety of works monthly from national and regional artists as well as FCC students and faculty. For additional information, call 301.846.2513.
Conference Center
The 14,000-square foot Conference Center provides meeting space for workshops or training sessions for area businesses and organizations. It includes classrooms, meeting space, and breakout rooms, as well as catering with formal sit-down or buffet service. For more information, call 301.846.2671.
The Children’s Center
The Carl and Norma Miller Children’s Center offers year-round full- and part-time care to children of FCC students, staff, and faculty, as well as the community. The center is committed to a developmentally-appropriate program for children ages six weeks and older. Staffed by professional early childhood educators, the center serves as a model child care center and provides student teaching experience for FCC students in early childhood education and related fields. Summer programs offer fun and excitement throughout the summer months for elementary-aged children. For more information about the center, call 301.846.2612.
Student parents whose children have been accepted at the FCC Children’s Center may apply for Children’s Center grants to assist with the cost of child care. Grant applications are available at the FCC Children’s Center, the Office of Adult Services and the Financial Aid office. Deadlines for submitting applications are July 15 for the fall semester, December 1 for spring semester, and April 30 for the summer semester. Applications are also available online on the FCC website at frederick.edu.
Jefferson Hall
Jefferson Hall is the gateway for all students and their families, returning alumni and guests. The building consists of the Enrollment Center (Welcome Desk, Student Accounts, Registration and Records) on the first floor, the College and Career Readiness Center (Admissions, Counseling and Advising, Transfer and Career Services) on the second floor, and the Financial Services Center (Finance, Financial Aid) and the Vice President for Learning Support Suite on the third floor. More information is available online on the FCC website at frederick.edu/jeffersonhall.
Use of Facilities by Outside Groups
College facilities may be rented by the community for civic, educational, cultural, and community recreational purposes consistent with policies and procedures established by the College. Campus facilities may be used by non-college groups when not being used by the College or for college-sponsored activities.
The Capital Planning Office is responsible for processing and approving all public and community use facility requests. A request must be submitted online using the Public & Community Request for Use of Facilities form on the College website at least four weeks in advance for best consideration. The Capital Planning Office will respond to the request within three workdays of receipt of a complete request.
To request the use of space for a public or community event in the JBK Theater, please contact the Space Scheduling Analyst at facility@frederick.edu or 301.846.2671.
For additional information, view the Use of Facilities Policy and Procedure available at frederick.edu.