Midlands Technical College is a comprehensive, multi-campus, two-year public college serving the primary region of Richland, Lexington and Fairfield counties of South Carolina. College programs and services provide accessible, affordable, quality education that prepares a diverse student population to succeed in the job market, to transfer to senior colleges and universities, and to achieve their professional and personal goals. The college equitably provides higher education opportunities, strengthens businesses and enhances the economic and social vitality of the community.
Midlands Technical College, as a premier higher education partner, creates innovative learning environments, promotes individual and business success, drives economic vitality, and enhances quality of life.
The college implements its mission through a clearly defined set of programs, services and partnerships that include:
College-Level Credit Programs. The college serves approximately 17,000 credit students annually through courses leading to associate degrees, diplomas and/or certificates in Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering Technology, Health Sciences, Industrial Technology, Information Systems Technology, Nursing and Public Service.
Corporate and Continuing Education Programs. The college provides professional and career training and development through open enrollment and customized courses with approximately 25,000 enrollments annually. The college serves individuals, businesses and the community. The college also offers self-supporting, noncredit activities for personal enrichment.
Student Development Programs and Services. The college offers programs and services to current and prospective students and alumni to increase their success and enhance their potential for personal, educational and professional growth. The college increases student access to higher education and careers through recruitment, developmental education, financial services, counseling and career services, and evaluation and support services.
College Administrative Support Services. The college, through an array of comprehensive administrative services, ensures an effective and fiscally sustainable institution.
Economic Development Programs. MTC proactively promotes business growth and regional prosperity. The college enhances the economic vitality and quality of life of the region by providing a sustainable workforce and opportunities for community engagement.
Business Collaboration and Partnerships. MTC initiates and expands business relationships through advisory board participation and business outreach activities. Business Solutions works with potential and existing business customers to identify needs and provide specific education and training for their potential and current employees.
Midlands Technical College contributes to the community by helping individuals reach their full potential through affirmation of the following values:
Commitment to Students - Belief in providing a learner-centered environment offering quality instruction, resources and services and presenting challenging opportunities for the continued growth and development of its students. The college assists students in clarifying their lifelong goals, navigating career pathways, fostering entrepreneurship, developing interpersonal skills and maximizing their potential.
Commitment to Excellence in Education - Belief in offering the highest quality academic programs and support services through a variety of delivery methods that reflect the relevant education required for future success. The college builds a community of learners and prepares students for the work environment or further education.
Commitment to Quality Service - Belief in providing professional, respectful, responsive, flexible, approachable and courteous quality service to all constituents.
Commitment to Integrity - Belief in ethical behavior by all members of the college community. The college fosters and promotes integrity, honesty, fairness and mutual respect among faculty, staff, students and all others associated with the college.
Commitment to Economic Vitality and Quality of Life - Belief in preparing students for successful careers by providing a seamless curriculum bridging secondary education, higher education and lifelong learning. The college serves as a resource for community engagement and partners with business, education and government to enhance the growth and prosperity of the region.
Commitment to Access and Diversity - Belief in providing access to programs and services to students who comprise the cultural, economic and demographic diversity of the community.
Commitment to Faculty and Staff - Belief in the importance of attracting and retaining an excellent and diverse faculty and staff who collectively create a positive learning environment. The college provides professional development opportunities and demonstrates its commitment to the college community by providing resources to carry out the mission of the college.
Commitment to a Quality Campus Environment - Belief in the importance of creating an inviting and secure environment for the college community. The college values clear communications, open exchange of ideas, involvement in decision-making, and respect for all individuals.
Commitment to the Management and Diversification of Resources - Belief in the effective use of college resources to provide quality education and services for the students and community and in being accountable to constituents. The college seeks to diversify its financial support through the pursuit of new and innovative resources. Commitment to Innovation and Renewal - Belief in the spirit of creativity and discovery in all college endeavors. The college is open to innovation, adaptation and positive change for the benefit of all its constituencies.
The present-day Midlands Technical College is the product of a rich and unique history. Never before had a public trade school, a public technical education center and a private junior college merged to form a comprehensive two-year technical/community college in South Carolina.
In 1947, the South Carolina Area Trade Schools (SCATS) Act established the South Carolina Area Trade School–Columbia Campus to provide skilled and educated workers to meet the expanding labor needs of the community. In 1969, the name was changed to Columbia Technical Education Center (TEC) and it became part of the State Committee for Technical Education, which was responsible for guiding the technical programs in the state. The site of the Columbia Technical Education Center is now the Airport Campus of Midlands Technical College.
Richland Technical Education Center (Richland TEC) was established in 1963 to address the need for specialized training for industrial growth, and the first students were enrolled in the fall of 1963. By 1969, the school’s enrollment expanded to 1,200 students and Lexington County officials joined forces with Richland County to form the Richland-Lexington Counties Commission for Technical Education. With this partnership, the name of the school was changed to Midlands Technical Education Center (TEC).
Approximately 15,500 students were enrolled in Midlands Technical Education Center between the years 1969-1974. Major programs of study were offered in industrial and engineering technologies, business and allied health. The site of the Midlands Technical Education Center is now the Beltline Campus of Midlands Technical College. Palmer College in Columbia, a private business college, joined with the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education in 1973. At that time, Palmer College annually enrolled 1,000 students in 16 associate degree and diploma programs. On March 21, 1973, the Columbia Technical Education Center, Midlands Technical Education Center and Palmer College in Columbia merged to form a single, multi-campus college. This new college operated as three separate entities governed by one local commission through June 1974. On July 1 of that year, the three separate institutions merged to form 37 Midlands Technical College under the guidance of the Richland-Lexington Counties Commission for Technical Education.
Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), Midlands Technical College provides a variety of educational opportunities that support its mission of human resource development in support of economic development.
More than 100 associate degree, diploma and certificate programs of study are offered. A strong college transfer program has evolved to allow students the opportunity to take the first two years of a baccalaureate degree and transfer to one of the state’s four-year institutions. Midlands Technical College is currently the largest feeder college to Columbia College and the University of South Carolina.
Midlands Technical College provides corporate and continuing education opportunities and has more than 25,000 enrollments annually and is the largest provider of corporate and continuing education of any college in the state. Off-campus sites provide classes for many residents.
More than 80 percent of MTC graduates who do not continue their education after graduation are employed in jobs related to their field of study. State-of-the-art equipment, a well-qualified faculty and staff, and hands-on experience give Midlands Technical College’s students the high-quality education and training they need to successfully compete in the marketplace.
MTC’s students are all ages — the average fall enrollment being 25 years old — and there are more females (60%) than males. The college employs 617 full-time people (fall, 2017).
This 2021-2022 catalog attests to the Midlands Technical College tradition. The college’s solid foundation in the past, together with the vision for excellence in the future, ensure citizens and students alike will be proud to call Midlands Technical College their college.