Glendale Community College - Overview
A 2-Year College with a Wide Variety of Degree and Transfer Programs
Glendale Community College (GCC) is a public, 2-year community college located in the heart of Glendale, Arizona. GCC is the second-largest campus in the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD). MCCD, which comprises 10 campuses throughout the greater Phoenix area, is one of the largest community college districts in the United States.
Glendale Community College offers degrees in more than 60 majors, as well as several career- and industry-specific certificate and occupational degree programs. GCC has partnered with several universities in Arizona and throughout the US to offer transfer programs for students interested in pursuing a 4-year degree.
Each year, approximately 40,000 students enroll in classes at GCC, including international students from more than 50 countries. Students may attend classes at GCC's 147-acre main campus or at the 75-acre GCC North extension, which is located in north Glendale at the base of scenic Ludden Mountain.
Degrees and Certificates at GCC
Students at Glendale Community College may choose to pursue associate's degrees in a variety of majors including fine arts, elementary education, fire science, public relations, business, and nursing.
GCC also offers certificates and occupational degrees in fields like accounting, graphic design, computer information systems, nutrition, automotive technology, and behavioral health sciences.
University Partnerships Ensure Smooth, Successful Transfers
The Associate of Arts (AA) degree at GCC is designed for students who plan to attend 4-year universities. GCC has worked closely with several public and private universities to ensure that students who complete 2-year associate's degree programs can apply their credits toward 4-year degrees.
The Maricopa-ASU Pathways Program (MAPP) provides guaranteed acceptance to students who transfer to Arizona State University (ASU) after earning associate's degrees from schools in the Maricopa County Community College System, including Glendale Community College. The program provides a tuition guarantee that "freezes" ASU tuition rates at the time of enrollment. Students participating in the MAPP program can apply all community college credits earned toward 4-year degrees.
Other transfer programs include a partnership with Northern Arizona University which allows students to complete all bachelor's degree coursework at GCC or any other area community college. GCC also has partnerships with several private and out-of-state colleges including University of Phoenix, Western Governors University, and the University of Texas at El Paso.
A Supportive, Student-Centered Environment
Glendale Community College provides a wide range of services -- including advising, placement and career-interest testing, college-preparatory classes, free tutoring, and orientation sessions -- to help first-time and returning students adjust to college life.
The First Year Experience (FYE) program is designed for students coming to GCC directly from high school. FYE helps students make a smooth transition to college-level work through a combination of linked courses and career planning sessions.
GCC also offers orientation services for returning students. These services provide working adults with information about enrollment and degree plans; financial aid and scholarships; and available tutoring services.
Dual-Credit Programs for High School Students
GCC's dual-enrollment program gives high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to enroll in special dual-credit classes. Students have the opportunity to complete college-level coursework and earn credits that can be applied toward a degree program at GCC. Tuition for the program is low and all classes are taught on high school campuses.
GCC also offers a 2-year scholarship program that gives high school sophomores the opportunity to earn up to 24 hours of college credit by participating in special summer and weekend classes.
International Students and Study Abroad Programs
Glendale Community College offers a wide range of services designed to help international students find housing, register for classes, and make travel arrangements. Students who need to improve their English skills can enroll in GCC's ESL program, which focuses on English grammar, vocabulary, speaking, and writing.
GCC also provides opportunities for students to participate in 1- to 4-week study abroad programs. Current and past programs include an art, language, and culture program in China and a coral reef ecology program in French Polynesia.
Resources for the Mind and Body
Students at Glendale Community College have access to a variety of technology and research materials. GCC is home to more than 300 computers, a TV studio, a foreign language lab, and a computer-aided design lab. GCC's libraries hold a collection of more than 80,000 books, DVDs, and videos, in addition to magazines and journals, audio-visual equipment, and study rooms.
GCC is also home to a state-of-the-art fitness center. The fitness center is open 85 hours a week and offers personalized training programs, nutrition seminars, yoga classes, and a variety of workout equipment including treadmills, stair climbers, and weights.
Admission, Fees, and Financial Aid Options
Students interested in attending GCC are required to have a high school diploma or a GED; students who are transferring to GCC from another college or university must be in good academic standing. Applicants under 18 will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. Requirements for students under 18 include a score of 930 or higher on the SAT I, a score of 500 or higher on the SAT II, or an ACT score of 22 or higher.
Costs for a semester at Glendale Community College include tuition and registration fees, as well as lab fees, textbooks, and other miscellaneous expenses. Students in need of financial assistance may apply for grants, student loans, scholarships, or work-study programs.
A Vibrant Community in the Greater Phoenix Area
Glendale, Arizona is a vibrant community located just 9 miles outside of downtown Phoenix. Glendale is home to more than 450 restaurants, and an eclectic mix of shopping areas. Glendale offers a variety of parks, golf courses, and miles of hiking and biking trails, along with several professional sports teams, including football, hockey, and basketball.