Southern Maine Community College (SMCC, SMCC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Southern Maine Community College got its start after World War Two to accommodate the influx of veterans seeking career training opportunities and higher education. The college sits on a historic spot, the one-time home of the military Fort Preble. Since its inception, the college has evolved from the Maine Vocational Technical Institute to the Southern Maine Community College. Its major educational focus has shifted from training-based to a broader, general education focus. Graduates of its programs receive either diplomas or certificates. It is currently accredited by the the Associations Commission on Technical and Career Institutions, and is located in an idyllic, 80-acre spot adjacent to Casco Bay, near the larger urban center of Portland, Maine. Students enjoy the freedom of movement between institutes of higher education afforded to them by the Community College Partnership, which stipulated certain movements and transferrals between technical colleges and the University of Maine System for eligible students.

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Information Summary

Ranks 26th in Maine and 3437th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	43.7
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$17,082
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	23 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	54% / 43%
Enrollment Total (all students)	5,852

Academics

A variety of academic programs are offered, some of which include:

Architectural & Engineering Design – upon completion, graduates will understand and utilize technical graphic standards and drawing techniques. They will acquire knowledge in the field of architectural, mechanical, electrical or civil engineering. Graduates will identify and solve design problems, as well as use Auto CAD to generate drawings and design in two and three dimensional formats.

Automotive Technology – offers graduates positions in dealerships, independent shops, automotive parts stores and companies with vehicle fleet technicians. A variety of specializations are available, including transmission, brakes, alignment, air conditioning, suspension, steering systems, and many more.

Business Administration— awards successful students an Associate in Applied Science or Associate of Science degree upon the termination of the program. Program highlights include science and mathematics courses, as well as broad-based general education core requirements.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Although most programs begin in the fall semester, SMCC utilizes a rolling admissions policy, which benefits students by giving them the opportunity to apply and be accepted throughout the year. If a student is admitted for spring semester, they may initially be taking general education classes.

Applicants need to review the variety programs offered and the special requirements for some of them. In addition to the application and fee, a high school transcript or GED certificate are required.

Students

The student body of Southern Maine Community College is comprised of more than 5,600 students, many of whom reside in state-of-the-art on-campus dorms.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

The following sports can be found here:

Men’s Intercollegiate Baseball
Men’s Intercollegiate and Women’s Intercollegiate Basketball
Men’s Intercollegiate and Women’s Intercollegiate Golf
Men’s Intercollegiate and Women’s Intercollegiate Soccer
Women’s Intercollegiate, Men’s Intramural and Women’s Intramural Softball
Men’s Intramural and Women’s Intramural Volleyball

Local Community

In addition to a vibrant downtown area, South Portland offers a multitude of cultural and recreational activities throughout the year. Mill Creek Park offers the estimated 24,000 residents and visitors alike a gorgeous rose garden, bridge and lovely landscaped pond. Local events are held in this picturesque location, including summer concerts, seasonal ice skating and a tree lighting, as well as the popular Art in the Park show. The Greenbelt walkway consists of a three mile paved trail traversing local neighborhoods and offers scenic views of the harbor. Willard Beach is the area’s last free beach and coupled with the recreational marinas complete the city’s waterfront. A South Portland marina overlooks the city of Portland and the area is home to the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse and the Portland Harbor Museum. Fort Preble, the Lyric Music Theater and the Shoreway Arboretum offer an array of interesting activities for tourists as well as year round residents. For the out-doorsy crowd, Wainwright Farm is a new recreational facility, as well as the established 40 wooded acre Hinckley Park, which features two ponds. Students at Southern Maine Community College enjoy the plethora of recreational offerings and the multitude of historical and cultural destinations located in the vicinity.

A number of well-known people hail from South Portland, including Peter Buck, co-founder of Subway restaurant chain, Brett Brown, professional basketball coach, Clarke Canfield, author and journalist, and Robert G. Albion, college professor, author and historian.

Settlers arrived in South Portland in 1630 and it developed into a residential farming community, which incorporated in 1895. A shipbuilding enterprise was established in 1940, which built cargo ships for Britain. It was combined with another shipyard to meet the expanded needs of the United States, when it entered the second World War. At its peak, over 30,000 people were employed by this shipbuilding corporation. What remains of the shipyard is visible at Bug Light Park, which is the location of the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse, which residents nicknamed “Bug Light”. South Portland has transitioned from a rural, farming community to a large retail center over the course of its history.

Southern Maine Community College