Tacoma Community College

Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma Community College provides a dynamic learning environment that is recognized for student success, academic excellence and quality instruction. Students can start their degree or receive career training at convenient locations during the day, evening, weekend or online, all with affordable tuition.

They can choose from more than 50 study areas or train for a career in one of 46 professional/technical programs. In each of these disciplines students enjoy intimate class sizes, diverse classmates and highly-qualified instructors. Of the college’s 121 full-time faculty, 78 hold master’s degrees and 31 hold doctorates. While studying here, students meet people from around the area and abroad, and find sports, clubs and activities to enjoy with them. TCC also offers strong student support services to help ensure your success.

Academics

Tacoma Community College is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges and Universities of the Northwest Association of Schools and of Colleges and Universities. Specialized curriculum accreditation recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education.

Students interested in pursuing fields where university-level work is required can complete the first two years of course work through Tacoma Community College’s comprehensive university parallel programs. TCC provides the majority of freshman- and sophomore-level course work in a wide variety of disciplines leading to a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university. Four-year colleges in Washington are placing increased emphasis on students choosing and preparing for their major before they transfer. For public colleges that accept transfer students on a competitive-entry basis, such as the University of Washington-Seattle, being “major ready” is one of the most important criteria for who is accepted to transfer and who is not. The college provides assistance in determining completion of the required curricula for graduation through its dedicated staff of advisors and counselors./p>

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Students are not required to submit a TOEFL score with their application to Tacoma Community College. Upon arrival, students will take placement exam to determine their English language skills and whether ESL lessons are necessary. For those who need improvement, TCC offers a wide selection of ESL courses at different levels. Depending on their English skills, students can receive college-level credits for the ESL, and take ESL in combination with regular college classes.

Established in 1967, the ESL Program provides six levels of instruction, from beginning through advanced. Classes are offered in reading/writing, grammar/speaking, conversation/ pronunciation, and American culture. All instructors have at least a master’s degree and have had considerable experience teaching ESL at the college level. Modern technology adds to the learning experience: After class, students gain additional practice in English in TCC’s Language Laboratory and Computer Assisted Learning Laboratory.

TCC’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Program provides a wide variety of classes for students who wish to study English only, as well as for those who want to earn a college degree. At no extra cost, ESL students can take some college-level courses while in the ESL Program.

The ESL program is an integral part of the college, not a separate language institute; ESL students enjoy full access to all college facilities, programs, services and activities.

Transfer Center

TCC is a great place to starting working on your bachelor’s degree. Students interested in pursuing fields where university-level work is required can complete the first two years of course work through Tacoma Community College's comprehensive university parallel programs. The school offers over 40 majors in a variety of freshman and sophomore-level courses, transferable to a four-year college or university. Most common majors include Business Management, Engineering, Mathematics, Pre-Medicine and Nursing.

Students have successfully transferred to several universities such as University of Washington, University of Michigan, University of Southern California, University of Ohio, University of Florida, Arizona State University, and University of California – Los Angeles.

Guaranteed Transfer to Universities!

International Students who have completed an associate's degree at TCC and met certain requirements are guaranteed admission at the following universities. Such universities include University of Washington- Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, Indiana University – South Bend. Engineering students are also guaranteed admission to Saint Martin’s University. Students can also enjoy the following benefits:

Pacific Lutheran University

» PLU offers a guaranteed scholarship in the amount of US$4,000 to all TCC international graduates who satisfy its requirements.

Indiana University – South Bend

» Students who have earned a TCC associate degree and have a college-level GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible to apply for the Chancellor’s Merit Award. Chancellor’s Merit Award recipients pay in-state tuition fees.

Student Life

Tacoma Community College offers plenty of activities for both domestic and international students. The school has an excellent campus with extensive computer access for all students – over 1,000 computers for student use, free email and internet access, Modern Language Laboratory and Computer Assisted Learning Laboratory, student Center includes cafeteria, student lounge and internet café , athletic facilities include field and track, gymnasium and fitness center, and even an art gallery on campus on campus!

TCC has a strong athletics program and everyone likes to cheer the Titans on in a variety of sports that include basketball, volleyball, and soccer. All students are encouraged to participate. For those with other interests, the school offers several student clubs and there are even productions set up every semester.

International students participate in a week long orientation and the International Student Organization is constantly planning fun events for students. This includes sports nights every week, baseball games in Seattle, campus visits and a variety of other trips.

The fun seems to never stop as students have covenient access to shopping, movies, restaurants in Tacoma as well as can take the bus from campus directly in to Seattle!

Campus /Location

With a population of 200,000, Tacoma is the third largest city in Washington State and a major international port. It is located on Puget Sound, 56 kilometers (35 miles) south of Seattle, and 45 kilometers (25 miles) from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Tacoma has become known as a progressive, international city that sits at the foot of Mount Rainer; Tacoma really has a lot to offer with ocean beaches along the 66 miles of shoreline many attractive parks, as well as a world-class zoo and aquarium The city offers many cultural and recreational opportunities for its residents, including theaters, museums, opera, professional sports, parks, and beaches. The temperate climate and friendly atmosphere make Tacoma an ideal location to live and study!

Seattle is one of the most well known cities in the US. It is considered the American coffee capital as that it is where Starbucks originated from! In the 1990’s the city became internationally famous for its music scene with a number of world famous bands such as Pearl Jam. Seattle home to 2 million people and is a highly desirable place to live even though the region has more than 200 rain days per year.

Application Deadline

Fall - August 15th, Spring - November 15th

TOEFL Required

No

Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Volleyball