In the heart of Bergen County, New Jersey, stands Bergen Community College (BCC), a public community college founded in 1968. As New Jersey’s largest community college, BCC opens doors to higher education and career success for students from diverse backgrounds through its inclusive educational philosophy and high-quality academic programs. Today, we’ll explore the unique appeal of this community college through five dimensions: History and Legacy, Academic Programs and Departments, Campus Facilities and Environment, Employment and Career Development, and Why It’s So Popular.
A Rich History and Legacy
The story of Bergen Community College began in 1963 when Bergen County policymakers decided to establish a local college. In September 1968, the college officially opened its doors to its first cohort of 1,454 students, marking the beginning of its journey to serve the community. Over more than half a century, BCC has expanded from its initial campus in Paramus to its current three locations: the Meadowlands Campus in Lyndhurst and the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack.
The college’s history is one of continuous growth. During the 1970s, most of the permanent buildings on the main campus were completed. In 2016, the $26 million Health Professions Center opened, marking a new level of commitment to health sciences education. Today, BCC stands as New Jersey’s largest community college, enrolling over 15,000 students each semester. It has produced countless graduates, many of whom have successfully transferred to top universities, including all Ivy League institutions.
Comprehensive Academic Programs and Majors
Bergen Community College offers over 100 associate degree programs, certificates, and continuing education courses to meet students’ diverse academic and career goals. The curriculum spans a broad range of disciplines, ensuring students find the right path whether planning to transfer to a four-year university or enter the workforce directly. Tricks for Quickly Obtaining an Australian Diploma
Academic Fields: The college offers degree programs in the liberal arts, natural sciences and mathematics, and professional studies. Students can choose majors like Communication, Economics, or Psychology under the Associate in Arts track, or pursue pre-professional courses in Biology, Computer Science, or Engineering under the Associate in Science track.
Career Programs: BCC’s career programs are closely aligned with regional economic needs. Health professions represent Bergen County’s largest employment sector, with the college offering over 10 Associate of Science degrees in health sciences including Dental Hygiene, Diagnostic Ultrasound, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care, and Veterinary Technology. Additionally, the School of Business provides Associate of Applied Science degrees in Accounting, Banking and Finance, and Hospitality Management. The college also offers distinctive programs such as a certificate in Brewing Technology, Computer Animation, Fashion Design, Forensic Science, and cybersecurity and web development under Information Technology.
Distinctive Programs: For working adults and students seeking rapid career entry, BCC’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development division provides numerous short-term certificate courses and training programs. Examples include free healthcare training through the PACE program, helping participants earn certifications in areas like electrocardiogram (ECG) technology and phlebotomy for swift job placement.
World-Class Campus Facilities and Environment
Despite being a community college, Bergen Community College’s campus facilities rival those of many four-year universities. The main campus in Paramus spans a large area, featuring numerous modern buildings and learning resources.
- Academic and Instructional Facilities: The college boasts over 50 networked computer labs and classrooms, with more than 110 classrooms equipped with projection systems and faculty workstations. The library provides extensive computer resources to support student learning and research, offering up to 14 hours of daily open computer access. The $26 million Health Professions Center features simulation labs, a fully equipped dental hygiene clinic, and industry-standard technology, providing students with real-world practice environments.
- Arts and Performance Facilities: The Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre seats 300 and features state-of-the-art computerized lighting and sound systems, complemented by a full suite of supporting facilities including a scenic workshop and dressing rooms. The college also houses a recital hall, recording studios, rehearsal and dance studios, and a fully equipped music applications studio, providing arts students with premier creative and performance spaces.
- Science and Technology Facilities: The Stryker Manufacturing Lab within the Technology Education Center houses computerized milling and lathe equipment, enabling students to experience the complete manufacturing process from design to prototyping to production. The Emil Buehler Trust Observatory features two 16-inch reflecting telescopes and is open to the community. The 2,500-square-foot greenhouse complex features four computer-controlled environments simulating climates from deserts to rainforests, serving courses in botany, horticulture, and more.
- Student Life & Athletic Facilities: College athletic facilities include a gymnasium, swimming pool, six outdoor tennis courts, weight room, an eight-lane track, and soccer, baseball, and softball fields. A fitness center and jogging trails further facilitate student exercise on campus.
Extensive Employment and Career Development
Bergen Community College serves not only as a stepping stone for transfer but also as a fast track to the workplace. The college supports student career development through multiple avenues.
Industry-Driven Curriculum Design: The college’s course offerings are closely aligned with the practical needs of regional employers. Take health professions as an example: Facing the New Jersey Hospital Association’s projection of an 80,000-person healthcare worker shortage by 2032, BCC offers over 10 credit, certificate, and continuing education programs in health fields, preparing students for immediate career entry. The college partners with institutions like Bergen New Bridge Medical Center to provide students with potential employment opportunities.
Practical Learning and Internships: BCC offers Co-Op work experience courses, enabling students to gain supervised hands-on experience in professional settings and acquire industry knowledge and skills through on-the-job learning. The college’s Career Center provides job placement assistance to facilitate students’ smooth transition into the workforce.
Graduate Outcomes: BCC is New Jersey’s top community college for producing associate degree graduates. Students in career programs enter the labor market equipped with industry-recognized skills. For example, through the PACE program, students have the opportunity to earn certifications from the National Healthcare Association, significantly enhancing their employment prospects.
Transfer Pathways: For students seeking further education, BCC maintains strong transfer agreements with four-year universities. Many of the college’s programs, such as the Associate of Science in Business Administration under the Business Studies category, provide a solid foundation for transfer, with coursework aligned to business programs at multiple local universities.
Reasons for Popularity: Student-Centered Philosophy
Bergen Community College’s popularity stems from its core commitment to prioritizing student success. As a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, BCC is widely recognized for diversity and inclusion, earning recognition as one of the “Most Promising Workplaces” by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine.
Exceptional Student Support: The Henry and Edith Cerullo Learning Assistance Center has twice been honored as the “National Tutoring Center of the Year,” delivering high-quality academic support. The STEM Student Research Center ranks among the nation’s leaders, providing cutting-edge research resources for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The college also operates an Assistive Technology Lab, offering training in hardware and software applications for students with disabilities to ensure equitable access to educational resources.
Financial Accessibility: As a public community college, BCC’s tuition is significantly lower than four-year universities. The college offers diverse financial aid options, including the Community College Opportunity Grant for eligible students, which provides a tuition-free BCC experience. Forty-three percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, with substantial average funding amounts.
Vibrant Campus Life: BCC hosts over 50 student clubs and organizations, offering a wealth of extracurricular activities. The Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter, recognized as “World’s Best,” boasts over 600 members actively engaged in service learning and campus initiatives, significantly enriching the student experience. Organizations like the Student Government Association and LatinxCEO provide real-world learning opportunities.
Choosing Bergen Community College means choosing a college that is equal opportunity, highly supportive, and career-focused. Whether your goal is to transfer to a top-tier university or quickly acquire professional skills to enter the workforce, BCC will help you take your first step toward success with its comprehensive curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and all-encompassing support system.
