College Profile:
Albany Technical College

Albany Technical College is a post-secondary institution offering short-term technical certificates of credit, diplomas and associate degrees. It is located in the heart of Southwest Georgia, in Albany, with a campus in Early County.

A Brief History

Albany Tech traces its roots back to 1961 when it was established as the Monroe Area Vocational-Technical School enrolling 175 students. Shortly thereafter, the Albany Area Vocational-Technical School was built, and in 1972 the two schools were merged in the current location.

In July 1988, the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education (DTAE) was formed and the newly named Albany Technical Institute came under its direction. Albany Tech was charged with providing technical education opportunities to the residents, businesses and industries within an eight-county service delivery area. These counties include Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Dougherty, Early, Lee, Randolph and Terrell.

With the passage of House Bill 1187, the Georgia Legislature approved the changing of DTAE technical institutes’ names to “college,” providing they offered associate degrees. Meeting the criterion, Albany Technical Institute became Albany Technical College with a grand ceremony on July 6, 2000.

Albany Tech has a satellite campus in Early County and adult learning centers in all eight of its service delivery counties. Today, more than 3,000 full-time students are enrolled in credit programs per quarter. Another 2,500 are enrolled part-time and in seminars, continuing education courses, teleconferences and customized business training.

Albany Technical College’s Mission

Albany Technical College, a public post-secondary institution of the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education, provides technical education and training support for evolving workforce development needs of Southwest Georgia. To accomplish this mission, the College utilizes traditional, online and distance learning methods. The following purposes of Albany Tech are based on the concept that education benefits individuals, businesses and the community:

• To provide quality competency-based associate degree, diploma and technical certificates of credit programs that prepare students for employment in business, technical sciences, allied health, personal services and industrial careers.
  
• To provide basic adult education and development programs to help adults improve life skills and prepare for continued education and training.
  
• To contribute to the technological advancement of area businesses and industry through education and training.
  
• To offer comprehensive continuing education courses and programs for the advancement of skills, knowledge and personal growth.