Why Downtown?

Computer lab at the MCC Downtown Campus

A campus built for the future. A campus built for you. 

Monroe Community College students were involved in the design of MCC’s Downtown Campus from the very beginning, so it’s no surprise they helped us create something great:

  • Versatile learning spaces.
    At MCC, learning can happen anywhere. Study nooks, doodle boards, and gathering spaces make collaboration and creativity outside the classroom easy.
  • The latest technology.
    With superfast Wi-Fi access throughout the campus, you can stay connected on laptops and mobile devices anytime you’re on campus. Not only that, but labs and classrooms offer computers, software, and more to make technically-enhanced learning easy and available for all.
  • Science, technology, and simulation labs.
    At MCC’s Downtown Campus, students learn and work in state-of-the-art lab spaces. For example, in our private- security studies and crime scene management courses, they experiment in our simulation lab. This is modeled after a brick-and-mortar retail store to provide hands-on experience based on real-world scenarios that law enforcement personnel—including security officers—regularly face.
  • The Learning Commons.
    Get tutoring help, do research, and meet with your study group in our integrated learning complex, which includes a library and learning center.
  • The full campus experience. 
    Hang out in the café with your friends, work out in the fitness center, or blow off some steam in the game rooms. The Downtown Campus has the facilities and resources to offer students a rich experience. From our Student Engagement Center to our bookstore, student lounges, club meeting spaces, and other essentials for student life, Downtown Campus has the total college package.
  • A community events space.
    Open to both students and the community at large, this beautiful space can host everything from plays to poetry readings, lectures to community meetings.
  • A green campus.
    If you are interested in green technology, our seven-floor, 255,000 sq. ft. building is itself a living classroom for you. Built with recycled materials and energy-efficient windows, it boasts four “eco roofs” with pleasant and educational rooftop gardens that also help the building conserve energy.

The High Falls District is where our city began. MCC's Downtown Campus is where it's going. 

Not many colleges can boast a 96-foot-high waterfall in their backyard. Located in Rochester’s High Falls Historic District, our new Downtown Campus is a block away from the Genesee River and the majestic Upper Falls. This historic district has shops, restaurants, a 19th century mill site, and a museum right in the neighborhood. Across the street, you can catch a game at Frontier Field, home of the Rochester Red Wings baseball team. High Falls also hosts the GardenAerial, a native-planted garden, water and fountain works, and a regular summer laser show and fireworks that light up the Falls.

Our Downtown Campus is also within walking distance to local businesses where you can complete internships and engage in hands-on learning. Planning to get to campus on four wheels? Transportation is also convenient: our dedicated parking lot is just outside the campus front door and Regional Transit Service (RTS) buses make multiple stops around campus. Riding your bike? Ample bike racks are available.

Academic programs that prepare and inspire you. A college that gives you the support you need.

Teaching. Criminal Justice. Human Services. Liberal Arts. MCC’s Downtown Campus offers academic programs that give you a great start towards a four-year degree or entry into your career. Whether you’re fresh out of high school, transferring from another college, or returning to school to upgrade your skills, you’ll feel at home here. Our award-winning faculty will motivate and inspire you. They’ll help you prepare for the 21st century workforce with real-world learning and career guidance.

The many options for study at the Downtown Campus include:

  • Programs and certificates in in criminal justice, education, liberal arts and more
  • Internships and hands-on learning with local businesses and civic organizations
  • Flexible scheduling and course options for students who are returning to school, retired, or are busy with work and family
  • Professional development and training solutions for individuals, businesses, and the community via MCC Corporate College
  • Free tutoring and learning centers to help you succeed academically

Downtown Class Schedule