Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) is a two-year community college that emphasizes technical training. MATC has four major campuses in the Milwaukee area. Each of the four campuses offers 200 programs that lead to an associate's degree, technical diploma or professional certificate. Some programs are offered in an accelerated format for students who have less time available to complete their programs.
Students can choose an occupational program with credits that count towards a future bachelor's degree, or complete the first half of a bachelor's degree via the Liberal Arts and Sciences program. Many students take classes for personal enrichment, to upgrade their job skills, gain new skills, or apprentice in a trade. Students may also attend MATC to earn a high school diploma, GED or HSED.
Classes are available during the day, in the evening, on weekends and online.
Students at MATC receive targeted, practical instruction and training for their career of choice. More than 80 percent of graduates find employment within six months of graduation or successfully continue on to four-year colleges and universities.
MATC faculty members have extensive professional experience in their occupational fields. Students at MATC benefit from hands-on teaching, smaller class sizes and individual attention.
History
Milwaukee Area Technical College was founded in 1912 as the Milwaukee Continuation School, located in the Manufacturers' Home Building in Milwaukee. Classrooms at this location became overcrowded, leading to the construction of a permanent school on State Street. Eight years later, construction of the school was completed and the school was renamed the Milwaukee Vocational School.
Evening classes have been offered from the beginning, and there has always been an emphasis on technical classes and "practical learning" taught by industry professionals.
The school has grown over the years to become one of the largest community-based technical colleges in the Midwest.
During World War II, the Milwaukee Vocational School was turned into a training center for defense workers. The Army Signal Corps set up a training unit on campus. The school ran day and night, seven days a week, facilitating the entry of large numbers of women and African Americans into the industrial workforce for the first time. When the war ended, returning servicemen flooded the traditional apprentice programs. The influx of adult learners led the college to change its name to Milwaukee Vocational and Adult School in 1948.
After WWII, Milwaukee Vocational School developed a series of technical programs that led to the school's transformation into the Milwaukee Institute of Technology in 1951.
Academics
The academic calendar for Milwaukee Area Technical College follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters.
Colleges and Schools
The academic units at Milwaukee Area Technical College are divided into six divisions:
- Business
- Media and Creative Arts
- Health Sciences
- Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Pre-College Education
- Technology and Applied Sciences
Student Life
There are more than 50 student clubs and organizations on the MATC campuses. There is a District Student Board (DSB) that provides support for district wide groups. The Office of Student Life can provide assistance with how to find or join a student organization.
Traditions
The school colors for Milwaukee Area Technical College are blue and white, with gold as an accent color. The athletic teams are nicknamed the MATC "Stormers."
Athletics
The MATC "Stormers" are part of the North Central Community College Conference. The "Stormers" athletic teams compete in several intercollegiate sports, including:
Men's Sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Golf
- Soccer
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Golf
- Soccer
- Volleyball
Satellite Campuses
In addition to the Downtown Milwaukee Campus, MATC has the following satellite campuses:
- Mequon Campus
- Oak Creek Campus
- West Allis Campus
Community Life
MATC was created in response to community demand for technical training of workers in the region, and that commitment to the community continues. MATC provides training, skills advancement and enrichment courses for community members. Its offering of courses in the evenings, on weekends and at varied times is to provide community members greater access to learning.
In the past 20 years, the Hispanic community in the Milwaukee area has increased, leading to changes in teaching methods and curricula at MATC. Working with its Office of Bilingual Education, MATC launched an series of bilingual courses for Hispanic students, aimed at workforce development. Bilingual programs are available in several career choices, including Office Assistant, Nursing Assistant, and Phlebotomy. MATC also provides condensed Spanish language courses for service professionals needing bilingual skills.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $8,900. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. There is also a $30 application fee for those applying to a program. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Tuition estimates per year:
- State Residents: $3,900-$4,600
- Out-of-State: $5,800-$6,934
- Charges per unit:
- In-State: $150-$170 per unit
- Out-of-State: $210-$250 per unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
| Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Any Financial Aid | 83% | - |
| Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 71% | $5,095 |
| Receiving Student Loans | 56% | $4,418 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and alumni, Milwaukee Area Technical College may offer services to students like those listed below:
- Distance learning
- Weekend and night classes available
- Remedial courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Student employment
- Assisting students to find work
- Child care
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Many community colleges are not only a source of technical or career training but also a stepping stone for students to transfer-out to a 4-year college, therefore we have included both graduation and transfer rates below and how MATC compares against other community colleges in Milwaukee County and the community colleges in Wisconsin as a whole.
| MATC | Milwaukee County | Wisconsin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation Rate | 13.0% | 13.1% | 34.6% |
| Transfer-out Rate | 19.9% | 20.0% | 15.8% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
Campus: Milwaukee Area Technical College
- Dental Hygienist Program
- Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 1970)
- Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1976)
- Compare all associate's degree in nursing (ADN) programs in Wisconsin
- Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1976)
- Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program
- Accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (since 1976)
- Radiology Technician Program
- Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (since 1978)
Campus: Milwaukee Area Technical College - West Allis
- Dietetic Technician Program
- Accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (since 1979)
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.
Get more information about the programs offered by Milwaukee Area Technical College by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Landscaping (A, C)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (A, C)
- Accounting (A, C)
- General Office Occupations and Clerical Services (C)
- Advertising and Marketing (A, C)
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management (A, C)
- Administrative Assistant (A)
- Human Resources (A)
- Bookkeeping (C)
- Ecommerce (A, C)
- Operations Management (A)
- Hotel and Hospitality Management (A)
- Entrepreneurship (C)
- Real Estate (A)
- Apparel and Accessories Marketing Operations (A)
- Finance (A)
- Meeting and Event Planning (A, C)
- Banking and Financial Services (A, C)
- Customer Service Support (C)
- Small Business Management (C)
Communication Technology
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer Networking (A)
- Computer Support Specialist (A, C)
- System Administration (C)
- Computer and Information Systems Security (A)
- Computer Graphics (A)
- Web Management and Webmaster (A, C)
- Computer Software and Media Applications (A, C)
- Web Design (A)
Construction Trades
- Electrician (C)
- Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitter (C)
- Carpentry (C)
- Lineworker (C)
- Masonry (C)
- Plumber (C)
- Concrete Finishing (C)
- Painting and Wall Coverer (C)
- Roofer (C)
- Glazier
Education
Engineering Technology
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology (A)
- Recycling Technology (A, C)
- Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting cad (A, C)
- Civil Engineering Technology (A)
- Biomedical Technology (A)
- Computer Systems Technology (A)
- Energy Management (A)
- Architectural Engineering (A)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care (A)
Foreign Languages and Literature
- Sign Language Interpretation and Translation (A)
- Language Interpretation and Translation (C)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing Assistant (C)
- EMT & Paramedic (C)
- Nursing (A)
- Mental Health Technician (A)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (C)
- Phlebotomy (C)
- Dental Assistant (C)
- Medical Assistant (C)
- Dental Hygienist (A)
- Respiratory Therapy (A)
- Medical Office Assistant (C)
- Medical Executive Assistant (A)
- Health Unit Coordinator (C)
- Surgical Technologist (A)
- Physical Therapist Assistant (A)
- Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) (A)
- Pharmacy Technician (C)
- Medical Lab Technician (A)
- Cardiovascular Technologist (A)
- Renal and Dialysis Technologist (C)
- Dietetic Technician (A, C)
- Dental Laboratory Technology (C)
- Anesthesiologist Assistant (A)
- Opticianry, Ophthalmic Dispensing Optician (C)
- Medical Insurance Coding (C)
- Radiologic Technology (A)
- Healthcare Administration (A)
Interdisciplinary Studies
Legal Professions and Studies
- Paralegal (A, C)
- Legal Administrative Assistant (A)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Auto Mechanic (A, C)
- Diesel Mechanic (C)
- Industrial Mechanics (C)
- Auto Body (C)
- Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) (A, C)
- Industrial Electronics Technology (C)
- Appliance Installation and Repair Technology (C)
- Aircraft Mechanic (C)
- Aircraft Powerplant Technology (C)
Personal and Culinary Services
- Food Service and Dining Room Management (C)
- Culinary Arts (A, C)
- Cosmetology (C)
- Baking And Pastry (A, C)
- Cosmetology, Barber and Nail Instructor (C)
- Barber (C)
- Restaurant and Catering Management (A)
- Food Preparation and Professional Cooking (C)
- Funeral Service and Mortuary Science (A)
Precision Production
- Machine Shop Technology (C)
- Welding (A, C)
- Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) (C)
- Tool and Die Technician (C)
- Cabinetmaking and Millwork (C)
Science Technology
- Chemical Technology (A)
Security and Protective Services
- Police Science (A)
- Fire Science (A)
- Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism (C)
Transportation and Materials Moving
Visual and Performing Arts
- Commercial and Advertising Art (A)
- Interior Design (A)
- Music Performance (A)
- Commercial Photography (A)
- Digital Arts (C)
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Milwaukee Area Technical College.
- Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee, WI (17 miles away)
- Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, WI (30 miles away)
- College of Lake County in Grayslake, IL (47 miles away)
- Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac, WI (57 miles away)
- McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, IL (59 miles away)