Columbia College is a private college with 33 campuses across the United States, including the Columbia College-Rolla campus, which offers academic programs ranging from short continuing education courses to associate and bachelor's degrees. Each year, almost 25,000 students are involved in campus-based and online education through the college. Classes at the college take place in smaller learning groups with an approximate ratio of 16 students to each faculty member. Campus-based program offerings include associate degrees in business administration and human services, and bachelor's degrees in criminal justice administration, psychology and computer information systems. For individuals interested in pursuing a degree online, the school offers programs such as an associate in science in environmental studies and a bachelor's degree in sociology through online learning. The school also offers a teachers' certification program for prospective students interested in a career in primary and secondary education. For sports enthusiasts, the athletics department has five sport teams that include women's basketball, softball and volleyball and men's basketball and soccer.
The Rolla Technical Center is a campus division of the East Central College and is located less than a 10-minute drive from Breur Park and the Ozark Actors Theatre. The college offers certificate and associate degree programs, theater programs, and an athletics department. Students can pursue associate degrees in areas that include medical science, engineering technology, culinary arts and nursing. One- and two-year certificate options include accounting, graphic decision, paramedic technology and building construction technology. The Fine Arts department offers courses in acting, directing, stagecraft and communication, and students work in collaboration to present a variety of productions each year. The athletics department offers National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) sports programs that include men's soccer and women's volleyball and softball.
The Metro Business College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools and offers programs in business, information technology and health care. Program offerings include associate degrees in medical billing and coding and business and computer specialist, while diplomas and certificates are also available in medical office assistant, massage therapy and administrative assistant. Enrollment takes place four times throughout the year and all classes are taught from Monday to Thursday each week. Evening classes are available to accommodate working schedules. All programs at the college require that applicants possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and prospective students must attend an interview with college staff and pass an entrance assessment prior to admission.