What is horology?
Horology is the study of the art and science of measuring time.

What is the relationship between the NAWCC and the School of Horology?
The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) is a non-profit association of more than 22,000 members whose mission is to encourage and stimulate interest in the art and science of horology for the benefit of NAWCC members and the public.
In 1995, the NAWCC opened the School of Horology in order to continue the tradition of watch and clock repair.

Do I have to be a graduate of any other program to qualify for admittance?
Proof of high school graduation or a GED is the only requirement for admittance.

Is financial aid available?
Yes. Assistance with financial aid through federal Title IV funding is available to eligible students. For information about federal student aid, please go to WWW.FAFSA.ED.GOV to find details about using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to apply online.

In addition, the combined Midwest Regional chapters of NAWCC provide funds for the Midwest Regional Scholarship. The dollar amount of this scholarship varies, depending on the number of recipients chosen and the course length they select. Application forms for this scholarship are available upon request through the School of Horology business office.

The School of Horology programs also qualify for all applicable Veterans Administration benefits. Arrangements for this aid must be made through a VA counselor.

How many prospective students apply for the watch and clock programs?
The number of applicants varies for each Watch Repair and Clock Repair program. If more than nine applicants apply for a given program start date, the earliest nine applicants will receive priority in selection.

How many are accepted?
To ensure adequate individual instruction, classes are limited to nine students, allowing us to maintain a 1:9 faculty/student ratio.

Can I come for a visit?
Yes. You will want to come when a class is in session. Please call 717-684-8261, Monday-Friday between 8:00-4:30 Eastern Time to arrange a visit. You can click on Watch Program or Clock Program and then Course Schedule to check current session dates.

Can I talk to a student?
Of course! During a visit, your will be able to talk to students and instructors and you will observe classes in session.

Does the School of Horology provide student housing?
While the School does not provide housing, the business office maintains a list of local sources of housing options and provides this information (containing contact information for nearby rooms-for-rent and apartments) to prospective students. Students can use this information to arrange accommodations or choose to make housing arrangements on their own.

Do graduates find jobs?
Absolutely! At present, there is more demand for qualified technicians than the number of professionals in the field of watch/clock repaira great situation for any new graduate!

Where do alumni work?
Typically, students who complete the Complete Repair Program open their own shops and businesses. Others prefer to find watch repair positions in retail jewelry stores, department stores or watch/clock companies.

What's the weather like in Columbia, Pennsylvania?
Columbia experiences the changing seasons of the mid-Atlantic United States, with temperatures sometimes reaching the 90s in the summer and snow days possible in winter. Recent winter weather patterns have typically included a few light snows (less than 3) per season with very few heavy snow storms, although January-March are the months in which greater snowfall is most likely.

What is there to do in the area?
Columbia is conveniently located in western Lancaster County, along the banks of the Susquehanna river's scenic rolling river with lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation. In addition, the Pennsylvania Dutch heritage of Lancaster County-- centered in rich farmland area about 20 minutes east, near Lancaster--is definitely worth exploring, along with historic York and Gettysburg, located across the river to the west. Columbia is also centrally-located for access to Philadelphia (about 90 miles east via Rt. 30/Pa. Turnpike) and Baltimore (about 70 miles south via Rt. 30 west to Rt. I-83 south/Baltimore beltway).

How do I get to Columbia?
Amtrak service to Lancaster, Mt. Joy and Hershey is available. Local airports are Harrisburg International (MDT) and Baltimore - Washington International (BWI). Columbia is located right on the Susquehanna River, the last exit before crossing over the river to York county and is about 15 miles west of Lancaster along either Route 462 or Route 30.