The statutes of the State of North Carolina provide for the organization and administration of a community college system under the direction of the State Board of Community Colleges. The 20-member board has full authority to adopt all policies, regulations, and standards it deems necessary for the operation of the system. Members of the State Board are appointed by the Governor and the General Assembly. Durham Technical Community College is governed by a 12-member Board of Trustees. Four members of the Board are appointed by the Governor, four are appointed by the Durham County Board of Commissioners, and four are appointed by the Durham Public Schools Board of Education.
Trustees serve four-year terms and set local policy for the college.
Admission to the college's curriculum programs is open to all students with a high school diploma or its equivalent. Durham Tech offers programs of study leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate in areas of business, health, general education, industrial and engineering technologies, and public service. In addition, the college offers the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees through the University Transfer program and the Associate in General Education. High school graduation or high school equivalency is required for admission to all curriculum programs. The admission process requires the initial application, transcripts of secondary and postsecondary work, and placement tests.