Queen Mary's College, Chennai was established in 1914. Its affiliated to University of Madras.

The College is completely governed by the rules framed by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Tamilnadu and is under the control of the Directorate of Collegiate Education. The College has played a dominant role in empowering women from disadvantaged sections of society.

Queen Mary’s College has been in the forefront of the education of women ever since July 1914, when the Government of Madras instituted the Madras Women’s College. The initial intake of 33 students was housed in a modest building called ‘Capper House’. However, by 1915, the college premises were expanded through the government’s annexure of the area surrounding Capper House. At this stage it offered only Intermediate courses. In 1916 under graduate courses were offered in History and Economics. Eventually Intermediate courses in subjects like Geography, Indian Music, Physics, Chemistry and Home Science were introduced.

Miss De La Hey was the first Principal of the college. The name of the college was changed to Queen Mary’s College in 1917. This college which was started on an experimental basis flourished and gained permanent status in 1918. By this time it had acquired fame and many young women who entered its portals for education, took wing after completing their courses.

An education in Queen Mary’s College was much sought after by parents of young women and families of high social standing coveted education in QMC for their daughters. This train of success carried the college to its momentous Golden Jubilee Celebration in 1964. To witness this occasion, Miss. D. Delahey M.A.,B.T., the first Principal of the College travelled from England: she offered her felicitations and delivered the welcome address. The Golden Jubilee Hall was inaugurated on this occasion. The building which houses the Golden Jubilee Hall also has a number of classrooms.

Another milestone was crossed in 1965, when the late, Mr. M. Bhaktavatsalam inaugurated the PUC course for the evening college.

In 1975 Diamond Jubilee of the college was celebrated. The highlight of this occasion was that the former Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi graced the occasion.  In 1987-1988 the college acquired ‘Autonomous’ status. In 1990 the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations were  held. The then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Mr. M. Karunanidhi  graced the occasion. To commemorate this event a new building was constructed. The special focus of the Platinum Jubilee year was the introduction of the B.Sc. Computer Science.

In 2010 “Kalaignar Maligai”, new building, was opened by former chief Minister M. Karunanidhi  In 2012 a new building having 10 class rooms and laboratories was  inaugurated by former Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha.

VISION

The college enshrines in its vision the ideal of democratization of education by drawing into its ambit women from the deprived sections of society and empowering them with an education that hones life skills and employability.

MISSION

As educating a woman is tantamount to educating a family the mission of the college is to have programmes that ensure the all round development of its students. The goal in view is an education that transforms young women and equips them to face challenges in their personal and professional lives. The college endeavours to maintain a learning atmosphere that reinforces the ideals of professional competence and social commitment.