It was reopened in 1934 as Theodor Herzl Junior College, located in the North Lawndale neighborhood on Chicago's West Side in.

During the Great Depression, the financially strapped Chicago Board of Education considered closing the school but after arguments from Clarence Darrow, it remained open as the Theodore Herzl Junior College, named for the founder of the modern Zionism movement.

In 1971 a modernist inspired campus building based on Miesian design standards was built by architect Gene Summers at 1900 West Van Buren.

The associate in general studies degree offers four different majors: communication and fine arts, biology, natural and behavioral sciences, and mathematics.

In that capacity, Malcolm X College offers the largest selection of health science career degrees and certificate programs in Cook County.

Located adjacent to one of the nation's largest medical centers, the Beacon College offers students clinical affiliations.