The Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar, one of the oldest Syrian Christian Churches founded by St. Thomas in India, entered the realm of higher education by establishing a College in Tiruvalla, the Headquarters of the Church. The Church, which had pioneered many social and humanitarian projects, was thus responding to a dire need of the society in the field of higher education by founding Mar Thoma College in 1952. The college grew fast, even beyond the dreams of the founding fathers and now it is one of the most reputed Colleges in the state and is a glowing example of the vision of the Church and its commitment to the needs of the society.

The late Most Rev. Dr. Juhanon Mar Thoma Metropolitan, the late Rt. Rev. Dr. Mathews Mar Athanasius, late Most Rev. Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan and the late Mr. K.K Kuruvilla, and many others contributed in no small measure to the growth and development of this institution. The present Manager of the College is Most. Rev. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan.

From a small beginning with 250 students and 12 teachers, the college has grown into a premier educational institution with over 1500 students on the rolls, over 80 members on the teaching staff, and about 45 members on the non-teaching staff. The college presently offers 12 undergraduate and 11 post-graduate programs and several non-formal courses. The College also has seven bonafide research departments offering full-time research facilities leading to Ph.D.