Mount Wachusett Community College

Accounting/Bookkeeping

This program prepares students for entry-level careers in accounting, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll and data entry. This program is a great option for students seeking a career change or job retraining.

Accounting Concentration

Students enrolled will gain an understanding of the basic principles of accounting for the preparation of internal reports related to the management and decision-making processes of a firm. This business degree is job focused, providing learners with the practical skills and knowledge most desired in the workplace.

Allied Health

This program is an excellent option for individuals seeking entry-level employment in the healthcare field.

Allied Health Concentration

This concentration is for those who anticipate applying to a healthcare program, allowing them to complete general education requirements prior to program acceptance. Most of the MWCC healthcare programs have selective admissions requirements. (See Selective Admission Requirements (p. 23)). Acceptance into this Interdisciplinary Studies concentration does not guarantee admission into a selective healthcare program, but does offer an opportunity to explore career options.

Art

This degree prepares students for transfer to bachelor's degree programs such as fine art, design, art education, illustration, animation, fashion design, art therapy, art history, museum studies, art conservation, architecture, and landscape design. Students learn the fundamental principles of art and design, while exploring a broad range of media in drawing, painting, sculpture, and ceramics, and learn basic digital tools required for success.

Art Concentration

This program provides a broad foundation in academic studies with an emphasis in art and design. This degree includes important fundamental courses recognized by transfer institutions and industries that value creative thinking and innovation.

Audio Engineering Concentration

Courses in the Audio Engineering Concentration focus on skills necessary to pursue positions in professional sound engineering. Through hands-on training, specialized classroom study, and research, students receive training in all aspects of the industry. Graduates can explore careers in music, radio, television, cinema, gaming, and theatre.

Automotive Technology

This program will prepare you for a variety of positions in transportation-related industries. MWCC’s comprehensive program in computerized automotive service technology is not manufacturer specific; the combination of specialized and general training gives students maximum employment flexibility. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities are expected to be very good for those who complete formal automotive training.

Automotive Technology

The Automotive Technology Degree prepares you for a variety of technical and managerial positions in transportation-related industries. MWCC’s comprehensive program in computerized automotive service technology is not manufacturer specific. The combination of specialized and general training gives students maximum employment flexibility. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities are expected to be very good for those who complete formal automotive training.

Biology

This program is designed to prepare students to transfer in the biological sciences with an A.S. degree and Mass Transfer benefits. It will give the students the first two years of a typical biology program so that they are well-prepared for transfer. It may also be used as a pre-professional program for aspiring physicians, veterinarians, dentists and pharmacists. Since many of the classes are two-semester sequential courses, it is recommended that students start this program in the fall.

Business Administration

This program offers a broad array of courses, exposing students to the skills and knowledge needed for a business career. It is a great option for those who have a limited amount of time to attain an education, would like a background in business, or would like to explore business before pursuing a degree.

Business Administration -- Career

A business degree prepares students for a large variety of jobs. This is an ideal degree for students with a desire to work hard and contribute to society in a business framework. Through courses in management, general business, accounting, and marketing, students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be competitive in the marketplace.

Business Administration -- Transfer

Start your business degree education and training at Mount Wachusett Community College. The business transfer degree qualifies a student for direct transfer to Massachusetts State Universities under the MassTransfer Agreement. This is an ideal degree for students with a desire to work hard and contribute to society in a business framework.

Certificate of Banking Fundamentals

Mount Wachusett Community College offers this certificate in partnership with Banking and Credit Union representatives from the College's service area. The certificate contains nine courses, eight of the courses have been a part of the Business Program for several years. One new course, BUS104 Foundations of Banking, was developed collaboratively with representatives from the banking and credit union community.

Chemistry

The chemistry degree is designed to prepare students to transfer in chemistry to a four-year university after they complete their Associate degree at MWCC. The chemistry curriculum is based on STEM CORE requirements and Mass Transfer benefits so that students will continue as juniors at their four-year institution when transferring from MWCC.

Civic Engagement and Community Leadership

Both civic knowledge and civic engagement are necessary to democracy. The Civic Engagement and Community Leadership track embodies this relationship; the material learned within a broad liberal arts and sciences curriculum is applied to current social, political, and economic issues. Students acquire the skills, wisdom, and knowledge needed to make a difference in the civic life of their communities and the world.

Computer Information Systems

This degree will prepare students for the information technology (IT) field especially related to IT support specialist and help desk entry positions.

Computer Information Systems Transfer Track

Start your computer information systems degree and training at Mount Wachusett Community College. The Computer Information Systems Transfer degree qualifies a student for direct transfer to Massachusetts State Universities under the MassTransfer agreement. Students will be introduced to business software systems and object oriented programming.

Computer Science Transfer

The purpose of the Associate of Science Degree in Computer Science program is to graduate students who are prepared for transfer into a baccalaureate degree program in Computer Science. Courses in computer science and mathematics form the foundation of this degree. Students are required to complete 62 total credits of which 33 are Computer Science and Mathematics credits and 29 credits are liberal arts and science credits.

Criminal Justice -- Law Enforcement Concentration

The mission statement for the Criminal Justice program at MWCC is to provide students with academic preparation for career entry, transfer to four-year institutions, and life-long learning through a broad-based and comprehensive curriculum, supported by community partnerships and guided by the demand of the criminal justice workforce. The law enforcement concentration emphasizes areas such as community policing, investigation, criminalistics, and the administration of justice.

Criminal Justice - Transfer Track

The Criminal Justice -Transfer Track has been developed in conjunction with the state Board of Higher Education initiatives to align transferability of all credits earned at MWCC. Interested students should check the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education Website A2B Degree site to get an updated list of the baccalaureate institutions that partner with MWCC Criminal Justice program in this endeavor and the related requirements associated to transfer.

Cyber Security

This certificate is designed as an introduction for students who want to start a career in IT security. Students will learn how to install operating systems and applications and study networking topics. Students will learn how to secure these technologies and protect against possible exploits and attacks. Students may use this certificate as preparation for the CompTIA Security+ SYO-201 exam or as a foundation for ongoing security studies.

Data Analysis Certificate

This certificate is designed to introduce students to essential data skills and to provide additional career options, especially for students already working in the IT environment. Students will work with spreadsheets, databases, data visualization tools, and programming languages while learning about data literacy, management, visualization, analytics, and ethics.

Dental Hygiene

The Dental Hygiene Program at Mount Wachusett Community College offers students the opportunity to earn an Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. The program is comprehensive, combining coursework in general education, biomedical sciences, dental sciences, and dental hygiene science. Students benefit from hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art dental clinic, where they develop essential clinical skills.

Early Childhood Education

This Early Childhood Certificate program prepares students, including those who are working in the field and want to continue their education, for professional work with children from birth to age 5. The program includes a series of courses designed to develop competencies in the areas of child development, curriculum planning, health and safety, and working with children with special needs. Direct work with and observation of children are an essential part of this certificate program.

Early Childhood Education -- Career

In addition to attending to children’s basic needs, early childhood education professionals organize activities that stimulate children’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and social growth. They help children explore interests, develop independence, foster creativity, build self-esteem, and learn how to behave with others. MWCC’s program will prepare students to begin a career working with children ages 0-5.

Early Childhood Education -- Transfer

This program satisfies the requirements of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education Early Childhood Education Transfer Compact for transfer to a state college or university bachelor's degree program (nursery school to grade 2). Preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school teachers play a vital role in the development of children, introducing them to numbers, language, science, and social studies.

Early Childhood Foundational

This Early Childhood Foundational Certificate program prepares students, including those who are working in the field and want to continue their education, for professional work with children from birth to age 5. The program also prepares students to move forward with the ECE certificate or Associate degree program. The program includes a series of courses designed to develop competencies in the areas of child development, promoting positive behavior, and curriculum planning.

Early Education and Care for Exceptional Children

The Early Care & Education for Young Children with Exceptionalities is a track available for Early Childhood Career Associate Degree students. A growing body of research is showing that just under half (45%) of children 0-17 have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACES). These ACES are potentially traumatic events that can have lasting impacts on health and well-being.

Earth / Environmental Science

The Earth Systems/Environmental Science Associate of Science Degree is designed for students to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor's degree in earth systems, geology, meteorology, or environmental science. With a bachelor's degree, students may pursue careers as a geologist, seismologist, environmental consultant, environmental safety consultant, meteorologist, soil scientist, atmospheric scientist, or earth science teacher.

Elementary Education Track

This program satisfies the requirements of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education Elementary Education Transfer Compact for transfer to a state college or university bachelor's degree program. Elementary school teachers play a vital role in the development of children, introducing them to numbers, language, science, and social studies.

Engineering Physics

This program is designed to prepare graduates for transfer in engineering physics. Since many of these classes are two-semester sequential courses, it is recommended that students start this program in the fall.

Environmental Conservation

Environmental Conservation covers a range of environmental occupations in the horticulture/floriculture, agriculture, forestry, parks and recreation fields. Because of an emerging appreciation and heightened awareness of the nation’s natural resources, opportunities in these fields are growing. The Environmental Conservation degree program provides students with a variety of environmentally- oriented subjects.

Fire Science Technology

The Fire Science Technology Degree provides relevant coursework in building construction, fire prevention, fire investigation, and more. The Fire Science program accepts certain courses in transfer from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. This program is for those working in the field, as well as those seeking careers in fire and emergency services. MWCC has adopted the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Model curriculum.

Global Studies Track

This program is for those who would like a strong educational background focused on global issues to transfer to a four-year institution or immediately enter professional employment by carefully selecting electives. Students may choose to major in virtually any academic discipline, such as anthropology, English, geography, or history. Students are encouraged to discuss majoring in any specific area of study with their academic advisor.

Graphic and Interactive Design

This program provides students with the visual design, communication, computer graphic, and website coding skills necessary to be competitive for an entry-level position in the visual communications field and/or to continue their education at a four-year college with an opportunity for credit transfer. For those already employed, this area of study offers them a chance to upgrade and add to their current skill set, improving their prospects for job advancement.

Graphic & Interactive Design

This certificate is for students with prior computer knowledge, business experience, or a degree in a computer-related field who wish to upgrade and add to their current skill set, improving their prospects for job advancement or for personal use. Students will research, plan and create effective, conceptual design for use in print publishing, website interfaces and interactive design projects.

History and Political Science Track

This program is for those who want a strong background in history and political science and plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a degree in history, political science, or government. With a bachelor’s degree in history or political science, the student may pursue a career in government and politics, teach history or political science, pursue a master’s degree in public policy or management, or earn a degree to practice law.

Human Services

This program is for those who wish to build a rewarding career helping people in need by empowering, enabling, and facilitating them to function more effectively in all aspects of living. Opportunities in this field are excellent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the human services sector is one of the fastest growing fields.

Human Services Technician

This program is for those who wish to build a rewarding career helping people in need by empowering, enabling, and facilitating them to function more effectively in all aspects of living. Opportunities in this field are excellent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, human services is one of the fastest growing fields. The Human Services Technician Certificate prepares students for immediate employment in entry-level human services positions.

Interdisciplinary Studies

If your career and educational goals are not yet firmly defined, the Interdisciplinary Studies program provides a flexible curriculum allowing you to explore many different disciplines.

IT Support Specialist

This certificate will prepare students for the information technology (IT) field, especially related to IT support specialist and helpdesk entry positions.

Law Enforcement

Developed in cooperation with the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, the Law Enforcement Certificate program prepares students for a career in law enforcement. The certificate combines specialized criminal justice and general education coursework to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to compete for entry into the Massachusetts law enforcement field.

Legal Studies (includes Paralegal)

This degree prepares students for a paralegal position in a legal setting, such as a law office, courthouse, administrative agency, corporate in-house counsel office, or insurance company. Students will learn to gather and analyze facts relevant to legal disputes, perform legal research, draft legal documents, and prepare witnesses and evidence for presentation at legal proceedings.

Liberal Arts and Sciences

This program is for those who would like a strong educational background to transfer to a four-year institution or immediately enter professional employment by carefully selecting electives. Students may choose to major in virtually any academic discipline, such as biology, English, history, or physical science. Students are encouraged to discuss majoring in any specific area of study with their academic advisor.

Mathematics

This program is designed to prepare graduates for transfer in mathematics at a baccalaureate institution. Since many of these classes are two-semester sequential courses, it is recommended that students start this program in the fall.

Media Arts and Technology

The mission of the Media Arts and Technology department is to offer applied and theoretical instruction for students interested in a career in the media arts. Emphasis is placed on practical training in MWCC’s professionally equipped media facilities, communication skills, and the characteristics of converging media industries. Students gain professional experience participating in a variety of college and community projects.

Media Communications Track

This program is for those who want a strong background in Communications and Media Studies, and plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a degree in Communications. With a bachelor's degree in communications, students may pursue a career in Public Relations, Marketing, Advertising, Journalism, Politics, Education, Social Services, Human Services, Business, International Relations, and Negotiation.

Nursing

The Nursing Programs at Mount Wachusett Community College provide students with the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Nurse Assisting, a Certificate in Practical Nursing, an Associate Degree in Nursing. Upon completion of one of the programs, students are prepared for entry level into a variety of healthcare settings as well as to transfer into programs seeking a higher level of credentialing in nursing.

Paralegal

Students will learn the fundamental skills necessary for an entry-level position in a legal setting such as a law office, courthouse, administrative agency, corporate in-house counsel office, or insurance company. This certificate introduces students to the paralegal field, to several areas of substantive law, and to the basics of legal analysis and research.

Paramedicine

Paramedics are responsible for providing the highest level of Prehospital Emergency Care. Mount Wachusett Community College is now offering an associate degree in Paramedicine option for students that wish to continue their education after completing the MWCC Paramedic Certificate Program and obtaining their paramedic certification. This program is being offered in addition to our traditional certificate program for students who wish to continue their paramedic education.

Paramedic Technology

The Paramedic Certificate Program at Mount Wachusett Community College is a comprehensive entry level program which at its completion will allow the student to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Paramedic written certification exam.

Pharmacy

The Pre-pharmacy degree at Mount Wachusett Community College provides students with the opportunity to earn an Associate in Science Degree for the purpose of transfer to a four-year institution. The Pre-pharmacy Degree offers students the opportunity to explore biology and chemistry, while completing a core curriculum used for transfer. Students will gain knowledge in a variety of disciplines including math, science, the humanities and the social sciences.

Practical Nursing

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide care for sick and injured patients under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. They take vital signs, prepare and give medications, apply dressings, observe physical and mental changes in patients, collect samples, maintain patient hygiene, and attend to physical, mental, and spiritual needs. MWCC’s Practical Nursing Certificate provides short- term education leading to a rewarding health care career.

Pre-Law Track

A DEGREE IN LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES LAWT is designed for those students seeking to transfer to a four-year institution in a pre-law curriculum. This track of study is most appropriate for a student desiring to enter law school after earning a bachelor's degree. Strong research, writing and analytical skills, along with substantive legal knowledge, are essential outcomes for students completing this field of study.

Professional Writing Track

Develop excellent writing and communications skills that open doors across any academic or professional field. Courses such as Journalism, Technical Writing, and Creative Writing provide foundational skills, and a range of professional electives allow students to choose from courses like Public Relations, Digital Photography, and Scriptwriting that enhance their academic program and further their individual goals.

Public Relations

The Public Relations Certificate is designed to provide the public relations practitioner, small business owner, and those interested in entering the field of public relations the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical for success. Most of the courses in this program can be completed online or during the day or evening.

Regenerative Agriculture

The Regenerative Agriculture certificate provides students with the theoretical and practical skills necessary for careers in local food movements and agriculture. Regenerative agriculture is modeled after the cycles of natural systems, relying on nutrient pathways, building and preserving soils and its fertility. You will learn to build food systems that provide healthy food and build local communities.

Secondary Education Pathway in Biology

The Secondary Education Pathway in Biology Program at Mount Wachusett Community College provides students with the opportunity to earn an Associate of Science Degree in Biology that allows them to transfer to a four-year program in Secondary Education in Biology. Upon completion of this program, students are prepared for transfer to a four-year program; a bachelor’s degree is required for licensure as a secondary education teacher in Massachusetts.

Secondary Education Pathway in Chemistry

The Secondary Education Pathway in Chemistry Program at Mount Wachusett Community College provides students with the opportunity to earn an Associate of Science Degree in Chemistry that allows them to transfer to a four-year program in Secondary Education in Chemistry. Upon completion of this program, students are prepared for transfer to a four-year program; a bachelor’s degree is required for licensure as a secondary education teacher in Massachusetts.

Secondary Education Pathway in English

The Secondary Education Pathway in English Program at Mount Wachusett Community College provides students with the opportunity to earn an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts and Science that allows them to transfer to a four-year program in Secondary Education in English Upon completion of this program, students are prepared for transfer to a four-year program; a bachelor’s degree is required for licensure as a secondary education teacher in Massachusetts.

Secondary Education Pathway in General Science

The Secondary Education Pathway in General Science Program at Mount Wachusett Community College provides students with the opportunity to earn an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts and Science that allows them to transfer to a four-year program in Middle School Education in General Science. Upon completion of this program, students are prepared for transfer to a four-year program; a bachelor’s degree is required for licensure as a middle school education teacher in Massachusetts.

Secondary Education Pathway in History

The Secondary Education Pathway in History Program at Mount Wachusett Community College provides students with the opportunity to earn an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts and Science that allows them to transfer to a four-year program in Secondary Education in History. Upon completion of this program, students are prepared for transfer to a four-year program; a bachelor’s degree is required for licensure as a secondary education teacher in Massachusetts.

Secondary Education Pathway in Mathematics

The Secondary Education Pathway in Mathematics Program at Mount Wachusett Community College provides students with the opportunity to earn an Associate of Science Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences that allows them to transfer to a four-year program in Middle School or Secondary Education in Math. Upon completion of this program, students are prepared for transfer to a four- year program; a bachelor’s degree is required for licensure as a secondary education teacher in Massachusetts.

Software Support

The Software Support Certificate is a grouping of courses that will prepare students for jobs in software systems support, end user training, software quality assurance and software documentation. It serves as a foundation to the IT Support Specialist Certificate (ITC) and the Computer Information Systems (CIS) degree.

Substance Addiction Counseling

This program will prepare students for certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and/or a Licensed Alcohol Drug Counselor (LADC) . As a CADC and/or a LADC, the student will be able to seek employment to help individuals who suffer from the effects of substance abuse.

Theatre Arts Track

This program places special emphasis on the performing arts and is an excellent foundation for transfer to theatre and music programs at four-year colleges and universities. Students will benefit from involvement in Theatre at the Mount’s extensive season of plays.

Veterinary Technology

Veterinary technicians (veterinary nurses) perform a wide range of duties on a day-to-day basis. They provide essential nursing care to hospitalized patients by administering medications, placing IV catheters, performing diagnostic imaging and many other advanced skills. By employing observational skills and interpreting body language veterinary technicians are able to recognize subtle changes in patient status allowing the veterinarian to adjust treatment appropriately.

Video/Film Concentration

Students specifically interested in careers in video, television, filmmaking, or related industries may elect to complete this course of study. Students experience all aspects of preproduction, studio and location recording, and postproduction editing. Instruction includes extensive hands-on experience. Throughout the production process, emphasis is placed on efficient message design, effective storytelling techniques, and thorough preproduction planning.