{start near...go far} 444 Green Street Gardner, MA 01440-100 / USA 978-632-6600 www.mwcc.edu/newopportunity Email: newopportunity@mwcc.edu
Gardner
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Leominster
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Devens
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www.mwcc.edu/newopportunity
right at home at MWCC
You’ll feel
MWCC at a Glance*
Take the first step. Begin your future here.
Annual Credit Enrollment: Full time: Part time: Female: Male: Average age: Under age 18: 18-19: 20-24: 25-34: 35-49: 50-65:
You’ll immediately feel that Mount Wachusett Community College is you. That’s because we are truly community–friendly, eager to help, and close-knit. You’ll meet wonderful new friends. You’ll work with caring faculty and staff who want you to excel. Our small class sizes ensure your involvement and your success. We thrive on diversity and so will you. We’ll challenge and inspire you. We’ll help you discover your academic potential and professional niche. MWCC is a place to learn about yourself. It’s the springboard to your future. Call 978-630-9110, or stop by to schedule a campus visit.
6,790 42% 58% 65% 35% 27 1% 10% 37% 25% 18% 6%
Students with previous college experience:
71%
Degree-seeking students receiving financial aid:
52%
Average class size: *Academic year 2010
14
www.mwcc.edu/newopportunity email: newopportunity@mwcc.edu 978-632-6600
“I earned my degree by attending all my classes in the evening.” -Michelle Rattanavong Business Administration Alumna
The Community College
Advantage It’s About Opportunity “Attending MWCC has been one of the best experiences of my life!” -Yajaira Aldrich Paralegal Degree Student “I think it goes without saying that ‘the Mount’ is a supportive place. The professors are beyond excellent! There is not a person on staff that I didn’t feel comfortable with.” -Austin Seppala MWCC Business Administration Alumnus who transferred to Northeastern University
The Promise of a Fresh Beginning MWCC is your opportunity for access. As a community college, MWCC offers open admission to anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent, and you can get started quickly. At MWCC, you gain access to college-level academic and career education, certificates, and associate degrees. You have the choice of transferring to a bachelor’s degree program or moving directly into a career. You can choose from day, evening, and online classes. You’ll also find affordable education here—costs are significantly lower than those of private colleges and universities.
Discover and explore the hidden potential in yourself
Ask MWCC alumni what made the difference for them and many will tell you how a caring, dynamic professor sparked a lifelong passion for learning.
Caring faculty Teachers and Scholars: Mentors and Friends MWCC classes are small and highly interactive. So, you will get to know your classmates. You will enjoy oneto-one relationships with your professors. You will feel comfortable jumping into class discussions. You will gain real-world experience through service learning, internships, and working with the latest technology. You will immerse yourself in the thrill of learning. MWCC faculty include Fulbright Scholars, published authors, renowned artists, and more. Many have their doctorate degrees and several actively work in the fields they teach.
Convenient Flexible Find plenty of options to fit your schedule: day, evening, online, and accelerated eight week courses. Campuses are conveniently located in Gardner, Leominster, and Devens. Get credit for prior learning through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or life experience.
Take an online or hybrid class and your classroom can be as close as your home computer. Do your assignments and study at home at times convenient for you. MWCC offers over 85 courses online and 14 programs that can be completed entirely online or almost entirely online.
Experiential Learning Experiential learning is, by definition, learning by doing. This happens in a number of ways at MWCC, whether through practicum, job shadowing, internships, co-ops or service learning.
Exceptional academics Stretch Your Mind. Launch a Career. Learn and Grow. Choose from over 40 degree and certificate programs designed to advance you toward your goals. Equip yourself with quick training for a new career. Gain solid academic preparation for transfer to a four-year college or university. Gain real-world experience. MWCC faculty specialize in making education work for all different types of learners: students unsure about a major, adults returning to school, and honors students.
Associate Degrees and
Certificates At MWCC, You Will be Prepared Associate degrees prepare you for a career or transfer to a four-year college or university. Attending full time, you may complete the required courses in as little as two years. You may also attend part time at your own pace. Many students have work or family responsibilities and may take slightly longer to complete their coursework. Certificates are ideal for quickly acquiring training to launch a new career, strengthen current skills, or pursue an interest. You may complete the required courses in as few as two semesters full time, or part time at a pace convenient for you.
Associate Degrees Accounting Concentration (BACA)* Allied Health Concentration (GSAH)* Art—Professional Track (RTP) Art—Traditional Program (RT) Audio Engineering Concentration (BCTA)* Automotive Technology - General Motors (AGM)+ Automotive Technology (ATD) Biotechnology/Biomanufacturing (BTD) Broadcasting & Electronic Media (BCT) Business Administration—Career (BAC) Business Administration—Transfer (BA) Business Administration—Transfer (ABAT) (accelerated format)+ Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS)+ Communications Track (LAC)* Complementary Health Care (CHD) Computer Graphic Design—Print (CGD) Computer Graphic Design—Web Design (CGW) Computer Information Systems (CIS) Criminal Justice—Corrections Concentration (CJCD) Criminal Justice—Law Enforcement Concentration (CJL) Dental Hygiene (DHY)+ Early Childhood Education—Career (ECC) Early Childhood Education—Transfer (ECT) Elementary Education Track (LAEL)* Energy Management (EGD) Fire Science Technology (FS) Fitness Leadership & Exercise Science Track (LAX)* General Studies (GS) History & Political Science Track (LAHP)* Human Services (HS) Liberal Arts & Sciences (LAS) Manufacturing Technology—Plastics (PT) Medical Assisting (MAS) Natural Resources (NRD) Nursing (NU) (NUE) (NUP)+
Paralegal Studies (PLD) Photography Concentration (BCTP)* Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)+ Pre-Engineering Track (LAER)* Theatre Arts Track (LAT)* Video/Film Concentration (BCTV)* Yoga Teacher Training Concentration (CHY)*
Certificate Programs Accounting (CAA) Allied Health (AHC) Automotive Technology (ATC) Biotechnology/Biomanufacturing (BTC) Business Administration (BUC) Complementary Health Care (CHC) Computer Graphic Design—Print (CGDC) Computer Graphic Design—Web Design (CGWC) Dental Assisting (DAC)+ Energy Management (EGC) Human Service Technician (HSC) IT Support Specialist (ITC) Law Enforcement (CJLC) Medical Coding & Billing (MCC) Medical Office (MOC) Office Assistant (OAC) Paralegal (PLS) Practical Nurse (PN) Professional Photography (PHO) Small Business Management (SBC)
Other Options Emergency Medical Technician Training English as a Second Language Courses Honors Program Phlebotomy Certificate of Completion Radiologic Technologist Articulation Agreement Programs are continually evaluated, changed, and added. Go to MWCC’s website, www.mwcc.edu, for the most up-to-date list.
*Denotes concentration of an associate degree +Admission to the program is selective. Prospective applicants must complete additional application components and must be evaluated for acceptance. Space is limited and the process is competitive.
“Ladder” Your Skills From a Certificate to a Degree Many students choose to “ladder” their skills or credits from a certificate, or training program—which can take as little as one year or less to complete—to a degree program, which can take as little as two. By earning a certificate or training credential first, students often attain careers in their field while they continue to work toward a degree. Plus, several MWCC certificate and training programs transfer seamlessly into their corresponding degree programs.
Area of Study
Program Sequence
1. Accounting CAA-BACA 2. Allied Health EMT/PLB-AHC-GSAH 3. Biotechnology BTC-BTD 4. Business Administration BUC/OAC/SBC-BAC/BA/BACA 5. Complementary Health Care CHC-CHY 6. Computer Graphic Design-Web CGWC-CGW 7. Computer Graphic Design-Print CGDC-CGD 8. Energy Management EGC-EGD 9. Human Services HSC-HS 10. Computer Information Systems ITC-CIS 11. Criminal Justice CJLC-CJL 12. Medical Office/Assisting MCC/MOC-MAS 13. Paralegal PLS-PLD 14. Nursing PN-NU/NUE
Personalized
Support Services Veteran Services MWCC’s Veteran Success Center addresses the unique academic, financial, physical and social needs of veterans transitioning to college. The center provides a comfortable communitybased environment and centralized location for veteran-related questions and resources. Over 20 services are offered. MWCC is one of 15 institutions in the country selected by the U.S. Department of Education to establish a Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success under a Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) grant. The content of this material was developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. www.ed.gov/fipse
Honors Program Honors Program students study and learn in an exceptionally challenging learning environment, maintaining a 3.3 quality point average (QPA) and completing high-level coursework. They benefit from a learning community with small class sizes, teacher-student mentoring, and team-taught interdisciplinary courses. Honors students receive a tuition waiver during their final semester, special recognition at graduation, and designation on their transcripts. After graduating from MWCC, Honor students are actively recruited by four-year colleges; most enter these colleges as juniors, many with full or partial scholarships. All MWCC Honors courses are transferable as Honors courses within the Massachusetts public higher education system. Honors Program graduates are guaranteed acceptance.
Pre-College/Early College for Teens Pathways Early College Innovation School Through this program, teens can enroll in college-level courses as high school juniors and simultaneously earn their high school diploma and an associate degree. This year-round, two-year program, was established in partnership with the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District. Dual Enrollment (for homeschool students, juniors, and seniors) Through the dual enrollment program, high school juniors and seniors can take college courses prior to their high school graduation. They begin a college transcript early and can take courses toward a degree or to transfer to a four-year institution. Gateway to College Gateway to College is a program for Massachusetts students, ages 16-20, who have dropped out of high school, and gives these students a true second chance to achieve educational success. This program allows them to work simultaneously on the completion of a high school diploma while earning college credits toward an associate degree or certificate.
“I earned a college degree from MWCC at age 18, transferred to a private four-year college and saved over $70,000.” -Elizabeth Burke Broadcasting & Electronic Media Alumna Homeschool Student, transferred to Emerson College
Transfer opportunities 2+2 and 3+1 agreements Top Quality Education That’s Affordable! Starting at MWCC is your affordable alternative to escalating college costs. You can save thousands of dollars by earning your associate degree at MWCC, and then transferring to the college or university of your choice. MWCC associate degree courses parallel those you would take during the first two years at most four-year colleges and universities. MWCC now has 3+1 agreements where you can complete your first three years at MWCC, at MWCC prices for extra cost savings. Four years at a four-year college (estimated cost)* Institution • 4 years at a state university • 4 years at a private college
Tuition & Fees $47,712
Room & Board $37,356
Total $85,068
$162,168
$48,328
$210,496
Two years at MWCC + two years at a four-year college (estimated cost)* • 2 years at MWCC, $34,656 $18,678 then 2 years at a state university • 2 years at MWCC, $91,884 $24,164 then 2 years at a private college *Updated January 2011
$53,334
$31,734 in savings! $116,048
$94,448 in savings!
Transfer Agreements Made Easy
Popular Transfer Choices
Transfer agreements between MWCC and four-year colleges and universities allow graduates to transfer easily into bachelor degree programs at both public and private institutions. Agreements vary depending on programs and schools.
All 3+1 Partner Colleges and Universities Bridgewater State University Emerson College Fitchburg State University Framingham State University Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Mount Holyoke College Plymouth State University Salem State University Simmons College Smith College Unity College University of Massachusetts Wellesley College Westfield State University Worcester State University And many more!
3 + 1: Three Years with MWCC and One with Them MWCC and participating four-year colleges and universities allow you to earn your associate degree plus 30 additional credits at MWCC in three years, and then transfer into a 3+1 bachelor degree program for your fourth year. Pay MWCC prices for your first three years! Participating schools include: Bellevue University, Charter Oak State College, Franklin University, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Mount Ida College, Nichols College, Regis College, St. Joseph’s College of Maine, and Southern Vermont College.
MassTransfer Earn your associate degree at MWCC and then reap the benefits of guaranteed admission, full transfer of credit, and a tuition discount to certain bachelor degree programs within the Mass. Higher Education system! The associate degree must be approved under MassTransfer and each benefit is based upon the student’s final GPA. Students complete a portable 34 credit MassTransfer block which meets general education and core requirements across the state.
Career Counseling Services Take advantage of career counseling services whether you are choosing a major, exploring careers, conducting a job search while attending MWCC, or exploring transfer possibilities and job opportunities as you approach graduation. Explore career paths using up-to-date career exploration tools and individualized career assessments to choose a major. Receive advising on every aspect of the job search, from competitive letter and resume styles to interviewing and follow-up skills.
A New Career If immediate career entry is your goal, MWCC’s career programs can prepare you for high-demand careers. Some businesses and organizations employing MWCC students are: HealthAlliance Hospital Verizon Wireless Simplex Grinnell Heywood Hospital Department of Corrections Seven Hills Foundation CVS Boston National Historical Park Nashoba Valley Medical Center Athol Memorial Hospital Ramsey Rehabilitation Leo P. LaChance Center Staples, Inc. LUK, Inc. Target TD Bank
Visions and RX Programs The Visions program offers vital support for students from families where neither parent has earned a four-year college degree, from limited-income backgrounds, or who have disabilities. The RX program is a support program especially for those in allied health programs. Students can receive career and personal counseling, tutoring, academic and transfer advice, and participate in cultural and recreational activities. These are educational opportunity TRIO programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
LaChance Library The library enriches your educational experience with over 55,000 volumes, 153 magazines, 12 newspaper subscriptions, and access to materials from many other libraries. Its online 24/7 research resources allow you to instantly access newspapers, journals, magazines, and e-books. The library also provides access to computers, printers, software, scanners, DVD players, photocopiers and other equipment you need to be successful in your courses.
Help when & where
you need it
Academic Advising You’ll be paired with an advisor who will work with you throughout your program, helping you select courses based on your academic abilities and building an education plan to ensure you’ll achieve your goals.
Academic Support Center Students, at all levels of academic achievement, use the Academic Support Center for free individual, group, or online tutoring; the math, writing, and adaptive technology labs; and test accommodations for students with disabilities.
Everyone Needs a Hand Now and Then. Here’s Yours. Your success at MWCC is our success. Whatever help you need—academics, career choices, financial or personal concerns—MWCC faculty and staff will be there for you. Just about everyone at MWCC calls upon one of our assistance programs at one time or another. That’s exactly as it should be. Friendly, caring, and expert support for students—in all aspects of their college experience— this is the hallmark of MWCC.
Students with Disabilities MWCC is fully accessible. Services and accommodations for those with physical and learning disabilities are arranged through the counselor for students with disabilities. The adaptive computer lab, equipped with assistive technology, helps students with disabilities achieve academic success.
Be Online Instead of In Line MWCC offers a range of online services to make everything from registration to accessing your grades easier. You’ll have access to student email; iConnect, a portal to important information for students; WebConnect, MWCC’s online course registration system; and Blackboard, where instructors post class information such as your class syllabus and assignments
Spread your wings at MWCC. Act in a play, help a child to learn, develop your leadership skills, make new friends.
Enjoy
on-campus
activities
Involvement is FUN! Be sure to set aside some time at MWCC for just plain fun. You can choose from plenty of on-campus activities, clubs, and organizations. Develop your leadership skills by participating in student government or student clubs, listen to music and hang out with friends at a student barbecue, or check out a theatre performance or art exhibit. Workout at the fitness center, which full-time students can use for a minimal fee. It has exercise equipment, a weight room, swimming pool, racquetball and tennis courts, indoor and outdoor running tracks, and more. Because we know you lead a busy life, we’ve scheduled community time, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, so you can participate in club meetings and attend college events.
Student Clubs and Organizations ALANA (African, Latino, Asian, & Native American) Art Auto Campus Crusade for Christ CATS (Campus Activities Team for Students) Computer Graphic Design Dance Crew Dental Hygienist Early Childhood Education Green Society Human Services i Publications (literary magazine) International Intramural Legal Studies Marketing Mature Adults Returning to College (MARC) Medical Assisting & Medical Office Mount Observer (college newspaper) PRIDE (People Rising in Defense of Everyone) Student Nurses Association Student Government Association Theatre Veterans
Honor Societies Alpha Beta Gamma Honor Society Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society
Civic Engagement and Service Learning
Student Life There are plenty of opportunities to get involved at MWCC: • Student clubs and organizations • Student representation on college committees • Trips • Leadership training • Open mic events
• Cultural events and celebrations • Writing and publishing • Musical performances • Civic engagement • Tutoring • Mentoring • Fitness center activities • Conferences
Change your community while gaining valuable skills, networking opportunities, and the chance to build your resume. Civic engagement opportunities enhance your community while giving you community services experience. Service learning combines classroom learning and community service to enhance the lessons learned in class. Students at MWCC are recognized for significant civic engagement and community involvement in a number of ways, including at graduation. Past student projects have included helping new mothers cope with the challenges and joys of parenting, working with children at an early childhood education center, improving the environment, teaching senior citizens computer skills, mentoring at-risk youth and lobbying government officials on important issues.
“I saved $40,000 by starting my college education at MWCC before transferring to a private four-year college.� -Chris Streeks Computer Information Systems Transferred to Wentworth Institute of Technology
a
great
value
You can too.*
*Possibilities vary per student depending on student performance, opportunity, motivation, & many other factors.
First-Rate Education. Terrific Savings! MWCC quickly becomes the first choice for many when they calculate the cost of a private college or living away from home. Typical costs for a full-time student for one semester (based on a 12-credit course load for a Massachusetts resident per semester): Tuition and Fees: Registration Fee: Technology Access Fee: Student Activities Fee: Total Estimated Cost: Health insurance*:
$2,160 $20 $35 $20 $2,235 $866 (September-August) $635 (January-August)
* The Massachusetts Universal Health Law requires that all students attempting nine or more credit hours have health insurance offered by the college. This may be waived if your own (or your parental or spousal) insurance provides you with comparable coverage. Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice. Certain courses have additional laboratory, equipment, and materials fees. Based on 2010-11 rates.
Financial Aid MWCC is committed to helping reduce economic barriers to higher education. The financial aid office provides information about student aid programs and assists eligible students to access these programs. Federal, state, and college financial aid programs are available to MWCC students. Grants and scholarships are “free” financial assistance programs available for some individuals. All students are eligible for the monthly college payment plan and most are eligible for low-interest student loans.
How to apply Complete the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov online or on paper. Apply as soon as possible after January 1 for the upcoming academic year.
To be eligible you must… 1. Be accepted to the college in a degree or certificate program 2. Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident 3. Demonstrate financial need by completing the FAFSA 4. Maintain satisfactory academic progress according to college policy 5. Not be in default on a previous student loan or owe a financial aid refund to the government
Additional forms will be sent to you once the college receives your FAFSA results. Once returned, your financial aid eligibility will be determined. Awards are based on the student’s eligibility, financial need, fund restrictions, and availability. For more information, see the college website www.mwcc.edu or call 978-630-9169.
campus
locations
Main Campus - Gardner 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440-1000 978-632-6600 Email: newopportunity@mwcc.edu
Leominster Campus 100 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA 01453 978-840-3221
Devens Campus One Jackson Place, 27 Jackson Road, Devens, MA 01434 978-630-9569
Public Transportation (refer to www.mrta.us for details) The following transportation possibilities are available: MART Gardner Inter-City Buses; MART Fitchburg/Leominster Buses; MBTA Commuter Rail Service to Fitchburg only; Northern Tier and Vermont Transit Bus Lines.
Childcare Services The Garrison Center for Early Childhood Education, located at the MWCC Gardner Campus, is a collaboration between MWCC’s Early Childhood Education program and the Montachusett Opportunity Council Child Care/Head Start program. The center provides quality care for children ages 2.9 to 5 years-old while serving as a formal laboratory school for MWCC students in the Early Childhood Education program. For more information, call 978-343-7360.
It’s easy. Apply online at www.mwcc.edu/newopportunity
Get started on the road to your future.
Start Near. . .Go Far
directions Main Campus – Gardner From Fitchburg and Points East: Route 2 West to Route 140 North (Exit 24B) in Westminster. Exit sign reads “140 North to Winchendon and Ashburnham.” Proceed three miles on this route. You will pass through two traffic lights. Proceed one-half mile past the second light and take a left turn onto Matthews Street. The college entrance is one mile on the right. From Western and Central Massachusetts: Route 2 East to Route 140 North (Exit 24) in Westminster. Turn left at the end of the exit ramp. Proceed three miles on this route. You will pass through two traffic lights. Proceed one-half mile past the second light and take a left turn onto Matthews Street. The college entrance is one mile on the right. From Worcester and Providence: I-190 North from Worcester. From I-190, take Route 2 West to Route 140 North (Exit 24B) in Westminster. Exit sign reads “140 North to Winchendon and Ashburnham.” Proceed one-half mile past the second light and take a left turn onto Matthews Street. The college entrance is one mile on the right.
Leominster Campus From Points East: Route 2 West to Exit 31B – Route 12 North. At the end of the exit ramp, go right. At the set of lights, take a right onto Erdman Way. The campus is located in the second building on the left (red brick building) across from the Four Points by Sheraton Leominster Hotel. Drive to the rear of the building. From Points West: Route 2 East to Exit 31B – Route 12 North. At the end of the exit ramp, go right (you will cross over Route 2). At the set of lights, take a right onto Erdman Way. The campus is located in the second building on the left (red brick building) across from the Four Points by Sheraton Leominster Hotel. Drive to the rear of the building.
Devens Campus Take exit 37 and you will be on Jackson Road. Approximately one mile up you will pass through a traffic light at Lake George Street/Patton Road. Go through the light and your next left will bring you into our parking lot. There is a sign - Mount Wachusett Community College – Home of the BioManufacturing Program.
From Points North: Route 12 South to Route 140 South. Bear right onto Green Street. The college is one-half mile on the left. Accreditation Mount Wachusett Community College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. Several associate degree programs have additional industry-specific accreditations. See individual program information in the college catalog for details. Notice of Non-discrimination Mount Wachusett Community College seeks to provide equal educational and employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Política de No-Discriminación Mount Wachusett Community College es un patrono con igualdad de oportunidades y no discrimina en base a raza, credo, color, religión, origen nacional, género, edad, estado militar, impedimento físico o mental, orientación sexual, estado civil ó información genética. Design updates: Stephanie Pinto Editor: Nichole Carter Photography: Dana Armstrong Printing: Travers Printing, Inc. Printed: June 2011
{start near...go far} 444 Green Street Gardner, MA 01440-100 / USA 978-632-6600 www.mwcc.edu/newopportunity Email: newopportunity@mwcc.edu
Gardner
.
Leominster
.
Devens
.
www.mwcc.edu/newopportunity