Achieve Distinction as a Mount Student
Are you an ambitious student who wants to go deeper into your academic studies? If so, you may want to apply to the MWCC Commonwealth Honors Program.
The Commonwealth Honors Program enables highly motivated students to join with faculty from various disciplines to form a community that supports scholarship, personal growth, and service. Program opportunities include special honors courses, colloquiums, research contracts, tutorials, and individual advising.
Benefits of the Honors Program
The Commonwealth Honors Program offers students the opportunity to study and learn in a challenging educational environment. Students benefit from:
- Use of an exclusive Honors Center (a convenient place to meet, study, print, and collaborate with other Honors students) in Room H312.
- Priority registration.
- Small class sizes.
- Special recognition at graduation (with a signifying stole to be worn) and designation as “Commonwealth Honors Program Scholar” on official transcripts.
- Recognition as a Commonwealth Honors Scholar by all Massachusetts public universities.
All MWCC honors courses are transferable as honors courses into Commonwealth Honors Programs within the Massachusetts public higher education system and graduates of the MWCC Commonwealth Honors Program are guaranteed acceptance into the honors programs at four-year Massachusetts public colleges and universities. - Participation in the UMASS, Amherst Undergraduate Conference.
- Special monthly meetings to foster a sense of belonging and community with fellow Commonwealth Honors Scholars.
- Field trips, special gatherings, and more!
Honors Program Mission
The Mission of the Mount Wachusett Community College Honors Program is to provide academically talented students with an enriched learning environment. Through the program, students are challenged to develop and enhance skills in intellectual curiosity, independent research, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking. The program helps students achieve their transfer and career goals.
Honors Program History
In the fall of 1991, Mount Wachusett Community College became one of only four Massachusetts community colleges to offer an honors program. In 2000, the Mount’s Honors Program became the first state or community college program to be granted Commonwealth Honors Program Status. In the summer of 2007, the Mount’s Honors Program became the first community college in the Massachusetts state system to be reaccredited.
The Commonwealth Honors Program is perfect for students seeking transfer to a competitive four-year college and/or seeking additional intellectual pursuits. The Commonwealth Honors Program is a member of the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) and the Northeast Regional Honors Council (NCHC) and is approved as a Commonwealth Honors Program by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE).
Contact the Honors Program Coordinator
Kara Roche, Associate Professor, (978) 630-9851, k_roche@mwcc.mass.edu