Academic Enhancements

Commonwealth Honors Program

Are You A Motivated Student Aiming To Enhance Your Academics?

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. 

The Honors Program is affiliated with the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC), the Northeast Regional NCHC, and is approved as a Commonwealth Honors Program.

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Benefits

Students who participate in the Commonwealth Honors Program benefit from:

Honors Courses

Choose honors courses that fit your schedule. Honors classes are available during the day or online.

Honors Center

Just for Honors students, the Honors Center is a convenient place to meet, study, and collaborate on projects.

Honors Recognition

  • 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.

Conferences And Events

  • 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!

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Commonwealth Honors 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.

Graduates of the MWCC Commonwealth Honors Program are guaranteed acceptance into the honors programs at four-year Massachusetts public colleges and universities.

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Eligibility

Must successfully complete four honors courses, by achieving a minimum grade of “B” in each course. View all requirements on the College Catalog.

The Honors Program is open to current, incoming and transfer students enrolled in a degree program who meet the GPA requirements of 3.3 or higher.

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Study Abroad

Study Abroad programs allow student to earn academic credit while gaining global experience through travel, cultural immersion, and international coursework. Participating in Study Abroad allows students to broaden their perspective, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and enhance their academic and personal growth.
Programs vary in length and location and may include faculty-led short-term experiences, semester-long programs, or international partnerships. Study Abroad options are designed to align with academic programs whenever possible, allowing students to stay on track toward degree completion.

Students interested in Study Abroad typically must:

  • Be in good academic standing
  • Meet program-specific GPA requirements (often 2.5 or higher)
  • Demonstrate readiness for independent learning and cultural engagement

Eligibility and requirements may vary by program and destination. Students are encouraged to meet with an Academic Advisor and the Study Abroad Coordinator early to discuss options, credit transfer, and financial planning.

 Students who participate in Study Abroad gain:

  • Academic credit toward degree completion
  • Global and intercultural competencies valued by employers and transfer institutions
  • Enhanced problem-solving, adaptability, and communication skills
  • A competitive advantage when applying for jobs, internships, and transfer programs
  • Life-changing experiences that build confidence and independence

Best for: Students seeking global learning opportunities, cultural immersion, and academic enrichment beyond the traditional classroom.

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The Humanities Project

Funded by a Challenge Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the MWCC Humanities Project strengthens the college’s humanities curriculum; supports collaborative and interdisciplinary teaching and research in the humanities; examines the intersection between the humanities and other academic disciplines; and engages MWCC and the community in the discussion of enduring themes from the world’s many cultures and traditions.

In 2022, the Humanities Project teamed with the Study Abroad Office to bring travel and global learning to the community college student body. Together, they seek to provide opportunity and financial support to MWCC students who want to engage with the world’s many cultures and traditions beyond the academic classroom. By examining the intersection between the humanities and other academic disciplines in this unique way, students will complete firsthand travel abroad themselves and share it with the community upon their return.

International Center For The Promotion Of Diversity And Inclusion

The International Center for the Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion is here to promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to improve the human condition for the whole community. We serve as a resource for students, faculty, staff, and the greater community on issues of equity through education, outreach, and advocacy.

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Service Learning (Brewer Center)

The Senator Stephen M. Brewer Center enhances the student experience by connecting learning with real-world impact. Through service learning, civic engagement, and community partnerships, students gain hands-on opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom while building leadership skills, cultural awareness, and a deeper sense of social responsibility. This enriched experience helps students grow as engaged citizens, prepared to make meaningful contributions both locally and beyond.

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Ready To Take The Next Step?

Your journey starts with a single step. We have all the information you need to move forward with confidence. Reach out today to learn more about life at The Mount and how to get started.