MCC Adds Computer Science Track to Honors Program

Middlesex Community College strives to help students find their paths and reach their goals. In an effort to continue supporting student success, Middlesex is adding a Computer Science track to the college’s Commonwealth Honors Program (CHP). Participating in CHP nurtures students’ integrity, honesty, perseverance, academic achievement, intellectual curiosity and a collaborative spirit, while honing leadership, research and networking skills.

Binnur Ercem, MCC’s Director of the CHP and Professor of Sociology and Cultural Anthropology, worked with faculty from the Computer Science program to offer five seminars that are eligible for honors credit for students who qualify.

“This new and one-of-a-kind track is the first honors track in a STEM field,” Ercem said. “The track provides an opportunity for computer science majors to take honors courses and to graduate as honors scholars.”

Qualifying MCC students will take three honors courses in place of elective courses, according to Sylvia Yeung, Chairman of MCC’s Computer Science Department. Course options include Ethics and Technology, English Composition I and II, World Cultures, and Globalization.

“The Computer Science honors track is the first STEM honors offering at Middlesex and provides a distinctive opportunity for students,” Yeung said. “Eligible students are strongly encouraged to participate in this program since it does not increase their credit requirements for graduation.”

CHP provides advanced-level course options and seminar-style classes for students who have at least a 3.2 GPA upon applying to the program. MCC students gain an increased opportunity for scholarships, guaranteed transfer to any CHP or Honors College in Massachusetts, and an enhanced prospect for acceptance to private four-year colleges and universities.

Students in the CHP participate in an Honors Poster Conference in the spring to present their research projects. In 2021, the event will be held virtually.

Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/honors/ for more information on MCC’s Commonwealth Honors Program or contact the department at honors@middlesex.mass.edu or 781-280-3553.

Registration is open for both MCC’s WinterSession and Spring Semester. WinterSession runs January 4-22. The Spring semester starts January 26. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434 to register for classes.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in online education for more than 20 years. We educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners, offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!