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All programs at MCC include a set of common – or core – requirements. These requirements enable students to explore their potential for learning and provide an educational context that promotes integrated learning. Such a foundation includes the ability to communicate effectively; to problem solve and think analytically; to observe and understand the physical and social world in which we live; to appreciate the nature of human creativity and cultures; and to develop the competencies valued in the workplace and community.
The core curriculum consists of two parts: seven general education courses, and six intensive values courses. (Both are graduation requirements.)
- Seven general education courses include:
English Composition I
English Composition II: An Introduction to Literature
One elective from each of the following disciplines:
Humanities
Mathematics (above Algebra I)
Science
Social Science
Behavioral Science
- The intensive values requirements are found in a variety of programmatic and general education courses, and include the following five values:
Written Communication
Computer Literacy
Impact of Technology or Environment or Health
Multicultural or Global Awareness - two courses are required.
Values or Ethics or Social Policy
Courses That Fulfill More Than One Core Requirement
There are several options:
- Interdisciplinary courses combine two disciplines (subject areas) and can fulfill two core requirements at the same time. These three-credit courses are usually co-taught by two faculty members – for example, one course that connects Humanities and Social Science, or Criminal Justice and Science. Students decide whether the three credits are applied to the required Humanities or Social Science, Criminal Justice or Science total, and will then have a free elective to choose for the 21-credit general education core.
- Some interdisciplinary courses are made up of two separate three-credit courses (“clusters”) with a common theme. These paired cluster courses fulfill two general education core requirements in two different disciplines, such as Science and Humanities, for a total of six credits (or seven credits, if the science course includes a lab).
Other Core Options:
- Service-Learning courses in many different subject areas offer students opportunities to fulfill the Values, Ethics or Social Policy intensive. For additional Service-Learning information, please contact the Service-Learning Coordinator at 781-280-3556.
- During the school year, the Student Life Office offers several educational programs on Health, and Multicultural or Global Awareness topics that qualify towards the fulfillment of those specific requirements. When the dates are announced, students can sign up to attend these events, plus a specified number of related sessions and assignments. For details, contact the Student Life Office at the Bedford campus, or the Student Activities Office at the Lowell campus.
PLEASE NOTE: Students must complete the entire core curriculum in order to graduate. The core curriculum general education course requirements are built into all associate degree programs. However, not all intensive values are included in every program. Therefore, it is recommended that students plan each semester’s course selections with the help of their academic advisor to make sure all core requirements are met. |
