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Academic Information

Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) offers more than 115 associate degree and certificate study options in the areas of: Business, Financial and Hospitality Management; Computer and Information Technology; Education; Engineering and Engineering Technology; Healthcare; Installation, Maintenance and Repair Technology; Liberal Arts and General Studies; Mathematics & Sciences; and Public and Social Services. The College can prepare students for transfer to a bachelor level program at a four-year college or university, or for immediate entry into a career field after graduation. If one enrolls as a full-time student in the day, he or she can expect to complete an associate degree in two years. Most certificate programs can be completed in two semesters or less of full-time study. Opportunities for part-time study exist in both the day and evening, on weekends, and during the Summer. If one enrolls as a part-time student, the length of time it takes to complete the associate degree or certificate program will depend upon his or her course load each term.

At QCC, the academic year consists of a Fall and a Spring semester, each of which is approximately 15 weeks long. Fall classes begin in September and continue through mid-December; Spring classes begin in late January and end in early May. There are two short terms in each semester (Fall and Spring) that are seven weeks long: Fall 1 classes begin in September and end in late October, followed by Fall 2 that ends in December; Spring 1 classes begin in late January and end in early March, followed by Spring 2 that ends in early May. The Summer sessions begin in late May and continue through August.

A student must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 credits each semester to be considered a full-time student; if a student enrolls for fewer than 12 credits, he or she is considered a part-time student. QCC has a maximum credit registration policy. If a student wishes to register for more than 19 credits in any semester, he or she must obtain the prior approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Any student who has completed fewer than 30 credits of coursework is considered a Freshman; a student who has completed at least 30 credits is considered a Sophomore.

Degree Requirements

The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education has statutory authority to confer the associate degree through the individual community colleges. Upon the recommendation of the faculty, qualified candidates are awarded the degree of Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.), or Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) at QCC. The College also awards certificates in various fields.

To qualify for an associate degree or certificate, the student must satisfy the following requirements:

  • Apply for, and be admitted to, an associate degree or certificate, program offered by the College;
  • Complete the required courses and the specified number of credit hours for the program in which he or she the student is enrolled;
  • Maintain a Quality Point Average (QPA) of at least 2.0 in the overall and degree being conferred ; or maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in the certificate being conferred;
  • Earn a minimum of 15 25% of credits in residence at QCC in the degree or certificate being conferred; 
  • Only 25% of credits in certificates with 30 or fewer credits can be from Credit for Prior Learning (CPL);
  • CPL and articulated credits from QCC non-credit courses are not considered as credits in residence.
  • Satisfy all financial obligations to the College

Students completing all requirements for a certificate program while enrolled in an associate degree program may apply for that certificate program and also continue in the associate degree program.

Associate degrees and certificates are conferred three times a year - after the Fall and Spring semesters, and after the Summer session. Commencement Exercises are held once a year, at the end of the Spring term. All students who complete associate degree or certificate requirements in the Summer, Fall, or Spring will have their names included in the Commencement Program and will be eligible to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.

Residence Requirement

A minimum of 25% of the credit hours in the degree or certificate being conferred is required to fulfill the College residency requirement. The balance of credits may be drawn from regionally accredited postsecondary institutions and/or credit by examination in applicable situations. Only 25% of credits in certificates with 30 or fewer credits can be from Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). CPL and articulated credits from QCC non-credit courses are not considered as credits in residence.

Credit Hour Definition

The College follows the Carnegie Unit for credit. Students are expected to spend a minimum of 45 hours of work for each credit. The most common breakdown for one credit is one hour of class instruction and two hours of homework for 15 weeks each semester. A three credit course demands nine hours each week.

Earning a Degree in Two Programs

If the student receives an associate degree from QCC and wishes to qualify for an associate degree in another program, he or she must complete all major course requirements in the second program, as well as meet the residence requirement of the College.

Criminal Offender Record Information and Sex Offender Registry Information Checks (CORI/SORI)

In order for a student to be eligible to participate in an academic, community or clinical program that involves potential unsupervised contact with children, the disabled, or the elderly, the student may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check. Students found to have certain criminal convictions or pending criminal actions will be presumed ineligible to participate in such activities; therefore, the student may be ineligible for clinical placement, and as a result unable to continue in the program. The College is authorized by the Commonwealth’s Criminal History Systems Board, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 6, Sections 167-178B, to access CORI records. The College shall refer to regulations issued by the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services, 101 Code of Massachusetts Regulations 15.00-15.16, as guidance when assessing student CORI records. Sex Offender checks shall be performed pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 6, Sections 178C-178P. Students should notify the Dean of Students if a change occurs during College enrollment.

Health Program Policy

Policies of QCC health programs are comprehensive, provide for the welfare of faculty and staff, and are consistent with those of the governing organization; however, differences in policies may occur as justified by the goals and outcomes of the specific health program.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

Credit for Prior Learning is a way for students to earn college credit for prior learning acquired through work experience, military experience, industry credentials and by taking national exams. Credit may be earned in a variety of ways; credentialing, portfolio assessment and various competency examinations. For additional information regarding Credit for Prior Learning, contact the Career Services & Credit for Prior Learning Office or visit www.QCC.edu/prior-learning-credit. To start an application for CPL visit https://myexperiencecounts.mass.edu/.

Note: Credentialing, Portfolios and Challenge Exams receive a “P” grade which may not be accepted at other institutions, consult with the institution for their transfer policy.

Credentialing: This is the process of earning credit for structured learning experiences in non-collegiate institutions or through current articulations that QCC has. Accreditation occurs through establishing an equivalency between the non-collegiate course and a QCC course. Some examples include CNA certifications and numerous articulations with the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. Program restrictions may apply. 

Portfolio Assessment: Students can apply to create a portfolio to document their skills and competencies attained through non-collegiate training and/or work experience. This documentation is reviewed and evaluated by a QCC faculty member who measures demonstrated learning outcomes against established academic standards. Program restrictions may apply.

Advanced Placement (AP): QCC awards credit to students who score three or higher on the Advanced Placement (AP) examinations, administered by the College Board. Official Grade Report must be provided by the College Board and submitted to the Career Services & Credit for Prior Learning Office.

Challenge Examinations: These examinations enable students to earn credit for courses listed in the QCC Catalog by taking a test developed and administered by a QCC faculty member. Generally, a student may not request a Challenge Examination when other proficiency examinations, such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or the DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST), are available, or to replace a failed course or to raise a low grade. Program restrictions may apply.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP): QCC has standing articulations for most CLEP exams and will award academic credit to students who achieve scores at or above the 50th percentile. CLEP examinations are offered in English, humanities, mathematics, and social science/history. A maximum of 32 credits will be awarded for all of the general exams, if the appropriate score is achieved. Students must provide the official CLEP transcript to Career Services & Credit for Prior Learning. Program restrictions may apply.

DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST): QCC has standing articulations in place for most DSST exams and will award academic credit to students who achieve scores at or above the 50th percentile on the DSST exam, administered through Educational Testing Service (ETS), which covers a wide range of technical, business and academic subjects. Students must provide official DSST transcript to Career Services & Credit for Prior Learning. Program restrictions apply.

College Credit for Military Coursework, Training and Experience Policy

QCC awards academic credit towards degrees and certificates for a student’s previous military training, coursework and experiences, based upon the institution’s admission standards, the student’s program of study, and consistency with the mission of the Commonwealth’s system of higher education. At QCC, academic credit may be awarded where appropriate through multiple methods of evaluation, including: the American Council on Education (ACE), Joint Transcript Service (JST); DSST and CLEP Subject Standardized Tests; Challenge Exams; Credentialing; and Portfolio Development.

Enrolling in Courses Offered by the Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts (HECCMA)

Full-time day students at QCC may register for one day school course offered by any member of HECCMA. Registration is on a “space-available” basis and is subject to course prerequisites and any other course restrictions. If a similar course is being offered at QCC, the student’s request for permission to cross-register may be denied. Cross-registered students are subject to all of the regulations of the institution providing the course. Although students are limited to one cross-registration each semester, exceptions to this requirement may be made by the Vice President of Academic Affairs, but only in unusual circumstances. Contact the QCC Registrar’s Office at 508.854.4257 for more information about enrolling in a course at a HECCMA college.

Assessment of Student Learning

QCC employs the traditional practice for assessment of student learning wherein the quantity of learning is measured by the number of credits (semester hours) earned, and its quality is recognized by an award of a grade for the learning experience. The design of this College practice shall be, so far as practicable, responsive to the needs of students enrolled in a course or program. The status of the student in a program shall be determined by accumulated course grades earned.

Grading Policy

  • The grading policy shall be in conformity with the College mission of access and quality.
  • Grades shall be awarded only for demonstrated student learning.
  • Program goals shall be achieved through successful completion of established learning outcomes of educational experiences in the program.
  • Learning outcomes of educational experiences shall constitute the basis for assessing student learning.
  • The criteria for assessing learning outcomes shall be as objective as possible.

Grading System

The individual faculty member may determine what numerical equivalent, if any, to assign to the various grade designations. Faculty may use an absolute numerical value or they may grade on the class average. The following table indicates recommended but non-mandatory numerical/letter equivalents for awarding grades. Note: The quality point for each letter grade is College-wide policy, not merely recommended as a guideline:

Academic

Grades 

Quality

Points

A

95-100

Outstanding

4.00

A-

90-94

 

3.70

B+

87-89

 

3.30

B

83-86

High Quality

3.00

B-

80-82

 

2.70

C+

77-79

 

2.30

C

73-76

Average

2.00

C-

70-72

 

1.70

D+

67-69

 

1.30

D

63-66

 

1.00

D-

60-62

 

0.70

F

Failed

 

0.00

The status of the student may also be indicated by the following designations which will not be computed in the QPA.

“I” - The student has satisfied the major requirements of the learning experience, as judged by the instructor, and can complete the assigned work by the end of the 12th week of the following full semester.

“I/R” - The student has agreed to repeat the course within the following year. Not computed in the QPA until converted to an academic grade.

“AU” - The student is registered in the learning experience as an audit student. Not computed in the QPA.

“W” - The student has officially withdrawn on his or her own from the learning experience. Not computed in the QPA.

“WA” - The student has been withdrawn administratively for failure to fulfill financial or immunization obligations or for medical or disciplinary circumstances. Not computed in the QPA.

“X” - The student has not officially withdrawn from the learning experience, and the instructor has judged there is insufficient basis for evaluation. The “X” grade is considered an indication of unsatisfactory academic progress for financial aid purposes.

“P” - The student has satisfactorily completed the learning experience with a “C” grade or higher. Not computed in the QPA but computed in credits attempted.

“Q” - The student has registered for a course with a laboratory or clinical component and the grade is reflected in the overall course grade.

Grading Regulations

  1. The letter grades “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, and “F” shall be awarded for learning outcomes for an educational experience achieved through alternate delivery systems only if a QCC faculty member is responsible for the entire experience. The letter grade of “P” shall be awarded for acceptable learning outcomes for a prior learning experience.
  2. The grade of “I” will be converted to an academic grade by the end of the 12th week of the following full semester. Students who have not completed the course requirements by the end of the 12th week will have the course grade changed to “F”.
  3. When a grade of “I” is issued, the instructor will indicate on a specified form the assignments which will remedy the deficiency, or that the course is to be repeated. This form will be filed in the QCC Registrar’s Office. The Registrar will forward a copy of the form to the student.
  4. When a grade of “I/R” is issued and the course is not repeated within the following year, the grade of “I/R” will be converted to an academic grade of “F”.
  5. If an instructor wishes to use “P” instead of “A”, “B”, or “C” as a final grade, he or she must receive written permission from the Vice President of Academic Affairs before the beginning of the semester.
  6. Instructors’ course requirements, expected learning outcomes, methods of evaluation, and attendance policy will be published in writing and will be submitted to students by the end of the first week, or equivalent, of class.
  7. Evaluation of the student learning will be made according to the instructor’s stated learning outcomes.
  8. Auditors do not receive official grades on examinations or other class assignments, although they may be asked to fulfill all course requirements. No change to or from audit status will be permitted after the first 10 weeks of class (or equivalent class hours).
  9. If a course is repeated, only one grade will be used in computation of the QPA. However, both the original and the second grade earned will remain on the student’s permanent record.
  10. Students may add or drop courses during the Add/Drop Period, in accordance with the established procedure. The Add/Drop Period is posted on the Academic Calendar.
  11. A student may withdraw without penalty through the 10th week (or equivalent) of class. Thereafter, if a student withdraws from a course, the instructor may award a “W” if work is passing or an “F” if work is not of passing quality. Students withdrawing from the College are included under this regulation.
  12. A student intending to withdraw from a course after the Add/Drop Period must do so prior to the last day of the term as follows:
    1. Obtain a withdrawal form from the QCC Registrar’s Office (Room 152, Administration Building or online on The Q) or the QCC Advising Center (Welcome Center in the Harrington Learning Center) at QCC Worcester (Main Campus).
    2. If a student wishes to withdraw prior to the 10th week (or equivalent) of class, he or she may complete the form, obtain the signature of the instructor or Academic Advisor and return the form to the QCC Registrar’s Office.
    3. After the 10th week (or equivalent), the student must obtain the instructor’s signature. The instructor will designate if the student withdrew while passing or withdrew while failing and return the completed withdrawal form to the QCC Registrar’s Office.
  13. Any student in an educational or vocational training institution who is unable because of his or her religious beliefs to attend class or to participate in any examination, study or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination or study or work requirement, and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up such examination, study or work requirement that he or she may have missed because of such absence on any particular day; provided, however, that such a makeup examination or work shall not create an unreasonable burden on such school. The institution, for making available to the said student such opportunity, shall charge no fees of any kind. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to the student because of his or her availing himself or herself of the provisions of this section. (Section 2bn, Chapter 151C, Massachusetts General Law).

Academic Dismissal and Probation

All students matriculating in an associate degree or certificate program, other than first semester freshmen (cumulatively enrolled for under 17 credits), must meet the following requirements:

Attempted

Credit Hours     Dismissal                      Probation

17 to 32                QPA under 1.50           QPA 1.50-1.69

over 32                 QPA under 1.70           QPA 1.70-1.89

First semester freshmen (cumulatively enrolled for under 17 credits) who do not meet a minimum QPA of 1.00 will be put on academic probation. Academic probation and dismissal will occur on the basis of the cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). Only courses in which “W” grades or audits are received will not count in determining full-time and part-time enrolled status. Students who are on probation for two successive semesters are subject to academic dismissal. Academic probation/dismissal will not apply to Winter/Intersession and Summer sessions. All dismissals are subject to review by the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Students who are academically dismissed from the College may qualify for reinstatement by the following methods:

  • Attending courses as a non-matriculating student, improving their QPA to the minimal acceptable level, and earning a minimum of six credit hours.
  • Remaining away for one year.
  • Petitioning the Vice President of Academic Affairs for reinstatement.

Academic Standing

“Satisfactory Academic Standing” and “Satisfactory Academic Progress” are synonymous with meeting the standards outlined in Item 2 of Academic Dismissal and Probation. Students on academic probation for one semester meet minimum requirements for good academic standing and satisfactory progress, but if they are on a dismissal status, they will be deemed as not meeting the minimum requirements.

A QPA of 2.00 is the minimal level for graduating in any associate degree or certificate program.

Appeal of Academic Dismissal

  1. Any student who is academically dismissed may appeal his or her case to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
  2. The student is mailed directions along with the dismissal notice instructing him or her to make an appointment to meet with the High Risk Advisor to discuss strategies to raise his or her cumulative average. The student is required to complete an Appeal Form that states the circumstances involved in the dismissal and the recommendations of the High Risk Advisor. The appeal is then forwarded to the Vice President of Academic Affairs for his or her decision.
  3. The student is then contacted by the High Risk Advisor who informs him or her of the Vice President’s decision. If the appeal is approved, he or she is then asked to come in to register for courses in accordance with the appeal form recommendations.
  4. Students reinstated through appeal continue on Academic Probation and are subject to the Dismissal/Probation Policy again at the end of the next semester.

Fresh Start Option

QCC has a “fresh start” option for students who are seeking readmission. Once in a lifetime, if a student returns to QCC, after being away for at least two consecutive years, he or she can elect the “fresh start” option. The QPA will be calculated only from the point the student is readmitted for the purposes of the College’s academic standing policy. However, the student’s previous academic work will remain on his or her transcript as a matter of record. The student’s previous coursework can be applied toward another degree under this policy, but will not be calculated in the QPA. The student must complete a minimum of 15 credits in the new program. The student’s official transcript will include a statement explaining this “fresh start” option. For additional information, contact the QCC Registrar’s Office.

Petition Process

If the student believes there are unusual or extenuating circumstances which justify his or her exemption from an academic regulation (e.g., graduation course requirement), he or she can obtain a Student Petition form from the QCC Registrar’s Office. After completing the form, it must be returned directly to the QCC Registrar’s Office; the form will be forwarded to the Vice President of Academic Affairs for a final decision on the appeal.

Request to Change Study Option

The student can request to change from one associate degree or certificate program to another by completing a Study Option Change Request. This form is available in the QCC Admissions Office (Welcome Center, HLC, 2nd Floor) or in the QCC Advising Center (Welcome Center in the Harrington Learning Center) at QCC Worcester (Main Campus). In order to be approved to change from one academic program to another, the student must meet the minimum academic admissions requirements for the program he or she is requesting to enter.

Course Changes

Students should have their semester course schedule in final form by the end of the registration period. If the student wishes to make a change in his or her schedule, he or she must contact the QCC Registrar’s Office or the QCC Advising Center during the Add/Drop Period. However, it may not be possible to accommodate every request for a course or section change.

Please note that under certain circumstances, course modalities may need to be modified to ensure the safety of our campus community and/or the professor’s ability to continue instruction and complete courses and academic semesters.

Repeating a Course

If the student repeats a course, only one grade will be used in the computation of the QPA. However, both the original and the second grade earned will remain on the student’s permanent record. It is important to note, however, that the College’s standards of satisfactory academic progress for federal financial aid requires that the student complete his or her program within 150% of the credits required for that program. Too many repeat courses will have an impact on this requirement. All courses attempted, including withdrawals, are counted toward the 150% calculation.

Progress Reports

During the eighth week of classes each semester, the student’s mid-semester progress grades are available on The Q, the College’s Student and Faculty Portal. Progress grades are intended only as indicators of student progress in specific courses.

Restricted Courses

To ensure the availability of required courses for students enrolled in specific programs, certain courses may be designated as “restricted”.

  1. Restricted courses will be identified by the Vice President of Academic Affairs or designee.
  2. Admission will be prioritized according to criteria set by the Vice President of Academic Affairs or designee as follows:
    1. Students enrolled in the program.
    2. Students on the related QCC program waiting list; and other students (with the approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs or designee).

Sequential Courses

In curricula where sequential courses must be arranged in the order of difficulty, the beginning courses will present a basic knowledge of the discipline, including the philosophy, techniques, and terminology as appropriate; and the contents of the succeeding courses will be based upon that knowledge. A course prerequisite will be established when a body of knowledge or skills level is necessary for a sequential course.

  • Any student registered for a course for which he or she does not have the listed prerequisite will be withdrawn from that course.
  • The School Dean or a designee will place the incoming student at the appropriate academic level according to his or her demonstrated performance or achievement.
  • In sequential courses, where the first semester course is a prerequisite for the second semester course, a student receiving a 12 week “I” must petition the appropriate School Dean for admittance to the sequential course.
  • If a student has achieved Advanced Placement (AP) and wishes credit for previously acquired skills in that subject, he or she must apply to Career Services & Credit for Prior Learning (Room 272, Administration Building) at QCC Worcester (Main Campus) for credit prior to completion of the course.
  • A matriculating student who has earned credit in a course with a prerequisite may not subsequently enroll in or receive a grade in the prerequisite course.
  • The School Dean or designee will annually review course sequencing and prerequisites to assure their continuing validity.

Withdrawal From the College

To officially withdraw from the College, the student must meet with an Academic Advisor in the QCC Advising Center. The Academic Advisor will assist the student in completing a withdrawal form and discuss possible resources and referrals if appropriate. If the student withdraws after the 10th week and before the final evaluation period, he or she will receive grades from his or her instructors in accordance with the College’s grading policy.

If the student has to withdraw due to medical reasons, he or she should make a request for information to the Vice President for Enrollment Management, Student Engagement and Community Connections (Room 133, Administration Building) at QCC Worcester (Main Campus). The Vice President will consult with appropriate personnel at the College, as well as the medical services provider of the student. After consultation, he or she will inform the student of the decision. If circumstances warrant, a process for future readmission will also be communicated.

If the student is receiving financial aid, he or she is advised to consult with the QCC Financial Aid Office (Welcome Center on the 2nd floor of the Harrington Learning Center) at QCC Worcester (Main Campus) prior to withdrawal. Financial aid may be reduced and future eligibility could be impacted as a result of withdrawal from the College, or individual course withdrawal.

Student Honors

QCC recognizes the academic achievement of its students each semester. Students who meet the following criteria are eligible for recognition:

  • All grades must be “C” or higher. (No grades of “I” or “X” are permitted).
  • Semester QPA must be 3.50 or higher, and cumulative QPA must be 2.00 or higher.
  • All courses must be college level.

Dean’s List: Students who meet the stated criteria and have earned 12 or more credits in a given semester are named to the Dean’s List.

Merit List: Students who meet the stated criteria and have earned six or more credits in a given semester, but fewer than 12 credits, are named to the Merit List. Individual honors are noted on the student’s transcript each semester.

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK): The mission of PTK is to recognize academic achievement of college students and to provide opportunities for them to grow as scholars and leaders. Its purpose is to recognize and encourage fellowship and scholarship, leadership, and service among two-year college students. Each Spring, a limited number of students who have distinguished themselves at QCC are inducted into membership. QCC’s Chapter, Alpha Zeta Theta, invites twice a year – once in the Fall semester and once in the Spring semester. Students who meet the criteria and have earned 12 college credits at QCC, and also have a cumulative GPA of 3.50, will receive this invitation. The Alpha Zeta Theta Chapter is located in the QCC PTK Office, Room 349, Administration Building and Room 351, Administration Building at QCC Worcester (Main Campus).

Who’s Who Among Students in American Community and Junior Colleges (Who’s Who): This is one of the most highly regarded honors programs in the nation, earning the respect of college faculty and administrators. Recognition as one of the outstanding campus leaders in America is a major achievement. Each year, several QCC students are named to Who’s Who.

Graduation Honors: Each May at graduation, QCC honors students for their outstanding academic achievement. Students with a QPA of at least 3.60 prior to graduation qualify for Highest Honors. Students with a QPA of 3.30 or 3.00 prior to graduation qualify for High Honors, or Honors, respectively.

Human Services Honor Society: QCC sponsors a local chapter of the National Organization for Human Services Honor Society, a national honor society in human services for community and junior colleges. The purpose of the Human Services Honor Society is to honor academic excellence; to foster lifelong learning, leadership and development; and to promote excellence in service to humanity.

Psi Beta: The QCC Psychology Department sponsors a local Chapter of Psi Beta, a national honor society in psychology for community colleges. Psi Beta’s mission is to encourage professional development and psychological literacy of all students at two-year colleges through promotion and recognition of excellence in scholarship, leadership, research, and community service (Psi Beta, 2019). Our chapter regularly meets along with the Psychology Club and provides a variety of opportunities for engaging with psychology, including conducting original research, presenting at professional conferences, hosting a guest lecture series, community service, and fundraising for various community initiatives. Members of Psi Beta are recognized for their academic excellence and are eligible to win Psi Beta awards and scholarships.

Commonwealth Honors Program

QCC’s Commonwealth Honors Program offers highly motivated and academically determined students an opportunity to develop their fullest potential. The Program seeks to awaken and nurture a sense of humane citizenry and community responsibility within its members. The Honors Program at QCC is the ultimate college experience. Honors courses offer the students alternative learning opportunities to enhance critical thinking skills and to better prepare students to continue their studies at colleges and universities throughout Massachusetts and the country.

Honors Program Curriculum of Study

  • Four honors classes in total (students can take more):
  • ENG 102, honors section (strongly recommended)
  • IDS 200 Honors Colloquium (required)
  • One course from the honors course offerings
  • One course - honors section or honors by contract from the student’s program of study.

Students must obtain a grade of “B” or higher in each honors course taken to satisfy the Honors Program requirements.

Students who complete the Honors Program requirements (four classes in total, one of which must include IDS 200), and graduate with an overall QPA of 3.30 or higher, will graduate as a Commonwealth Honors Scholar, noted on their transcript.

Admission to the Commonwealth Honors Program

To be admitted to QCC’s Commonwealth Honors Program, a student must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Current QCC students: Cumulative GPA of 3.50 (progress or final grades).
  • New QCC students: High School GPA of 3.7-4.0 and placement into ENG 101, and a recommended placement of MAT 099.
  • Transfer students: In good standing from another Commonwealth Honors Program.

A student who does not meet one of the above automatic admissions criteria may apply to the Honors Program Coordinator, providing other evidence of academic success, including recommendations from high school or college faculty.

To remain in good standing, and for QCC’s Honors Program to be recognized as a Commonwealth Honors Program, all students, once accepted into the Honors Program, must maintain a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.30.

The Honors Program at QCC is proud to be approved by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education as a Commonwealth Honors Program. We are part of an integrated, collaborative system-wide network of honors programs in Massachusetts public higher education.

All potential Honors students must meet with the Honors Program Coordinator. For additional information, contact Professor Jean Kennedy-honors [at] qcc.mass.edu or 508.854.2744.