Curricula

Program Selection

The college offers a number of curricula leading to the associate of arts degree, the associate of science in engineering degree, the associate of arts in teaching degree, the associate of applied science degree, the certificate, and the letter of recognition. Each curriculum has been designed to accomplish specific purposes as indicated in the description section of the curriculum or program. Students should read the descriptions carefully to ensure the program meets their educational and career goals.

Each associate degree requires at least 60 credits in order to fulfill graduation requirements. Students may be required to take corequisite coursework at the same time as their college English or mathematics course, depending on placement. Corequisite courses do not count toward graduation requirements or cumulative grade point average, but serve to support successful completion of college English or mathematics. Some students may be required to take a preparatory or developmental mathematics course if their placement indicates the need. Such courses are not transferable and do not count toward graduation requirements. (see “Placement Testing and Developmental Education Policies” for further information). Developmental courses are taught in lecture and laboratory settings where maximum supervision and support can be provided and instruction is often individualized.

Corequisite English

Corequisite English courses include support in reading, writing, and research skills needed to successfully complete ENGL 121. The corequisite course is taken concurrently with ENGL 121. Students in corequisite English are provided extra time, smaller class sizes, and targeted help to successfully complete ENGL 121. In addition, there may be prerequisite courses for multilingual English learners (MEL) that focus on language acquisition via reading, writing, study skills, and oral communication skills.

Developmental and Corequisite Mathematics

Developmental mathematics (MATH 010) courses focus on elementary arithmetic, fundamental algebra, and elementary geometry. Students should review their prior mathematics material before completing mathematics basic skills assessment testing. Corequisite mathematics (MATH 02X, 032, 038, 041, 043) provides concurrent support for students to successfully complete their college mathematics course, and is taken at the same time as the college-level mathematics course. Students in corequisite math are provided extra time, resources, and opportunities to strengthen and support their learning in the paired college mathematics course.

HCC Statement of Diversity in the Curriculum

Howard Community College makes a commitment to diversity in its varied curriculum by pursuing a multidisciplinary approach to issues that sometimes separate people. Learning the histories, cultures, contributions and perspectives of the various people who make up our world and gaining an understanding of the larger world around us may create a platform for communication and tolerance. HCC’s diverse curriculum also tries to help students develop positive cultural perspectives and thus enhances the college learning process by emphasizing the dignity and uniqueness of each person and the contributions and strength of the diverse community at large.

Student Responsibilities

After students have selected a particular curriculum, they should familiarize themselves with the various courses that have been specified for the freshman and sophomore years. They should note particularly the prerequisites and the placement of the various courses of learning and should also be aware of their own level of development and how their backgrounds relate to their choice of curriculum.

Because of enrollment patterns and scheduling problems, not all courses specified in the suggested curricula are offered each semester. In addition, courses scheduled for a given semester may be canceled because of insufficient enrollment. Students must take these factors into consideration when planning their schedules and/or timetable for completing any given program or degree. It is strongly suggested that you consult with an advisor or counselor in planning your program.

It is the responsibility of students to meet the requirements of the curriculum in which they are enrolled even though counselors and faculty advisors will provide students with advice and recommendations. Students who wish to transfer courses must acquaint themselves with the requirements of the senior institution in order to obtain maximum credit at time of transfer. A statement of Student Transfer Policies is included in this catalog.

Course Designators

Courses in the course description section are alphabetized by category and not by course designator