Online Courses | Mass
Colleges Online | Self-paced Modular Courses | Independent
Study
International Education | Cooperative
Education | Service
Learning
MWCC distance courses are flexible to meet students’ needs. Distance courses may use the Internet, textbooks, supplemental readings, CDs, or email as a way of interaction between the instructor and the students.
Online Courses
MWCC’s online courses provide students with the opportunity to continue their education via the Internet. The center of this “anytime, anyplace” learning mode is each course’s interactive website permitting the instructor and students to collaborate online. These Internet courses allow students to receive and submit assignments, take self-corrected quizzes and exams, participate in class discussions, and explore supplementary Internet resources on the student’s time schedule. Although most web courses do not require on-campus visits, they do require self-discipline and dedication to complete the course requirements during the semester. Computer with Internet access is required. Some courses require specialized software.
Mass Colleges Online
MWCC participates in the Massachusetts Community Colleges e-learning network, Mass Colleges Online. This collaboration makes other community college quality online learning courses offerings available to MWCC students with the ease of registering for an MWCC course. These courses complement MWCC distance learning offerings to make it easier for a student to complete his/her program of study. Computer with Internet access is required. Some courses require specialized software.
Self-paced Modular and Distance Courses
Self-paced modular and distance courses are designed for students who wish to learn at their own pace. Students taking these courses will use a variety of instructional tools and materials. For example, students taking modular courses may need to use computer software and/or other equipment, audio and/or video tapes, and textbooks and/or other printed materials. Permission of the instructor will be needed prior to registering for these courses. Also, learning materials will be provided by the faculty/advisor at the start of the course.
Independent Study
Independent study courses will be granted only under extraordinary circumstances. If there is another course required in a student’s program, and it is offered, or if there is a course that can be substituted, the student should take that course and should not request an independent study. Independent study requests will not be granted simply because a course is canceled or not scheduled. Students enrolled in an associate’s degree program must have completed a minimum of forty-five credits with a 2.0 QPA or higher, and students enrolled in a certificate program must have completed a minimum of 12 credits with a 2.0 QPA or higher to participate in an independent study. Some courses, such as capstone courses, cannot be granted as an independent study. Other courses not available for independent study are Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, and laboratory courses. The content of an independent study course will be the same as a traditional course. At the end of the course, the student must be proficient in the course content and be at the same level as a student from a traditional course.
Independent study request forms are available in the Division of Lifelong Learning & Workforce Development. The request form must be signed by the dean of the division, the vice president of academic affairs, and the vice president of lifelong learning & workforce development before the course is considered approved. An official letter will be sent to the student stating that his/her request is approved or denied. Students should not begin work with the instructor until they receive their official notice.
International Education Opportunity
Tomorrow’s workforce must function in an increasingly interdependent global economy. That is why, in increasing numbers, students are choosing to make study abroad a part of their academic experience. MWCC is a member of the College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS), one of the oldest and largest international education consortia, linking more than 170 fully-accredited US colleges and universities in a partnership dedicated to advancing international/intercultural perspectives in higher education. Through its member colleges and universities, the CCIS sponsors more than thirty-five study abroad programs around the globe each year, for a semester, an academic year, or a summer.
Students enrolled at MWCC may elect to spend part of their academic career at one of these locations and receive credit from the college. Programs of study are located in Australia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, India, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Russia, and other countries. Interested students should contact the coordinator of international studies.
Co-operative Education (Co-op)
Cooperative education (co-op) is an opportunity for students to enhance their academic studies with work experience related to their chosen field of study. Students may earn up to six academic credits, and co-op is available in most degree programs. Co-op positions are obtainable during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students are required to complete a minimum of 15 hours per week for 13 weeks, or a total of 195 hours at the co-op work site. Their work performance is assessed by their workplace supervisor on the student performance evaluation submitted at the end of the semester. Co-op grades will be determined, in part, by student progress in completing measurable learning objectives written in conjunction with their supervisor. Students are required to attend a series of seminars designed to enhance their educational work experience by addressing a variety of professional issues. Students are also required to develop a portfolio. MWCC reserves the right to issue a failing grade to any student who does not successfully complete any component of his or her cooperative education experience.
To be eligible for this professional experience, students must be in a degree program that participates in cooperative education, have completed 21 credit hours, have a quality point average of at least 2.5, and submit all applications and a letter of recommendation to the director prior to the published deadlines. All cooperative education students are expected to participate in their job search and, when employed, conduct themselves in a professional manner and comply with company policies and state and federal laws. For more information, contact the director of cooperative education, (978) 630-9254.
Service Learning
Service learning is a teaching method used by many MWCC faculty members to assist students in bridging classroom theory with real life experience. Students work in the community as part of an experience designed for them by their instructor. Service learning participation is noted on the official college transcript. Participants in MWCC’s service learning program may need to submit to a CORI (Criminal Offender Records Information) check prior to placement. For more information on CORI or if you are interested in participating in service learning, please contact the service learning office, (978) 630-9288.