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 preparatory or developmental coursework as prerequisites to college-level courses. Such courses are not transferable and do not count toward graduation requirements, although developmental coursework figures into the student’s cumulative grade point average (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.

Developmental English

Developmental English courses include preparation in reading, writing, and study skills. In addition, courses for non-native speakers of English focus on reading, writing, study skills, and oral communication skills.

Developmental Mathematics

Developmental mathematics courses focus on elementary arithmetic, fundamental algebra, and elementary geometry. Students should review their prior mathematics material before completing mathematics basic skills assessment testing.

General Education Requirements

Howard Community College has the responsibility to ensure that all degree recipients have achieved a broad educational experience. To achieve this breadth of learning, the college has established fundamental general educational goals. HCC students will:

• Understand how the creative process and aesthetic and humanistic values inform human experience and expression over time.
• Analyze and evaluate information using evidence to make a rational decision or solve a problem.
• Understand the interconnectedness of global communities and systems.
• Use oral and expressive communication effectively as a way of sharing ideas with others.
• Apply scientific and mathematical concepts and reasoning to solve real-world and computational problems utilizing, interpreting, and evaluating data and information.
• Write clearly and effectively for a variety of audiences in order to learn, think, and communicate.
• Know when there is a need for information and effectively find, evaluate, and use information ethically for academic success.
• Select and apply technology to investigate, create, communicate, and complete tasks.

To ensure these general education goals are met by each student, Howard Community College requires all students to take courses in writing, arts, humanities, mathematics, science, and social sciences. These topics are woven into the General Education Core courses. Students completing the associate of arts degree at HCC must complete a minimum of 30 credits from the general education core as designated in the specific curriculum and delineated below. Also, see STUDENT TRANSFER POLICIES. Students completing the associate of applied science degree will complete a minimum of 20 credits in general education as specified in the individual curriculum.

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.

Curricula Programs

Courses Fulfilling Core Requirements

Categories of Electives

Student Responsibilites

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 complete 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 code