Discover Your Path at MCC

You've got this!

Although these are challenging times, MCC is here to keep you on track with your educational and professional goals. Many of our courses have transitioned to online platforms to help keep you and our MCC community safe.

For the past 20 years, we have been continually building on our solid foundation of success and effective teaching online. MCC faculty, staff and your fellow students are in this together. We're here to answer questions, make this semester a smooth one, and help contribute to your success.

Fall Semester 2020 FAQs

WILL MCC BE OFFERING CLASSES ON CAMPUS IN THE FALL?

MCC is committed to the health and safety of our community and is dedicated to making the campus a safe place for learning.

Based on evolving information and guidelines from Governor Baker's Office, the college anticipates that most of MCC's fall courses will be delivered either fully or partly online.

The college is looking at each fall course individually, and if necessary, adjusting the delivery format to meet the state's social distancing guidelines while providing a quality education that prepares students for the next step on their path. Over the next three months, faculty will be designing and preparing courses that deliver the award-winning, high-quality online and hybrid learning experiences that MCC is known for.

Middlesex will use four modalities of teaching– asynchronous online learning, synchronous online learning, blended face-to-face with online learning, and in-person learning. Teaching modalities are specially assigned to each course depending on what works best for student learning and safety.

  1. Asynchronous online format - students work independently but still engage with materials and other students on their own schedules while meeting course deadlines. Students have on-going access to pre-recorded lessons and tutorials, as well as links to online resources.
  2. Synchronous online courses - specific dates and times are assigned to each class – which are published on MCC's course schedule. Professors and students engage in live classes in a remote or virtual setting, like Zoom or Blackboard Collaborate. Students must have access to a camera and microphone on their computers in order to participate and complete synchronous classes.
  3. Hybrid (Blended) courses - students complete work online and come to campus only to finish practical experiences in a safe and controlled setting. When coming to class, wearing proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and following social distancing guidelines are required.
  4. In person courses – such as some STEM and Performing Arts courses – will require wearing PPE and following social distancing guidelines. MCC has strict safety protocols in place in order to ensure the health and safety of everyone who comes to the campuses.

For more information contact the Enrollment Center at registrar@middlesex.mass.edu or 800-818-3434.

WHAT IF I AM WORRIED ABOUT PAYING FOR COLLEGE?

In these uncertain times, Middlesex is making it easier – and more affordable – to take classes and keep you on your path. Because your money matters, MCC is freezing tuition for the 2020 – 2021 academic year.
Additionally, MCC will —

  • Help students apply for financial aid
  • Offer payment plans for costs
  • Waive enrollment fees for payment plans
  • Provide financial wellness resources

Choosing Middlesex over four-year colleges and universities means securing your personal, professional and financial future. For $252 per credit, your money covers tuition and most college fees (some fees vary by program). Compare Middlesex tuition to many of the other choices; with an average 45% cost savings over other Mass 4-year colleges and universities, MCC is a smart financial choice.

Here are some resources MCC offers so students do not have to pause their education –

WHY SHOULD I TAKE MY GAP YEAR AT MIDDLESEX?

Make this year count at Middlesex Community College. Starting your education is more important now than ever and productivity matters. Gap years can be a valuable opportunity to work and explore options. Take this time and come to Middlesex to earn credits that will transfer when you're ready for your next steps.

When you earn credits at MCC, you can transfer into a four-year college or university as a second-semester freshman, sophomore or junior – depending on how many courses you complete. We can keep you safe, busy and on track with your goals – while saving thousands of dollars in educational costs.

In just one year at MCC, you can –

  • Complete general requirements
  • Earn transferable credits
  • Enjoy flexible schedules
  • Take immersive and interactive online courses
  • Save money
  • Stay safe and healthy at home

Complete general requirements – Math, humanities, science – MCC offers it all. Finish these classes, have a better idea of what you want for your future, and be more prepared for your major when you start at a four-year college or university.

Earn transferable credits – The courses you take at MCC are high-quality and affordable – and they count toward your credits at four-year colleges and universities. When you're ready to transfer, you're that much closer to finishing your degree.

Enjoy flexible schedules – MCC understands students have work, family and personal responsibilities. We help you fit education into your busy schedules, on your time.

Take immersive and interactive online courses – With over 20 years of award-winning experience, MCC continues to build on our success of effective teaching with online learning. With asynchronous and synchronous learning we have options that work best for you.

Save money – For the 2020-2021 academic year, MCC has frozen tuition. At MCC, your money matters and you can get the same high-quality instruction as a four-year college or university for a more affordable price – especially as schools transition to mostly online instruction. We also offer Financial Aid, payment plans and financial wellness.

Stay safe and healthy at home – When COVID-19 struck, we were ready. As we don't offer housing, our focus remained on student success and how we could successfully transition our coursework and student services to remote, virtual and limited contact systems. In addition to our online instruction, if you do need to come to campus, we are prepared to keep you safe with our strict health and safety guidelines while we follow social distancing.

WHY IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO GO TO COLLEGE?

There are many unknowns in the world right now, but Middlesex has a plan in place for continued student success.

Our four modalities of online learning are well-equipped to help students learn, grow and develop as they prepare for their next steps – whether it be to a four-year college or university or onto the workforce. Most importantly, these learning modalities ensure the health and safety of all students, faculty and staff.

Register for classes now to –

  • Get organized for the semester ahead
  • Stay on track with your educational path and goals
  • Earn transferable college credit
  • Be more prepared for what comes next

WHY SHOULD I START AT MCC?

  • If you are a recent high school graduate looking to start college but not pay the four-year college or university price, MCC has a pathway for you.
  • If you are a high school student hoping to earn college credit and get a jumpstart on your college plans, MCC has a pathway for you.
  • If you were laid off due to COVID-19 and looking to learn a new skill or start a new career, MCC has a pathway for you.
  • If you are a furloughed worker hoping to gain professional development, MCC has a pathway for you.

Middlesex wants to help you get your education. Reach your potential, meet your goals, and start your journey – whether to a four-year college or university or onto the workforce.

With a 20+ year history of award-winning online learning, flexible schedules and affordable prices, MCC is prepared throughout this pandemic to keep you healthy and safe while pursuing your dreams.

Right now, it may be difficult to commit to a big college or university – or the job market may not look promising – getting an education now means investing in your future.

We're ready to help you!

WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW MY JOB SITUATION/SCHEDULE FOR FALL?

Take advantage of our enhanced online course options this Fall. Online learning is more flexible and affordable. Complete work on your timeframe without having to worry about a commute to campus. You can also work full- or part-time without worrying about overloading your schedule.

Work with an advisor when planning your schedule to discover which modality works best for your time.

I'M STILL NERVOUS ABOUT COVID-19. HOW WILL MCC KEEP ME SAFE WHEN I'M ON CAMPUS?

Your health and safety is our priority. Middlesex Community College has taken comprehensive measures to ensure your health and safety when you do have to come to campus.

Our plan is based on Governor Baker's Four Phase Reopening Plan and follows CDC guidelines:

  • Elevator occupancy restrictions – only 1 or 2 people allowed at one time
  • Classroom occupancy restrictions – only 8 or fewer allowed at one time
  • Bathroom occupancy restrictions – only 1 person allowed at one time
  • Unidirectional flows of foot traffic – know which way to go to avoid congestion or over-crowding
  • Single point access of entrance – we can keep track of how many people are in a location at one time
  • Increased cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing of all common areas
  • More hand sanitizer stations added
  • Masks or face coverings required – limits exposure drastically
  • 6 feet social distancing required – limits exposure drastically
  • Educational signage in common areas – reminds everyone to keep distance, wash hands and wear masks
  • Plexiglass barriers put up in face-to-face locations – offers an added layer of protection

This Fall 2020 semester, over 90 percent of all courses at Middlesex Community College are online. We are offering four modalities of teaching – asynchronous online, synchronous online, hybrid of online and face-to-face, and face-to-face. The college is still open to you, whether part or all of your class is online or you need to visit the library or any other student support service location for certain services.

Still not comfortable coming to campus? MCC will continue to support all students via remote services.

WHEN WILL THE COLLEGE BE REOPENING?

MCC will continue to keep campus buildings closed to the public until at least Monday, June 8. The college is actively developing a phased plan for controlled resumption of on-campus services and activities in accordance with guidelines from Governor Baker's Administration and the Mass. Department of Public Health. All information regarding campus access will be shared with the MCC community via MCC email and posted on MCC's COVID-19 Information Hub.

Last Modified: 8/10/22