Computer Science track added to Honors program

Middlesex Community College has added a Computer Science track to the college’s Commonwealth Honors Program.

Participating in CHP nurtures students’ integrity, honesty, perseverance, academic achievement, intellectual curiosity and a collaborative spirit, while honing leadership, research and networking skills.

Binnur Ercem, director of the CHP and a professor of Sociology and Cultural Anthropology, worked with faculty from the Computer Science program to offer five seminars that are eligible for honors credit for students who qualify.

“This new and one-of-akind track is the first honors track in a STEM field,” Ercem said. “The track provides an opportunity for Computer Science majors to take honors courses and to graduate as honors scholars.”

Qualifying MCC students will take three honors courses in place of elective courses, according to Sylvia Yeung, chair of MCC’S Computer Science Department. Course options include Ethics and

Technology, English Composition I and II, World Cultures, and Globalization.

Eligible students are encouraged to participate as it does not increase their credit requirements for graduation.

CHP provides advancedlevel course options and seminar-style classes for students who have at least a 3.2 grade-point average upon applying to the program. MCC students gain an increased opportunity for scholarships, guaranteed transfer to any CHP or honors college in Massachusetts, and an enhanced prospect for acceptance to private four-year colleges and universities.

Students in the CHP participate in an Honors Poster Conference in the spring to present their research projects. In 2021, the event will be held virtually.

Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/honors for more information on MCC’S Commonwealth Honors Program, or contact the department at honors@middlesex.mass.edu or 781-2803553.