A guide to Holyoke Community College

Holyoke Community College was founded in 1946 and offers over 100 certificate and degree programs and more than 5,500 workforce training and non-credit courses. The college is situated in a sprawling 135 acre campus in Massachusetts Turnpike and attracts students from various regions in Western Massachusetts.

Academic and eligibility information

Programs Holyoke Community College offers a range of programs that covers various disciplines, such as business, criminal justice, engineering, and culinary arts. Students can choose between two degrees, Associate in Science and Associate in Arts. In addition, the college also offers a number certificate courses.
Degrees
Associate Degrees are short courses which can be finished in two years if done full time. Many students, however, end up finishing degree programs longer than the prescribed two years due to family and work obligations. These degrees serve as preparatory for four year university or college courses. Certificate programs Certificate programs, on the other hand, can be finished in as little as two semesters, although students are allowed to extend their stay. Certificates are geared to specific competencies and skills of students in a particular field. Eligibility and academic schedule To be admitted into the college you must have at least one of the following requirements: a General Equivalency Diploma or GED: an ability to benefit test; or a high school diploma. The school offers spring and fall classes. Rad Tech, Practical Nursing, Nursing, Veterinary and Animal Science course programs are not offered during fall. Online learning The HCC college also offers online courses through its WebCT learning system. Online distance learning can be accomplished in three ways,
namely:Full Distance Learning (completely online); Brick & Click (50% classroom study and 50% online): and Onsite Companion (live lecture plus web-based information). Weekend and evening classes The college also offers weekend and evening classes for individuals who cannot attend regular classes due to work or family commitments. Students can choose from dozens of weekend, evening, and twilight classes. Some of these classes are held offsite in Northampton and Agawam.

Sports and athletics

Athletics The college offers athletic programs in golf, baseball, basketball, cross-country, soccer, softball, and volleyball. It also has both indoor and outdoor sports facilities. The David M. Batler Center for Athletics and Recreation is an ultra-modern indoor sports facility located inside the campus that is open all year round.