Admission and Registration
College Readiness Preparation
New students may require preparatory courses for college-level work. This need is often identified prior to or during the admission steps.
Developmental Courses
HACC offers several courses designed for students who need to sharpen their skills for college-level work. Students who would benefit from developmental courses are identified through the HACC's placement testing. Students who score below a certain threshold in two or more areas are required to enroll in a 3-credit First-Year Seminar (FYS), offered through the Foundational Studies discipline, before attempting their 13th credit. Students should consult with their academic advisor to determine if this 3-credit FYS is required.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
HACC offers instruction in English for either credit-based academic purposes and/or as a focus on community, college, and career noncredit options. For further information on HACC’s ESL opportunities visit www.hacc.edu.
GED® Testing
HACC’s Harrisburg Campus administers General Educational Development (GED®) testing on a regular basis. Those who achieve a satisfactory overall score on all 4 exams receive a Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma. This diploma, issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and regarded as the equivalent of an earned high school diploma, certifies that the recipient meets the high school graduation requirements set by the State Board of Education. The Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma is also issued to applicants who successfully complete 30 semester hours of college-level course work.
To be eligible for GED testing, a Pennsylvania resident must be 18 years of age or older and must not be enrolled in an approved or licensed secondary school. Persons 16 and 17 years of age may take the GED tests at the written request of an employer who requires a high school equivalency diploma; a college, technical/trade school or university official who requires GED test scores for admission to their institutions; a recruiting officer of the armed forces who requires a high school equivalency diploma for enlistment; or a director of a state institution for residents, patients or inmates who is requiring testing for persons prior to their release or discharge from the institution. It should be noted that the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma is issued only to persons 18 years of age or older. GED testing is available on-campus or remotely and is scheduled and paid for at www.ged.com. An admission ticket and current photo ID are required for testing. The test consists of four subjects and costs $30 per subject. Email ged@hacc.edu or call 717-780-1160 for GED test and free test preparation class information.
Application and Admission Information
Applicants who meet the following criteria will be admitted to the College:
Earned a high school diploma or received a General Education Development Diploma (GED)
Satisfied the conditions for early admission of secondary school students
Are 18 years of age or older
Who should apply for admission to the college?
Anyone who has never previously applied for credit courses
Anyone who has previously applied for credit courses but never took classes
Anyone who previously studied at HACC but has not attended for five or more years
How to apply for admission to the college:
Complete and submit the online application for admission found at www.hacc.edu. Apply as early as possible to ensure that there is adequate time to complete the enrollment process.
Submit a high school transcript or copy of high school equivalency diploma if you are taking any credit classes at HACC
Submit an official college transcript if you are:
Transferring credits to HACC
Seeking acceptance to a selective program
Other documents may be required for the following admission types:
College in the High School and Dual Enrollment Programs – Students seeking enrollment into college courses at HACC while attending high school.
Guest Student Admissions – Students currently enrolled at another institution and taking courses at HACC to fulfill the home institution’s degree requirements.
International Student Admissions – Students seeking enrollment with an F-1 Visa need to complete the International Admissions Application. Please contact the International Admissions Coordinator for an application at 717-780-2403.
Permanent Resident/Non- Resident – Those living in the United States who are not U.S. citizens are required to submit either a copy of their permanent resident card or a current visa with the application for admission. A non-resident alien is defined as a person who is not a citizen and who is in the United States on a visa or temporary basis without the right to remain indefinitely.
How to apply for financial aid:
The Financial Aid Department encourages all students to apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA). Students should apply at www.fafsa.gov.
Who to contact for more information:
The College welcomes and encourages future students to visit any campus and learn more about HACC. Call 800-ABC-HACC or meet an admissions counselor by visiting https://www.hacc.edu/Admissions/MeetYourRecruiter/index.cfm.
Where do I find an application?
To apply online, please visit: https://start.hacc.edu/RecruitNewWFE/Account/Create.
Once a student is admitted to the College, a welcome email is sent. The welcome email includes the student’s assigned HACC ID as well as information on the next steps of the enrollment process. Please find more information and admissions steps located at www.hacc.edu/Admissions.
Placement Testing
HACC wants to ensure students have the necessary skills to succeed in college-level courses. Some students may need to take placement tests to assess math and English skills. Students who meet one or more of the following criteria, are exempt from taking math or English placement tests:
*Math scores must have been recorded within the past five years; eligible for MATH 100, 103, 104, 111, 113, 114 and 202
**English scores must have been recorded within the past 10 years; eligible for ENGL 101
If exempt from math and English placement testing, you are eligible to enroll in college-level math and English courses.
Students who have completed a baccalaureate degree and provide transcripts are exempt from English placement testing, but depending on the program of study, may need to take the math placement test.
Students who are interested in studying English for Academic purposes or are English language learners, must take the Accuplacer ESL placement tests, unless they present acceptable TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, or Duolingo scores.
All students are allowed to retake a placement test. For the Accuplacer tests, a fee of $25 will be charged upon the third attempt.
A student with a documented disability who requires special assistance with testing should contact Student Access Services to schedule testing. HACC offers several developmental courses designed for students who need to sharpen skills for college-level work.
New Student Orientation
After placement testing and before registering for classes, new student orientation helps students start or continue their educational journey. New Student Orientation programs are specifically designed and implemented in order to prepare students to transition into and through college, acquiring the skills and knowledge requisite for success and completion.
New Student Orientation is a mandatory part of the enrollment process. Not attending an orientation could impact or delay the enrollment process. Shortly after activating their myHACC accounts, students will be sent an email with instructions on how to schedule an orientation and complete any required placement test(s). Please note this email will only be sent to the student’s HAWKMail email address. Students are encouraged to check their “All Mail” tab if the email does not appear in their primary inbox.
New student orientation is offered in a variety of modalities (remote via Zoom, in-person at rotating campuses, and a self-paced online option via D2L/Brightspace). The orientation is approximately 1.5-2 hours and is designed to help students transition to college successfully. New student orientation will include:
Important resources and tips to navigate HACC technologies
Information on HACC Policies and YOUR Student Rights
HACC Student Resources and Services
Directions to help you register for your first-semester classes and move on to the next part of your enrollment process
Important information on financial aid
If a student needs disability-related accommodations for orientation, please contact orientation@hacc.edu at least five business days before their scheduled orientation date.
Students also have access to Orientation Homebase, a one-stop location to access need-to-know information about being a student at HACC, links to essential services and resources, and contact information for HACC offices.
For more information or to contact the New Student Orientation office, please visit the New Student Orientation webpage at www.hacc.edu/Admissions/Orientation or contact New Student Orientation at orientation@hacc.edu or (717) 780-2513.
Meeting with an Advisor
Advising is an important part of the educational experience. The student and advisor can discuss program objectives and the student’s goals to develop an educational plan that fits the student’s needs. Students are highly encouraged to meet with an advisor prior to each semester until graduation or the student’s educational goals are met. Students who choose to register without seeking advice or register in classes not recommended by their advisor assume full responsibility for their actions. To learn more about advising, please visit our webpage at www.hacc.edu/advising or call us at 717-780-2498.
Students should refer to the Academic Programs of this catalog, or go to www.hacc.edu for information on the suggested sequence of courses for the program they are pursuing and planning suggestions for those students who plan to transfer to another college after completing their education at HACC. Class schedules and details on the course modality options (on campus, remote, and online learning) are available at www.hacc.edu/courseschedule.
Registration
Registration includes the selection of and registration for classes, and the payment of tuition and fees. Registration generally begins several months prior to the start of classes and ends the day prior to the start of class. Early registration is encouraged, and full payment is not required until the tuition due date. Registration, dates, times, deadlines, and details about registration methods can be found online at www.hacc.edu.
In order to be considered a full-time student in a fall or spring term, a student must be enrolled in courses totaling at least 12 credit hours. Recommended sequences of classes are generally based on at least 15 credits per term in order to facilitate timely completion of a program. Students who wish to schedule more than the normal load during term must obtain approval from their academic advisor. It is recommended students plan weekly study time of at least two hours for each hour of class. It is unwise to plan work and study totaling more than about sixty hours a week.
Student ID and Parking Pass
Visit a campus Welcome Center to receive a HACC ID and parking pass. An ID card allows students to use campus services and can be shown at businesses offering student discounts. A parking pass can be used at any campus location. For more information visit www.hacc.edu/Admissions/HACCIDandPasswordFAQs.
Purchasing Textbooks and Supplies
Course materials and school supplies are available in the campus bookstores as well as online at www.bookstore.hacc.edu. Students can pick up orders from the bookstore or have them shipped. Financial aid, if available, can be used three weeks before the beginning of classes for the fall and spring terms and two weeks prior for summer and winter. Students are encouraged to purchase textbooks before the term begins to ensure materials can be used on the first day of class. Course materials listed as “To Be Determined” indicates a course for which the stores have not yet received an assigned textbook. HawkTech, an Apple® Authorized Campus Store, is located in the Harrisburg Campus bookstore, making the bookstore an Apple® authorized reseller and Apple® repair center. The bookstore also sells HACC swag such as clothing and gift items, food and beverage, commencement items, uniforms, bus passes, and more.
Majors and Codes
Special Major Codes
General Studies- 7606 (Pursuing a General Studies Degree)
General Studies/Undecided- 7661 (Undecided about degree program choice)
Guest Student- GTST (Currently enrolled in good standing at another college, but taking courses at HACC to fulfill that institution's degree requirements)
Non-Degree/Personal Enrichment- NDGR (Seeking non-degree personal enrichment. Not eligible for financial aid)
*These programs have additional requirements, procedures and deadlines beyond admission to the college
^Students initially enroll in the Pre-Health Professions AS degree and select the concentration that suits their interest. Once they complete courses in that concentration, they can apply to enroll into the clinical program. Clinical programs are selective and competitive. Admission to the college does not guarantee acceptance into the clinical portion of the program.
All Programs are not necessarily offered at all campuses. Program completion at specific campuses may require students to utilize multiple modalities such as online, blended and/or remote learning, in addition to in-class instruction.
DIPLOMA PROGRAMS
Diploma programs are designed to provide essential entry-level skills for immediate employment and can be completed in one semester. In some programs, some diploma credits may not apply to the certificate and associate degree. Ask an advisor for specific information.
CERTIFICATE CURRICULA
Certificate curricula are concentrated programs in specific skill areas. They are designed to provide skills for employment that can be completed in one year (two semesters). Students may continue to study for the associate degree in most curricula.
CAREER ASSOCIATE DEGREE CURRICULA
Career curricula are Associate Degree programs that provide students with specific skills for employment.
TRANSFER ASSOCIATE DEGREE CURRICULA
Transfer curricula are the equivalent of the first two years of a four-year program. After earning an associate degree, students transfer to a four-year institution to complete the last two years of the bachelor’s degree.
Program Requirements
The College awards Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) and Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees, Certificates of Proficiency, and Diplomas. Program guides contained in this catalog outline the required courses needed to obtain the credential that is awarded upon successful completion. Most programs are offered at the Harrisburg Campus, and many are available at all of HACC’s five campus locations, as well as through multiple modalities (online, blended and/or remote learning instruction). Program descriptions provide information about their availability.
Diploma
Diploma programs offer a concentrated study of technical job skills, are usually chosen by students who need to acquire a specific technical skill as quickly as possible, and require the equivalent of one full-time semester to complete. A diploma is awarded to students who complete an approved Program of Study of at least 16 credits with a Cumulative and Program grade point average of at least a 2.0. A Diploma must include coursework totaling at least nine credits earned at the College.
Certificates of Proficiency
Certificate programs require one year or two terms (full-time) for completion, and all of the required courses focus on an occupational skill. These programs are most suitable for students with a specifically defined occupational goal. A certificate is awarded to students who complete an approved Program of Study of at least 30 credits with a Cumulative and Program grade point average of at least 2.0. A Certificate must include coursework totaling at least 15 credits earned under HACC faculty instruction. Of those 15 credits, six credits must be taken in the area concentration of the certificate.
Associate Degrees
Associate degree programs are designed as either transfer associate degrees, which support students in transferring to a four-year institution, or career associate degrees, which prepare students to enter the workforce upon graduation. Full-time students, who are prepared for college-level reading, writing and mathematics, may complete associate degrees within two years.
Students must complete an approved Program of Study of a least 60 credits with a Cumulative and Program grade point average of at least a 2.0. Coursework for a degree must include at least 15 credits earned under HACC faculty instruction and at least six of those credits must be in the student’s area of concentration. Courses numbered below the 100-level may not be used to meet graduation requirements.
General Education Goals
General Education Goals are an established baseline and common body of knowledge and skills that are integrated throughout the coursework of every associate degree program, and reflect HACC’s values and priorities.
Quantitative Literacy: Quantitatively literate students appropriately and correctly use numerical data specific to the task.
Communication: Effective student communicators create and express ideas in speaking and writing in a clear, organized manner appropriate for the intended audience.
Critical Thinking: Critical thinkers problem solve, create and evaluate. Critical thinking encompasses and is assessed through the following general education goals: information literacy, technology literacy, cultural awareness, communication and quantitative literacy.
Technology Literacy: Technologically literate students effectively use and apply technology appropriate to the task.
Information Literacy: Information literate students access, evaluate and cite sources to meet information needs.
Cultural Awareness: Culturally aware students investigate issues related to global interdependence and reflect upon their impact as global citizens.
These goals are taught and reinforced through Core Knowledge Area requirements.
Core Knowledge Area Requirements
Core Knowledge Area requirements are part of the College’s explicit associate degree requirements and are designed to ensure that students are exposed to a broad range of content areas and ways of thinking. These courses represent the standard in higher education for what is referred to as “General Education Requirements” and are often the foundation of articulation agreements with four-year institutions. In addition, these courses constitute the 30-credit framework mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Core Knowledge Areas are written communication, oral communication, humanities and arts, social and behavioral sciences, mathematics, natural and physical science and wellness. The chart below outlines the requirements for each degree designation. Please see the list of approved Core Knowledge Area courses.
Humanities and Arts (H & A)
Arabic 101, 102
Art 121, 131, 181, 182
Chinese 101
English 107, 114, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 206H, 207, 207H, 217
Film & Theatre 101, 103
French 101, 102, 201, 202
German 101, 102, 201, 202
Spanish 101, 102, 104, 201, 202
Humanities 101, 101H, 115, 117, 118, 201, 201H, 202, 202H
Music 102, 102H, 104
Philosophy 101, 101H, 102, 200, 225, 225H
Social and Behavioral Sciences (S & BS)
Anthropology 101, 201, 205
Communication 120, 253, 253H
Economics 201, 202
Geography 201, 230
Geographic Information Systems 141, 141H
Government and Politics 201, 202
History 101, 101H, 102, 102H. 103, 103H, 104, 107, 201, 202, 214
Psychology 101, 101H, 213, 221, 229
Sociology 201, 201H, 202, 203, 205
First Year Seminar (fulfill the 1-credit FYS requirement)
Allied Health 140
Architecture 111
Art 125
Automotive GM 101
Automotive Technology 101
Business 101
Cardiovascular Technology 100
Communication 110
Dental Hygiene 101
Education 110, 111
Emergency Medical Services 231
Engineering 102
Film & Theatre 147
Fire Science Technology 101
3 Credit First Year Seminar
(fulfills requirement for students advised to take 3-credit FYS)
Foundational Studies 100
Foundational Studies 103
Mathematics (Math)
Mathematics 100, 103, 104, 110, 111, 113, 116, 119, 121, 122, 202
Natural and Physical Sciences (Sci/Lab)
Astronomy 103, 104
Biology 101, 103*, 103H*, 108, 108H, 111, 121, 122, 203, 221
Biotechnology 101*
Chemistry 100, 101, 102, 203
Geology 101, 101H, 102, 201, 201H
Meteorology 101
Physical Science 113, 114
Physics 105, 201, 202, 211
*Notes courses that do not contain a laboratory component. Indicated by abbreviation of (Sci).
Wellness
Health 101
Nursing 150
Physical Education 109, 135, 137, 138, 139, 141, 143 165, 166, 178, 180, 181, 183, 184, 201
Wellness and Health Promotion 101, 102, 103
Foundational Studies 100
Foundational Studies 101
Foundational Studies 102
Foundational Studies 103
Geographic Information Systems 201
Honors Studies 101H
Hospitality Management 101
Industrial Automation 101
Nursing 143
Paralegal 101
Science 100
Note: The Core Knowledge Area Course Requirements listed are required for students enrolling into programs in the 2023-24 Academic Year. Students who enrolled at HACC in prior years should consult the appropriate college catalog for elective requirements.
Credential Requirements by State
A variety of programs require a license or certification to work in a chosen field. The licensing and certification requirements can vary by state. For more information on any licensing and certification requirements needed for employment, please visit www.hacc.edu.
First-Year Seminar
Degree-seeking students are required to complete a First-Year Seminar (FYS) course, designed to introduce students to essentials of college success, including goal setting, decision-making, and academic skill building. It is recommended to complete this course prior to completing the 13th credit hour and some FYS courses are program specific. Students who score below a certain threshold in two or more areas of the placement test are required to enroll in a 3-credit FYS course. There is an opportunity to earn credit by exam for FS 102, a one-credit FYS. Students should consult with their academic advisor to determine which FYS option is best. For more information about FYS courses, visit www.hacc.edu.
Parallel Pathways
A parallel pathway is a second program of study that students identify when they begin taking classes at HACC. Having a parallel pathway allows students to identify options if they want or need to change their major. A parallel pathway helps students explore opportunities within their program of study and understand their career options.
Programs with Special Accreditation
Multiple programs at HACC receive national accreditation. Visit www.hacc.edu for more information about programs with special accreditation.
Subsequent Degrees
After earning an associate degree from HACC, students must complete a minimum of 15 additional credits at HACC to be eligible for an additional degree.
Special Application Requirements
Additional documents and procedures are required for students seeking admission into certain programs. Some programs may require students to submit to State and/or Federal Criminal Background Checks, child abuse clearance, and other verifications prior to enrollment, the start of a clinical experience, testing and/or obtaining employment. Some clinical placements require physicals and proof of immunizations. Students should consider this factor before enrolling in programs which require these checks. Students should contact the chair of the appropriate academic department with questions about these requirements.
Articulated Credit
Students may also earn credits through a variety of avenues.
Credit by Examination
The College allows and encourages students who have completed advanced classes in high school or who have previous training or experience in an academic area to take examinations in those areas.
Upon successful completion of an examination and proper notification to the Registrar’s Office, the student will be awarded credit, which may be used to meet program requirements. Information on accepted exams and required scores is available for review in the Registrar’s Office.
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program, administered by the College Entrance Examination Board, is designed for high school students who wish to earn college credits while in high school. These are national examinations which are designed to measure the competence of the student. HACC honors the requirements of the Transfer and Articulation Oversight Committee of the PA Department of Education (www.patrac.org/Student/Earn-Credit-by-Exam) in determining the specific tests that are accepted and the scores necessary to receive credit.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP): Students who wish to earn credit for courses based upon previous training or experience may complete examinations offered through CLEP. HACC honors the requirements of the Transfer and Articulation Oversight Committee of the PA Department of Education (www.patrac.org/Student/Earn-Credit-by-Exam) in determining the specific tests that are accepted and the scores necessary to receive credit.
International Baccalaureate (IB) programs are offered by approved secondary schools throughout the world. Student performance on IB assessments may allow students to earn credit for some HACC scores. HACC honors the requirements of the Transfer and Articulation Oversight Committee of the PA Department of Education (www.patrac.org/Student/Earn-Credit-by-Exam) in determining the specific tests that are accepted and the scores necessary to receive credit.
DSST (formerly known as DANTES) Exams, are administered by Prometric on a variety of subjects. HACC honors the requirements of the Transfer and Articulation Oversight Committee of the PA Department of Education (www.patrac.org/Student/Earn-Credit-by-Exam) in determining the specific tests that are accepted and the scores necessary to receive credit.
Excelsior College Examinations (ECE) are administered through Excelsior College on a variety of subjects. Students may be eligible to earn credit based on ECE exam scores. The specific tests accepted and the scores necessary to receive credit have been determined by HACC faculty, and are reviewed and updated periodically as necessary.
HACC Credit by Examination: Credit by an examination, similar to a comprehensive final examination, is available for many of the courses offered by the College. These examinations may be taken by students who have reason to believe that they can pass examinations of this nature because of completed formal or informal training and experience in topics presented with the rigor of a college-level curriculum. Examinations offered under this program are scored on a pass/fail basis. Students who wish to petition to earn credit by examination should contact the department chair that offers the course. A fee is required.
Experiential Learning or Prior Learning Assessment
Students may request credit for knowledge, experience or skills gained outside the normal educational structure. In such cases, the student should contact the appropriate department chair. Students must be currently enrolled at the College and may not request credit for a course they have previously received a grade for (including Y, W or F). Students are required to submit credentials and/or a portfolio for evaluation. Experiential Learning includes both formal and informal learning resulting from work experience, non-credit courses, seminar training, workshops, professional licenses and certifications, community volunteerism, and unique life experiences. Upon assessment of the credentials and/or portfolio, the assigned assessor from the discipline may recommend awarding credit. A fee is required.
Other Professional Certifications
The College also awards credit for certain licenses or certifications from professional bodies, agencies, and institutions. Professional certification/licensure may entitle a student to receive equivalent semester course credit towards a certificate or degree with the appropriate alignment of course learning outcome from recognized industry certification/licensure. Please contact the Registrar’s Office for information. The College may also award credit for training completed in the military, industry or other non-collegiate setting that has been evaluated by the American Council of Education (ACE) or the National Program on Non-collegiate Sponsored Instruction (PONSI). Credit will be granted only when the training is directly relevant to the student’s program of study. Credit from the military is awarded on a limited basis. To request an evaluation of non-collegiate training contact the Registrar’s Office.
Credit by Transfer
Students admitted to HACC seeking to earn a degree, certificate or diploma and who are currently taking or have completed courses at another post-secondary school, may request to have official transcripts from other schools officially evaluated for transfer of credits. Degree-seeking students may transfer up to 45 credits from other post-secondary institutions. Transcripts from foreign educational institutions must be sent by the student to a recognized national credential evaluation service for possible transfer of credit to HACC. World Education Services, Inc. is the service normally used by HACC. Additional information can be found at www.wes.org.
When taking course work at another college with the intent to transfer this course work to HACC, a HACC student is advised to submit a prior authorization for transfer of credit. This confirms for the student how the course will transfer to HACC. This form is available in the Registrar’s Office. Generally, credit is awarded only for coursework in which the student received credit with a letter grade of A, B, or C, except for Physical Education credit, which will transfer if a grade of P or S was received, where P or S grades are considered the equivalent of a C or above. Developmental Education courses do not transfer.
Students wishing to apply for transfer credit must submit an official transcript from the originating institution. In some instances, it may be necessary to provide course descriptions or syllabi. The official transcript and any supporting documentation should be sent directly to the HACC Registrar’s Office. An official transcript is one that is officially authorized by the Records official at the institution and sent directly to the HACC Registrar’s Office. Questions regarding transfer of credit requirements should be directed to the Registrar’s Office, phone 717-780-2373 or email at record@hacc.edu.
Articulation of Courses with Area High Schools/Career and Technical Education Centers
Secondary school students may earn college credit through articulated coursework taken at an area high school or vocational-technical school. When it is determined that work comparable to that in a college course is taught at the secondary level, HACC enters into an articulation partnership with the secondary school. These articulation agreements enable students to earn college credit while at the secondary level if they meet a designated performance standard. Students must enter a program at HACC within two academic years of completing high school in order to be awarded articulated credit. Articulation agreements are in effect at many area secondary schools. Since additional agreements are being negotiated, a student should check with a guidance counselor at his or her secondary school.
HACC is a partner post-secondary institution in the statewide articulation of career and technical programs of study with the Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of Career and Technical Education. High school students who complete a career and technical education program of study may qualify for advanced credit. For more information on the articulated programs of study, contact an admissions counselor.
Unique Credit Opportunities
Auditing a Course
Students eligible to enroll in courses for credit may also audit courses. Students may change credit and audit status of a course during the tuition refund period. Students auditing courses pay the regular course tuition charge and are expected to participate in all lectures and laboratory classes but are not required to take examinations. Students who do not meet the instructor’s attendance requirements may be dropped from the class. The audit grade does not reflect mastery of material covered in a course and no credit is awarded. Financial aid cannot be used to pay for an audited course.
Dual Enrollment for High School Students
HACC offers dual enrollment options for high school students looking to enhance their academic profile, save money on a future post-secondary degree or just get a jump-start on life after graduation. High school juniors and seniors can earn college credit at their high school through College in the High School (CHS) opportunities by taking HACC classes taught by their own high school teachers who have been course-qualified to teach HACC classes, or at a HACC campus, remotely and virtually through courses taught by HACC faculty. Students can choose from a variety of courses, but are not permitted to take developmental level courses and the cost is significantly reduced. For more information, contact CHSandDE@hacc.edu.
The Honors Program
The Honors Program is designed to meet the scholarly needs of students demonstrating academic excellence. Qualified students who are interested in interdisciplinary, seminar-style learning and rigorous General Education curricula are encouraged to enroll. This program provides curricular, co-curricular, and experiential educational opportunities that promote student excellence. The program encourages the knowledge, skills, experience, critical thinking, and leadership abilities essential for a lifetime of integrative learning. Honors classes are small, and enrollment is limited to no more than 15 students. The classes are discussion based and interdisciplinary, linking developments in arts, humanities, sciences, and technologies. Focusing on diverse intellectual questions, students explore multiple points of view.
Students may apply to the Honors Program prior to, or at any time during, their enrollment at HACC. To apply, students should submit the online application, which can be accessed at www.hacc.edu/honors. Qualified students will be invited for an interview with the Honors Program Coordinator. An acceptance letter will be sent to all accepted honors students.
To be admitted to the Honors Program, incoming students must have at least a 3.5 high school GPA, or have a combined 1150 SAT score (Reading and Math), or have an ACT Composite score of 24. Current HACC students must have at least a 3.5 GPA. All English developmental course requirements (writing and reading) must be satisfied prior to enrollment in the program. Any interested and motivated student may sign up for honors courses without being enrolled in the program.
The total number of college credits to earn an Associate degree is the same as for non-honors students. The tuition is also the same as for non-honors students. The critical difference is in the depth and content of honors courses. In order to complete the Honors Program, students must complete 15 honors credit hours and maintain at least a 3.25 overall GPA. Honors students are expected to take at least one honors course each academic year to maintain their honors status. For the list of currently offered honors courses please go to www.hacc.edu/honors. Students who have completed the Honors Program as well as their Associate degree will have the “Honors Scholar Graduate” designation on their transcript. They will also receive a certificate of completion. As part of the student’s regalia, a distinctive Honors cord will symbolize successful completion of the program. To learn more about the Honors Program, email honors@hacc.edu.
Independent Study
HACC offers students the opportunity to engage in independent study courses to complement the traditional educational program. This permits a student to conduct special study or pursue an academic interest. A special fee beyond tuition will be charged, as indicated on HACC's Tuition and Fees chart. Students interested in applying for an independent study should consult a faculty member in the discipline. Preparation for the study must be completed prior to the opening of the term in which the independent study will be completed. Students should be aware that transfer schools may not accept independent study credits.