Are you a high school student who wants to get ahead on college credits? QCC wants to help you prepare for college and get a head start! Our Early College Pathways program lets you take college-level classes for high school and college credit. Don’t wait - start working toward your college degree while you finish your high school classes.
Maximize Your Education: Dual Enrollment Benefits
Are you debating whether or not to take advantage of QCC’s Early College Pathways program? Here are some of the reasons you should consider participating in this exciting program:
- Save Money: Earn college credits at a reduced tuition rate.
- Save Time: If you earn college credits while still in high school, you can accelerate your college degree completion
- Convenience: Take classes for college credit during your regular school day at your high school
- Fulfill Requirements: Satisfy requirements for high school and college at the same time
- Transferability: Most courses will transfer to most two or four-year institutions.
Are you still on the fence? Tune in to hear our dedicated faculty share why they think this program is a great opportunity.
Handy Resources
Early College Pathways
Pathways are an advising tool for connecting your interests and goals to QCC classes and majors.
When you take courses through QCC Early College, you are starting the pathway to a certificate, associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, or transfer to a 4-year institution. You may also be starting a thematic pathway too, like Health Care or Business and Hospitality.
Pathways help you stay on track with your degree goals and transition to the workforce. Our thematic pathways are developed so students can select majors that lead to jobs and careers. We also have a pathway that allows you to explore, which is perfect for students who want to earn an associate’s degree at QCC and transition to another university to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Where to start?
Start by taking a First Year Experience course to learn about college and to build your college skills. Next, take a course based on your interests. If you know you want a certificate or degree in a specific area, choose a course in a pathway that interests you.
We also recommend you take a skills assessment to learn about your strengths and interests, and see the many occupations compatible with your interests. Start by taking an assessment
Did you know that credits earned at QCC transfer to any State university or college? That means every pathway – general or specific – is a great way to advance your career opportunities.
Learn about the different pathways available to you below.
All classes 3 credits unless noted
Business, Financial, and Hospitality Management programs prepare students for careers such as business administration, accounting, finance, hospitality management, culinary arts, and event management. Students gain practical skills and theoretical knowledge through coursework, internships, and industry partnerships. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in their chosen fields or can transfer to four-year institutions for further education.
- FYE 101
- ACC 101 Financial Accounting I
- BSL 101 Business Law I
- FIN 111 Personal Financial Planning
- HRM 101 Introduction to Hotel and Restaurant Management
- MGT 101- Introduction to Business
The Computer & Information Technology programs are aimed at preparing students for careers in the rapidly evolving tech industry. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including computer programming, networking, cybersecurity, database management, and IT support. Students receive hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs, where they can apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. Additionally, the curriculum is regularly updated to reflect industry trends and technological advancements. Graduates of these programs are well-equipped to pursue careers as software developers, network administrators, cybersecurity specialists, IT analysts, or pursue further education in related fields
- FYE 101
- CIS 105 Introduction to Information Technology
- CIS 111 Introduction to Microcomputer Applications
- CSC 101 Introduction to Programming using Python
- CST 205 IT Security Foundations
- IMD 114 Digital Design Concepts I
The Pathway for Education provides students with the opportunity to take course as part of an education academic program geared towards early childhood and elementary education. These programs prepare students to be teachers and lead teachers in pre-school, directors of pre-schools and elementary education (K-8). There are many employment opportunities presently and this trend is predicted to continue for years to come.
- FYE 101
- ECE 101 Introduction to Early Childhood Education
- EDU 101 Elementary Education: Teaching and Learning
- PSY 123 Child Development
The Engineering & Engineering Technology programs provide students with a strong foundation in engineering principles and technical skills. These programs cover a variety of disciplines such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering technology, and manufacturing technology. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, design projects, and internships, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in engineering firms, manufacturing companies, construction companies, or for further education at four-year institutions.
- FYE 101
- MNT 100 Manufacturing Safety
- MNT 101 Mechanical CAD I
- MNT 106 Quality
The Pathway for Healthcare provides students with courses designed to prepare them for various healthcare fields. With the healthcare industry growing, so too is the demand for skilled professionals. Your journey toward a successful healthcare career begins here.
- FYE 102
- ALH 102 Introduction to Medical Terminology
- ALH 103 Introduction to Pharmacology for Allied Health Professionals
- FSC 101 Principles of Emergency Services
- FYE 102 Healthcare First Year Experience
The Pathway for Liberal Arts and General Studies provides students with an education in the liberal arts disciplines, defined as fine arts and humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences. Students can begin their academic journey at QCC or they can transfer to four year college or university. General Studies programs, in addition to a liberal arts foundation, can provide students with directed academic experience to develop individualized career plans.
- FYE 101
- MUS 102 Music Appreciation
- SPH 101 Speech Communications Skills
- THA 101 Theater Productions
- THA 102 Stage Movement
The number of careers in biotechnology and environmental sciences will accelerate over the next five years. Worcester is growing as a biomanufacturing hub with many new companies requiring hundreds of entry-level employees with biotechnological skills. The growing concerns about climate change have prompted a renewed focus on environmental science and sustainability. Job growth in areas such as renewable energy, conservation, environmental policy, ecological restoration, and climate modeling is expected to rise significantly in the future.
- FYE 101
- BTT 101 Introduction to Biotechnology
- SCI 104 Climate and Weather Causes and Effect
- SCI 110 Sustaining Earth's Environment
The Pathway for Public and Social Services provides students with the opportunity to take courses as part of a public service academic program. Public Services programs are for students who want to serve and make a positive impact on their communities whether one is aiming for a career in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or community-based programs. There are many employment opportunities presently and this trend is predicted to continue for years to come.
- FYE 101
- FSC 101 Principles of Emergency Services
- CRJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
- CRJ 111 Criminal Law
- HUS 101 Human Services
- HUS 121 The Helping Relationship: Delivering Human Services
The installation, Maintenance & Repair programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for careers in a variety of technical fields. These programs cover a range of disciplines, including automotive, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), electrical systems, utilities, plumbing, and general maintenance. Students learn through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training, gaining practical experience in troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance techniques. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in industries such as construction, facilities maintenance, or specialized repair services, and may also pursue further education or certifications to advance their careers.
- FYE 101
- UTT 101 Introduction to Utilities: Electric, Gas, Communications
Course Fees
Orientation
QCC Partnerships
Partner up with us! To learn more about our existing partnerships, explore our State Early College Designated Program schools and transfer agreements!
Have Questions?
If you have questions about our Early College Pathways program, please contact us!