Course Information
This page provides an overview of how courses, credits, and requirements work at MHCC.
Use the sections below to learn about course formats, prerequisites, numbering, and how courses applu toward degrees and certificates.
Credit for Coursework
The regular academic year is divided into three quarters of approximately 11 weeks each. Summer sessions typically include terms of 10, 8, and 5 weeks, with class periods proportionately extended. Course start and end dates appear in the online class schedule.
One credit is generally awarded for each class session per week. A discussion period consists of approximately 50 minutes of instruction, while laboratory periods may consist of two or more clock hours. For each class session, students are expected to spend at least two hours on outside preparation.
A typical full-time course load is 15 credits per term, which may allow a student to complete a degree in approximately two years, depending on placement level. Students may not enroll in more than 20 hours per quarter without approval from the Academic Advising and Transfer Center.
Repeated courses only count once for credit towards a degree or certificate unless otherwise noted as "Repeatable" in the course description.
Course Modalities
MHCC offers courses in a variety of formats to support different learning needs and schedules. Course modality is listed in the class schedule for each term.
- On Campus - Instruction takes place in-person on an MHCC campus.
- Online - Instruction and coursework are completed remotely.
- Synchronous - Classes meet online at scheduled times
- Asynchronous - Coursework is completed on your own schedule within weekly deadlines
- D10 - Dual-Delivery - Courses may allow students to choose how they attend.
Course Description Terminology
Course Requirements / Prerequisites
Most MHCC courses require certain levels of reading, writing, and/or math skills. Students must have these levels established before enrolling. This is typically done through placement testing or by submitting prior academic records (e.g., transfer credit, Smarter Balanced score, or GED scores).
Some courses may require additional approvals, such as instructor consent. Students must contact the instructor directly to request permission to enroll. Consent is based on the instructor's assessment of readiness to enroll.
Course requirements are listed in both the course description and in the class schedule.
Important Note on Repeated Courses
Repeated courses will only count once toward credits required for a degree or certificate unless otherwise noted.
Requisite Definitions
- Prerequisite - A requirement that must be completed before enrolling in a course
- Co-Requisite - A requirement that must be completed before or taken at the same time
- Concurrent enrollment - A course that must be taken in the same term as another course
- Recommended Requisite - A course or preparation that is strongly encouraged for success
Course Numbering System
Course Number Ranges
- 5-9
May be graded, ungraded, or audit-only. These courses may be credit or noncredit. Courses numbered 5-9 may not be applied toward an MHCC career-technical degree or certificate without prior approval from the area dean.
- 1-49
Do not carry credit applicable to any degree or certificate.
- 10-99
May be graded or ungraded and may carry credit applicable to an MHCC career-technical degree, AGS degree, or certificate.
- 100-299
Typically apply towards degrees and certificates and are often transferable to four-year institutions. Transferability is determined by the receiving institution.
Common Course Numbering (Z Courses)
Courses with a "Z" suffix are part of Oregon's Common Course Numbering (CCN) system and are designed to transfer across all public community colleges and universities in Oregon.
Students who have already completed a course prior to a number change do not need to retake it. For example, WR121 and WR121Z are considered equivalent.
Course Number Changes
If a course number changes from a career-technical number to a transfer-level number, the updated number will appear on the student's permanent record for courses taken after the change is approved.
Career-Technical Courses
Career-Technical Education (CTE) courses are designed to prepare students for specific careers and may not transfer to four-year institutions. However, some transfer agreements may allow certain courses to transfer.
- Up to 12 credits of Career-Technical courses numbered 100 and above may be used as elective credit toward the Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT) and Associate of Science Oregon Transfer (ASOT) degrees.
- Career-Technical courses may also be used as elective credit towards the Associate of General Studies (AGS) degree.
The following prefixes identify Career-Technical Education courses at MHCC:
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| AC |
Accounting Technology |
| AM | Automotive Technology |
| AMF | Automotive Technology |
| APR | Apprenticeship |
| BT | Business Technology |
| CIS | Computer Application Specialist (except CIS120/L in combination, and CIS122) |
| CP | Integrated Media - Commercial Photography |
| DH |
Dental Hygiene |
| DHX | Dental Hygiene Supplemental |
| DP | Integrated Media - Digital Photography |
| ECE | Early Childhood Education |
| EMT | Emergency Medical Technician |
| ET | Engineering |
| FI | Fisheries Technology |
| FSE | Funeral Service Education |
| FT | Natural Resources Technology |
| GD | Integrated Media - Graphic Design |
| HS | Mental Health/Social Service/Addiction Counseling |
| IM | Integrated Media |
| IMTL | Integrated Metals |
| ISTM | Information Systems and Technology Management |
| MA | Medical Assistant |
| MEC | Mechatronics |
| MFG | Integrated Metals - Machine Tool Technology |
| MO | Medical Office |
| NR | Natural Resources Technology |
| NRS | Nursing |
| PA | Physical Therapist Aide |
| PTA | Physical Therapist Assistant |
| RB | Integrated Media - Broadcasting |
| RT | Respiratory Care |
| ST | Surgical Technology |
| SW | Social Work |
| VP | Integrated Media - Video Production |
| WE | Career-Technical Cooperative Education |
| WL | Wilderness Leadership |
| WLD | Welding Technology |
Developmental Education Courses
Some courses are considered developmental and are not applicable toward an MHCC degree or certificate, with limited exceptions (including IECC120-level courses) for the Associate of General Studies (AGS) degree.
The following courses are not applicable toward a degree or certificate:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DE___ (all) | ||
| ESL094 | ||
| IECC094 | ||
| HD090 | Transition to College | 1 |
| MTH010 | Conceptual Arithmetic | 4 |
| MTH020 | Applied Arithmetic and Pre-algebra | 4 |
| RD090 | Effective Reading and Learning Strategies | 5 |
| WR090 | Writing Skills: Paragraph to Essay | 4 |
| WR091 | Integrated Reading and Writing | 6 |