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Academic Programs

Over 70 Academic Programs

Student holding and inspecting model of a brain.

Highland Community College offers educational programs designed to transfer into a baccalaureate program at senior institutions, lead directly to employment, or satisfy a special interest.

Students who plan to transfer to earn a baccalaureate degree should earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or in some instances an Associate of Engineering Science.

Students who desire to develop an individualized program of study to meet their personal and vocational goals may earn the Associate of General Studies degree.

Students who prefer to take coursework leading directly to employment or developing a trade should enroll in a Certificate Program or an Associate of Applied Science degree. Some of the Associate of Applied Science degrees are transferable through specific transfer agreements.

Highland Community Colleges has identified five General Education Institutional Outcomes that guide learning for degree-seeking students.

Online General Education Transfer Package

Highland has you covered with more flexibility in earning general education requirements! You can choose to take gen eds fully online as a complete transferable package toward four-year colleges and universities.

The Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) consists of 12 courses (37 Semester Hours). Successful completion of these core courses at Highland will facilitate transfer to any participating bachelor’s degree program in the State of Illinois.

IAI General Education Requirements

Communication (English 121, 122 & Speech 191)9 hours
Humanities9 hours
Mathematics3 hours
Physical & Life Sciences7 hours
Social & Behavioral Science9 hours

View the Academic Catalog

2023-2025 HCC Catalog

Previous Editions


Distance Course State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements

logo for the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements

Highland Community college has been approved by the State of Illinois to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education.