Harold Washington College: A Legacy of Opportunity in Chicago

Harold Washington College (HWC), a public municipal community college in the Loop community area of Chicago, Illinois, stands as a testament to accessible education and career advancement. Part of the City Colleges of Chicago, HWC offers a diverse range of programs and opportunities, rooted in a rich history of serving the city's students. Harold Washington College is a medium, public institution located in Chicago, IL. City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College offers associate degrees or certifications in 42 majors. The degree or certification you pursue is major!

A Foundation Built on Vision

Opened in 1962, Harold Washington College was named after the first African-American Mayor of Chicago. Initially, the college held classes on the 11th floor of the former University of Chicago/DePaul Center with just 250 students in the first semester. The college eventually expanded, occupying six floors as the student population grew. In 1982, the college moved from 64 E. Lake St. into new facilities at 30 E. Lake Street.

Mayor Washington was a strong advocate of education in Chicago and especially City Colleges of Chicago. The college was dedicated to Mayor Washington's memory in a ceremony on April 19, 1988, five months after his death. Elements of the City-Wide College were joined to the Harold Washington College when the former was closed in 1993.

College to Careers: A Focus on the Future

In 2012, Harold Washington College became the College to Careers hub for Business, Entrepreneurship and Professional Services. New college and industry partnerships were formed, large internship programs developed with downtown businesses, and new certificates and degree programs were created to serve students and our business constituents across the City. This strategic shift reflects HWC's commitment to aligning its programs with the needs of the Chicago business community, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.

Recognition for Excellence

Harold Washington College has been recognized for its commitment to student success. In 2013, Harold Washington College received the nationally recognized Council for Higher Education Accreditation Award for Outstanding Institutional Practice in Student Learning Outcomes. In 2014, Harold Washington was granted approval from the Higher Learning Commission for a consortial agreement to deliver online learning across the whole City College system. Harold Washington College became the City Colleges home for online learning opportunities.

Read also: Harold Washington College Transcript Request

Expanding Access Through Online Learning

Online learning continues to expand as an important learning delivery mode, and by the fall 2017 semester, HWC was providing 288 online classes to over 4,500 students across the City and beyond. This expansion of online learning opportunities reflects HWC's commitment to providing accessible education to a diverse student population.

A Commitment to Core Values

In fall of 2017, HWC revitalized its college mission to reaffirm its commitment to the core values embodied in the work of its namesake mayor and reconnect his legacy to the important work the college does today. The majority of HWC students transfer to four-year colleges to continue their academic journey and future success.

Academic Programs and Opportunities

HWC as a community college offers two year "Associates" degrees in a wide variety of majors and provides transfer assistance to local four-year upper division colleges and universities. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Harold Washington College is also approved by the Illinois Community College Board, the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Illinois State Board of Education.

The college offers a comprehensive range of courses across various disciplines, including a robust history department. Some of the History courses offered at Harold Washington College include:

  • History of American People To 1865 (HISTORY 111): This course explores the history of the American people up to 1865. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. Offered At: DA, HW, KK, MX, OH, TR, WR. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

    Read also: Get Your Boater Card

  • History of American People From 1865 (HISTORY 112): A continuation of HISTORY 111, this course covers American history from 1865 onwards. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. Offered At: DA, HW, KK, MX, OH, TR, WR. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

  • United States Labor History (HISTORY 113): This course examines the history of labor movements and workers in the United States. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. Offered At: DA, KK, TR, WR. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

  • The Afro-American In American History (HISTORY 114): This course explores the history and experiences of African Americans in the United States. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. Offered At: DA, HW, KK, MX, OH. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

  • Afro-American History Since 1865 (HISTORY 115): Continuing the study of African American history, this course focuses on the period after 1865. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. Offered At: HW, KK, MX, OH, TR, WR. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

  • History Of Chicago Metropolitan Area (HISTORY 117): This course delves into the history of the Chicago metropolitan area. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. Offered At: DA, HW, KK. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

    Read also: Academics at UW Bothell

  • Women In American History (HISTORY 118): This course examines the roles and experiences of women in American history. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. Offered At: DA, HW. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

  • History of World Civilization to 1500 (HISTORY 141): This course provides an overview of world civilization up to the year 1500. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. Offered At: DA, HW, KK, MX, OH, TR, WR. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

  • Hist World Civiliz Frm 1500 (HISTORY 142): A continuation of HISTORY 141, this course covers world civilization from 1500 to the present. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. Offered At: DA, HW, KK, MX, OH, TR, WR. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

  • The History of the Mexican People (HISTORY 201): This course explores the history of the Mexican people. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. Offered At: DA, HW, KK, MX, OH, TR, WR. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

  • Problems In History (HISTORY 211): This course engages with various historical problems and debates. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. Offered At: DA, KK. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

  • History & Culture Of China (HISTORY 212): This course explores the history and culture of China. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. Offered At: DA, MX, TR. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

  • American Civil Rights Movement (HISTORY 213): This course examines the history of the American Civil Rights Movement. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. Offered At: DA, HW, KK, MX, OH, TR, WR. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

  • History of Latin America (HISTORY 215): This course provides an overview of the history of Latin America. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

  • Latinx History (HISTORY 215): This course explores the history of Latinx people. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. Offered At: DA, HW, KK, MX, OH, TR, WR. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

  • Modern Middle East History (HISTORY 225): This course examines the history of the Middle East in the modern era. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. Offered At: HW. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

  • Ancient History (HISTORY 230): This course provides an overview of ancient history. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. Offered At: DA. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

  • Modern European History 1500-1830 (HISTORY 232): This course covers European history from 1500 to 1830. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. Offered At: KK. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

  • Modern European History Since 1830 (HISTORY 233): A continuation of HISTORY 232, this course covers European history from 1830 to the present. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. Offered At: KK. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

  • The Far East in the Modern World (HISTORY 243): This course examines the history of the Far East in the modern world. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. Offered At: HW, KK. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

  • African History to Colonial Period (HISTORY 247): This course explores African history up to the colonial period. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. Offered At: DA, HW, KK, MX, OH, TR, WR. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

  • African History - Modern Period (HISTORY 248): Continuing the study of African history, this course focuses on the modern period. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair. Offered At: HW, KK, MX, OH, TR. It carries 3 Credit Hours.

  • Topics in American History (HISTORY 250): This course explores various topics in American history. Eligibility for ENGLISH 101 based on prior coursework or appropriate score on Placement Test; or Consent of Department Chair.

These courses are offered at various locations including DA, HW, KK, MX, OH, TR, WR.

Student Life and Resources

Beyond academics, Harold Washington College provides a supportive environment for its students.

  • Enrollment: Total enrollment is 8,434, with 2,608 full-time students and 5,826 part-time students.
  • Diversity: The student body is diverse, with students coming from 3 states and territories. The student population includes 1% Native American, 19% Hispanic, 47% Black, and 11% Asian American or Pacific Islander.
  • Student Organizations: The college has a variety of student organizations, including Phi Theta Kappa, Organization of Latin American Students, Black Student Union, Student Government Association, and Global Friendship. There are 22 social organizations open to all.
  • Annual Events: Major annual events include Black History Month activities, Hispanic-American History Month, and Women's History Month.
  • Student Services: Student services include personal-psychological counseling and a women's center.
  • Campus Security: Campus security includes 24-hour emergency response devices and patrols.
  • Library: Harold Washington College Library plus 1 other with 65,926 books, 8,980 microform titles, 360 serials, and 2,695 audiovisual materials. 360 computers are available on campus for general student use.

Admissions and Costs

Harold Washington College has an open admission policy. Application deadline: Rolling. Notification: continuous.

  • Application fee: $0.
  • Area resident tuition: $1560 full-time.
  • State resident tuition: $3675 full-time.
  • Nonresident tuition: $6069 full-time.
  • Mandatory fees: $250 full-time.
  • Placement: DTLS, DTMS required.
  • Entrance: non-competitive.

tags: #harold #washington #university #history #and #programs

Popular posts: