Personal Enrichment Classes at MCC
Learn a New Hobby or Grow Your Skills!
Focus on your personal enrichment.
Our noncredit programs give you access to a variety of courses.
With our offerings, you can:
- Grow your hobby skills
- Learn a new craft
- Explore something new
View the current course catalog.
Information available in an
alternate format upon request.
Digital Photography I
In this course you will learn how to shoot with your camera in manual mode with a
focus on how aperture, shutter speed and ISO affect how your images look, and how
to use Lightroom, a photo editing software. Students will shoot assignments outside
of class. Depending on the class size, class will be structured around instruction
on a new topic, students having time to cull & edit their images (using the software
Lightroom), and having a full class share/critique or an individual image review by
the instructor. The most useful part of classroom instruction will be review of photos
students have shot. Students need a DSLR Camera or a Mirrorless camera. An Adobe subscription
is recommended but not required: https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/compare-plans.html
Instructor will provide instructions on options to choose the first day of class.
If you do not have an Adobe subscription it is recommended that you bring an USB flash
drive or external hard drive. Eligible for 50% tuition waiver for MCC employees. (18
hours) $265
Course Number: CAR 611 30 CRN: 19838
January 13 to February 24, 2026
Days/Times: Tuesdays 6pm - 9pm
Building/Room: Academic Resources, Room AR 108
Instructor: WATANABE
No class on 2/17
Digital Photography II
This course builds on what was learned in Digital Photo 1. We review the basic concepts & practices of digital photography, focusing on compositional rules and lighting. We will delve more into the creative aspect of photography. We’ll also focus on finding your style & voice with your photography. Students will shoot assignments outside of class. Class will be structured around students having time to cull & edit their images (using the software Lightroom), having a full class share/critique & then instruction on a new topic. The most useful part of classroom instruction will be the review of photos students have shot. They will see what makes a successful photo and what does not. Students need an SLR Digital Camera or Mirrorless Camera. An Adobe subscription is recommended but not required: https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/compare-plans.html Instructor will provide instructions on what option choose on the first day of class if there is any uncertainty. If you do not have an Adobe subscription it is recommended that you bring an USB flash drive or external hard drive. Eligible for 50% tuition waiver for MCC employees. (18 hours) $265
Course Number: CAR 612 30 CRN: 19839
Dates: March 3 to April 14, 2026
Days/Times: Tuesdays 6pm - 9pm
Building/Room: Academic Resources, Room AR 108
No Class on 3/17
Instructor: WATANABE
Introduction to Cartoon and Caricature Drawing
Explore the imaginative art of Cartooning and Caricature drawing with renowned artist Bill Bradbury. Develop and learn the skills to draw the most popular form of everyday art using simple but effective techniques. Topics covered: simple forms, simple anatomy, and the figure in motion, facial features and utilizing color successfully. Applying concepts like exaggeration, abstraction and perspective, you will take a rough sketch of facial expressions and figure drawing to a fully developed caricature and single panel cartoons. Class is appropriate for ages high school through adult. Please bring to class: Pencils (3H, 2B, 6B) Fine/Reg Black Sharpies, Cardstock paper, tracing paper, ruler/triangle (12 hours) $200
A graduate of New England School of Art in Boston, Bill’s work has been published in newspapers, magazines, and numerous publications. Bill was employed at the Lowell Sun Newspaper for 25 years as a graphic artist, and editorial cartoonist.
March 26 to May 7, 2026
Thursdays, 6:00pm – 8:00 pm
Lowell Campus Building: Federal Building, room 215
Course Number: PER 515 75 CRN: 20490
Professor: BRADBURY
No class 4/23
Cooking with Cannabis
This class is a beginner’s guide to making cannabis infused foods or beverages using
different carrier oils such as vegetable base glycerin, coconut oil, butter and more!
We will focus on milligram dosage, creating infused products that are not alluring
to children along with the importance of labeling and storage. Pre-req: Must be
21+ to attend. Demonstration only via Zoom. Taught by a Responsible Vendor Trainer,
Green Path Training, Ellen Brown. Cannabis recipes include: Hard Candy Demo, Brownie
Demo and Gummies. Not eligible for waivers. (3 Hours) $90
Thursday, March 19, 2026
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Online via Zoom
Course Number: PER 580 75 CRN: 20326
Instructor: BROWN
Heartwarming Indian Dishes for Valentine’s Day!
Learn to make a memorable meal for your loved one or embark on this fun, culinary adventure together! Discover the secrets of pairing aromatics and spices and learn invaluable tips to create a delicious and elegant Basmati Rice and Chicken Pullav. We will pair it with a Nawabi Raita and for a sweet finish, we will make a vibrant Beetroot Sheera, served in playful heart shapes for the occasion. Whether you join with a partner, a friend, or solo, you will leave with new recipes, tips, and the confidence of recreating the meal in your kitchen! We will gather around the table to sample and discuss our creations at the end of class. Class held at the instructor’s professional home kitchen. Materials fee payable to the instructor $39 in advance by check or Venmo. (2.5 hours) $79
February 12, 2026
Thursday, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Off Campus Lexington MA - directions will be provided
Professor: NADKARNI
Course Number: PER 518 33 CRN: 20513
Indian Vegan Cooking – Level 1
Class begins with an introduction to the ‘masala dabba’ or a spice box that houses the commonly used spices in Indian cooking. Learn about the spices and spice mixes from sourcing to storing and using them in authentic Indian recipes. You will learn to make staples like fragrant and perfectly cooked Basmati rice, scrumptious and protein packed- dishes like Chana Masala -chickpea curry made with aromatics and spices, and flavorful and satisfying Tadka Dal -delectable lentils tempered with spices.
All skill levels welcome. This fun, interactive class will help you gain the knowledge and confidence to recreate these recipes in your own kitchen. We will sample our creations at the end of class. Class held in Lexington at the Instructor’s professional home kitchen. Materials fee payable to the instructor $39 in advance by check or Venmo. (2.5 hours) $79
January 29, 2026
Thursday, 6:00pm-8:30pm
Off Campus Lexington MA – Directions will be provided
Course Number: PER 506 33 CRN: 20386
Professor: NADKARNI
New! Indian Vegan Cooking – Level 2: Expanding Flavors & Techniques
Building on the foundation from Level 1, this class introduces a few more essential Indian spices and deepens your understanding of traditional cooking methods. Along with the tempering technique, we will explore layering and enhancing the depth of flavors in vegan dishes while still keeping the process approachable. You will learn to make the popular Mixed Vegetable Korma from scratch. Korma is a luxurious, creamy dish that Jeera Rice pairs well with. Jeera Rice is a subtly spiced, aromatic rice dish made by infusing Basmati rice with the earthy flavor of whole cumin seeds and other spices. We will round off the meal with a Cabbage Subji, a vibrant and nutritious dry stir fry. Class held in Lexington at the Instructor’s professional home kitchen. Materials fee payable to the instructor $39 in advance by check or Venmo. (2.5 hours) $79
March 5, 2026
Thursday, 6:00pm-8:30pm
Off Campus Lexington MA – Directions will be provided
Course Number: PER 516 33 CRN: 20492
Professor: NADKARNI
Vintage Heart Cake Decorating
Learn how to create a charming heart shaped cake that is perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions. This is a beginner friendly, hands-on class. Come learn how to properly level, fill and frost a heart shaped cake, achieve a smooth buttercream finish, pipe vintage borders and shells and add lettering and details for a timeless elegant look. By the end, you will take home a beautifully decorated 6” cake to impress family and friends! All ingredients, tools, and supplies provided, just bring an apron! Materials fee of $60 is payable to instructor at class. (2 hours) $39
February 2, 2026
Monday, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Bedford Campus
Building: North Academic, room G-11
Professor: HATZIANDREOU
Number: PER 519 30 CRN: 20516
Whimsical Spring Floral Cake Workshop
Join us for a beginner 2 hour hands-on cake decorating class where you will learn how to create this stunning Whimsical Buttercream Garden Cake! This class will guide you through every step; from preparing your cake for decorating to piping delicate flowers, bees, and ladybugs that bring this garden design to life. You will master key buttercream techniques including smoothing and texturing pastel buttercream, piping dimensional flowers, bees and ladybugs using different tips and adding finishing touches for a professional look. Students will leave with their own beautifully decorated single-tier cake, ready to impress! All ingredients, tools, and supplies provided, just bring an apron! Materials fee of $60 is payable to instructor at class. (2 hours) $39
April 13, 2026
Monday, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Bedford Campus
Building: North Academic, room G-11
Professor: HATZIANDREOU
Course Number: PER 521 30 CRN: 20525
Accounting/Bookkeeping Fundamentals
Learn essential terms and concepts for starting an accounting system, understand debits
and credits, classify items as assets, liabilities, equity, revenue/sales and expenditures.
Use practice scenarios and complete basic procedures such as journalizing entries
and posting transactions to a general ledger. Explore the bookkeeping and accounting
cycle, cash systems, create and understand financial reports. Learn to create a Trial
Balance and Post- Closing Trial Balance, understand an Income Statement and Balance
Sheet as well as adjusting entries and bank statement reconciliation. To receive a
course Certificate of Completion, students are required to show course competencies
through short assessments. This professional development class does not have a pre-req.
(30 hours) $565 for the course.
An additional $109 fee for course materials that students are required to purchased
the first day of class.
February 4 to April 8, 2026
Wednesdays
Time: 5:30p - 8:45p
Course Number: CAR 797 75 CRN 17351
Online via Zoom
Professor: SHARMA
No class 3/18
Think like an Options Trader
In this accessible, hands-on introduction, you’ll explore the mechanics of calls and puts, understand how volatility and time shape pricing, and see how strategies like covered calls and protective puts manage risk. No prior experience is required — just curiosity and an interest in learning how Options really work. (10 hours) $125
February 5 to March 5, 2026
Thursday, 6pm – 8pm
Bedford Campus
Building: Academic Resources, room 102
Professor: WEISMAN
Course Number: PER 520 30 CRN: 20523
Intro to QuickBooks Online – Course Number EDG 928
In this ONLINE course in partnership with Ed2go, you will Learn to reconcile your
checking account and manage credit card and loan payments; create and print invoices,
receipts, and statements; track your payables, inventory, and receivables; create
estimates; generate reports; and much more. When your course starts, you will be directed
to access and utilize the free QuickBooks Online practice site to complete lessons
and assignments. You do not need to purchase a subscription or additional software.
Please note that this course is suitable only for the QuickBooks Online version. The
desktop versions of QuickBooks are not compatible with this course and should not
be used. Classes begin monthly. $180 Tuition. 24 hours. Not eligible for tuition waivers.
EDG 928
Registration and payment is through Ed2go: https://www.ed2go.com/mcc/online-courses/quickbooks-online/#tab_requirements
Successfully complete both Accounting Fundaments and Online QuickBooks for a certificate of completion
Intro To Floral Design
Join Cindy Mattson of Given Erwin Florist! We will cover the principles and elements of Floral Design, as well as fresh flower care and handling. A hands-on workshop is included in each session. All flowers, materials, and tools are provided and you can take home each project. No experience necessary! While this is more of an educational program, the atmosphere is casual and the materials we will work with are lovely. We will use a different combination of florals each week. Topics covered: Harmony and Unity; Proportion and Scale; Rhythm and Emphasis; Balance and Symmetry. Materials fee of $150 is payable to the instructor via check or Venmo. Ms. Mattson is accredited as an American Institute of Floral Design member. (10 hours) $114
January 26 to February 23, 2026
Monday, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Bedford Campus
Building: North Academic, room NA-G17
Course Number: PER 783 30 CRN: 18766
Professor: MATTSON
No class 2/16
June 1 to June 29, 2026
Friday, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Bedford Campus
Building: North Academic, room NA-G17
Course Number: PER 783 31 CRN: 20399
Professor: MATTSON
No class 6/15
Intro to Floral Design II
We will continue to explore the principles and elements of floral design in this 2nd portion of Basic Floral Design using the tools learned in Part 1. Students will be shown different techniques applied to floral design and will have hands-on experience using fresh material and interesting supplies. Each week the instructor will focus on a specific theme, principle, or element. The class will have an opportunity to demonstrate their version of that design. Materials fee of $150 is payable to the instructor via check or venmo. Ms. Mattson is accredited as an American Institute of Floral Design member
Prerequisite: Completion of Intro to Floral Design 1. (10 hours) $114
March 9 to March 30, 2026
Monday, 6:00pm-8:30pm
Bedford Campus
Building: North Academic, room NA-G11
Course Number: PER 950 30 CRN: 19905
Professor: MATTSON
Intro to Floral Design lll
This program is a continuation of Floral Design I & II. We will go deeper into the
principles and elements of floral design with examples of how they are used in daily
flower shop activity. You will be shown different techniques applied to floral design
and will have hands-on experience using fresh material and interesting supplies. Topics
covered: wiring and taping (for wedding, corsage, and event work), advanced hand ties,
using tropicals, basing, sheltering and composite work (for funeral) and display work
in a free form style during the final week. Materials fee of $150 is payable to the
instructor via check or venmo. Ms. Mattson is accredited as an American Institute
of Floral Design member.
Pre-requisite: Completion of Intro to Floral Design I & II. (10 hours) $114
April 6 to May 4, 2026
Friday, 6:00pm - 8:30
Bedford Campus
Building: North Academic, room NA-17
Course Number: PER 504 30 CRN: 20493
Professor: MATTSON
No class 4/20
Thanksgiving Centerpiece
Learn how to make a lovely Thanksgiving table centerpiece using fresh flowers and
a candle. Impress your friends and family when you tell them you made it yourself.
Classes are low key and fun, no experience necessary. Material fee of $50 per student
is payable to the instructor at class via check or venmo. (2 Hours) $39
11/24 6:00pm - 8:00pm Monday
Bedford Campus
Building: North Academic Hall, room NA-G11
Course Number: PER 640 30 CRN: 16647
Professor: MATTSON
Holiday Boxwood Tree
Start your holiday decorating off by joining Given Erwin Florist. Learn how to make
a beautiful boxwood tree. This hands-on class is fun and sure to get you in the holiday
spirit. We'll guide you step by step through the process and provide all flowers and
material you need. Material fee of $60 per student is payable to the instructor via
check or venmo. (2 Hours) $39
12/01 6:00pm - 8:00pm Monday
Bedford Campus
Building: North Academic Hall, room NA-G11
PER 641 30 CRN: 16645
Professor: MATTSON
Christmas Glow
Welcome the warmth this holiday season! This hands on "make and take home" design
session for Christmas features pine cones, scented evergreens, fresh florals and a
keepsake candle. All supplies and flowers are provided. We'll walk you through the
process of designing it and you get to take your lovely bouquet home! Materials fee
of $60 is payable to instructor via check or venmo. (2 Hours) $39
12/15 6:00pm - 8:00pm Monday
Bedford Campus
Building: North Academic, room NA-G11
Course Number: PER 823 30 CRN: 18383
Professor: MATTSON
Spring Has Sprung Floral Arrangement
This cheery bouquet will brighten anyone’s day. Give as a gift or use it as a pretty table piece for your Spring Holiday or every day. An assortment of the freshest spring flowers and colors will be included. Materials fee of $50 payable to instructor at class. (2 hours) $44
March 13, 2026
Friday, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Bedford Campus
Building: North Academic, room G17
Professor: MATTSON
Course Number: PER 784 30 CRN: 18767
Mother’s Day Floral Arrangement
Mom Said, Bring Home Flowers. As the saying goes when Mom is happy, everyone is happy. Out do your siblings and make her proud, by bringing her a fresh arrangement you made yourself. We supply everything you will need, including flowers, materials and tools. You do not need experience, we walk you through, step-by-step. Classes are fun and low key! Materials fee of $50 is payable to the instructor at the first class via venmo or check. Ms. Mattson is accredited as an American Institute of Floral Design member. (2 hours) $44
May 8, 2026
Friday, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Bedford Campus
Building: North Academic, room G17
Professor: MATTSON
Course Number: PER 785 30 CRN: 18768
Beginning Conversational French
Discover how easy learning simple words and phrases for leisure and business can be.
The Beginning Conversational French course makes pronunciation simple, with phonetic
spellings for every word and phrase you need to learn French. This online course even
includes audio so that you can hear and practice the language with little more than
a click of your mouse! You will also learn cultural tips in each lesson that will
make you more comfortable in a foreign setting. The skills you obtain will not only
allow you to carry on a French conversation with ease but become prepared to speak
French in a wide variety of settings and situations. Classes begin monthly. $150.
24 hours Course is online through Ed2go. Not eligible for waivers.
EDG 640
Enrollment and payment are through Ed2go: https://www.ed2go.com/mcc/online-courses/conversational-french-beginner/
Discover Sign Language
In this online course, discover sign language and learn to communicate with using
your hands with American Sign Language (ASL).
Learn to fingerspell the alphabet, sign colors, numbers, objects. You will acquire a wide range of useful, everyday vocabulary that will enable you to engage in meaningful conversations. Using video demonstrations, you will understand how to form correct signs and incorporate facial expressions to communicate beautifully in sign language.
Explore the history and usage of American Sign Language (ASL) and how to navigate the culture and social customs. By the end, you will be confident and ready to participate in a conversation using the power of sign language.(24 hours). $150. Not eligible for waivers. Enrollment and payment are through
EDG 955 Ed2go:
https://www.ed2go.com/mcc/online-courses/learn-sign-language/
Instant Italian
This dynamic course will teach you how to express yourself comfortably in Italian.
You'll learn practical, everyday words. You'll read, hear, and practice dialogues
based on typical situations that you're likely to encounter if you plan to vacation
in Italy.
Essential words and phrases are written phonetically by using sounds that are familiar
to you from English words. The audio feature lets you hear the words and phrases spoken
aloud with just a click of your mouse. Short exercises are included with each lesson
to help you reinforce what you've learned and gauge your progress, making it easy
to pinpoint areas that you still need to review. The exercises also give you immediate
feedback—you'll know whether you answered correctly as soon as you finish.
By the end of the course, you will know how to ask for help, ask directions, navigate Italian shops, book a hotel room, order a meal, and much more! Cultural notes are included throughout the course to help you better understand Italians and their way of life. Classes begin monthly. $150. 24 hours. Course is online through Ed2go. Not eligible for waivers.
EDG 829
Enrollment and payment are through Ed2go.
https://www.ed2go.com/mcc/online-courses/instant-italian/
Spanish for Beginners
This introductory course is intended for those with little knowledge of the language. Its aim is to present new vocabulary, grammar, and to develop the speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills necessary for basic communication and comprehension. You will have the opportunity to practice and apply what you learn in conversation and enjoy getting to know your fellow classmates while doing so. Communicative class activities will include pair and group work, interviews and role-playing. Customs and culture are also presented. (12 hours) Enroll by January 20, 2026. $259
Wednesday, January 28 to May 6, 2026
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Online via Zoom
Course Number CAR 523 75 CRN: 20526
Professor: HOYES
No class on 3/18
FAA Remote Pilot Certification
This program will cover the required knowledge content areas of the FAA’s Remote Pilot
Testing including: Regulations, The National Airspace System, Weather, Aircraft Loading
and Performance, and Flight Operations. Upon completion, students should feel qualified
to take the FAA Remote Pilot Test.
Practice Questions will also be a key factor of this course.
A third day is also included that will focus on the safe UAS operations in the field
while operating advanced training drones in various exercises. Course participants
will also learn about key safety features of certain models of UAS’s as well as how
to develop and follow sound checklist procedures and maintenance protocols. (21 hours)
$650
Saturday, February 21, February 28, March 7
9:00am - 4:00pm
Middlesex Community College
591 Springs Road, Bedford, MA
Course Number CAR 974 31 CRN 20449
Building: North Academic
Room: NA 217
Instructor: David Price
PRESENTER: David Price – Chief UAS Pilot Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.
David’s background is extensive in aviation higher education. After working as a
corporate pilot in the 1990’s, David’s focus change to aviation safety education.
David was a Professor of Aviation at Daniel Webster College where he developed and
delivered curriculum for the College’s internationally accredited flight training
program. David was promoted to the position of Dean of Aviation Sciences at Daniel
Webster College where he was responsible for all flight training and safety as well
as all related academics for the college’s three aviation degree programs (flight,
management, and ATC).
In 2010 David acquired the role of the Dean of Aviation at Bridgewater State University.
During his tenure there, David grew the flight training program from 37 to 142 students
(283% increase). Developed the Flight Program’s first Safety Management System (SMS),
achieved international academic accreditation, and was able to turn the flight training
into a profitable program.
David is an FAA certified Advanced Ground Instructor and Flight Instructor. In 2006
David was honored as Teacher of the Year by both the American Institute of Aeronautics
and Astronautics and the Federal Aviation Administration. David is a graduate of Daniel
Webster College with a BS in Aviation Management as well as an MBA. In 2014 David
received the Frank G. Brewer Award from the Civil Air Patrol for Aviation Education
Excellence.
In 2016 David became the Chief UAS Pilot for Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. where he oversees
all UAS operations which include survey-mapping, structures inspections, thermal imagery
and training.
Ed2Go - Interior Design 101
This online introductory interior design course covers various topics and skills needed for success as a residential interior designer. You will start by defining key terms and concepts in interior design and then learn how to effectively apply design elements and principles to create residential design plans. You will explore the historical design features that influence contemporary projects. Best practices in space planning, material selection, color theory, and lighting design will be covered, along with considerations for health, safety, accessibility, and sustainability. Your training dives into how to select furniture, textiles, accessories, window treatments, and artwork to enhance a space. By the end, you will have a solid understanding of interior design and be equipped with the knowledge to create aesthetically pleasing and functional interior designs. $200. Not eligible for waivers. Classes begin monthly. Enrollment and payment are through ed2go:
https://www.ed2go.com/mcc/online-courses/interior-design-introduction/
Intro to Backyard Beekeeping
This introductory course will give an overview and will prepare you for the excitement and challenges of backyard beekeeping in New England. We will cover bee culture and society, tools and equipment, establishing your first hives, hive management, the harvesting process and potential cash flow streams from bees. (10 hours) $125
March 12 to April 9, 2026
Thursday, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Bedford Campus:
Building: North Academic, room: 109
Course Number: PER 946 30 CRN: 19859
Professor: WEISMAN
New! Workday Reset: Gentle Chair Yoga
We offer a refreshing break from your busy day. No need to change clothes or grab a mat—simply join us online. You’ll discover how to release tension, improve posture, and re-energize your body and mind through gentle yogaposes and mindful breathing techniques. Movement improves focus and be sent prior to class beginning. About the instructor: Lori Weir is a CYT 500 and has been a valued adjunct faculty member for MCC’s Business Department for 25+ years
Monday, February 2 to March 2, 2026
3:00pm - 3:45pm
Online with class meeting times
Course Number: PER 510 75 CRN: 20425
Cost: $65
Professor WEIR
Monday, March 9 to March 30, 2026
3:00pm - 3:45pm
Online with class meeting times
Course Number: PER 510 76 CRN: 20426
Professor WEIR
Cost: $65
Monday, April 6 to May 11, 2026
3:00pm - 3:45pm
Online with class meeting times
Course Number: PER 510 76 CRN: 20427
Professor WEIR
Cost: $82
No class 4/20