HEC

HEC is an acronym that can refer to several unrelated entities and terms depending on the context. In higher education administration, HEC most commonly denotes the Higher Education Commission, notably the government agency in Pakistan established in 2002 to oversee, fund, and quality-assure universities and degree programs.

In chemistry and materials science, HEC stands for hydroxyethyl cellulose, a nonionic cellulose ether used as a thickener, binder, and stabilizer in cosmetics, foods, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products. It is produced by etherification of cellulose and is valued for its shear-thinning properties and compatibility with many formulations.

In business education, HEC is widely recognized as the abbreviation for leading schools such as HEC Paris (École des Hautes Études Commerciales), a historic grande école founded in 1881 offering master, MBA, and executive programs. Another notable institution is HEC Montréal, the French-language business school affiliated with Université de Montréal, delivering programs in management and business research.

Other uses exist, including regional agencies and company names. Because HEC can refer to these and other entities, the intended meaning is determined by context, country, and field.