Accounting

NMC Code 733

The Accounting Program contains a blend of specialized classes and liberal arts studies to prepare students for today’s competitive, complex, and changing business world. Students who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree should refer to NMC’s degree requirements for the Associate in Science and Arts (ASA) degree. Also, transfer students should familiarize themselves with the requirements of the school where they plan to complete their bachelor’s degree. Students interested in a bachelor’s degree may also elect to stay in Traverse City and transfer to the University Center.

Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of humanity. Archaeology is the study of the material humans leave behind. Students planning to pursue degrees in anthropology or archaeology at four-year colleges or universities should take these courses. Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (ANT 113 Intro to Cultural Anthropology) is a required course for many areas of study.

NMC offers specialty courses in Nautical and Underwater Archaeology that may not be found at larger institutions. The Nautical Archaeology Society courses that are taught at NMC offer an internationally recognized certificate in nautical archaeology. This area of study can include field-work and research activities in northwestern Michigan, as well as application of advanced technologies. Students planning careers in the following field may find these courses useful: offshore oil and gas industry, underwater search and recovery (such as police divers), maritime and naval, university research, homeland security, commercial surveying, remote sensing (applied water-related technologies), cultural heritage development and management. Contact Mark Holley for more information at mholley@nmc.edu. See course descriptions beginning with ANT.

Art/Fine Arts

NMC Code 711

The Fine Arts and Visual Communications courses are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Fine Arts (BFA or MFA). Careers for students specializing in Fine Arts include education, museum/gallery management, commercial illustration, animation and character development, film and graphic arts.

Students specializing in Fine Arts while completing an Associate in Science and Arts degree at NMC will pursue a program of study which includes Drawing, 2-D Design and 3-D Design while offering tracks in Fine Studio Arts and Ceramics, Illustration, Photo, Animation/Character Design, Photography, Visual Communications, Painting and Art History. Students are urged to discuss course selection early with transfer schools since portfolio requirements for admission vary.

Astronomy

NMC Code 717

NMC offers courses that focus on Observational, Planetary, and Stellar Astronomy. Students planning on transferring to pursue a bachelor’s degree in this area should also take coursework in Mathematics and Physics. See course descriptions.

Biology

NMC Code 702

Individuals planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biology should select from courses beginning with BIO. In addition, students should select courses in Math, Chemistry and Physics. See course descriptions.

Business Administration

NMC Code 734

Students planning to pursue a four-year degree in Business Administration should follow NMC’s degree requirements for the ASA and familiarize themselves with the requirements of the school of choice for their bachelor’s degree.

Chemistry

NMC Code 727

Students planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry will choose coursework that includes credits selected from courses beginning with CHM. See course descriptions. In addition to taking Chemistry courses, students with an emphasis in Chemistry gain a solid background in Math and Physics.

Communications

NMC Code 704

Communications as a separate field of study may include a variety of careers and specialties, ranging from media and public relations to technical writing. It is also an important component of other programs of study or careers, including computer science, human services, health occupations and art therapy.

Criminal Justice

NMC Code 706

Students can complete an Associate in Science and Arts degree from Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) with a focus in Criminal Justice. Students will take 24 credits in criminal justice related courses and gain career opportunities at the local, state and national level in criminal justice; the profession is turning to college educated personnel. It is recommended that students wishing to transfer to a four-year college review the transfer guides for the college of choice since transfer requirements might differ between institutions.

NMC and Ferris State University (FSU) have partnered to offer the Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice where students complete 85 credits at NMC and 35 credits at FSU, which can be completed at the University Center in Traverse City.

NMC also offers a Criminal Justice program in collaboration with other colleges through the Michigan Colleges Online. Visit www.nmc.edu/online for current information on the status of this program, the courses, program requirements, or articulation agreements.

Dance

NMC Code 707

Students wishing to pursue an interest in the field of dance should take courses beginning with DNC and consult with an advisor and the dance faculty member before their first semester at NMC. See course descriptions.

Early Childhood Education

NMC Code 722

Early Childhood Education courses are designed to prepare students to work with children and their families in early care and education settings. Students may seek a career as the director of a child care program, a paraprofessional/teacher’s aide in the school system, a lead teacher in a daycare/preschool setting, a daycare teacher’s aide, or preparing for a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. If you are pursuing elementary education, please consult the Elementary Education transfer guide from the transfer school or see an advisor.

Economics

NMC Code 732

The most basic and enduring strength of economics is that it provides a logical and orderly way of analyzing contemporary economic issues. It draws upon geography, history, philosophy, and mathematics to address topics ranging from how an individual, household or firm, can make rational decisions regarding spending, saving, investment and profits to how a society can make optimal decisions regarding economic growth, inflation, unemployment, trade, and environment. As a result, economics is widely recognized as a solid background for many jobs and professions in the private and public sectors. Students interested in this field of study will select courses beginning with ECO. See course descriptions. 

Education

NMC Code 708

NMC offers two introductory courses related to the field of elementary and secondary education. The Introduction to Teaching course serves as a primer to teaching as a career, and the Educating the Exceptional Child course is designed to address the complexity of understanding and teaching the exceptional child (one with special needs, disabilities and differing abilities including the gifted and talented). Both courses prepare students for further study in education at transfer institutions. Transfer requirements may vary. Go to www.nmc.edu/advising to view NMC transfer guides.

Engineering

The NMC engineering curriculum parallels engineering programs offered during the first two years at other colleges and universities. Traditionally, these first two years emphasize the tools and theories that provide background for all engineering fields. 

Engineering Certificate

NMC Code 079

Completion of the certificate program requirements will prepare most students for transfer to a four-year engineering program. Students are required to meet with an advisor for completion of this certificate. 

Engineering ASA

NMC Code 709

General Education Credits as required for ASA 30-32
Plus completion of Engineering certificate requirements

English

NMC Code 710

Students wishing to concentrate their studies in the field of English may be preparing for careers in writing or teaching. English is also crucial to many other careers since writing and reading are high-demand skills in most professions. Students planning to transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree in English should pursue an Associate in Science and Arts degree program that includes credits selected from among the courses beginning with ENG. See course descriptions.

Environmental Science

NMC Code 717

The study of Environmental Science includes courses in Geology, Biology, Meteorology, Chemistry, Soils, Oceanography and Watershed Science. Students planning on transferring to pursue a bachelor’s degree in any of these areas will choose a program of study which includes courses selected from those beginning with ENV. See course descriptions. Students are encouraged to contact a faculty member in the Science department to learn more about employment opportunities and for assistance with class scheduling.

Freshwater Studies

NMC Code 590

Students planning to transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree in Freshwater Studies should follow NMC’s ASA degree requirements. Students are strongly encouraged to consult a Freshwater Studies advisor for scheduling guidelines and degree selection.

Geography

NMC Code 726

NMC offers coursework in Physical Geography and Introduction to Geography. Regional courses are also offered that focus on the United States and Canada and the world. In addition, a tools course concentrating on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is offered. Students planning on pursuing a rewarding career in Geography are encouraged to meet with the Geography Department Head for help in course selection. See course descriptions for GEO courses.

Geology

NMC Code 717

Students interested in pursuing a career as a Geologist will take Environmental Studies courses, including Physical and Historical Geology. In addition, students will complete coursework in Chemistry, Physics, and Math.

History

NMC Code 730

As a separate field of study within the humanities, history will prepare students to enter secondary education, journalism, the archival and museum professions, and a variety of public history positions upon completion of at least a bachelor’s degree. It will also prepare students for entering professional and graduate schools in law and in fields that will enable graduates to teach and do research in institutions of higher learning.

Liberal Arts/Science

NMC Code 712

Students interested in transferring to pursue a bachelor’s degree should enroll in the General Liberal Arts/Science area of study if they are undecided. Students planning on pursuing this avenue will select at least 30 credits of Group 1 courses. 

Mathematics

NMC Code 715

Students planning on transferring to complete a bachelor's degree in Mathematics will pursue coursework that includes Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III, and Differential Equations.  Other suggested courses could include Problems & Princ. of Physics I and Problems & Princ. of Physics II.

Music

NMC Code 716

Professional opportunities for a skilled musician are endless in that music, in some way, touches our lives every day in many ways. The study of music offers a vast variety of career options including: music education, instrumental music, vocal performance, conducting, composing, music for worship, music business, instrument making and repair, music publishing, music communications, recording industry, an in the TV and radio industry.

NMC offers students the opportunity to complete the first two years of music-major coursework in a creative and supportive environment. Students receive individualized instruction from our dynamic faculty in classes designed for students’ success. Standard music-major coursework includes: Music Theory, Sight Singing and Ear Training, Group Piano Instruction, Applied Instruction (private lessons), and participation in NMC Music Ensembles. Upon successful completion of the two-year program, students will have earned an Associate in Science and the Arts degree that is transferable to most four-year institutions of higher learning.

NMC also offers many opportunities for those students pursuing non-music degree paths, but interested in continuing their participation in a music program. Any NMC student (music-major or not) may enroll for Applied Instruction and may participate in any of our NMC Music Ensembles: NMC Chamber Singers, NMC Grand Traverse Chorale, NMC Concert Band, NMC Jazz Ensemble, and the NMC Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Other opportunities (chamber groups, percussion ensembles, jazz combos, etc.) are also available for interested NMC students.

Philosophy and Religion

NMC Code 729

Careers in the fields of philosophy and religion include college teaching and research, secondary education, as well as positions as ministers, priests, or rabbis. Other potential careers for those who specialize in religion are pastoral administration, religious education, church office management, and church mission work. The fields of clinical medicine and medical research as well as commercial business fields like accounting are employing ethicists, a specialized branch of philosophy.

Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university to major in philosophy or religion may complete basic coursework while at NMC. That coursework will include credits selected from those courses that begin with PHL. See course descriptions.

Physics

NMC Code 717

Students planning to transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree in physics will pursue coursework, which includes PHY 221 Problems & Princ.of Physics I & PHY 222 Prob. & Princ. of Physics II, with Calculus I, II, & III, Differential Equations, and General Chemistry I & II.

Plant Science, Applied

Fruit and Vegetable Crop Management NMC Code 581
Landscape Management NMC Code 582
Viticulture NMC Code 580

Students planning to transfer to complete a four-year degree in Horticulture should follow a general education curriculum with courses in science, including Chemistry and Biology. In addition, students may take technical courses in soils, plants and plant diseases from Michigan State University, and can do so here at NMC. 

Political Science

NMC Code 725

Political science as a field includes the study of American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and political economy. Undergraduate courses in political science are an important component of any liberal arts education as students gain important knowledge concerning the political structures that shape our world. Courses in political science are especially useful for students pursing careers or advanced degrees in public policy, law, business, economics, social work, education, history, and, of course, politics. Bachelor’s and graduate degrees in political science and public policy offer career opportunities in a variety of areas such as education, policy research, law, and international business. Students interested in political science courses select courses that begin with PLS. See course descriptions. 

Pre-Law

NMC Code 718

Pre-Law is a major often selected by students interested in pursuing careers in government or law.

Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, Pre-Vet

NMC Code 713

The Pre-Professional program prepares the student for continuing study in a number of medical professional fields, including Pre-PA, Pre-Vet, Pre-Dental, and Pre-Med. While there is no Pre-Professional degree, students interested in the medical profession will typically major in Biology, Chemistry or Psychology.

Psychology

NMC Code 724

Students interested in the following fields of psychology, such as counseling, social work, research or teaching, may select from courses such as Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Human Sexuality, Abnormal Psychology, Psychology of Personality and Psychology of Adjustment.

Social Work

NMC Code 723

The social work courses are designed to transfer to other four-year schools with certified social work programs. It is specifically designed to fit into the Ferris State University Social Work Program at the University Center in Traverse City and on the Ferris main campus in Big Rapids. When choosing this program of study, it is highly recommended to meet with the social work coordinator; call (231) 995-1294. This will assist you in building a program that will transfer smoothly. Social work is a rapidly growing field that employs people in many different areas of work and requires very specific training and coursework. Students interested in this field of study will select courses from among those beginning with SWK. See course descriptions.

Sociology

NMC Code 720

Sociology is the study of the social context of human behavior. It includes the study of social change; socialization of group attributes such as social class, race, gender and age; and the workings of our social institutions. Courses in sociology are an important component of any liberal arts education, especially involving critical thinking and an understanding of diversity. It is also a major study for those interested in a wide variety of careers including teaching, social work,public policy, criminal justice, law, non-profit organizations, and social research. Students interested in sociology courses select courses that begin with SOC. See course descriptions. 

World Languages

NMC Code 731

World Languages as a field of study at NMC includes specialization in American Sign Language, French, German, and Spanish. In a world of international telecommunications and interdependent economies, language specialization is an important component for those planning careers in business, communication, or teaching.