Degrees & Certificates

NMC students may select from several educational options. Associate degrees, bachelor degrees, and certificates are awarded to those students who complete a prescribed set of courses in specific areas of study. Many programs, especially in occupational areas, also lead to additional career licenses or certifications. Maritime programs require four years of full-time study, including summer sessions, and result in a bachelor’s degree at NMC. Associate degree programs generally take two years of full-time study to complete. Certificate programs range 16-59 credits.

NMC offers the following degree and certificate options:

  • Certificate of Achievement Programs
  • Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
  • Associate in General Studies (AGS)
  • Associate in Science and Arts (ASA)
  • Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)
  • Bachelor of Science (BS)

Earning a Second Associate Degree

Students may earn additional degrees at NMC. A minimum of 15 earned hours (credits) shall be earned from NMC in addition to the required credits for the previous degree.

Students seeking an additional associate degree shall be governed by the following stipulations:

  • Students may earn only one Associate in Science and Arts degree
  • Students may earn the Associate in General Studies degree only as their first associate degree with the exception of students who are enrolled in the AGS/Pre-ADN, AGS/Pre-PN, AGS/Pre-Dental or AGS/Pre-Surgical Tech program
  • Program requirements for the additional degree will be based on the catalog that is in effect when the student officially switches to the new program
  • Previous credits will be evaluated by the Records Office for transfer to the additional degree as applicable
  • This policy does not apply to certificates

Reverse Transfer

A transfer student may complete an associate’s degree concurrent with his or her pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. This process is called reverse transfer. It enables NMC students who transfer to a four-year institution before completing an associate’s degree to use coursework and credits earned at the transfer school to fulfill degree requirements at NMC.

Students enrolled at one of NMC’s Reverse Transfer partners should submit the appropriate Reverse Transfer Release form to the partner school’s Office of the Registrar. Students enrolled at non-partner schools may also reverse transfer credits. To begin the process, submit a transcript from the four-year institution to NMC. After review, NMC will inform students of their successful degree completion, or whether they have unsatisfied degree requirements remaining.

For more information, go to www.nmc.edu/student-services/records-registration/reverse-transfer.html

Cultural Perspective/Diversity

Students will evaluate connections between worldviews, power structures, and experiences of multiple cultures historically or in contemporary contexts.

In order for NMC graduates to engage as educated and informed citizens of a diverse society, students pursuing the ASA, AGS, and BS degrees are required to take one Cultural Perspective/Diversity course.

Certificate Requirements

Certificate Programs typically include specialty courses and may include some general education requirements. In most cases, they are designed for concentrated proficiency in specialized areas. Certificates may range from 16 to 59 credit hours as established by individual program areas and/or the Curriculum Committee. Many certificate courses may apply toward an associate degree.

Certificate Program requirements include:

  1. A specified group of credit hours in an area of specialization, as determined by the appropriate NMC academic area. These three levels are possible:
    • Level I: A minimum of 16 credits in a specialty area;
    • Level II: A minimum of 30 credits in a specialty area;
    • Level III: A minimum of 45 credits in a specialty area.
  2. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0. Higher GPA standards may be required for specific courses within individual academic areas.
  3. Level I and II certificate programs require that a minimum of eight credit hours be completed at NMC (this may be waived in extenuating circumstances; contact the registrar). Level III certificate programs require that a minimum of 12 credit hours be completed at NMC (this may be waived in extenuating circumstances; contact the registrar).
  4. Competency testing by the responsible academic area if the course work was not completed at NMC.

*Competency credit: Students with competency in a specific area should consult with their program coordinator for possible testing and/or credit.

Certificate programs are listed in the Occupational Programs section of this catalog.