Programs in Digital Art and Design, Teacher Education, and Medical and Health Sciences available Fall 2024
North Central Michigan College (NCMC) has expanded its academic offerings with three innovative degree programs available beginning Fall 2024: An Associate of Applied Science in Digital Art and Design, an Associate of Arts Concentration in Teacher Education, and an Associate of Science Concentration in Medical and Health Sciences.
“These new degree programs reflect NCMC's commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering student success in diverse fields,” said NCMC President David Roland Finley. “We are excited to offer students structured pathways to pursue their passions and build successful careers in Northern Michigan and beyond.”
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Digital Art and Design
The Associate of Applied Science in Digital Art and Design is designed to revolutionize the traditional role of design, focusing on improving the visual appearance and function of communication in various forms, from architecture to graphic design. Graduates will be well prepared for a variety of careers in the creative industry, including animation, graphic design, illustration, marketing, and video production.
“It is exciting to provide students an opportunity to complete a two-year credential that deepens their training in areas where North Central already offers more focused programs, including our Animation Certificate and our Graphic Arts Certificate of Development,” said Dean of Arts and Sciences Sara Glasgow. “Now, students can continue their studies with those credentials scaffolding into an associate degree.”
The degree is also highly flexible, Glasgow added, allowing graduates to enter the creative industry immediately or continue their education at a school of art and design.
Professor of Art and Design Anne Morningstar said she is eager for what North Central’s first art-centric degree will mean to aspiring artists and designers.
“Art and design careers often seem limited to ‘the big city’ or ‘Hollywood,’ but the reality is that creative jobs are taking place all over the world,” Morningstar said. “Beginning a creative career at North Central will provide students with a solid foundation in the arts while cultivating their design skills to the level necessary for transfer, or for beginning their careers in Northern Michigan.”
Associate of Arts (AA) Concentration in Teacher Education
The Associate of Arts Concentration in Teacher Education is designed to provide a solid foundation for students who want to pursue a career in elementary education, focusing on pedagogy and practices up to third grade. The four-semester program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes general education courses and specialized teacher education courses.
Students interested in teaching at higher grade levels will benefit not only from the program’s curriculum, but also from NCMC's partnerships with institutions including Lake Superior State University, as well as North Central’s ongoing efforts to establish transfer agreements with other state universities.
The program offers flexibility, allowing students to complete their coursework fully online or through a combination of in-person and online options.
“This program fills a gap in the pipeline for students interested in pursuing a degree in education,” said Jennifer Wixson, professor of early childhood education. “The clarity of continuing on a structured educational pathway — from Char-Em ISD’s Future Educator Academy for high schoolers, to NCMC’s teacher education program, and then on to a four-year program — is exactly what supports our students’ success.”
Associate of Science (AS) Concentration in Medical and Health Sciences
The Associate of Science Concentration in Medical and Health Sciences is tailored for students who want to prepare for careers in health and medical fields. Graduates who complete the four-semester program will be well prepared to pursue bachelor's degrees in various fields including medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, physical and occupational therapy, physician assistant, and medical technology.
This program allows students to begin their education at NCMC, enjoying significant cost savings while benefiting from a top-tier academic experience and fully transferable credits, according to Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences Brent LaFaive.
“The AS Concentration in Medical and Health Sciences allows students to begin their careers at NCMC and seamlessly transition into bachelor's programs, with a clear pathway into medicine, therapy, medical technology, and a variety of allied health programs,” LaFaive said. “Students will benefit not only from the cost savings, but also from a more personalized learning environment, with increased attention and support before they transfer to larger colleges or universities.”
North Central’s summer registration is open now. Fall 2024 registration begins March 13. For more information about NCMC’s academic programs, visit www.ncmich.edu/programs.