North Central Michigan College partners with Northern Michigan University and Central Michigan University for 2+2 transfer programs

Students at North Central Michigan College now have two transfer pathway options thanks to agreements recently signed with Northern Michigan University and Central Michigan University. These new 2+2 transfer articulation agreements give NCMC students who are studying in the college’s Global Studies program to transfer to either institution and pursue International Relations or International Studies and complete their bachelor degree in two years.

According to an article on North Central Michigan College’s website, Sara Glasgow, who is the dean of Arts and Sciences at the school, was quoted as saying of her thoughts on the new agreements, “This agreement is a great opportunity for our Global Studies students to streamline their path to a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Central Michigan University or a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Northern Michigan University. Much of their coursework will transfer in directly or as program requirements or options, allowing them to not only complete their associate of arts degree, but also make progress on a bachelor’s degree closer to home and with less cost.”

The 2+2 transfer articulation agreements with Central Michigan University and Northern Michigan University were designed to ensure that students coming from North Central Michigan College will not have to repeat courses and won’t lose many, if any, credits when transferring to either institution. The idea is to help students pursue a bachelor degree more cost effectively and as simply as possible.

These two new agreements apply only to students in the Global Studies associate degree program at North Central Michigan College, which is the only college in northern Michigan to offer such a program. The program was officially launched in January of 2024 and aims to prepare students to become individuals who are aware of interconnected global issues and environmental issues and are civically minded. The skills students learn in the program helps prepare them for careers in areas such as political science, economics, law, and business.

Speaking of these skills and the Global Studies program offered by North Central Michigan College, Richard Rothaus, who serves as the dean of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences at Central Michigan University, was quoted as saying, “The linkages between global politics, economies, and communities have never been more apparent, and rural Michigan needs access to education that can help it thrive. By introducing an innovative Global Studies program and a transformative International Relations major, we are creating opportunities for students. These students will be ready to tackle the world's most pressing challenges, whether here in rural Michigan or across the globe.”

The head of Northern Michigan University’s department of Languages, Literatures & International Studies, Rebecca Ulland, noted, “This Articulation Agreement between NCMC and NMU will provide students with a seamless process into an International Studies degree program at Northern. Together, these two programs will prepare students to be global leaders. Students who pursue International Studies at NCMC and NMU will be well-prepared to provide creative and innovative solutions to global challenges.”

North Central Michigan College participates in several other individual articulation agreements with institutions like Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University, and Northwestern Michigan College. Additionally, it also participates in 2020’s  MiTransfer Pathways agreements, which gives students the opportunity to complete both associate and bachelor degrees simultaneously at participating institutions. Under MiTransfer Pathways, North Central Michigan College offers the following programs: art, biology, business, communication, criminal justice, exercise science, mechanical engineering, psychology, public health, and social work.

For more information about North Central Michigan College, visit the school’s website.