Two new programs available at North Central Michigan College beginning in January 2024

Students at North Central Michigan College have two more options to choose from when selecting what they’d like to study: Global Studies and Mechatronics. Each new program can be completed in four semesters.

The Global Studies concentration will help prepare students to become globally-minded citizens, with an emphasis on civic engagement and cultural awareness. These concepts are important and applicable to many areas of study. Students who take the Global Studies concentration can then transfer to bachelor’s programs in political science, business, or pre-law, among others.

According to an article on North Central Michigan College’s website, Sara Glasgow, who serves as the Dean of Arts and Sciences, said of the addition of Global Studies, “With the world itself a learning laboratory, I’m excited for students to collaborate with faculty and with each other to understand and address the issues that affect their lives. Those issues cross fields and disciplines, and so that is the approach of the program: to bring together different perspectives on understanding how the global environment shapes us, and how we are able to shape it.”

Professor Scott LaDeur, who teaches Political Science, noted how important these concepts are to our new reality of remote work. “Your coworkers, clients, and competitors are now global. Developing a clearer understanding of multiple perspectives on diverse issues will be necessary for the workforce of the middle 21st century,” he said.

The Mechatronics degree leads students to becoming prepared to work as manufacturing technicians in automated environments. Students will have opportunities to earn industry credentials like NOCTI and FANUC during the associate degree program. 

Jerry Brusher, who serves as the Director of Manufacturing and Engineering Technology, said of the addition, “The Associate of Applied Science in Mechatronics is designed to enable graduates to build a career in engineering technology rather than simply land an initial job. Coursework features hands-on laboratory activities for students to gain an operational and application-based understanding of the material, while providing the theoretical background and critical-thinking skills that lay the foundation for ongoing professional growth.”

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