Northwestern Michigan College is one step closer to offering a limited number of Bachelor's Degrees thanks to action taken in Lansing recently.
The Michigan House of Representatives recently passed legislation that would authorize community colleges to offer baccalaureate degrees in applied and technical programs for nursing, cement technology, culinary arts and maritime technology. However, the legislation must also be passed by the state Senate before landing on the governor's desk to be signed before it is enacted. No information on when the Senate may take action was available.
"This legislation will help us better meet the learning needs of the region," says Northern Michigan College president Timothy Nelson. "And it will increase access to four-year degrees in areas critical to the region and the economy."
If the legislation becomes law, Northwestern Michigan College would first pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Maritime Technology, which the college currently offers as an Associate's Degree in Maritime Technology. The college does have a program to offer a Bachelor's in Business Administration through Ferris State University. Northwestern Michigan College intends to retain the Ferris partnership, which will give students two options to obtain their Bachelor's Degree.
Because of various regulatory approvals that would be necessary, the earliest that NMC would likely begin offering the Bachelor's Degree in Maritime Technology would be the fall of 2012.
NMC also is currently pursuing national accreditation for its Nursing Program, with the intention of adding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing sometime after 2012.
"There is great demand for these credentials from their respective industries," Nelson says,noting that Munson Medical Center has asked NMC to provide this level of education.
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: Timothy Nelson, Northwestern Michigan College
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