Certificate Requirements

Certificate Programs typically include specialty courses and may include some core education requirements. In most cases, they are designed for concentrated proficiency in specialized areas. In some cases, certificates are designed for students who are seeking to complete their core general education requirements for their AAS or ASA degrees. Certificates may range from 16 to 63 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 speciality area;
• Level II: A minimum of 32 credits in a speciality area;
• Level III: A minimum of 48 credits in a speciality 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 certificate programs require that a minimum of 12 credit hours be completed at NMC (this may be waived in extenuating circumstances; contact the registrar).
   Level II and III certificate programs require that a minimum of 20 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 Northwestern Michigan College.

*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 Specialty Programs section of this catalog.