Community Information: Population, education, emergency numbers

HIGHER EDUCATION

Northwestern Michigan College
Since 1951 Northwestern Michigan College has been offering students an associates degree the first two years of a four-year degree or training for specialized employment directly after graduation. It provides the advantages of personal attention, quality instruction and affordable cost. Unlike some community colleges, NMC welcomes many students into its dormitories tucked in the forest of white pines covering the campus.

It enrolls about 4,000 students each semester who concentrate in over 25 areas of study. Among these are liberal arts students who are preparing to transfer and in over 30 occupational career programs. Areas include Aviation, Business, Communications, Health Occupations, Humanities, Maritime, Physical Education, Science and Math, Social Sciences and Technical Studies.

In addition to its regular courses of study, the college offers extended education courses and a senior academy on a not-for-credit basis.

NMC University Center
The mission of this institution is filling the educational needs of the citizens of the region by delivering high quality programs beyond the associate degree level to northwest Michigan.

As a higher education collaborative, the U Center is a connector to programs through 11 colleges and universities. They are: Central Michigan University, Davenport College, Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Lake Superior State University, Michigan State University, Oakland University, Spring Arbor College and University of Michigan.

At the center both bachelors' degrees and masters' degrees are available. Students concentrate in a range of subjects from Accounting and Administration to Business Studies and Education, Nursing and Social Work.

The graduate division includes administration, education, humanities, music education and nursing as areas of specialization. Technology plays a large role not just in the course work but in the teaching modalities. Via the NMC University Center, students and teachers may communicate through e-mail or student may receive instruction by videotape, and via teleconferencing of real-time video transmission. Classes are held at NMC College and at the new NMC University Center on the banks of Boardman Lake in Traverse City.