NCMC students can now work toward bachelor’s degrees in International Relations, International Studies

North Central Michigan College (NCMC) and Central Michigan University (CMU) have finalized a new partnership promoting seamless transfer between the two institutions. A similar partnership has also been finalized between NCMC and Northern Michigan University (NMU).  These "2+2" transfer articulation agreements ensure that students who complete North Central’s two-year Global Studies degree can transfer those credits to CMU or NMU, completing a bachelor’s degree from either university in just two years.

“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,” said NCMC Dean of Arts and Sciences Sara Glasgow. “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.”

North Central’s agreements with CMU and NMU minimize credit loss and prevent the duplication of coursework for transferring students who meet the requirements outlined.

Richard Rothaus, CMU’s dean of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, said the partnership is a testament to the institutions’ dedication to area communities.

“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,” Rothaus said. “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.”

Rebecca Ulland, head of the department of Languages, Literatures & International Studies at NMU, agrees.

“This Articulation Agreement between NCMC and NMU will provide students with a seamless process into an International Studies degree program at Northern,” Ulland said. “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.”

Launched in January 2024, North Central’s Global Studies program prepares students as civically engaged, culturally aware, and environmentally conscious citizens who understand and can respond to the complex, interconnected world issues of the 21st century. Graduates are prepared to transfer to bachelor’s degree completion programs in a variety of fields in addition to global or international studies, including political science, pre-law, economics, and business.

Developing a broader sense of global perspectives is increasingly important to students’ professional success, particularly in an era of remote work, explained Scott LaDeur, political science professor at NCMC.

 “Your coworkers, clients, and competitors are now global,” LaDeur said. “Developing a clearer understanding of multiple perspectives on diverse issues will be necessary for the workforce of the middle 21st century.”

North Central is the only two-year college in Northern Michigan offering a Global Studies concentration at the associate degree level, improving the equity of access to globally-themed education.

In addition to its Global Studies agreement with CMU and NMU, North Central has articulation agreements in other disciplines with Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, Great Lakes Boat Building School, Lake Superior State University, Northwestern Michigan College, Northwood University, and University of Michigan – Flint.

Along with individual articulation agreements with partner institutions, North Central participates in the MiTransfer Pathways agreements. Signed in 2020, MiTransfer Pathways are multi-institutional articulation agreements that allow students to complete associate and bachelor's degrees at participating institutions across the state. North Central offers 10 transfer pathways in the following concentrations: art, biology, business, communication, criminal justice, exercise science, mechanical engineering, psychology, public health, and social work.