NMC improves academic programs

The Northern Marianas College is actively taking steps to further improve the delivery of its academic programs through the institution’s three organizational units — Division of Instruction, School of Education and Continuing Education.

Through these three organizational units, NMC offers instructional programs and services and awards degrees and certificates in a variety of fields to the people of the CNMI. 

Its six academic departments provide the curricula for most of NMC’s associate degree programs—notably the Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts—and many of its certificate programs in professional fields, as well as the general education component of all NMC degree programs.

The Business, Hospitality, and Computer Technology Department provides quality education and training for careers in the private and public sectors. 

Its students pursue associate degrees or certificates in Business Administration (with specialization in Accounting, Business Management, Computer Applications, and Office Technology Administration), Hospitality Management, Public Sector Accounting, Computer Programming, and Network Technology. 

A new certificate program in Auditing is being developed.  All of these programs provide marketable job skills that will qualify students for promotions and career changes in such employment sectors as banks, hotels, communications companies, government agencies, and many other businesses. 

The BHCT Department has established internship opportunities for its students in a number of private-sector businesses, and this internship program will be expanded in the coming year. 

Plans are under way to merge NMC’s Small Business Development Center with the BHCT Department, which will greatly enhance student opportunities for learning and upgrading skills—on the job, in the classroom, and from experienced professionals.

The Health and Physical Education Department provides meaningful educational programs and activities for NMC students and for the general community of Saipan. 

Several health courses meet the various program needs of college students.  Physical education activity classes are offered in a broad range of fitness, individual, and team sports, in the newly constructed Saipan Recreational Facility gymnasium.

The Languages Department’s English program helps students achieve the level of English language skills necessary to do well throughout their college careers, through courses in essay writing, research and report writing, and creative writing. 

It also assists limited and non-English speaking adults to improve their skills in listening/speaking, reading/vocabulary development, and writing/grammar. 

The Nursing Department provides career guidance and training in nursing to the people of the CNMI and the Pacific region who wish to become Nursing Assistants and/or Registered Nurses. 

The intensive program of instruction leads to licensure as either a Certified Nursing Assistant or a Registered Nurse with the Associate in Science degree.  In addition to traditional classroom instruction, the department utilizes interactive computer technology, a modern on-campus nursing lab, and on-site clinical experience at CHC. 

The clinical experience enables students to work in different areas of the hospital, including the ER, physical therapy, radiology, hemodialysis, and the various wards and clinics.

The Sciences and Mathematics Department’s Mathematics program offers college-level courses in Algebra, Trigonometry, and Introductory Statistics, as well as developmental and intermediate-level coursework in algebra. 

It also coordinates NMC’s contribution to the regional MAREPAC program, which promotes research and educational activities involving the local marine environment.

The Social Sciences, Fine Arts, and Humanities Department is a diverse academic unit housing a wide variety of liberal arts disciplines.  Most of the College’s general education requirements and electives are offered by this department, from the Social Sciences to the Fine Arts, and the Humanities.

Through this department NMC offers the Associate in Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice.  Department personnel also work with the College’s Workforce Development Program to provide continuing and professional education, including certificate programs, in several areas of Law Enforcement Administration.

The numerous programs and activities of the Division of Instruction are coordinated by the Dean of Instruction, who directs and guides the development, implementation, assessment, and improvement of academic policies and instructional programs for the division.