Academic Transfer Program

Mid-Plains Community College (MPCC) offers the Associate of Arts, Science, Fine Arts and General Studies degrees for students intending to complete a baccalaureate degree at an upper division institution.

MPCC college advisors assist students wishing to transfer using specially developed transfer guides specific to the declared major and the receiving college.

Most four-year colleges will accept up to 60 semester credit hours of freshman and sophomore-level credits earned at a community college and require at least a “C” in each course transferred. At the initial advisory session, the student and advisor will plan a course of study to enable students to meet these requirements.

Students should visit the website of the institution they wish to transfer to. It is the student’s responsibility to become familiar with all pertinent transfer requirements.

In some cases, completing the Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Fine Arts or Associate of General Studies degree at MPCC satisfies the general education requirements at the freshman and sophomore levels at transfer institutions. Students should identify a possible major at the receiving institution in order to begin the appropriate sequence of courses needed to complete their baccalaureate degrees in a timely fashion. It is important that students wishing to complete a BA or BS degree in four years, complete lower division prerequisites at MPCC before enrolling in upper division courses at the transfer institution. If prerequisites are postponed, enrollment in advanced courses and eventual graduation from the transfer institution are likely to be delayed.

When possible, students should meet with a representative from the transfer institution to discuss a program of study. After transfer, students will be assigned advisors at the receiving institution. If students are not assigned an advisor at the receiving institution, they should seek to obtain one. If students encounter any difficulty in transferring courses, assistance should be requested from the Area Vice President for Academic Affairs or their MPCC advisor.

Degree Requirements

  1. A minimum of 60 semester credit hours of coursework.
  2. A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.
  3. Completion of 30 semester credit hours with at least 15 semester credit hours at MPCC.
  4. General education courses: a minimum of 37 semester credit hours for the Associate of Arts degree, a minimum of 30 semester credit hours for the Associate of Science degree, a minimum of 31 semester credit hours for the Associate of Fine Arts degree and a minimum of 15 semester credit hours for the Associate of General Studies degree. The specific courses meeting the general education requirements are listed under each degree.
  5. All financial obligations to the college must be fulfilled.
  6. Meeting with advisors to initiate Intent to Graduate one semester prior to the completion of degree requirements. Degrees will be conferred in May, August, or December.
  7. Student participation in the commencement exercises is required unless excused for a valid reason by the Dean or Associate Dean of Student Life on each campus. Commencement exercises are held each year at the close of the spring semester.

MPCC General Education and Degree Program Outcomes

Upon completion of Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of General Studies, or Associate of Applied Science successful students should be able to demonstrate and apply:

  • Effective written communication skills
  • Effective oral communication skills
  • Information literacy competencies
  • Cultural awareness
  • Mathematics skills
  • Scientific inquiry skills
  • Critical thinking skills

Nebraska Transfer Initiative

Students have become increasingly interested in beginning their education at Mid-Plains Community College and transferring to another institution to finish a higher degree program. MPCC strives to make the transfer process as seamless as possible by maintaining special cooperative programs and transfer agreements with many colleges and universities.

The Nebraska Transfer Initiative is a cooperative agreement between Nebraska’s public and private higher education institutions. This arrangement facilitates the transfer of credits for students who have earned an Associate of Arts Degree into baccalaureate-level programs. Essentially, any student who has successfully completed the articulated Associate of Arts general education core curriculum with an equivalent of a “C” (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher, and is admitted in transfer to a participating institution will be:

  1. Granted standing comparable to current students who have completed the same number of equivalent credit courses toward an associate/baccalaureate-level degree; and
  2. Able to progress toward an associate/baccalaureate degree completion at a rate comparable to that of students who entered the associate/baccalaureate institution as first-time freshmen.

Participating institutions in this initiative include Bellevue University, Central Community College, Chadron State College, Clarkson College, College of Saint Mary, Concordia University, Doane University, Hastings College, Metropolitan Community College, Mid-Plains Community College, Midland University, Nebraska Indian Community College, Nebraska Methodist College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Northeast Community College, Peru State College, Southeast Community College, Union College, University of Nebraska at Kearney, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Wayne State College, Western Nebraska Community College, and York College.

Many institutions accept the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees in total from two-year community colleges. Some also accept a specified block of credit from the Associate of Applied Science degree.

In addition to the articulation agreements, MPCC has developed internal support services to assist in the transfer process. MPCC faculty and advisors work closely with students who plan to transfer to other colleges and universities. In all cases, the college advises the student to consider specific institutional transfer requirements. If you plan to transfer, it is important that you let your advisor know so they can provide the appropriate assistance.  For school specific information, please go to Transfer Nebraska at transfer.nebraska.edu.

Academic Transfer Disciplines

Art

Courses within the art discipline give students opportunities for both the study of historical relevance and the development of their artistic expression. Selected courses meet general education requirements in humanities, while the program is designed for transfer into baccalaureate programs in either art, art education or graphic art. Students are encouraged to explore an array of media. Visual art offerings are integrated with technology when appropriate.

Pre-Athletic Training & Exercise Science

The Pre-Athletic Training & Exercise Science courses are designed for students wishing to work in an exercise, sports medicine or athletic training field. Employment opportunities exist in areas of rehabilitation, athletics and personal training. The curriculum is transfer oriented to fulfill the first two years of a baccalaureate degree. Completion of an Associate of Science degree will allow the student to sit for the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health/Fitness Instructor Certification. Completing the first year of the athletic training curriculum will allow the student to transfer to an Athletic Training Education Program.

Biological Science

The courses in biological science are designed for students who intend to transfer to four-year colleges and universities to complete a bachelor’s degree in agronomy, horticulture, animal husbandry, zoology, physiology, anatomy, pathology, forensic science, biotechnology, mortuary science, botany, microbiology, pharmacology or science education. Biological science courses also are an important part of various health related programs. A student who is interested in pursuing a baccalaureate degree should consult a MPCC advisor and the transfer guide and catalog of the four-year institution.

MPCC to UNK 2+2 Biology Pathway

Earn your Associate of Science at MPCC and transfer to UNK to earn your Biology Comprehensive major with a General Emphasis.  Click on the link below for the two-year degree plan or visit the UNK Transfer Pathway web page to see the Transfer Pathway outlined for this partnership.

Pre-Biology Program of Study

Business Administration

The Business Administration Academic Transfer degree is designed to provide foundational courses that prepare the student for progression to a four-year degree program.  Students in the Business Administration program will develop competencies in the areas of accounting, management, marketing and business technologies.  Career opportunities are vast and diverse, from working in businesses and professional organizations; owning and operating businesses; providing consulting services; managing business data; using technologies to enhance business operations; marketing services, goods and ideas; and supervising employees. 

MPCC to UNK 2+2 Business Pathway

Earn your Associate of Arts at MPCC and transfer to UNK to earn your Bachelor of Science, Business Administration Comprehensive Degree.  Visit the MPCC Business Administration web page or the UNK Transfer Pathway web page to see the Transfer Pathway outlined for this partnership.

Criminal Justice

Students taking a criminal justice concentration at MPCC may pursue either an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of General Studies degree. Students planning on pursuing a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Criminal Justice, should enroll in either the Associate of Arts or the Associate of Science degree program. If the student plans on pursuing work in the Criminal Justice field after completion of the Associates degree, the Associate of General Studies degree would be a viable option. The Criminal Justice program at MPCC is primarily theory oriented, with the overall objective being an overview of the entire Criminal Justice field including a survey course in Criminal Justice, Police & Society, Criminology, Juvenile Justice, Introduction to Corrections, Social Issues in Criminal Justice, Criminal Law and Rules of Evidence.

Economics

Economists study how individuals coordinate their wants and needs, given the scarcity of resources. They conduct research, collect and analyze data, monitor economic trends and develop forecasts. They research issues such as energy costs, inflation, interest rates, exchange rates, business cycles, taxes, or employment levels.

Education

Education courses provide students with the background and foundation to continue in a four-year institution to complete a baccalaureate degree. The courses prepare students interested in teaching or related careers. A bachelor’s degree is required for teacher certification.

Engineering

Mid-Plains Community College has an agreement with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, College of Engineering, in which students can take courses at MPCC for two years, then transfer to UNL the third year as juniors. This program is known as STEP—Strengthening Transitions into Engineering Programs. Students who plan to major in Agricultural, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering may begin this bachelor’s degree program at Mid-Plains Community College. Engineers with bachelor’s degrees enter an exciting, financially rewarding and emotionally satisfying profession. Today there is a high demand for engineers.

English

English composition courses provide students with the written skills needed to achieve professional and personal effectiveness, as well as those skills needed in advanced studies requiring written expression. Literature courses provide students with opportunities for exploring various genres and cultures. Critical analysis and response is an important competence and courses within this area meet both general education and academic transfer criteria.

History

History is an investigation into the affairs of mankind in time and place. MPCC offers a variety of courses and approaches within the discipline of history covering every time period and including cultures from throughout the globe. As a result of historical study, students will become familiar with intellectual, social, political and economic perspectives from the past in order to more fully comprehend the present.

Mathematics

At Mid-Plains Community College, you can major in fields such as elementary education, secondary mathematics education, physics, engineering, nursing, business and other areas, as well as take many of the necessary math classes to transfer on to a four-year college or university. Classes such as College Algebra, Modern Elementary School Math (I and II), Differential Equations, Elements of Statistics and Applied Calculus are all offered at MPCC. This program allows MPCC to offer all of the math, science and engineering classes that a student would need to transfer into an engineering program at UNL.

Pre-Mortuary Science

In conjunction with local funeral homes and the State of Nebraska, MPCC has created a pathway for those students interested in the field of Mortuary Science.  Below is a suggested sequence of study for those students interested in pursing a career in Mortuary Science.  The courses below would meet all requirements for the Associate of Science Degree at MPCC and fulfill licensure requirements through the State of Nebraska to then enter a full course of instruction at an Accredited Mortuary Science school.

Pre-Mortuary Science Program of Study

Music

Music courses offer students the opportunity to enhance personal talents and the enjoyment of music through a variety of individual and ensemble activities. Courses are offered to prepare students to transfer into baccalaureate programs with majors or minors in music education or performance.

Physical Education

The physical education courses are designed for students who wish to prepare for careers in education or in a related field. Employment opportunities are available in schools, recreation or youth-service agencies. Activity courses offer the opportunity to develop skill and knowledge for a lifetime of leisure enjoyment. Students are required to provide clothing appropriate for activities. MPCC offers a number of courses in athletic training which transfer to the University of Nebraska at Kearney. A student who is interested in pursuing a baccalaureate degree should consult a MPCC advisor, and the transfer guide and catalog of the four-year institution.

Physical Science/Chemistry

The physical science and chemistry courses are designed for students who intend to transfer to four-year colleges and universities to complete educational requirements necessary for careers as chemists, geologists, geophysicists, meteorologists, physicists, astronomers and numerous related occupations. Physical science and chemistry courses are also a part of pre-professional programs such as engineering, agriculture, medicine, nursing and numerous health occupations. A student who is interested in pursuing a baccalaureate degree should consult a MPCC advisor, the transfer guide and catalog of the four-year institution.

Political Science

Students studying political science may transfer their courses for a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree at a four-year university. Political science examines how authority is derived and implemented within government and the private sector. Students with a bachelor’s degree in political science primarily occupy positions within the legal profession, government, or teaching.

Pre-Professional

Pre-professional courses are selected from the disciplines related to the following fields: chiropractic, dentistry, engineering, law, medical technology, medicine, mortuary science, nursing (B.S.N.), occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician’s assistant, radiological technology, speech therapy and veterinary medicine. Students planning to transfer to other colleges should consult with their advisor and with the transfer institution regarding suggested curriculum.

Psychology

Psychology is the study of behavior, especially in humans. Offered courses include a general introduction and understanding of behavior, human development from conception to death, psychological disorders and their relation to normal behavior, human strengths and their development and group behavior emotion and motivation.

Sociology

Pursuing a sociology concentration at MPCC allows a student to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree or higher in sociology. Sociology is a rich and vibrant discipline, centered around the influences groups have on individual behavior. The essence of sociology is that we are what we learn. Understanding this influences our place in the world and how we live and interact in that world. A degree in sociology offers a myriad of employment opportunities in fields including social services, criminal justice, probation and parole, law, and corporate opportunities.

Spanish

Courses in Spanish language and literature provide for the development of reading, writing and speaking competencies in the Spanish language. Basic skills for specific interaction purposes, as well as progressive skills in preparation for baccalaureate degree transfer can be acquired by students. Spanish literature study is included in advanced courses.

Speech

Speech courses at MPCC serve to strengthen the student’s communication skills as individuals, in interpersonal relationships, as well as in work environments.    Speech courses meet general requirements or may be used for electives.  Most courses transfer to bachelor degree programs at many four-year schools.

Theater

Most courses in the theater departments at MPCC focus on preparing students for careers in the performing arts.  Others strengthen students’ understanding of theater to build better audience members.   Theater courses at MPCC serve as humanities or elective credits and may be transferred to other colleges or universities.