The Northern Marianas College (NMC) Liberal Arts Program prepares a student to be a productive citizen and life-long learner. The Liberal Arts program is designed for students who seek to gain introductory knowledge and skills across a range of educational disciplines. Program requirements consist of general college-level educational courses that:
- Provide students with a strong educational foundation and preparation for more specialized fields of study;
- Strengthen communication, analytical and critical thinking skills;
- Engage students with community issues and civic responsibilities;
- Allow students the flexibility to explore and develop academic interests and career aspirations; and
- Prepare students for transfer to a baccalaureate degree program at a four year college or university.
The Northern Marianas College (NMC) Liberal Arts Program prepares a student to be a productive citizen and life-long learner. The Liberal Arts program is designed for students who seek to gain introductory knowledge and skills across a range of educational disciplines. Program requirements consist of general college-level educational courses that:
- Provide students with a strong educational foundation and preparation for more specialized fields of study;
- Strengthen communication, analytical and critical thinking skills;
- Engage students with community issues and civic responsibilities;
- Allow students the flexibility to explore and develop academic interests and career aspirations; and
- Prepare students for transfer to a baccalaureate degree program at a four year college or university.
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
- LA PLO 1: Demonstrate English Language competence in speaking
- LA PLO 2: Demonstrate English language competence in listening
- LA PLO 3: Employ English language competence in writing, including the ability to access and incorporate information to complete a research paper
- LA PLO 4: Demonstrate English language competence in reading
- LA PLO 5: Apply mathematical concepts, principles, and skills in solving practical and theoretical problems, using technology when appropriate
- LA PLO 6: Use the scientific method to gain knowledge and understanding of the natural physical and human social worlds
- LA PLO 7: Integrate ethical standards and principles in making decisions affecting human behaviors and the environment
- LA PLO 8: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of local and international political, social, and economic systems and issues
- LA PLO 9: Interpret arts, philosophy and literature
- LA PLO 10: Demonstrate knowledge in two of the following areas: history, geography, economics, law, or sociology
- LA PLO 11: Access and use both print and non-print information technology to perform academic and non-academic tasks
- LA PLO 12: Appreciate, promote, and practice the value of good health
- LA PLO 13: Appreciate the uniqueness of and recognize the relationship between different languages and cultures.
Degree Programs
Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts with an Emphasis in Education
Students entering the associates in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Education with the ability as a transfer curriculum plan at NMC’s Bachelors of Science in Education are exposed to a wide range of courses and disciplines. Upon completion of the requirements, students are awarded the Associate in Arts degree. Students then transfer to other colleges or universities to take their education courses and to student teach.
Kindergarten, elementary and secondary school teaching requires a wide variety of skills and aptitudes, including a talent for working with children; organizational, administrative and recordkeeping abilities; research and communication skills; the power to influence, motivate and train others; patience; and creativity. Preparing students for the future workforce is the major stimulus generating the changes in education. To be prepared, students must be able to interact with others, adapt to new technology, and to think logically through problems. Teachers provide the tools and environment for their students to develop these skills.
Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts with an Emphasis in Health & Physical Education
The Associates of Arts in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Health and Physical Education curriculum is available to the student planning to eventually major in health and physical education engage in the teaching, coaching or recreation fields as a career pursuit. The Health and Physical Education curriculum plan provides transferable courses, which will eventually result in a major, or minor in the health and athletics field of study.
The opportunities for employment in the health and physical education field are excellent. Students commonly take employment as physical education instructors in elementary, junior high or high schools, athletic coaches, recreational directorships (community, private, commercial, etc.), athletic trainers or health instructors.
Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts with an Emphasis in Social Work
The Associates of Arts in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Social Work is designed to prepare student with the general education and introductory courses necessary to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. To occupy different roles at all levels in many organizations, including schools, hospitals, mental-health clinics, senior centers, elected office, private practice, military, corporations, and in numerous public and private agencies that serve individuals and families in need. This program helps provide students with the skills, knowledge and abilities necessary to advance in their profession.
Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts with an Emphasis in Pre-engineering
The Associates of Arts in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Pre-engineering is available to students planning to transfer to an accredited Bachelors engineering program. The Pre-engineering curriculum provides a basic introduction to the engineering profession, including areas such as civil, electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering. Pre-engineering students will study math and science in a learner-centered environment that applies those fields to problem-solving models that analyze and critically evaluate real-world scenarios. Students in the program will also learn the importance of working in teams, adapting through innovation, and making ethical decisions. The program also offers individualized academic advising to help graduates transition into a four-year engineering program. Aside from preparing students for the rigors of upper-level engineering courses, the program also prepares students for entry-level positions in architecture, construction design, and project management.
Career Pathways
Liberal Arts Pathways
Liberal Arts majors find entry into careers in business, government, and social service agencies like adult and family services, criminal justice, and health and welfare. Some Liberal Studies majors combine this study with teacher training programs at either the undergraduate or graduate level to become K-12 educators; others find this interdisciplinary major appropriate for graduate studies in law.
A strength and attraction of the Liberal Studies Major are the many options it provides for students to organize a study program that is both personally interesting and professionally relevant. Moreover, such a major sharpens awareness of art, history, philosophy, and technology and the impact of these disciplines on contemporary issues. In doing so, Liberal Studies increases students’ abilities to think and to communicate clearly.
A degree in Liberal Studies can be used as preparation for several careers in:
Journalism, Entry-level Management Personnel, Social Services Human Relations, Library Science, Public Relations, Politics, Non-profit Organizational, College Recruiter, Customer Service, Creative Writing, Advertising, Grant Writer, Speech Writer, News Reporter, Medical Communications, Archivist, Law, Historian, Medical and Health Science, Natural Science, Psychologist, Sociologist, Speech Writer, Communications
Education Emphasis Pathways
Having an education degree doesn’t mean you’re limited to one profession, in fact, it’s quite the opposite. There are numerous career options for education majors. Consider one of the following and use your degree to help you in your career: Librarian, Write or Publisher, GED Teacher, Museum Director, Guidance Counselor, Human Resources, Job/Skills training, Literacy programs, English as Second Language services, Senior services, Youth Development, Tutoring programs ,Nonprofit/Social Service Organizations, Preschool/day care provider, Headstart, Academic Advisor, Career Counselor, Recruiter, College/university admissions staff, Entrepreneurship, Start own daycare, Start own tutoring services, Government agencies, Community Outreach Coordinator, Education Law, Social Work, Family and Child Protective Services, Disabled Person’s Advocacy, Development of Educational Programs, School Administrator, International Teaching, School Board Member, Day Care Administration.
Health and Physical Education Emphasis Pathways
So many people who embark down a career path in health and wellness feel excited, energized, and motivated by their work. At the risk of sounding cliché, there really is nothing better than helping others and spending your time doing what you’re passionate about. You can be a Physical education instructor in elementary, junior high or high schools, athletic coaches, recreational directorships (community, private, commercial, etc.), athletic trainers or health instructors. There are other potential career specialization for individuals seeking to go beyond personal training such as Exercise Physiologist, Sports Nutritionist, Group Exercise Instructor, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Strength and Conditioning Coach. You can also be a Wellness Consultant, Nutritional Supplement Sales Representative, and Weight Loss Counselor, business owner, chef, fitness manager, Fitness blogger or writer.
Social Work Emphasis Pathways
Social work degrees open the doors to a fulfilling career path in which helping others leads to the ultimate success. A career in Social Work can be perhaps the most fulfilling out of any career path available. People that work in Social Work note the advantages of a social work career: helping others on a daily basis, working with families and children, helping people overcome obstacles such as addiction or mental health disabilities, and many more.
Social work is an ever-growing field such as Counselors at schools, hospitals, mental-health clinics, senior centers, elected office, private practice, military, corporations, and in numerous public and private agencies that serve individuals and families in need. Other social work careers are: General Social Work, Clinical Social Work, Policy, Administration, and Public Research, Child and Family Social Work, Gerontological Social Work, Psychiatric Social Work, Medical and Health Social Work, Substance Abuse Social Work, School Social Work.
A.A. in Liberal Arts: Pre-Engineering Scholarship
Northern Marianas College students who are enrolled in NMC’s Liberal Arts with an emphasis in pre-engineering degree program are encouraged to apply for a brand new scholarship that is offered by the CNMI Department of Public Works and NMC.
The scholarship provides up to $2,100 for up to 10 students, and will be awarded in the Fall 2022 semester.
Those who are interested in applying must pick up an application from CNMI DPW’s office (Room 211) on the second floor of the Oleai Joeten Commercial Center.
Applicants are required to provide the following documents before they can receive an application form:
- Valid Photo ID
- New students: Acceptance Letter into the AA Liberal Arts emphasis Pre-Engineering and Fall 2022 semester schedule
- Ongoing students: Current semester schedule
Faculty / Staff
-
Velma Deleon Guerrero
Coordinator, Liberal Arts