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.
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.
Criminal Justice/Nebraska Law Enforcement
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 and other preprofessional programs, nursing, business, and other areas as well and 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.
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 lifetime 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 and 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 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 other bachelor degree programs at most 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.
