2021 - 2022 Undergraduate Bulletin - NMU Bulletin

Contact Information

---

Economics at NMU

The Economics Department offers courses for majors and minors in economics, courses supporting other majors and courses for general electives and liberal studies requirements. Accordingly, economics courses fall into four types: introductory, basic principles, intermediate theory and applied economics.

The department takes pride in its long-standing tradition of emphasizing the application of theory to relevant and current economic issues. It aims to provide students with a solid understanding of how economics sheds light on the way property rights, social institutions, and market and political processes affect real-world economic activity at all levels, from the local to the global. Although the subject matter can be challenging, many students who have never taken economics courses before are pleasantly surprised with both the power and the wide scope of economic analysis.

The department offers bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees in economics and secondary education economics, and minors in economics and economics education. In cooperation with other departments, the Economics Department offers a major in secondary education social studies.

Department programs are tailored to meet the particular needs and vocational aims of students. Students planning to use the undergraduate major in economics as a foundation for further study in graduate school should minor in mathematics. For careers with the government, statistics is recommended; for careers in the financial services industry, accounting and finance are recommended; and for high school teaching, another social science is recommended. There are many career opportunities for the economics major; correspondingly, there are many alternatives in choosing electives and a minor field of study. For example, a number of our majors have been admitted to various law schools.

Student Organizations

• Economics Students Association
• Omicron Delta Epsilon Honor Society
• Student Michigan Education Association

Department/Program Policies

All economics majors and minors are urged to become familiar with computers and statistics regardless of career choice.

All majors and minors offered by the department require a 2.00 or higher grade point average for all economics courses.

Secondary Education Economic Minor
Students with a minor in secondary economics education must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or greater overall, in the major, and/or minor(s) with no grade below a "B-" in the professional education sequence and no grade below a "C" in the major and/or minor(s).

Programs

---

Bulletin Year: 2021 - 2022 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.

Contact Information

---

Criminal Justice at NMU

The Criminal Justice Department provides students with an understanding of the process by which justice is distributed in our society, the function and operation of the criminal justice system (law enforcement, criminal courts and corrections), and the role of individuals in the allocation of justice. The department offers bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and loss prevention, and associate degrees in criminal justice and law enforcement.

The curriculum prepares students for a range of careers in law enforcement, adult and juvenile corrections with federal, state or local criminal justice agencies, or for graduate study. The faculty is dedicated to providing a challenging learning experience and to graduating outstanding candidates for entry into their professional careers or graduate school. The department is committed to excellence in teaching, research and community service.

Student Organization

• Criminal Justice Association

Department Facilities

• Forensics laboratory
• NMU Regional Police Academy

Department/Program Policies

Requirements for Transfer Students
Transfer students who want to major in criminal justice or loss prevention for the bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 20 credits with the NMU Criminal Justice Department. At least 8 of these credits must be at the 300-level or above. Transfer students who want to enter the associate degree program in criminal justice must complete a minimum of 12 credits with the NMU Criminal Justice Department.

GPA Requirements
All criminal justice and loss prevention courses used for the criminal justice major, loss prevention major, criminal justice minor, wildlife conservation law and policing minor and the associate degrees in criminal justice and law enforcement must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

Language Recommendations
Students are encouraged to complete at least one year of study in a foreign language. Language study could be undertaken to satisfy either the formal studies requirement or the requirement for a bachelor of arts degree.

Police Academy

The associate of applied science degree in law enforcement provides students with the opportunity to obtain Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) certified training through its Regional Police Academy. Michigan Public Act 203, 1965, and Michigan Administrative Code R 28.4101 requires that anyone seeking employment in the state as a police officer must first successfully complete the basic (MCOLES) approved police training curriculum. For information about the academy, including admission requirements, contact the Police Academy by calling 906-227-1408 or by visiting the Web site at: http://publicsafety.nmu.edu/Departments/PublicSafety/SiteSections/PoliceTraining/PoliceAcad
emy/PoliceAcademy.shtml.

Internships

The Criminal Justice Department offers students in the bachelor’s degree program and CJ minors an opportunity to participate in an internship program during their junior or senior year. This experience provides first-hand knowledge about the criminal justice or loss prevention field and an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in the classroom to a professional setting. Internships enhance a student’s career potential after graduation as well as provide important information regarding career selection. CJ 491 Internship will count in the general elective area.

Online Programs

The Criminal Justice Department offers the following programs on the Web:

• Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor's Degree in Loss Prevention
• Minor Program in Criminal Justice
• Minor Program in Loss Prevention  

Programs

---

Bulletin Year: 2021 - 2022 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.

Contact Information

---

Communication and Media Studies at NMU

Communication empowers us to remember the past, act in the present and anticipate the future. It is the vehicle by which we manage relationships with others in contexts ranging from “one-to-one” to “one-to-many” using personal, public and mass-mediated channels of communication. The disciplines within the Communication and Media Studies Department represent a body of knowledge concerning verbal and nonverbal symbols that are spoken, enacted, heard and seen. The department covers three major areas of study and also serves the needs of students who wish to develop more effective communication skills. While excellent teaching is the department’s first priority, faculty members are also engaged in a variety of professional development activities, including research and creative endeavors, as well as service to the university and community.

Student Organizations

• WUPX student-operated radio station
• Public Eye News (student-run TV news program)
• The North Wind student newspaper
• Media Alliance for Communication Students (MACS)

Department/Program Policies

All department majors must maintain a 2.50 grade point average in the major and earn at least a “C-” in all major courses that are required for graduation, unless otherwise noted. Department minors must maintain a 2.00 grade point average.

Programs

---

Bulletin Year: 2021 - 2022 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.

Contact Information

---

Clinical Sciences at NMU

The School of Clinical Sciences houses several health-sciences programs. The department is home to clinical laboratory sciences, radiography, surgical technology and speech language and hearing sciences. All of our programs and degrees are designed to be transferable to higher-level degrees. All programs are science-based and prepare students to serve as health care professionals in various clinical settings. Depending on program selection, graduates find employment in hospital laboratories, clinics, industry, microbiology, biotechnology, forensics and research. Our programs work closely with multiple hospitals and clinics in the upper Midwest in order to provide students with valuable internships and clinical practice. A list of our clinical affiliates is available on the department’s Web site.

Clinical Sciences Program Admission Policies

Radiography
Admission criteria into the clinical phase of the program require an overall minimum GPA of 2.5 as well as additional criteria for grades in specified courses. The details of admission requirements are found in the School of Clinical Sciences Policy Manual along with the applications to the programs (see end of document).

Students will be notified of their acceptance into the clinical sequence one full semester before placement.

Admission to the Surgical Technology Clinical Program
Admission to the surgical technology clinical sequence of courses is limited. The admissions committee reserves the right to select students to be admitted. The admission criteria is listed below (not all students who meet the minimum standards will be admitted if space is not available). Students must have a:

1.     Grade of "C" or better in all ST and CLS courses;
2.     Grade of "C" or better in BI 207, BI 208 and OIS 171;
3.     Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00;
4.     Minimum grade point average in the major of 2.00;
5.     Satisfactory assessment of student performance in the ST laboratories;
6.     Comprehensive entrance exam with a minimum passing score of 70%.

Students may repeat a surgical technology course only once.

Surgical Technology Readmission Criteria
Surgical technology courses are sequential, and there is limited space in some courses. When a student wishes to be readmitted into the surgical technology sequence of courses after having a withdrawal or failure in a previously enrolled course, the student must update the application to represent the new timeline for placement. Students who have failed any surgical technology courses more than once are ineligible for readmission.

Clinical Laboratory Science Programs Admissions
All students wishing to enroll in the first semester of a CLS program may do so, providing they have an adequate background for the courses. Current prerequisites are listed in the course descriptions. A faculty member and/or academic advisor may require the student to complete some remedial work.

Application for the Clinical Track
All students who have completed CLS 100 with a satisfactory grade and CLS 109 or equivalent with a "C" or better are eligible to apply for a clinical training position (refer to the specific concentration for details). The application must be submitted to the Clinical Coordinator no later than December 10 and April 10 (Fall and Winter respectively). The application must be accompanied by two confidential letters of recommendation and an updated unofficial copy of your transcript (if you have previously attended college). Specific criteria taken into consideration for acceptance is listed in the School of Clinical Sciences Policy Manual for each laboratory science concentration.

Clinical Sciences Transfer Credit Based On Professional Certification

Transfer Credit Based on Professional Certification
Applicants who have completed a radiography or surgical technology program but have not received an associate degree in radiography or surgical technology respectively, may apply for transfer credit for the associate degree in the appropriate program pending the following:

1. Applicants must hold national certification as a radiographer or surgical technologist. Proof of certification must be submitted to the School of Clinical Sciences.
2. Transcripts from regionally accredited institutions must be sent to the Admissions Office.
3. Transfer credit for the professional courses will be awarded as stipulated in the policy manual of the School of Clinical Sciences. If it is determined that there is not appropriate certification, then transfer credit will be removed from the transcript.
4. Students are eligible for up to 16 credits of advance placement credit as well, if it applies.

Clinical Sciences Program Retention Policies

Clinical Systems Analyst, Anatomic Pathology, Science Technologist, Clinical Assistant or Clinical Laboratory Technician
Students in these concentrations must maintain a 2.00 grade point average in the major and an NMU cumulative grade point average of 2.00. Students must receive no less than a “C” in any CLS course for the clinical laboratory technician and clinical assistant program.

Clinical Laboratory Science: Laboratory Medicine or Microbiology
A student must maintain an NMU cumulative grade point average of 2.60 and receive no less than a “C” in any CLS course.

Diagnostic Genetics
A student must have an NMU cumulative grade point average of 2.60 in the major, meet specific course grade requirements, and receive no less than a “C” in any CLS course.

Retention in the Surgical Technology Sequence
To remain in the surgical technology sequence, a student must meet the following conditions:

1. Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in all surgical technology courses with no course below a "C" and maintain a cumulative NMU grade point average of 2.00.
2. Adhere to the university's student code and surgical technology student policies.
3. Demonstrate a pattern of safe clinical practice commensurate with educational experience to date.

Clinical Sciences: Additional Policies

For further information on policies, essential functions, application procedures, specific affiliation sites, hospital placement eligibility, costs, certification requirements, and job markets, see the Clinical Sciences Policy Manual (see the School of Clinical Sciences web site or the Northern Michigan University Bookstore).

The School of Clinical Sciences reserves the right to withdraw any student whose health, conduct, scholastic standing or clinical practice is such that it is inadvisable for the student to remain in the department. In any of the programs offered by this department, clinical placement for training cannot be guaranteed. In addition to the academic placement policies, students must be recommended by the departmental faculty. Any negative recommendations may override an otherwise acceptable record.

Students majoring in department programs are required to have certain immunizations, proof of health insurance and completion of a criminal background check. Further information is available in the department office.

Clinical Sciences Program Graduation Information and Requirements

Clinical Systems Analyst, Anatomic Pathology, Science Technologist, Clinical Assistant or Clinical Laboratory Technician
Based on the chosen concentration, upon graduation, students are qualified to take a national certification exam in either cytotechnology, histotechnology, CLT or phlebotomy. Additional special criteria and policies for internships are further described in the Clinical Sciences Policy Manual.

Clinical Laboratory Science: Laboratory Medicine or Microbiology
In order to be granted a bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, a student must maintain an NMU/cumulative grade point average of 2.60. Students must receive no less than a “C” in any CLS course. Students are eligible to take national certification examinations for medical laboratory scientist or the microbiology categorical exam upon program completion. Criteria for placement into the practicum can be found under the appropriate course descriptions and in the Clinical Sciences Policy Manual.

Diagnostic Genetics
In order to be granted a bachelor’s degree in the diagnostic genetics concentration, a student must have an NMU cumulative grade point average of 2.60, meet specific course grade requirements, and receive no less than a “C” in any CLS course. Students are then qualified to take the national certification exams for cytogenetic or molecular biology. Criteria for placement into the practicum includes a minimum 2.80 GPA in selected required courses. Other requirements can be found under the appropriate course descriptions and in the Clinical Sciences Policy Manual.

Surgical Technology
In order to be granted an associates degree in surgical technology, a student must maintain an NMU cumulative GPA of 2.00, receive no less than a "C" in any ST or CLS course, and pass a final comprehensive exam prior to graduation. Graduates are eligible to take a national certification examination upon program completion.

Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Program

The speech, language and hearing sciences program offers an undergraduate curriculum that emphasizes human communication processes in a multicultural society. It encourages its majors to be active participants in their classes, in faculty research and other professional development activities. The program fosters advanced knowledge and practice through course work and clinic opportunities in serving children and adults with speech, language or hearing disorders.

Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Program Professional/Graduate School Preparation

Courses in speech, language and hearing sciences are designed for students who wish to enter a graduate program in speech-language pathology and/or audiology. Pre-professional courses meet the requirements for the Council for Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Program Facilities

The Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic on the NMU campus serves the communication, cognitive and swallowing needs of children and adults from Marquette and the surrounding area. The clinic also provides pre-professional clinical practice experience to students enrolled in the Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences major.

Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Program Policies

In order to be successful in the speech, language and hearing sciences major, students should earn a letter grade of “B” or higher in the English composition courses (EN 111 and EN 211). The department requires a 2.5 grade point average in the major. However, it should be noted that most graduate programs require a minimum of an overall 3.00 grade point average. Therefore, all students are assigned a faculty adviser who will carefully monitor their progress throughout the program. See the School of Clinical Sciences Policy Manual and Procedure for the Speech, Langauge and Hearing Sciences program for further details.

Accreditation

The Clinical Laboratory Technician, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, and Cytogenetics and Diagnostic Molecular Scienceprograms are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Sciences (NAACLS) with Northern Michigan University as the sponsoring agency.

The Histotechnologist program is accredited by  the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Sciences (NAACLS) with the clinical affiliates as the sponsoring agencies.

The Clinical Assistant program requires no accreditation but is approved by National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Sciences (NAACLS).

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
5600 N. River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL  60018-5119
Phone: 773-714-8880

The Cytotechnology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs with the clinical affiliates as the sponsoring agencies.

The Radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology with Northern Michigan University as the sponsoring agency.

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL  60606-2091
Phone:  312-704-5300

The Surgical Technology program is accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) with Northern Michigan University as the sponsoring agency.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
1361 Park Street
Clearwater, FL  33756
Phone:  727-210-2350

Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA)
6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 110
Littleton, CO  80120-8031

www.naacls.org  - National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
www.jrcert.org - Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
www.caahep.org - Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
www.arcstsa.org - Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting

Programs

---

Bulletin Year: 2021 - 2022 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.

Contact Information

---

Chemistry at NMU

The Chemistry Department offers programs leading to either the bachelor of arts degree or the bachelor of science degree in biochemistry, chemistry, forensic biochemistry, medicinal plant chemistry and secondary education chemistry. The department also supports courses for students in other areas needing chemistry cognates and electives. The program is designed for students planning professional careers in chemistry and related fields, and in the teaching of chemistry. There are several program options available at the advanced undergraduate level depending upon the career interests of the student.

Northern’s Chemistry Department is accredited by the American Chemical Society. ACS approval and periodic reviews of the department’s capability to offer complete programs to prepare students for professional work in the chemistry field attests to the continuing academic soundness of the undergraduate program and to its ability to serve the student population’s diverse needs and interests.

The Chemistry Department also provides advisement for students interested in pre-pharmacy. See the “Pre-professional Programs” section of this bulletin.

Student Organizations

• American Chemical Society Student Affiliates/Chemistry Club
• Forensic Biochemistry Club
• Student Michigan Education Association

Department/Program Policies

Students enrolled in a chemistry laboratory must pay the cost of replacement for glassware or equipment broken in excess of one dollar. Records of student breakage are maintained in the chemistry stockroom, and students are notified of any amount due after the last laboratory meeting. The breakage fee is not applicable to CH 490 or CH 491.

Only those chemistry courses passed with a grade of “C-” or better apply to the biochemistry, forensic biochemistry, medicinal plant chemistry, chemistry ACS certified majors and the non-teaching chemistry minor.

Seconday Education Chemistry
Students with a major or minor in secondary chemistry education must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or greater overall, in the major, and/or minor(s) with no grade below a "B-" in the professional education sequence and no grade below a "C" in the major and/or minor(s).

Interdisciplinary Program

See Interdisciplinary and Individually Created Programs for more information on the following program.

Integrative Science Minor

Programs

---

Bulletin Year: 2021 - 2022 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.

Contact Information

---

College of Business at NMU

The mission of the College of Business is to engage students with relevant academic and related programs that prepare them for a variety of successful careers and responsible engagement in society.

The college offers degree programs that foster intellectual curiosity, leadership, ethical behavior and global awareness, as well as provide quality content knowledge and develop problem solving, decision making and communication skills. Students are encouraged to work together on class projects, pursue internship opportunities and participate in college and university study abroad experiences.

The college’s programs of study include ten baccalaureate majors, eight minors, four associate degrees, and one certificate program. Each provides the student with a concentration of knowledge and skills in one of the many aspects of the business world.

Accreditation

The College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. It is one of 740 business programs worldwide to have this accreditation.

Student Organizations

• American Marketing Association
• Beta Gamma Sigma
• Business Professionals of America
• Gamma lota Sigma
• Institute for Managerial Accountants/Accounting Club
• NMU Team Business
• Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)
• Student Managed Investment Fund

College Facilities

• Cybersecurity Lab

College/Program Policies

Admission to the College of Business

Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the College of Business. All baccalaureate majors must apply for admission.

To be eligible for admission, applicants must:

1. Successfully complete the following pre-admission courses: College Composition I and II (EN 111, EN 211); Finite Mathematics (MA 113); Introduction to Probability and Statistics (MA 109); Principles of Accounting I and II (ACT 230, ACT 240); Microeconomic/Macroeconomic Principles (EC 201, EC 202); CIS 222 Quantitative Business Problem Solving (not required by CYBR majors) and other elective credits to total 48 semester credit hours.
2. Complete the 48 semester credits listed above with a minimum grade point average of 2.25. Current enrollment can count toward meeting the minimum requirements; however, formal admission will not be granted until after successful completion of the minimum credits.

Note: Petition for exception to the above requirements must be made in writing and submitted to the Registrar’s Office. The petition must include reasons why an exception should be made and documentation of the reasons, if applicable.

Application Deadlines

Applications must be submitted by the following dates: For fall semester, February 15; winter semester, October 1; summer session, February 15. Applications received after these dates will not be acted upon until the following semester. Application forms are obtained at the College of Business office.

Other Policies

1. College of Business majors cannot enroll in NMU business courses at the 300 level or above until they have been admitted to the college and have attained junior status (56 hours).
2. In order to receive a degree from the College of Business, students must complete at least 32 credit hours (24 within the College of Business) after admission to the college.
3. Students seeking a second bachelor’s degree must be admitted to the College of Business.
4. Students who drop enrollment from NMU and subsequently re-enroll as a business major at a later date (re-entry ­ students) must reapply for admission to the College of Business.
5. All CIS courses except CIS 110 are invalid after seven years.

Grade Point Average Requirements

Associate degree students must earn a 2.00 grade point average in all business courses, except for the Insurance Associate degree program, which requires a 2.25 GPA in all business courses.

Information Systems (IS) majors or minors and IS associate degree students must earn a minimum grade of “C-” in each CS/CIS/IS course applying to their IS major, minor or associate degree.

All other baccalaureate degree students must obtain a 2.00 GPA in their (combined) business core and major courses as well as a 2.00 cumulative Northern Michigan University GPA.

All business minors must earn a 2.00 GPA.

Programs

---

Bulletin Year: 2021 - 2022 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.

Contact Information

---

Biology at NMU

The Biology Department offers programs leading to the bachelor of arts, bachelor of science and master of science in biology. The department offers three separate majors: biology, fisheries and wildlife management and secondary education biology. Students with a biology major have the opportunity for further specialization by choosing from one of six concentrations: botany, ecology, general biology, microbiology, physiology and zoology. The department also contributes course work for interdisciplinary programs in biochemistry, environmental science, neuroscience, diagnostic genetics and science technologist. The department offers three minor programs of study: biology, secondary education biology and human biology. The offerings complement programs in nursing, health, liberal arts and sciences, physical education, clinical laboratory sciences, and environmental conservation, among others. The courses emphasize fundamental concepts of biology at the subcellular, organismic and population levels. The laboratory courses provide students with first-hand experience in understanding biological concepts, thus furthering their understanding of life.

Biologists should have a knowledge of organisms at all levels ranging from molecular activities within cells to ecosystem dynamics. For this reason, the biology tracks and the zoology major are built around a common core of courses. The remaining courses for the major are selected to satisfy the student’s interests and career plans. A strong background in the physical sciences is helpful to a biological career.

Student Organizations

• Pre-Dental Club
• Pre-Medical Club
• Pre-Veterinary Club
• Student Michigan Education Association
• Tri Beta Society
• Wildlife Society

Department Facilities

• greenhouse
• herbarium
• Lake Superior research boat
• Longyear Forest
• molecular biology facilities
• small-animal facility
• zoological collections

Department/Program Policies

A 2.00 grade point average is required for all biology courses taken for any non-teaching major in the department. Exceptions must be requested via petition to the department’s academic programs committee. 

Students enrolled in biology laboratory courses must pay replacement costs for damaged supplies (e.g., glassware and microscope slides) or equipment (e.g., microscopes) having value in excess of one dollar. Records of assessments for damage are maintained in the department, and students are notified of any costs due no later than the last laboratory meeting.

Secondary Education Biology
Students with a major or minor in secondary biology education must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or greater overall, in the major, and/or minor(s) with no grade below a "B-" in the professional education sequence and no grade below a "C" in the major and/or minor(s).

Recommendation for Students Bound for Graduate School

Students who plan to apply to a professional school or pursue graduate work in biology are strongly advised to take Organic Chemistry I and II (CH 321, 322) and a year of physics.

Many graduate programs in the biological sciences, including the one at Northern Michigan University, require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for admission. Students intending to pursue graduate study in the biological sciences should take this examination early in their senior year.

Interdisciplinary Programs

See Interdisciplinary and Individually Created Programs for more information on the following programs.

Neuroscience Major 
Integrative Science Minor (for Neuroscience Majors only)
Pre-Professional Science Minor (for Neuroscience Majors only)

Programs

---

Bulletin Year: 2021 - 2022 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.

Contact Information

---

Art and Design at NMU

The School of Art and Design faculty mentor students in the development of unique visual voices within a larger visual culture. Students are engaged in creative problem solving and independent production of art and design toward a path of becoming engaged professionals in their respective fields. The School offers a foundation program that teaches students to communicate effectively by gaining a theoretical understanding of visual culture across diverse communities and developing an awareness of the evolving nature of Art & Design. Students acquire hands-on material techniques and technological skills while exploring diverse modes of thinking during the production of art & design work, fostering a sustainable creative practice. The DeVos Art Museum and Visiting Artist Program support the mission of the school by providing global, national, and regional exhibitions, educational and research opportunities, and providing students with direct interactions with recognized professional artists.

General Education and art/design courses are combined in programs that lead to the bachelor of fine arts, bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, or a two-year associate of applied arts degree. The school also offers the required courses for art teacher certification, a non-teaching art and design minor and an art history minor.

All of the school’s faculty members are regionally and nationally recognized for their work.

In each area of concentration, the Art and Design curriculum provides students with a broad knowledge of concepts, issues, procedures, and tools to prepare them for the design and production of art/design objects at a professional level. Areas of concentration include:

• ceramics
• computer art
• digital cinema
• drawing/painting
• graphic design
• human-centered design
• illustration
• metalsmithing/sculpture
• photography
• woodworking/furniture design

Student Organizations

• American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)
• Art Students League
• Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA)
• Ceramics Collective (ceramics group)
• Student Photographic Society (SPS)
• Student Michigan Education Association

Department Facilities

The School of Art and Design has professionally equipped, safe, new, state-of-the-art studios to support 10 concentrations. Equipment includes: 

• large induction furnace 
• ceramic kilns 
• casting and blacksmithing facilities 
• computer labs 
• woodworking, digital video facilities
• photography darkrooms (color and black and white)
• professionally equipped lighting studios
• combination machine lathe and mill
• CNC routers, 3D printers, and 3D scanner

The library collection in Art and Design includes:

• over 10,000 volumes
• 50 journals and periodicals 
• large slide collection

The school uses the DeVos Art Museum for its many national, regional, local, faculty and student exhibitions, as well as the Students’ Art Gallery.

Types of Course Offerings

The following courses provide artists with greater depth in the supporting knowledge of the visual arts.

Concentration: Courses comprising one studio area or studio concentration: 100-, 200-, 300-, and 400-level seminar courses.

Foundations: Courses developing core art/design concepts with relevant concepts drawn from history, sociology, psychology, and the physical sciences.

Art History: Courses devoted to the study of Western and non-Western art, design, and architecture within a historical framework. Since the School of Art and Design is primarily a studio school, art history courses take as their central concern (though not exclusive) concepts that are relevant to the studio artist.

Individual Art Review: A series of courses required of art and design majors to develop at each level as professional artists. All work is evaluated by the faculty.

School/Program Policies

Students must purchase supplies individually and/or contribute to a purchasing cooperative for the studio courses in which they are enrolled.

Community college transfers should take general education courses and art/design courses in the areas of design, drawing, and history of western art.

Art and Design Education
Teaching certification for K-12 art is obtained by completing a major/minor in art and design and the professional education sequence.

Students majoring in art and design education must maintain a grade point average 3.0 or greater overall, in their major, and/or minor(s) with no grade below a "B-" in the professional education sequence and no grade below a "C" in the major and/or minor(s).

Prerequisites for Individual Art Review

Students registering for AD 303 Individual Art Review and AD 403 Senior Exhibition must complete the following prerequisites prior to enrollment:

1. Instructor permission.
2. Receive a grade of “S” in AD 303 Individual Art Review for enrollment in AD 499 Senior Capstone Project.
3. Complete or co-enroll in the 2D Studio, 3D Studio, and Digital Studio Foundation courses with a "C-" minimum grade.
4. Complete the selected studio concentration with at least a "B-" (2.70) average.

Criteria for Remaining in the Art and Design Program

1. Students in AD 303 Individual Art Review must receive a passing grade of “S.”
    
2. AD 303 Individual Art Review may be repeated. Although this course may be repeated, students receiving either two "U" grades or who withdraw twice from the course will not be allowed to continue the program. 

Programs

---

Bulletin Year: 2021 - 2022 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.