2022 - 2023 Undergraduate Bulletin - NMU Bulletin

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Library and Instructional Support at NMU

The curriculum in Library and Instructional Support is designed to enhance all disciplines. Students explore the changing roles of information and work toward goals of information literacy and technological competency. Some courses, such as AIS 101 Introduction to Information Resources, acquaint students with print and electronic resources and information technology. Others provide background for the pursuit of professional degrees in library and information science.

Library and Instructional Support Courses

The courses Library and Instructional Support offers are designed to provide library and information skills applicable to a wide range of disciplines. They also provide a knowledge base for students who expect to enter a graduate program in library and information science at another school. NMU does not offer a degree in library and information science.

Department Facilities and Resources

The five units in Library and Instructional Support are committed to working together to provide information and technology resources and support that you need to succeed at Northern Michigan University.

The Beaumier Heritage Center (www.nmu.edu/beaumierheritagecenter), a historical museum and educational facility, promotes and preserves the history and culture of the Upper Peninsula through exhibitions and public programs. The mission of the U.P. Heritage Center is to promote and preserve the history and culture of the Upper Peninsula through an active slate of exhibitions and engaging public programs for the whole region. The center also collects and preserves artifacts related to the history of Northern Michigan University. The center maintains a gallery in 105 Cohodas Hall and several other displays throughout campus. The Heritage Center provides interdisciplinary programs and internships for students across the university spectrum.

The Central Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan University Archives (www.nmu.edu/archives) houses unpublished organizational records and personal papers that document the history of Northern Michigan University and the central Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This includes the counties of Alger, Delta, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee and Schoolcraft. The archives houses extensive collections, including labor, government and political files; items from Cleveland Cliffs Iron Mining Co.; the John D. Voelker papers; the Moses Coit Tyler collection of rare books (American history, theology and literature); genealogical resources; and many other collections from community organizations, the university and prominent historical figures. Materials include manuscripts, maps, photographs, film and video, oral histories, newspapers and periodicals.

The Computing HelpDesk (www.nmu.edu/helpdesk) supports NMU network connections, network services, and NMU issued software and computers. The HelpDesk is committed to providing the highest level of quality support to NMU students, faculty, and staff. Support is provided for NMU network connections, network services, and NMU issued software and computers, including TLC notebooks. Limited support for other systems may be provided or referred to other service providers on campus as available. Help is available via email, telephone, walk-in service and the IT/HelpDesk web site.

Instructional Design and Technology (www.idt.nmu.edu) NMU's Instructional Design and Technology unit supports teaching and learning in online and classroom-based environments by providing resources, tools, and services that enable faculty to innovatively use technology to deliver and enhance pedagogically sound courses and programs. We provide faculty with support for online instructional technology tools, such as the university's learning management system, NMU EduCat™, and the Wildcast podcasting system, as well as technology used in the classroom such as projectors and interactive whiteboards. Our staff members have backgrounds covering instructional design and education as well as technology, and we focus not just on how to use particular technologies, but on helping faculty identify the technologies best suited to help meet specific teaching and learning needs. The CTL: Our Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), is a resource center where faculty can go to learn about, experiment with, and get advice and assistance with a variety of instructional technology tools. A large percentage of that assistance is related to NMU EduCat™; other supported tools include podcasting, video production, classroom response systems, and synchronous web conferencing. We offer walk-in hours Monday through Friday. Appointments can also be scheduled, and are recommended for complicated issues.

Lydia M. Olson Library (www.library.nmu.edu) The library contains books and journals and provides access to numerous databases. As a depository for U.S. and Michigan government publications, Olson Library houses government documents and a map collection. The juvenile/young adult collection also has textbooks and media supporting teacher education.

Library facilities include wired and wireless network access for students’ notebook computers, study areas, conference rooms, photocopy machines, microform printers, audiovisual and multimedia equipment.

Librarians offer personal guidance in the use of the online catalog, indexes, abstracts, reference sources, online databases and Internet sources. Students are encouraged to seek assistance in accessing and evaluating the many resources available. Library tours and instructional presentations are offered to help students become familiar with the library and information resources and to help them develop their research skills.

 

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Bulletin Year: 2022 - 2023 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.

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Pre-professional Programs at NMU

Northern Michigan University provides pre-professional programs of study developed to prepare students with specific professional goals to meet the admission qualifications of other colleges and universities. Some professional schools require students to complete a baccalaureate degree prior to admission. In these cases students may elect to enter one of NMU’s degree programs while still receiving advising toward one of the pre-professional programs. Other professional schools require that students transfer to them to complete their baccalaureate degree. Information about each of the pre-professional programs can be obtained from the administrative and advising school or department listed below.

Programs

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Bulletin Year: 2022 - 2023 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.

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Individually Created and Interdisciplinary Programs at NMU

Individually created programs are developed by a student and a faculty member to meet an individual’s need or interest not offered in a formalized program.

Northern offers students two opportunities to individually create programs: a baccalaureate degree and a certificate.

Interdisciplinary programs are those that are co-sponsored by two or more departments. Generally a student chooses an adviser from one of the sponsoring departments.

Northern offers an interdisciplinary baccalaureate degree program in secondary education integrated science.

Also within the interdisciplinary area are a two-year associate degree in general university studies and a minor program in gender studies.

Program Policies

Secondary Education Integrated Science
Students with a major in secondary education integrated science 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

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Bulletin Year: 2022 - 2023 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.

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College of Technology and Occupational Studies at NMU

 

College of Technology and Occupational Sciences at NMU

The College of Technology and Occupational Sciences offers a variety of one-semester to four-year programs. One- and two-year programs provide students with the knowledge and training necessary to assume skilled or technician-level positions in such service and technical careers as automotive, construction, cosmetology, electrical line technician, HVAC/R (heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration), food service management, industrial maintenance and welding.  In addition to the many technical programs available, the college offers management-based baccalaureate degrees in construction and hospitality.

The college’s programs are designed to ladder into more advanced programs. Credits from the associate degree and certificate programs directly apply toward the bachelor’s degrees offered by the College of Technology and Occupational Sciences.

College Facilities and Equipment

• Auto Service Laboratory
• Electrical Line Technician Pole Field
• Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Laboratory
• Indoor Agriculture Laboratory
• Industrial Maintenance Laboratory
• Professional Cosmetology Laboratory
• Professional Kitchen Laboratories
• Welding Laboratory

Hospitality Management students operate a fine dining restaurant, Chez Nous, as well as the more casual Culinary Café during both the fall and winter semesters. In addition, students deliver several outstanding banquet and catering functions throughout the year.

Student Organizations

• Sheer Joy
• NMU Constructors
• NMU Hospitality Club

College/Program Policies

Programs have substantial “hands-on” components; safety is a major responsibility. Students are expected to wear personal protection equipment (PPE) such as proper footgear, safety glasses and clothing attire for the lab environment. Tools are required for several programs. Students in Automotive, Construction Management, Cosmetology, Hospitality Management, Heating, HVAC/R, Industrial Maintenance or Welding program are required to provide many of their own hand tools.

Automotive Service Technology
Students must have a minimum grade of “C” and a grade point average of 2.25 for all technical concentration courses and the automotive minor program. 

Building Technology/Construction Management
Students must have a minimum grade of "C" and a grade point average of 2.25 for all technical concentration courses and the construction systems minor program.

Cosmetology
The curriculum followed is set by the State of Michigan. Students must complete 1,500 clock hours for this program; attendance is mandatory. Successful completion of this program and the 1,500 requisite clock hours qualifies graduates to take the state board test for licensure in Michigan.

Students in baccalaureate degree programs may apply up to six credits of cosmetology (COS) courses toward graduation unless otherwise prohibited.

Students in associate degree programs may apply three credits of cosmetology (COS) courses toward graduation and those in certificate programs other than cosmetology may apply two credits of these courses toward graduation unless otherwise prohibited.

Cosmetology Instructor
Students interested in completing this certification are required to have a current Michigan license in cosmetology and two years of practical experience. The State of Michigan requires 500 hours of education for this certification. A cosmetology instructor license holder can teach in all areas of the profession.

Limited Instructor
Students interested in completing this certification are required to have a current Michigan license as a cosmetologist, manicurist, natural hair culturist or esthetician. The State of Michigan requires 300 hours of education for this certification. A limited instructor license holder can only teach in the area in which they are licensed.

A limited Instructor may apply their 300 hours of instructor education toward the cosmetology Instructor license provided they hold a current cosmetology license.

Hospitality Management and Restaurant Operations
Students completing the associate or bachelor degree program must achieve a minimum grade of "C" for each required hospitality management course.

Walt Disney World College Program
The hospitality management program is affiliated with the Disney College Program at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Students accepted after an interview process with Disney have an opportunity to work at a world-renowned resort in a variety of positions and can also be enrolled in college level classes. Disney allows a maximum of two college program courses of 3 credits each per semester. Students may also enroll in online classes and internships with NMU while working at Disney. Students must have full- or part-time status with a minimum G.P.A. of 2.0. The student is required to apply with Disney and, if accepted, provide transportation to and from Disney World, Orlando, Florida. Students will earn an hourly wage and Disney will provide all housing with the cost deducted from their paycheck. For more information, contact a faculty member in the hospitality management program, the head of the Technology and Occupational Sciences Department or visit http://www.disneycollegeprogram.com.

Manufacturing Production Technician Diploma Program
The manufacturing production technician program is offered as a cohort, in cooperation with regional organizations. Admission into the program requires a high school diploma or GED, and is subject to the College of Technology and Occupational Sciences approval. Candidates may be required to participate in a personal interview as part of the final admission process.  This program is offered during select semesters.  Please contact the department for details. 906-227-2190.

 

Programs

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Bulletin Year: 2022 - 2023 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.

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Sociology and Anthropology at NMU

The Sociology and Anthropology Department offers major programs in sociology and anthropology. The department also offers minor programs in anthropology and sociology. The department also participates in the interdisciplinary minors in gender studies and international studies. (See the “Interdisciplinary and Individually Created Programs” and “International Studies” sections of this bulletin.)

The sociology program at Northern is designed to increase the understanding of human social behavior. The program emphasizes both theory and methodology, particularly as these may be brought to bear on the study of human interaction, social institutions, or analysis of contemporary social problems. Students have the opportunity to investigate a variety of areas such as crime and deviance, family, minority groups, religion and social change. The sociology major is best suited to students who intend to go to graduate school or to be employed in a position which might require skills in research, data analysis and writing. The sociology in liberal arts major is more general, and does not provide these research strengths.

Student Organization

• Student Social Work/Sociology Organization

Department Facilities and Resources

Department faculty have expertise in a range of areas within specialized fields. A full complement of library resources and audiovisual materials is available to students. The department also has microcomputer hardware and software enabling faculty and students to conduct complex applied research projects involving sophisticated data analysis and statistical procedures.

Department/Program Policies

Sociology

Programs

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Bulletin Year: 2022 - 2023 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.

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Psychology at NMU

The Department of Psychological Science promotes the discovery, communication and application of the scientific principles of psychology. The department offers courses and programs suitable for majors and minors interested in psychology, and students majoring in other areas needing or desiring psychological cognates and electives. Courses emphasize the research methodology and data of both human and lower animal behavior as well as its theoretical and applied implications. Students are encouraged to participate in the rigorous search for the how and why of behavior and the identification and potential resolution of significant problems.

The major programs in psychology can lead either to a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree. Students desiring a major in psychology choose one of three areas of emphasis: psychology, behavior analysis, or behavioral and cognitive neuroscience. The department also offers minor programs in psychology and child care services.

 

Student Organizations

• Student Psychological Association
• Psi Chi Honor Society

 

Department Facilities

The department maintains human and animal experimental laboratories, student research rooms, laboratory classrooms, computer labs, and student study areas. The department also houses the Behavior Education Assessment and Research (BEAR) Center, which provides therapeutic services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and related disorders.

 

Department/Program Policies

To apply to the psychology, psychology/behavior analysis, and behavior and cognitive neuroscience majors, all psychology courses, both transfer and NMU, must be completed with a grade of “C-” or higher. Courses comprising the psychology minor and the human services minor also must be completed with a grade of “C-” or higher.

 

Interdisciplinary Bachelor Degree Program

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

  Neuroscience Major

 

Programs

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Bulletin Year: 2022 - 2023 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.

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Political Science and Public Administration

The Political Science and Public Administration Department has three major objectives. First, the department provides students with a traditional liberal arts education. The department’s offerings in the university-wide liberal studies program create an awareness and understanding of national and international political processes. Second, the department’s professional and pre-professional programs in political science, law, public administration and education facilitate the development of talented and ethical leaders and educators. Third, the department’s faculty and students study and assist in the resolution of political and administrative problems in the local community, the Upper Peninsula region and the state.

The department offers majors in political science, public administration, political science/pre-law and paralegal. Students interested in secondary teaching must apply for admittance to and pursue the professional education emphasis along with a political science major or minor. A political science minor and a public administration minor are available and can be arranged to complement a variety of majors. An interdisciplinary major in secondary education social studies is offered by the department, along with support courses in the international studies major. See the “International Studies” section of this bulletin.

Internships in public administration and law are secured for qualified juniors and seniors. Internships are available at the local, state and national level. Competitive scholarships for student interns in the nation’s capital are provided through NMU’s Washington Center Internship Program.

Student Organizations

• College Republicans
• College Democrats
• Model United Nations Club
• Political Science Film Forum
• Political Science Symposium
• Student Law Forum
• Student Michigan Education Association

Pre-Law Advising

Pre-law students enroll in courses, work as legal interns and participate in mock trial competition and other law-related extracurricular activities. All students planning to attend law school should contact the Political Science and Public Administration Department for referral to one of our well-qualified pre-law advisers. A specific political science/pre-law major is available to students, but law schools will accept students with other majors, and our pre-law advisers will work with all students in selecting appropriate course work that prepares them for law school, in fulfilling other prerequisites for law school admission and on making application to law schools.

Department/Program Policies

Students with majors or minors in political science, public administration, or paralegal studies must maintain a grade of a “C” or above in courses for the major or minor.

Students seeking placement in an internship (PS 491) must be in good standing. Political science and public administration majors must have a grade of “C” or better in courses in the major. Students enrolled in the paralegal program must also have a first semester GPA of 3.0 and a grade of B or higher in Introduction to Law (PS 215).

Secondary Education Political Science
Students with a major or minor in secondary education political science 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).

Courses Subjects to Waiver

When courses within a major or minor are listed as subject to waiver, and the adviser has approved the waiver, the political science elective credit hours required in that block are increased by four.

Paralegal Education Programs

The department offers three excellent paralegal education programs; a paralegal associates degree, a paralegal baccalaureate degree and a paralegal post-baccalaureate certificate. Both degree curricula consist of in-depth legal specialty classes along with a general basic education. Students in this curriculum may be in college for the first time or may have some previous college experience.

The post-baccalaureate certificate program is offered for students who have already earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university. These students can usually complete the program in one year, attending full-time.

The certificate program is designed to help you build your knowledge of the profession and gain the foundational coursework to pursue a career as a paralegal or legal assistant. In this program you will explore how to communicate effectively in a legal environment, conduct legal research, and evaluate legal sources.

Our paralegal certificate program concentrates on building practical skills that could give you a competitive edge. You will apply learned concepts to relevant legal arguments and examine ethics in legal environments. Many of our professors are legal practitioners with real-world experience in legal services, law, and policy.

Role of a Paralegal
Paralegals are professionals who provide non-clerical services under the supervision of an attorney. Tasks that might be performed by paralegals include maintenance of important documents relating to lawsuits or business transactions, preparation of trial exhibits, legal research and investigation, drafting of court pleadings and legal documents, and completion of form documents. The actual practice of law is restricted to licensed attorneys. Work performed by paralegals allows attorneys to commit more time to activities that specifically require the expertise of a trained lawyer. Use of paralegals results in lower costs for legal services and greater efficiency and economy for all concerned.

Note: Michigan prohibits the practice of law by non-lawyers!

Program Goals
The primary program goal is to educate students to become career paralegals who can perform effectively in a variety of legal settings and can adapt to changes in the legal environment and law practice. The overall program goal is to prepare students for careers as paralegals working under the supervision of lawyers in the public and private sector. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes they need to become competent and ethical professional paralegals working in the delivery of legal services.

Program Objectives
Upon completion of either program, graduates should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the law, the legal and paralegal professions, and the legal process, including the use of technology, appropriate to their expected role in the legal community.
• Demonstrate the acquisition of practical, technical skills as well as basic knowledge of legal theory.
• Demonstrate competence in legal research and writing, problem analysis, and critical thinking.
• Display an awareness of ethical, moral, and social issues that contain legal implications.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the standards of conduct expected of the legal profession in general and the paralegal in particular.

Admissions Requirements
Applicants who hold a baccalaureate or higher degree and wish to pursue a post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate are considered a post-baccalaureate applicant and will be admitted to NMU providing they have graduated from an accredited college or university.

Programs

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Bulletin Year: 2022 - 2023 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.

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Physics at NMU

The Physics Department provides courses and training designed for the preparation of physics majors and minors. It also offers courses that provide the background in physics required in other curricula such as engineering, allied health sciences, biology, chemistry and education. Additionally, the department offers courses appropriate for students to meet the liberal studies foundations of natural sciences/mathematics requirement.

The department offers programs leading to a bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree in physics and secondary education physics, and minor programs in physics and physics education. The department also participates in offering a secondary education general science major. See the “Interdisciplinary and Individually Created Programs” section of this bulletin.

Students seeking careers in engineering, mathematics, chemistry, other physical sciences, and pre-professional students who have taken or will take calculus should take PH 220 and PH 221, which provide a one-year, calculus-based physics sequence with laboratory. Nonphysical science majors and other pre-professional students should plan on taking PH 201 and PH 202. This is a non-calculus-based sequence (including laboratory), which is also suitable for biology majors.

Student Organizations

• Physics Club
• Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Club
• Student Michigan Education Association

Department/Program Policies

Physics Breakage Fee

Students enrolled in a physics laboratory must pay the cost of replacement for any broken glassware, broken equipment or lost tools in excess of one dollar. Records are maintained in the Physics Department, and students are notified of any amount due after the last laboratory meeting.

Physics courses that indicate prerequisites may be taken only when the prerequisite work has been completed with a grade of “C” or higher.

Grade Point Average Requirements

A grade of “C” or better must be earned in all physics courses that apply to the non-teaching major or minor in physics.

Secondary Education Physics
Students with a major or minor in secondary education physics 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

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Bulletin Year: 2022 - 2023 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.

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Philosophy at NMU

Philosophy courses are designed to make students aware of major philosophical questions, the alternative answers proposed by philosophers and the ways answers are achieved, and to assist students in developing a view of life. In addition, philosophy courses help students achieve the goals common to all liberal arts studies.

The department offers course work leading to baccalaureate degrees in philosophy and minor programs in philosophy, applied ethics and religious studies.

Student Organization

• Student Philosophy Club

Department/Program Policies

Students are strongly encouraged to work closely with their academic advisers to create the best possible individual programs in their majors and minors and successfully meet all other requirements for graduation.

Programs

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Bulletin Year: 2022 - 2023 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.

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Program Suspended

The Practical Nursing Program has been suspended as of July 1, 2021. New students will not be accepted into this program.

Student Organization

• Student Nurses Association

Department/Program Policies

Prospective students must have a high school diploma or GED and a 2.00 high school grade point average. Practical nursing students who place lower than MA 100 Intermediate Algebra on the Northern Michigan University math placement test may be required to take remedial courses in these areas before being considered for admission.

Admission to the Practical Nursing Clinical Program

Admission to the practical nursing clinical sequence of courses is limited. The admissions committee in the School of Nursing’s Practical Nursing Department reserves the right to select students to be admitted. Admission into the clinical nursing sequence is based on the student’s cumulative grade point average in the prerequisite courses. Students who have the highest grade point average in the prerequisite courses will be admitted first until the class is filled. Not all students who have met the minimum standards will be admitted if the space is not available.

To be considered for admission into the practical nursing clinical program, students must meet the following qualifications:

1. Meet all NMU admission requirements and be in good standing.
2. Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 (C) in all the prerequisite college courses required in the program with no grade below “C.” In addition, students must have a cumulative NMU GPA of 2.00.
3. Have successfully passed all required prerequisite nursing courses after a maximum of two tries. This includes AH 102, BI 104 (or BI 207/BI 208), and HN 210 or AH 201/202 and AH 171 or CLS 171 (formerly OIS 171).

Application Deadlines

All prospective Practical Nursing students must complete and submit an application with a current unofficial transcript (available from my.nmu.edu) of grades to the Practical Nursing department by April 1 for the succeeding fall semester.

The Practical Nursing department admits a limited number of students to the practical nursing sequence each fall semester. Records and applications of all students are reviewed by the admissions committee at the end of winter semester. Students who have the highest prerequisite GPA will be admitted first until the class is filled. Students with outstanding prerequisite courses may be admitted on probationary status. Successful completion of outstanding prerequisite courses is required prior to the start of clinical courses. Students are notified of acceptance or rejection during the summer semester.

Retention in the Practical Nursing Sequence

For students to remain in the nursing sequence, they need to meet the following conditions:

1. Maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 2.00 in all nursing courses with no course below a “C” and maintain an overall Northern Michigan University grade point average of 2.00.
2. Adhere to the university’s Student Code and Practical Nursing Student Policies.
3. Demonstrate a pattern of safe clinical practice commensurate with his or her educational experience to date.
4. Successfully pass all required nursing courses after a maximum of two tries.

Practical Nursing Readmission Criteria

Practical nursing courses are sequential, and there is limited space in some courses. When a student wishes to be readmitted into the nursing sequence of courses after having a withdrawal or failure in a previously enrolled course, the student must apply for readmission to the department coordinator two months prior to the course that they wished to be admitted. This does not guarantee re-admission to the program. Based on review of your record, you may need to retake nursing courses to update knowledge.

The practical nursing student who is seeking readmission may be required to demonstrate proficiency in a series of nursing procedures that were part of the last successfully completed clinical nursing course.

Students who have failed any nursing courses more than once are ineligible for readmission. These courses include AH 107, NU 221, PN 127, PN 128, PN 137, PN 138, PN 139, and PN 140. 

Accreditation

Northern’s practical nursing program is fully accredited by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulation, State Board of Nursing.

Programs

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Bulletin Year: 2022 - 2023 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.