What Is the Michigan Transfer Agreement?

At NMU, your past accomplishments matter. One way we reward transfer students for their determination and discipline is through the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA). Created by Michigan community colleges and universities, the MTA agreement makes general education credits earned at a state community college more easily transferable to a four-year college or university.

It’s one of the ways NMU transfer students can achieve their academic goals faster.

Transfer Credit Resources

Who Is Eligible to Use the Michigan Transfer Agreement at NMU?

To complete the MTA, you must finish at least 30 credits of approved coursework with a GPA of at least 2.0 in each course. Community colleges determine which specific courses count as part of the MTA. NMU encourages you to review your college’s approved MTA course list. 

When you meet the requirements of the MTA at your community college, “Michigan Transfer Agreement Satisfied” or similar language should appear on your official transcript.

Check Your Transfer Credits

MTA Agreement Course Requirements

Generally, the course requirements to satisfy the MTA are:

  • Two courses in English composition or one course in English composition and one course in communications.
  • Two social science courses from two different disciplines.
  • Two courses in humanities and/or fine arts, excluding studio and performance courses, from two different disciplines.
  • Two natural science courses, including at least one with a laboratory experience, from two different disciplines.
  • One college-level course in mathematics.

Your community college advising office, transfer coordinator or registrar can help evaluate your MTA progress. You are responsible for requesting that your community college send your official transcript to NMU for admission purposes.

Transfer Course Guide

NMU Transfer Requirements and the MTA Agreement

As an MTA signatory, NMU considers students who have “Michigan Transfer Agreement Satisfied” posted on an official community college transcript to have met NMU’s General Education Program requirements.

You still must complete all other graduation requirements to earn a degree at NMU. These include courses listed as “other required courses” that are part of NMU’s General Education Program. 

NMU Graduation Requirements

NMU Undergraduate Catalog

NMU Admissions Can Help You Plan Your Transfer to NMU

NMU gives transfer students like you the support you need to make enrollment as smooth as possible. NMU transfer admission counselors look beyond the checklist to build the most efficient path to earning a degree that helps you contribute, lead and grow.

Frequently Asked Questions About NMU’s Michigan Transfer Agreement

The MTA makes transferring to a four-year school more predictable and convenient. Students know that if they complete an approved block of coursework at a Michigan community college, they can then use it to satisfy a portion of the lower-division General Education Program requirements at NMU.

Yes. NMU considers students transferring from a Michigan community college with “Michigan Transfer Agreement Satisfied” on an official transcript to have met NMU’s General Education Program requirements. 

Not always. While a strong option for transfer students, the MTA route may not be the best fit for all majors or programs because of course sequencing and prerequisite requirements. Students should speak with both their community college advisers and NMU transfer admission counselors before assuming it is the best option for their intended program.

Request an Unofficial Credit Evaluation

Students can review NMU transfer resourcesthe Undergraduate Catalog, Michigan Transfer Pathways information and NMU’s transfer credit evaluation materials. They can also connect directly with an NMU transfer admission counselor for guidance tailored to their program and previous coursework.

Request an Unofficial Credit Evaluation

Contact a Counselor