Degree and Certificate Planning

Students attend NPC for many different reasons. While some students take classes just for fun or to brush up on skills, many students are pursuing Associates degrees or Certificates of Applied Science or Proficiency with the College. If you are a degree or certificate-seeking student, your academic advisor can help make sure you are on the right track.

A few things to know about degrees and certificates at NPC:

NPC uses a computer Degree Audit system. Degree Audit lets the advisor show you exactly what courses are required for any degree NPC offers. It also allows the advisor to show you how credits you have already accumulated will apply to your degree intention.
When you meet with your advisor to begin a Degree or Certificate program, the advisor will send a Degree Notification to the Registrar.

Make sure to let your advisor know if you are applying for Federal Financial Aid.
One of the requirements to receive financial aid (Pell Grant) is that you be pursuing a degree. If you are applying for financial aid, your advisor will also need to send your Degree Notification to the NPC Financial Aid Office.
All students pursuing a Degree or Certificate of Applied Science need to participate in the NPC placement system. We use a computer placement instrument called COMPASS. COMPASS placement determines where you begin in Math, English and General Education courses. Please contact your advisor for more information regarding the NPC placement system.
You may change your degree plan with the College whenever you like. You should realize, however, that if you do change your degree plan, some of the courses you have already taken may not apply to your new degree. To see the degree options at NPC and what courses are involved for each degree, see your advisor or check the NPC Catalog.
Your advisor can give you a copy of your degree plan. Put your plan in a safe place--you can use it to fill in classes you have completed and track your progress toward graduation!