NPC_president_messageNorthland Pioneer College

Community colleges play a vital role in training America’s workforce. That is why Northland Pioneer College offers direct-to-work career training in 17 areas of study, with 52 areas of specialization. However, some careers require additional levels of education — a bachelor’s or higher degree. That’s why NPC also offers general education courses that make up the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC). This block of 35- 36 credits is guaranteed to transfer to all three Arizona public universities and most private ones as well. The AGEC provides the foundation for five NPC transfer degrees.

This latest issue of NPC’s CareerFocus magazine takes a look at some of the courses that make up the AGEC and the highly qualified professors — all of whom have at least a master’s degree in their field — who teach them. NPC courses cover the exact same material as those at a university. Combine NPC’s smaller class sizes — which has been shown to improve student success rates — with the state’s lowest tuition — and you’ve saved almost a year’s university tuition by completing your general education credits at NPC.

Enrolling in NPC classes is the first step to transforming your life. Completing that first class is a huge leap forward. It is my hope that you will be inspired to become one of the thousands of students who have transformed their lives with the education they received at NPC. I encourage you to explore our online schedule (www.npc.edu/class-schedule), which is constantly updated to reflect available courses. Our website (www.npc.edu) is also filled with additional information about college events, programs and services. You’re always welcome to stop by any of NPC’s nine locations, where our friendly, knowledgeable staff can help you meet your career and educational goals.

— Dr. Jeanne Swarthout, President