New policy will help community college grads earn four-year degree at Northwestern College

Northwestern College is making it easier for community college graduates to earn a bachelor’s degree at NWC.

Beginning this fall, students who have an Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will automatically meet all of the Northwestern Core, or general education, requirements—with the exception of one Christian Story course and one Senior Seminar course. And if a student has taken a religion course equivalent to Northwestern’s Christian Story course, then that requirement is met as well.

“With Northwestern’s new policy, transfer students don’t have to worry about losing the credits they’ve worked hard to earn,” says Mark Bloemendaal, vice president for enrollment and marketing. “We will accept the entire associate’s degree as meeting our general education requirement. That way they can start right in on the requirements for their major, learning from world-class faculty in programs that prepare them for a career and a life of significance.”

Northwestern’s new policy will give an advantage to students who choose to finish their bachelor’s degree at NWC. It will also aid non-traditional students enrolled in two Northwestern online programs: the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood program and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for registered nurses. Both of those programs require applicants to have an associate’s degree.

Dr. Alethea Stubbe, president of Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon, Iowa, says students at her institution and others will benefit from the change in how Northwestern works with transfers.

“I’m delighted with Northwestern’s commitment to partner with community colleges,” she says. “This seamless transfer of courses will make it easier for our graduates who want a bachelor’s degree to achieve their educational and career goals.”

To learn more about Northwestern’s new transfer policy, visit nwciowa.edu/transfer.