A student in an Applied Studies class.

Applied Studies

In this section

Applied Studies at a glance

North Central University’s Applied Studies program offers dual-degree options in a variety of fields, all in partnership with Minneapolis College. In this program, you’ll earn a bachelor’s degree in Applied Studies from North Central and an associate’s degree from Minneapolis College while preparing for a fulfilling career in a high-demand vocational field. You’ll experience all of the benefits of being in the NCU community, including our spiritual atmosphere and vibrant student life, while benefiting from the career-specific resources from and taking your vocational major courses at Minneapolis College.

What sets us apart

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Vocational training

Get practical, relevant training in a high-demand vocational field.

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Our Applied Studies program focuses on preparing you for success in a fulfilling career.

Our Applied Studies program, in partnership with Minneapolis College, gives you opportunities to focus on gaining the knowledge, skills, and hands-on training you need to pursue a job in a high-demand vocational field and find success in a fulfilling career.

By earning a liberal arts bachelor’s degree from North Central University and a career specific associate’s degree simultaneously from Minneapolis College, you’ll be a well-rounded, highly-skilled, marketable employee when you graduate. The broad worldview and critical thinking skills you’ll gain at North Central, along with the training and experience you’ll receive at Minneapolis College, will help you land that first job right out of college and will give you opportunities to pursue a calling that’s professionally and personally rewarding.

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North Central community

Join North Central’s spirit-filled, faithful, supportive community.

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Get all the benefits of joining our Christian community

One of the best things about being a North Central University student is joining our spirit-filled, faithful, vibrant urban community. In the Applied Studies program, you’ll be a full NCU student, meaning you’ll live on campus, attend daily chapel with your friends and classmates, find mentors in NCU professors, and participate in student organizations and events.

Plus, you’ll get all the benefits of a well-rounded Christian liberal arts education. You’ll take the Christian Studies Core (and graduate with a Christian Studies minor) just like all North Central students. You’ll also take general education courses and electives at North Central. The Christian liberal arts education that North Central provides will prepare you with a firmly rooted faith, a broad and informed worldview, cultural and global awareness, and the critical thinking skills needed for every career field.

Partnership with MCTC

Learn about our partnership with one of the region's best technical schools.

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Our MCTC partnership gives you access to courses, resources, and experts in a variety of career fields

By partnering with Minneapolis College, we can offer you access to vocation-specific courses and training, opportunities to gain real-world experience, and expert faculty in a variety of career fields.

Minneapolis College is a public two-year college located in downtown Minneapolis. As a part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, Minneapolis College offers a wide range of learning opportunities and has access to many excellent, state-of-the-art, and unique resources.

These resources will prepare you with the skills and knowledge you need to find your first job out of college, succeed in your career, and pursue a calling that’s fulfilling, meaningful, and rewarding.

In the Applied Studies program, you’ll take your vocation-specific courses at MCTC, accounting for 20-40% of the credits towards your bachelor’s degree (depending on the program).

The Applied Studies program may not be VA benefit eligible. Please contact Student Financial Services to learn more.

A classroom discussion at North Central University.
Education Services Engineer, JAMF Software

Dale Houghton ‘12
Woodbury, MN

"The student to professor ratio is wonderful. I loved that the professors not only knew who I was, but took a vested interest in my life and career, encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone to advance my career."

Requirements

All students must complete the General Education Core and Christian Studies Core. General electives may be added or an optional minor may be selected. You need 124 total credit hours to complete an Applied Studies degree.