Applied Studies Programs at NCU
Earn an applied studies bachelor’s degree through our trusted partners.
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Lay the Groundwork for Your Career
Applied Studies degrees at North Central University are collaborative academic programs offered through our partnerships with other institutions. Through an applied studies program, you can begin your education at NCU and complete specialized coursework at a respected partner college or university to earn a degree not currently available on our campus. This approach expands academic opportunities, making a bridge for you to pursue your calling as a career while still experiencing the culture and community at NCU.
If you choose to complete your Applied Studies degree at NCU, you will complete your general education requirements at NCU, experience spiritual formation in every aspect of learning and student life on campus, and graduate as an alumni of both institutions. In most cases, you will earn a bachelor’s degree from NCU in addition to an associate degree from our partner institution, building both your career skills and professional network.
- On Campus and at a Partner Institution: Complete this 124-credit program on campus as part of our Christian community with classes at a trusted local partner.
- Affordable Tuition: Explore generous financial aid options available to all residential traditional undergraduate students.
- Christ-Centered Curriculum: Define and refine your faith at NCU, where classes and student life are rooted in Scripture and nurtured in community, and model God’s love as you learn from our respected partners.
I was always challenged, encouraged, and supported by my professors at NCU before I arrived on campus. The assignments were stretching and had plenty of space for creative thinking and incorporating faith.”
Josh Chitwood, ‘15
Cinema
Applied Studies Programs at NCU
View the Academic Catalog for a full list of admission requirements and course listings.
Addiction Counseling
Prepare for a career in counseling people with addictions on their path to recovery as you work with individuals or in group settings to support recovery. This program can lay the foundation for continued education in related disciplines such as psychology, clinical counseling, mental health therapy, or applied behavior analysis.
Key career skills:
- Counseling
- Addiction diagnoses
- Case management
- Report creation
- Referral and intervention
Potential career paths:
- Addiction counselor
- Clinical counselor
- Chemical dependency specialist
You could work in a variety of settings, including treatment centers, hospitals, and schools.
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with Minneapolis College.
Arboriculture and Urban Forestry
Turn your passion for urban greenspaces into a growing career, complete with fundamental knowledge of tree biology and soil science, as well as practical skills in pruning, propagation, and plant and tree identification and care. In this program, you’ll get hands-on experience and internship opportunities before graduation and prepare for industry certifications, such as the International Society of Arborists (ISA) Certified Arborist credential.
Key career skills:
- Pruning and planting techniques
- Plant and tree identification
- Integrated pest management
- Geographic information system mapping for urban forestry
- Proper tool handling and safety
Potential career paths:
- Urban forestry technician
- Arborist
- Tree care specialist
- Environmental consultant
- Park and recreation manager
You could work in a variety of settings, including parks and recreation departments, municipal and state parks, state and national forest services, environmental consulting firms, and more.
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with Hennepin Technical College.
Architectural Technology
Develop skills in architectural drawings and 3-D renderings, practice using Autodesk Revit and Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, and deepen your understanding of landscape design. You’ll graduate with practical career skills and the fundamentals to pursue further education in architecture or a related field.
Key career skills:
- Knowledge of energy efficiency, building materials, and building codes
- Applying engineering principles, estimating, and professional practices
- Proficiency with BIM technology
- 3-D rendering
Potential career paths:
- Architectural drafter
- BIM technician
- CAD operator
- Construction estimator
You could work in a variety of settings, including fashion designer studios, manufacturers, professional theaters, alteration departments, fashion boutiques, and more.
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with Hennepin Technical College.
Art
Build a portfolio of fine arts to apply across career paths and various media. Courses in art history and various studio and digital arts will support your creative and professional goals. This program can also prepare you for further education in arts and media production.
Key career skills:
- Painting
- Drawing
- Ceramics and sculpture
- Illustration
- Printmaking
- Photography
Potential career paths:
- Advertising art director
- Illustrator
- Studio artist
- Handcrafter
- Photographer
You could work in a variety of settings, including marketing agencies, publishing houses, education, fine arts studios, and more.
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with Minneapolis College.
Cinema
Develop screenplays, film multiple genres (documentary, short film, feature), and strengthen your skills in set lighting, directing, editing software, and much more. Through relevant courses taught by experienced faculty, you’ll become a master storyteller who can combine powerful images with inspiring dialogue.
Key career skills:
- Fundamentals of cinema, including cinema history, plot, dialogue, scenes, and character development
- Writing for a variety of dramatic and nonfiction genres
- Writing, directing, editing, set lighting, storytelling, and post-production tools
- Collaborating with other filmmakers, including offering and receiving feedback
- Developing best practices in professional filming standards and expectations
Potential career paths:
- Screenwriter
- Script Reader/Analyst
- Cinematographer
- Director
- Film Editor
- Production Assistant
- Independent Producer
You could work in a variety of settings, including freelancing, film and video production houses, in-house production departments, and local and national film studios, television and cable stations, networks, and advertising agencies.
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with Minneapolis College.
Criminal Justice
The Applied Studies: Criminal Justice program will prepare you for a career in criminal justice as a law enforcement officer, correctional officer, or in the courts or probation fields. Support your training with Christian core curriculum to develop yourself spiritually, personally, and professionally.
Key career skills:
- Causes of and means to prevent crime
- The criminal justice system
- Drugs in a community
- Juvenile justice
- Family violence
- Intercultural communications
- The relationship between police officers and communities
- Processes of police, courts, and corrections departments
- How criminal justice systems work together
Potential career paths:
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Correction Officer
- Court Clerk
- Probation Officer
- Pretrial Services Officer
- Parole Officer
- Correctional Treatment Specialist
You could work in a variety of settings, including correctional institutions, criminal courts, community corrections departments, nonprofit court diversion programs.
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with Minneapolis College.
Cyber Defense
The Applied Studies: Cyber Defense program will prepare you for an in-demand career protecting organizations and individuals from cyber threats. You’ll get a taste for an evolving field and master monitoring systems, responding to incidents, and testing for weaknesses.
Key career skills:
- Encryption
- Penetration testing
- Forensics
- Network administration
- Systems design
Potential career paths:
- Information security analyst
- Network security technician
- Firewall security technician
- Cyber vulnerability analyst
You could work in a variety of settings, such as corporate IT and risk departments, cybersecurity consulting firms, governmental agencies, finance and technology firms.
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with Hennepin Technical College.
Dental Assistant
The Applied Studies: Dental Assistant Diploma program provides the necessary training to pursue a career as a dental assistant. You will receive experience in both preclinical and clinical environments and be prepared to take the certification examination by the Dental Assisting National Board and the Licensure Examination offered by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry.
Key career skills:
- Proficiency in common dental terms, equipment, and health/safety issues.
- Assisting during dental examinations and procedures
- Dental business office operations best practices
- Dental sciences, radiology, lab duties, and more
Potential career paths:
- Certified Dental Assistant
- Licensed Dental Assistant
- Dental Office Receptionist
- Dental Laboratory Technician
You could work in a variety of settings, including public and/or private dental offices, single- or multiple-provider dental clinics, general or specialty dental offices or laboratories, dental insurance companies, and dental supply companies.
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with Hennepin Technical College.
Early Childhood Education
The Applied Studies: Early Childhood Education program will prepare you to develop and lead activities in urban childcare centers, nursery schools, elementary classrooms, and afterschool programs.
Key career skills:
- Working with children and families in urban settings
- Teaching children at various developmental stages
- Implementing a variety of teaching methods
- Creating healthy, respectful, and challenging learning environments
- Maintaining respectful and supportive relationships with families
- Designing and implementing developmentally and culturally appropriate activities and curriculum
Potential career paths:
- Child Care Worker
- Child Care Center Director
- Para-Educator in Preschool or Elementary School
- Instructional Coordinator
- Special Education Para-Educator
- Teacher Aide
You could work in a variety of settings, including childcare centers, family support agencies, public schools, afterschool programs or head start, nursery schools or preschools, childcare resource agencies, child life programs in hospitals, and private households.
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with Minneapolis College.
Fashion Design Technologies
Gain hands-on training in designing and manufacturing apparel and costuming from concepting and rendering through fitting and alterations. Through this partnership, you’ll develop the creative and technical skills to turn your talent into wearable art, supported by NCU’s whole-person approach to spiritual formation that feeds creativity.
Key career skills:
- Pattern making
- Alterations
- Design and manufacturing
- Tailoring and fittings
- Textile manipulation
Potential career paths:
- Fashion designer
- Pattern maker
- Tailor
- Costume designer
- Stylist
You could work in a variety of settings, including fashion designer studios, manufacturers, professional theaters, alteration departments, fashion boutiques, and more.
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with Minneapolis College.
Graphic Design and Web Design
Bring the world to life in print and on screens big and small with training in graphic design and web design, starting with the fundamentals of color theory, typography, and proficiency in design tools. Apply these skills in designing websites, marketing materials, digital content creation, and more.
Key career skills:
- Product and packaging design
- Typography and typesetting
- Graphic design
- Digital content creation
- Web design
Potential career paths:
- Graphic designer
- Web designer
- Art director
- Production artist
You could work in a variety of settings, including creative and marketing agencies, web development firms, in-house creative teams, communications and PR departments, and many more.
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with Hennepin Technical College.
Health Services: Broad Field
Develop a working knowledge of nutrition, human anatomy and physiology, and the role of microbes in disease. In this partnership program, you’ll explore social, psychological, and ethical factors that impact health and healthcare while supported by NCU’s Christ-centered community.
Key career skills:
- Health communication
- Scientific reasoning
- Fundamental knowledge of disease prevention
- Understanding of the drivers of health
- Food safety best practices
Potential career paths:
- Dental hygienist
- Health and wellness coordinator
- Food safety liaison
- Health educator
You could work in a variety of settings, including schools, restaurants and catering, public health agencies, dental and medical offices, and more.
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with Minneapolis College.
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration
Improve home and business environments through technical expertise in climate control. Diagnose problems, perform repairs, and conduct maintenance on residential and commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
Key career skills:
- Diagnose and conduct maintenance on residential and commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
- Understand Minnesota Energy Code requirements and diagnostic procedures.
- Fabricate sheet metal and copper, as well as plastic and steel piping.
- Work with advanced electrical controls, heat recovery ventilators, air-cleaning devices, air-measurement equipment, and carbon-monoxide testing.
- Operate advanced indoor-air-quality technologies and commercial and residential heat pumps.
Potential career paths:
- HVACR Service Technician
- Commercial Refrigeration Service Technician
- HVACR Equipment and Parts Salesperson
- Indoor Air Quality Specialist
- HVACR Building Maintenance Specialist
You could work in a variety of settings, including HVACR residential service companies, HVACR commercial service companies, gas utilities, commercial buildings, and HVACR equipment sales companies.
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with Minneapolis College.
Human Services
Deepen your understanding and practice of compassionate human services and prepare for a career working with people to promote healthy and socially fulfilling lives. This program can help you gain real-world field experience and prepare for further education in a related field such as social work, youth and family services, elder care, clinical counseling, and more.
Key career skills:
- Communication and interviewing
- Promoting systems change
- Case management
- Group counseling theory and practice
- Pre-social work fundamentals
Potential career paths:
- Casework specialist
- Addictions counselor assistant
- Social services technician
You could work in a variety of settings, including public health agencies, community centers, medical and hospice facilities, and more.
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with Minneapolis College.
IT Support
Learn key skills in troubleshooting and maintaining information technology hardware and software across a range of industries. In this program, you’ll gain hands-on experience supporting real people and organizations and prepare for industry certifications such as Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate, CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+.
Key career skills:
- Networking
- Hardware and software maintenance
- Customer service
- Communicating IT concepts
- Information systems proficiency
Potential career paths:
- IT support specialist
- Computer network support specialist
- IT service desk technician
You could work in a variety of settings, including in-house IT support departments, consulting and service firms, independent IT support, providing both responsive and preventative services.
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with Hennepin Technical College.
Landscape Design and Construction
Grow your future with foundational knowledge of horticulture and advanced skills in landscape design and construction, greenhouse operations, arboriculture and more. Learn in real construction settings and apply what you learn to make residential and business environments more beautiful, accessible, and sustainable.
Key career skills:
- Identify plants and recommended uses.
- Operate landscape equipment safely and efficiently.
- Use hand tools safely and efficiently.
- Interpret blueprints and landscape plans.
- Create complete landscape plans using CAD software.
Potential career paths:
- Landscape designer
- CAD technician
- Groundskeeper
You could work in a variety of settings, including landscaping and construction firms, groundskeeping teams, parks and recreation departments, schools and university campuses, and more.
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with Hennepin Technical College.
Landscape/Horticulture
Gain the skills and expertise to manage plant life and production at every step of the life cycle, from soil preparation and propagation through maintenance and harvest. This program will prepare you for a career in horticulture, prepared to manage greenhouse operations, lead a nursery or farm, and maintain both food and ornamental gardens at scale.
Key career skills:
- Propagation
- Greenhouse and nursery management
- Designing flowerbeds
- Identifying and solving problems in trees
- Safe of garden and landscape chemicals
Potential career paths:
- Greenhouse manager
- Landscaping installer
- Tree inspector
You could work in a variety of settings, including agricultural extensions, garden and tree retailers and wholesalers, farms and professional gardens, parks and recreation departments, municipal teams, and anywhere plants are cared for.
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with Hennepin Technical College.
Network Administration
Develop in-demand skills to maintain the organization, security, and functionality network and computer systems. This program will train you in evolving technology and give you hands-on experience in network problem solving to keep your future employer or clients working securely and confidently.
Key career skills:
- Network configuration
- Monitoring
- Troubleshooting
- Security measures
- Hardware maintenance
Potential career paths:
- Computer information systems manager
- Computer systems analyst
- Information security analyst
You could work in a variety of settings, including corporate and small businesses, government agencies, schools and universities, consulting firms, or entrepreneurship.
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with Hennepin Technical College.
Peace Officer and Public Safety
Learn to respond to communities with cultural awareness and respect in emergencies and following alleged crimes. This program will prepare you to pursue roles in criminal justice and public safety with real-world, evidence-based training.
Key career skills:
- Tactical skills and strategies
- Cultural competence
- Interpersonal communication
- Emergency response
- Critical thinking
Potential career paths:
- Peace officer
- First responder
- Criminal and traffic law enforcement
You could work in a variety of settings, including police departments and other law enforcement agencies, private security firms, and more.
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with Hennepin Technical College.
Software Development
Lay the foundation for a future in software development with rigorous coursework, internship opportunities, and real-world problem solving. This program will prepare you to develop and maintain software in multiple operating system environments including Windows, Linux, and Cisco. You’ll graduate with proficiency in Agile, Full-Stack, Java, Python, and JavaScript.
Key career skills:
- Programming languages
- Operating systems
- Basic coding
- Software design
- Communication
Potential career paths:
- Software developer
- Computer programer
- Software quality assurance analyst/tester
You could work in a variety of settings, including software companies, in-house software and product development teams, programming consultancy firms, manufacturer testing and quality assurance departments, and more.
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with Hennepin Technical College.
Welding and Metal Fabrication
Gain real-world training for work in the welding and construction industries. In this program, you will work toward welding certification in accordance with the American Welding Society Standards and prepare for entry-level employment in manufacturing or construction.
Key career skills:
- Current welding and metal fabrication processes
- Shop safety and safe work practices, blueprint reading, applied math, and general fabrication methods
- Welding steel, stainless steel, and aluminum with GMAW and GTAW processes
- Computer-controlled plasma cutter, press brake, and robotic welding systems
Potential career paths:
- Welder
- Solderer
- Metal Fabricator
- Plumbers or Pipefitter
- General Construction Worker
- Machine Operator
You could work in a variety of settings, including manufacturing shops, metal fabrication companies, or your own business.
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with Minneapolis College.
Program Highlights
Prepare for Career Success
Expand Your Community
Gain Hands-on Experience
Prepare for Career Success
We have selected our Applied Studies programs because they provide a clear pathway to career skills and/or licensure, so you’re prepared professionally.
Expand Your Community
Graduates of applied studies programs join NCU’s vibrant Christ-centered community, as well as a network of dedicated peers and instructors at our partner institutions.
Gain Hands-on Experience
NCU prioritizes experiential learning, and our partners provide real-world training in downtown Minneapolis and the Twin Cities.
Learn From Industry Experts
Seasoned, credentialed faculty share their expansive worship leadership experience and a commitment to support students as you pursue your calling.
Our Academic Partners
FAQs
Can I live on campus as an Applied Studies student?
Yes, students of our applied studies programs live on campus. These undergraduate programs include career-focused classes from a partner school in addition to NCU’s Christ-centered core curriculum, spiritual formation, and student life opportunities on campus. We want you to experience the best of both worlds as you pursue your calling.
Do Applied Studies students qualify for financial aid?
Yes! As residential undergraduates, applied studies students can apply for and receive financial aid. All residential undergraduate students at NCU receive financial aid of some kind. Learn more about financial aid online.
What if I want to take electives that NCU offers during my education?
You’re welcome to take electives offered at NCU while enrolled in an Applied Studies program. All students must complete the General Education Core and Christian Studies Core. You need 124 total credit hours, including 36 upper-level credit hours, to complete an Applied Studies degree. Find more information about program requirements and core courses in the Academic Catalog.
Applied Studies students often explore other subjects through completing a minor. This is a great opportunity to build relationships with students and faculty who share your interests and calling. As with our other degree programs, these can affect your graduation timeline, so we encourage all students to communicate with an admissions counselor or advisor about your course schedule.
Ready to Learn More?
Get more details about this program, connect with an admissions counselor, and discover how North Central University can support your goals.