Applied Studies
Applied Studies is a collaborative academic program where our university partners with other institutions to offer majors we do not provide directly. Through this partnership, students can begin their education here, at North Central, and then complete specialized coursework at a partner university to earn a degree in a field not currently available on our campus. This approach expands academic opportunities, allowing students to pursue their desired careers while still experiencing the culture and community at North Central.
Majors
Addiction Counseling
North Central University’s Applied Studies: Addiction Counseling program emphasizes the importance of interpersonal and cross-cultural communications, prepares you for Minnesota Alcohol and Drug Counselor licensure.
Partner School: Minneapolis College
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Apparel Technologies
An Apparel Technologies major focuses on the design, production, and technical aspects of clothing and textile manufacturing, blending creativity with practical skills in garment construction and fashion technology.
Partner School: Minneapolis College
Architectural Technology
Students in the Architectural Technology Program will learn how to design buildings with building information modeling (BIM) and computer-aided design (CAD) technology.
Partner School: Minneapolis College
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Art
After studying Art, students will have knowledge of art and art history from a multitude of places and time periods. Some areas of study include drawing, painting, design, photography, sculpting, and ceramics.
Partner School: Minneapolis College
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Cinema
The Cinema program will teach you how to develop screenplays, film multiple genres (documentary, short film, feature), and strengthen your skills in set lighting, directing, editing software, and much more.
Partner School: Minneapolis College
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Criminal Justice
The 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.
Partner School: Minneapolis College
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Cyber Defense
The Cyber Defense program will prepare students and give them the knowledge on how to keep IT systems secure and safe.
Partner School: Hennepin Technical College
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Dental Assistant
The Dental Assistant Diploma program provides the necessary training to pursue a career as a dental assistant. Students 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.
Partner School: Hennepin Technical College
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Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education program will prepare you to develop and lead activities in urban childcare centers, nursery schools, elementary classrooms, and after school programs.
Partner School: Minneapolis College
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Graphic Design - Creative
Graphic Design students will use their creative skills through technology and digital media to tell a story. This field leads to many exciting experiences in different areas.
Partner School: Hennepin Technical College
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Graphic Design - Web Design
Graphic Design students will use their creative skills and knowledge of art to transform digital spaces, specifically looking at web design and how they can creatively tell a story.
Partner School: Hennepin Technical College
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Health Sciences Broad Field
The Health Sciences Broad Field program will give each student a broad range of knowledge in the health sciences areas. Some areas of study include Exercise Sciences, Nursing, and Biology-Allied Health.
Partner School: Minneapolis College
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Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC)
The HVAC Diploma program will train you to diagnose problems, perform repairs, and conduct maintenance on residential and commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
Partner School: Minneapolis College
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Human Services
The Human Services program provides the necessary training to pursue a career in serving the community. This degree will equip you to help advocate for those with social, emotional, physical, or developmental challenges.
Partner School: Minneapolis College
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IT Support
The IT Support program provides lots of hands-on experience to get students prepared for a variety of IT-related roles.
Partner School: Hennepin Technical College
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Landscape Design & Construction
The Landscape Design & Construction will either give you a variety of knowledge in the areas of landscape, horticulture, and more or it will hone the information you already have in these areas to help you turn your knowledge into a successful business.
Partner School: Hennepin Technical College
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Network Administrator/Analyst
The Network Administrator/Analyst program will prepare students to problem-solve and communicate clearly and effectively in network system-type settings.
Partner School: Hennepin Technical College
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Organizational Business Support
In the Organizational Business Support program, students will learn essential administrative, communication, and technology skills that support efficient business operations and contribute to the success of teams and organizations.
Partner School: Hennepin Technical College
Peace Officer and Public Safety
In the Peace Officer and Public Safety program, students will learn about law enforcement procedures, criminal justice systems, community engagement, and the skills needed to protect and serve the public with integrity and professionalism.
Partner School: Hennepin Technical College
Practical Nursing LPN
In the Practical Nursing program, students will learn foundational nursing skills, patient care techniques, and medical knowledge needed to support health and wellness across diverse clinical settings. Upon completion of the program, students will have obtained their practical nursing license (LPN).
Partner School: Hennepin Technical College
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Residential Remodeling and Design
In the Residential Remodeling and Design program, students will learn how to plan, design, and execute home renovation projects, gaining skills in construction techniques, interior design, and project management.
Partner School: Hennepin Technical College
Software Developer
In the Software Developer program, students will learn how to design, code, test, and maintain software applications using modern programming languages and development tools.
Partner School: Hennepin Technical College
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Urban Forestry Technician
In the Urban Forestry Technician program, students will learn how to care for and manage trees in urban environments, gaining skills in tree identification, pruning, planting, pest management, and environmental conservation.
Partner School: Hennepin Technical College
Welding and Metal Fabrication
The Welding and Metal Fabrication program provides real-world training for work in the welding and construction industries. Students in this program will work toward welding certification in accordance with the American Welding Society Standards. This degree will help students gain entry-level employment in manufacturing or construction.
Partner School: Minneapolis College
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Want to learn more?
Download the one sheet!
Simply fill in your info on the form to download the informational one sheet that covers:
- An overview of the program
- Classes you’ll take
- Exciting jobs you can get after graduation
Interested in earning an Applied Studies degree?
What sets us apart
Partnership with Hennepin Technical College
Learn about our partnership with one of the region's best technical schools.
Read more. HideOur Hennepin Technical College partnership gives you access to courses, resources, and expert faculty
By partnering with Hennepin Technical College, we can offer you access to career specific courses and training, opportunities to gain real-world experience, and expert faculty.
Hennepin Technical College is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, Hennepin Technical College offers a wide range of learning opportunities and has access to many 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 is fulfilling, meaningful, and rewarding.
In the Applied Studies Program, you’ll take career-specific courses at Hennepin Technical College, accounting for 30-50% of the credits towards your bachelor’s degree.
The Applied Studies program may not be VA benefit eligible. Please contact Student Financial Services to learn more.
North Central community
Join North Central’s spirit-filled, faithful, supportive community.
Read more. HideGet all the benefits of 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 you need for any career field.
Partnership with Minneapolis College
Learn about our partnership with one of the region's best technical schools.
Read more. HideOur Minneapolis College partnership gives you access to courses, resources, and expert faculty
By partnering with Minneapolis College, we can offer you access to career specific courses and training, opportunities to gain real-world experience, and expert faculty.
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 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 is fulfilling, meaningful, and rewarding.
In the Applied Studies Program, you’ll take career-specific courses at Minneapolis College, accounting for 30-50% of the credits towards your bachelor’s degree.
The Applied Studies program may not be VA benefit eligible. Please contact Student Financial Services to learn more.
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, including 36 upper-level credit hours) to complete an Applied Studies: Community Development degree.