NMC-SDSU programs attracts local students

The appeal of obtaining a baccalaureate or masters degree without actually having to leave home is apparently beginning to become more popular among the islands’ cluster of working men and women.

A collaborative effort between Northern Marianas College and San Diego State University to offer higher education degree programs at the local campus has stirred quite an interest among local folks.

Meetings held between NMC, SDSU, and the community over a three-day period last week yielded an estimated 130 parties interested in pursuing either a baccalaureate or a masters degree program under the direction of both institutions.

According to NMC School of Education Dean Chas Algaier, prospects are high especially for the masters degree programs on Business Administration, Educational Leadership, and Curriculum and Instruction, noting the immense number of inquiries the college has received from the public.

“The interest is there. We have been receiving requests primarily from public school teachers,” said Dr. Algaier, during a press conference.

With NMC to play as host, SDSU will be facilitating the instruction of students for the undergraduate and graduate programs on Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Bachelors in Vocational Education, Masters in Business Administration, Educational Leadership, and Curriculum and Instruction.

The submission of applications will be made through the college while SDSU processes the admission of students into the program targeted to start sometime this Fall. Program organizers are eyeing at least 25 students to comprise a class, per degree program. Applications are due by June 15.

“We are offering through NMC, an assistance to individuals within the CNMI to earn their undergraduate or graduate degrees,” said Dr. Fred McFarlane, a visiting SDSU professor.

In 1998, NMC and SDSU graduated the first batch of master’s degree holders in Educational Leadership with today’s most visible education leaders under its roster.

After three years, both learning organizations are ready again to produce another batch of scholars through three modalities of instruction: intensive SDSU faculty-facilitated classroom interaction, web-based learning, and through on-island facilitators or co-instructors.

The articulation program executed between NMC and SDSU is based on a memorandum of understanding signed by both institutions, as facilitated through the SDSU Foundation, Interwork Institute, Center for Pacific Studies, a non profit corporation under the laws of the State of California in the City of San Diego.

Dr. Kenneth E. Galea’i, Co-Director/Research Coordinator under CPS, explained that SDSU over the years has made its presence felt in Pacific entities such as the CNMI, Guam, American Samoa, Palau and FSM through its Rehabilitation Continuing Education program in the development of skills and competencies .

The organization has steadfastly offered its services to organizations and institutes through research, training, technical assistance, among others.