Academics Overview

With dedicated faculty and a winning strategy for student success, Southwestern Michigan College will help students build a solid academic foundation for their educational future.

SMC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

At SMC you can choose a curriculum that leads to one of three Associate degrees, certificates in a specialized field or choose from a number of selected courses.

SMC awards two-year Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees. Both are highly transferable to many four-year colleges and universities. Check out our Transfer Advising Center for additional information on how our courses transfer to four-year colleges or universities.

SMC also awards a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree that is designed primarily as a workforce preparation degree.

Through our occupational certificate and specialty certificate programs, students can enroll in specialized training programs that can take from four months to one year to complete.

Courses at SMC are delivered in several formats in addition to the traditional classroom experience. We offer hybrid and online course opportunities. Hybrid courses combine face-to-face instruction with online computer based learning while online courses provide a convenient alternative for students to use to fit a course around their schedules, and work from the comfort and convenience of home, office or campus computer labs. Use our online Schedule of Classes to view our course offerings.

Varying length terms are also available including Early End courses which start at the same time as a traditional term but end mid-way through a traditional term. Mid-Semester classes which begin seven weeks into the regular term and end during finals week are also available which allow students to take additional credit hours during fall and winter terms.

Additionally, SMC has teamed up with two top colleges, Ferris State University and Bethel College, to offer students the chance to complete one of six bachelor’s degrees and two master’s degrees right here on the campuses of SMC. Visit the University Center at SMC located in the Dale A. Lyons Building at the Dowagiac Campus to work collaboratively with these partner colleges and universities to plan all four years of college.

So, no matter what your academic desires are, SMC can be the springboard to your future.