Niles Campus Degrees
Degree and Certificate Programs on the Niles Campus
Southwestern Michigan College's Niles Campus is proud to offer degrees and certificates that can put you on the path toward a rewarding career. Browse the programs below, then fill out the free application to get started.
Flexible Courses
SMC offers evening, online, and hybrid format class options. Reach out to your advisor to learn about the options available for specific programs.
General Studies
Associate in Arts Degree
The Associate in Arts degree is a transfer degree designed to help a student complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. An Associate in Arts SMC meets many of the general education requirements of four-year colleges and universities. Because core courses in many fields are fairly standard across the country, credits transfer easily to other institutions. The Associate in Arts degree is a smart way to save money on a four-year degree.
Many four-year programs can be started at SMC. Speak with an advisor to get the details about the school and degree you’d like to transfer to.
Business
Associate in Applied Science Degree
This degree can be used as the first step in a career ladder or to enable persons who are already employed to move up to a mid-level management position with their current employer. It can also be coupled with other professional skills or certificates to allow graduates to move to management positions. Possible careers include administrative assistants, office managers, clerks, banking, marketing, and finance.
Criminal Justice
Associate in Applied Science Degree
Dream of a career in law, criminal justice, or crime scene investigation? Hands-on learning in simulated crime scenes, demonstrations such as SWAT and K9 drills, and instruction from real professionals in SMC’s CJ program will give you all the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to pursue a career in criminal justice or for advanced study in law school. After completing the AAS in Criminal Justice on SMC’s Niles Campus, students can transfer to the Dowagiac campus to earn a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University.
Health Services (Nursing Track)
Associate in Arts Degree
Get a jump-start on a nursing degree by taking all your of your pre-requisite classes at the Niles Campus. Full-time students can complete the program in just one year. After completing the pre-requisite classes you can move to the Dowagiac campus to earn a nursing degree. This program is also a great way to start an education in science or allied health professions such as phlebotomy, cardiology, or anesthesia. Coursework includes introductory science classes like biology, chemistry, and human anatomy and the basic math, English, and general education courses required for every degree.
Robotics
Associate in Applied Science Degree and Certificate
Robotics combines electrical, mechanical, telecommunications, and computer engineering to design and run robotic manufacturing equipment. A mechatronics engineer unites these fields to create a simpler, more economical, and reliable manufacturing system.
Students will learn to install, maintain, program, operate, and repair robotic equipment. Subject matter covers hydraulics, pneumatics, and welding, as well as networked controllers and interactive web-based asset management.
Classrooms contain real manufacturing equipment such as live industrial robots, Human-Machine Interface (HMI), and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).
Welding Technology
Associate in Applied Science Degree and Certificate
Welding is an important aspect of the manufacturing process. Career opportunities include: welder (MIG, TIG, stick) fitters, welding inspector, production welding, maintenance welding, welding machine setters, and set-up operators. Both the Welding Technology degree and certificate are designed to develop marketable welding skills and include instruction in such areas as quality control, process control, and problem solving, as well as experience using the newest technology.
