Degree and Certificate Programs

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General Information

The academic programs offered by Mercer County Community College are among the most diversified and comprehensive in the country. Included are transfer programs that prepare students for entry into baccalaureate programs and career programs that prepare students for immediate employment after graduation.

The terms "transfer" or "career" simply describe the primary objective of the program. Many transfer graduates have been successful in gaining employment upon graduation. Many graduates of career programs have been successful in transferring to four-year colleges, with many of their MCCC credits being accepted.

In general, both kinds of degree programs require no more than 66 credits for graduation.

More general information about
faculty educational philosophy
transfer programs
career programs

General Education

Because Mercer is committed to promoting intellectual development, aesthetic appreciation, and cultural awareness, every program of study includes a general education component. This component, addressed through a variety of courses, focuses on reading analytically, communicating ideas clearly, solving problems, and developing a broad base of knowledge. Students are given the opportunity to develop analytical, synthetic/creative, and evaluative thinking; scientific reasoning; artistic response and expression; historical consciousness; cultural awareness; and sensitivity to the contemporary world.

Approved General Education Courses
General Education Policy

Transfer Programs (A.A., A.F.A., A.S.)

Transfer degree (A.A., A.F.A., or A.S.) programs are designed primarily to enable students to enter the third year of baccalaureate study at four-year colleges. The largest student enrollments in transfer degree programs are in humanities and social science, business administration, education, criminal justice, and nursing. Other transfer degree programs range from architecture, communication and visual arts to engineering science and plant science.

For many students, the transfer experience is made easier by "dual admission" and "program articulation" agreements between Mercer and other colleges.

More information about transferring after Mercer

Career Programs (A.A.S.)

Career degree (A.A.S.) programs are designed primarily to prepare graduates for entry-level employment in an occupation which requires both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Mercer has A.A.S. programs as varied as accounting, aviation, chef apprenticeship, electronics, ornamental horticulture, microcomputer systems administration, television, funeral service, and computer graphics.

Two engineering technology programs function both as transfer degree and career degree programs, with slightly more than half of all graduates transferring to four-year technology programs and others finding employment. Many employed students use career programs to gain advanced positions in their chosen field or to change careers. Some other A.A.S. programs also provide a basis for transfer to four-year colleges; a student may lose credits, however, if he or she transfers to an unrelated program of study.

Other Non-Degree Choices

Many students enroll at Mercer for purposes other than earning a degree or certificate. The college offers four enrollment categories for such students:

• Other college -- Students take courses at Mercer to fulfill program requirements at another college.
• Job Related -- Students take courses specifically selected to enhance knowledge and skills for current or future employment.
• Exploratory -- Students are undecided about which degree or certificate program they intend to pursue. They may take courses from several program areas to help them select.
• Personal -- Students take courses for other reasons. Advisors at each campus help non-degree students select courses.

Special Program:

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Mercer offers a comprehensive program for students who are learning English as a second language. The multilevel sequence consists of two pre-credit and eight credit courses that emphasize grammar, speech, reading and writing skills. The free ESL placement test, arranged through the ESL Learning Center, should be completed at least two weeks before registration for classes.

The noncredit preparatory courses are offered through the English Language Institute (ELI) at the James Kerney and West Windsor campuses. Contact ELI at the James Kerney Campus or the ESL Learning Center at the West Windsor Campus for further information.

ESL overview brochure (PDF)
More information about ESL programs
ESL course descriptions
suggested course sequence

Special Program:

LPN-RN Advanced Placement

The LPN-RN advanced placement option offers licensed practical nurses (LPNs) the opportunity to gain experiential credit for their LPN license and receive credit for Fundamental Concepts of Nursing (NRS 110). Applicants must possess a high school diploma (or equivalent), have graduated from an accredited LPN school, possess a valid New Jersey LPN license and complete all the prerequisite course requirements for the nursing curriculum.

Admission to the professional phase of the program requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a passing score on the HESI Admission Assessment Exam. Six credits are given for Fundamental Concepts of Nursing (NRS 110). The student is then able to enroll in Alterations in Health I (NRS 120), Alterations in Health II (NRS 121), or Concepts of Mental Health Nursing (NRS 123). Students must earn a minimum grade of C in all nursing, science, and mathematics courses to graduate.

Please note that admission to either of the LPN-RN Advanced Placement program options are on a space available basis only.

Students who complete the college's Nursing program earn the Associate in Science (A.S.) degree and eligibility to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses (RNs).

Special Program:

Cooperative Education

Cooperative education integrates textbook and classroom learning with work experience. Several academic programs offer cooperative education components. The program affords many advantages to students who are able to earn an income while attending college and earn college credits for their cooperative education experiences. In addition, many graduates find employment easier to obtain if they have had prior work experiences.

A successful co-op experience requires careful delineation of learning objectives and employer willingness to support them. The college assists students in defining objectives and obtaining co-op positions.