General Education

Because of its commitment to the total development of the individual, West Virginia Northern Community College requires all students enrolled in academic programs to complete a general education core curriculum. The aim of the general education component is to teach students to communicate effectively, think clearly and reasonably, make ethical judgments, develop personal values, apply knowledge constructively, and make learning a lifelong commitment. The College is committed to developing resilient, lifelong learners able to function in a complex, technologically sophisticated world.

The goals of General Education are to:

• Communicate effectively in oral and written formats.
• Employ or utilize information access and literacy skills.
• Demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Employ mathematical and science literacy skills.
• Acquire a cultural, artistic and global perspective.
• Demonstrate professional and human relations skills.

Core Coursework Transfer Agreement

In accordance with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and West Virginia Council for Community and Technical Colleges Core Coursework Transfer Agreement, identified undergraduate core courses completed are transferable as general studies credit to all other state institutions of higher education in West Virginia for credit with the grade earned (courses are notated with an asterisk). Up to 72 hours of other courses may be accepted as transfer in specific degree programs. Academic advisors and counselors can assist with questions regarding transfer to specific colleges.

Transfer in Students

Students transferring to WVNCC are admitted through the regular admissions process and must provide academic transcripts and related documents as noted in the Admissions/Registration section of this catalog. Transfer students will be assigned an academic advisor and need to meet with the advisor to register for class. A transfer credit evaluation is done at the time the academic transcript is received; students should meet with their academic advisor to determine how those credits apply toward graduation. Transfer students must work with their academic advisor if a course petition is needed.

Transfer Out Students

West Virginia Northern students who complete an associate degree have many opportunities to continue on to complete a bachelor degree. WVNCC currently has 2+2 agreements with Bethany College, Franciscan University, West Liberty University, West Virginia University, Marshall University, University of Charleston, and Wheeling Jesuit University. The College also has partnerships with other universities and colleges; since agreements are revised annually, students should meet with their Counselor or Advisor concerning their program of study. Students interested in attending a West Virginia public four-year institution should also refer to the Core Coursework Transfer Agreement (above) for courses that the baccalaureate institution will accept. A transfer fair is held each spring.

Students who take classes at West Virginia Northern are advised to discuss their courses with the college to which they are transferring. The decision of transfer credit, minimum grade required and credit hour articulation are determined by the receiving college.

General Education Core Requirements

• Associate in Arts
    
• Associate in Science
    
• Associate in Applied Science
    
• Certificate of Applied Science