NPCC's academic programs are designed for students who plan to earn a two-year Associate Degree or the one-year Technical Certificate leading to employment, as well as for those who plan to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The programs are, in some cases, flexible. However, students are encouraged to talk with an assigned academic advisor or a counselor each semester in order to insure a successful course of study.

Before selecting a major field of study, a student may wish to consider the future employment possibilities in each area of concentration. A suggested source of information is The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the U.S. Department of Labor. Current copies are available in the Counseling Center.

Specific requirements and information on course sequencing for each degree and technical certificate program are described in detail in the college division sections of the catalog. Special requirements, prerequisites, corequisites, and other information are noted. For details about individual courses, see the catalog section on Course Descriptions.