Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCAD)

2501 Stevens Ave, Minneapolis, MN

About
Minneapolis Community and Technical College, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1996 through the merger of two former institutions and is overseen by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. The two schools were a technical college dating to 1914 and a community college established in 1965. Today the school maintains a campus in downtown Minneapolis that has been renovated, updated and added to in order to expand the offerings of the school. MCTC is a public two year institution and serves approximately 15,000 students annually as well as maintaining a close relationship with businesses and organizations in the Twin Cities in order to assist in cultural and economic development.

Academics
As a comprehensive community college, Minneapolis Community and Technical College offers a large variety of programs aimed at career development or academic advancement and development. Career training programs provide interested students with an education in a specific field, providing the skills and abilities necessary to enter the workforce as a qualified professional. A students education will be divided between traditional classroom courses and practical courses designed to simulate real world environments and help perfect skills and methods specific to one's chosen field. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a certificate or degree that demonstrates competency in the area of study.

Academic transfer results through the completion of a program that covers the first two years of a four year education, followed by the applying to college and universities in order to continue one's education, completing the final two years and obtaining a bachelor's degree. From there students may choose to seek graduate level study or enter the workforce with an undergraduate degree. Individuals seeking transfer will find that admissions requirements are eased for those applying to public Minnesota institutions through pre-existing agreements between the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System schools. Transfer to private or out of state schools will be more difficult due to varying admissions requirements, and interested students should meet with a counselor to develop the appropriate curriculum.

Programs offered include:

• Business
• Accounting
• Communication Studies
• Criminal Justice
• Sociology

In addition, the school offers continuing and adult education programs. Continuing education programs are designed to refresh and update previously gained education in order to remain current in one's chosen field. Such courses may also be required to renew or update a certification or license. Adult education programs prepare students with the knowledge and information necessary to obtain a high school diploma through a variety of courses, and eventually the GED exam.

Admissions and Financial Aid
Minneapolis Community and Technical College is an open enrollment institution that allows any individuals interested in attending to enroll by submitting an application and paying all fees. Students must be eighteen years of age or older, or have a high school diploma or equivalent. Students must also supply transcripts and test scores if available and may be required to take a placements exam prior to registration. Participation in new student orientation is recommended to familiarize oneself with the campus and rules, as well as meet with a counselor to discuss goals, program enrollment and curriculum.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which will be used by the school to determine the extent of a student's need and aid program eligibility when developing the financial aid packet. Financial aid must be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year. Students may also be chosen at random to supply additional tax and financial information to confirm the accuracy of their FAFSA as part of recent changes in federal regulation regarding the disbursement of aid funds.