School Details
Minnesota West Community and Technical College is a two-year, public institution of higher education, located in the city of Granite Falls, Minnesota. The college was founded in 1997 from the merging of Worthington Community College and Southwestern Technical College. The institution has five campuses in southwestern Minnesota: Canby, Granite Falls, Jackson, Pipestone and Worthington and four learning centers in Fairmont, Luverne, Marshall, and Redwood Falls.
MWCT offers small class sizes, personalized attention, and hands-on learning. Minnesota West offers associate’s degree programs that are transferable to four-year institutions and technical and career programs that lead to employment or transfer. Students can earn diplomas and certificates as well. Students can take a single online course or may choose to complete a program or degree online. Currently, students can complete an Associate in Arts degree totally online.
Accreditation & Licensing
Minnesota West Community and Technical College is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Following your submission and approval of a written plan, you can tailor your degree with this online AAS in Individualized Studies from Minnesota West. With a convenient online platform, this program is ideal for working adults. The flexibility of this degree enables students to take traditional classes and also incorporate independent projects and internships.
The online AA in Liberal Arts from Minnesota West can lead you to a BA or BS degree. The information and knowledge you learn in this 2-year program will give you a broad educational foundation to build upon, as you explore different subjects through electives. Most of the courses taken in this AA can be used to fulfill freshman and sophomore requirements at a 4-year university, following the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum.
Following the submission and approval of a written plan, you can create this degree as you learn online from Minnesota West. This AS in Individualized Studies is intended for working adults or students with succinct career goals. The flexibility of this degree enables students to incorporate independent projects and internships, along with traditional classes. There are several areas of emphasis for this online AS, including: pre-pharmacy, pre-dentistry, pre-engineering, fish/wildlife management and pre-medicine.
Business
The online Accountant Clerk Diploma program prepares students to perform the typical responsibilities of an accountant clerk, such as routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties, posting details of business transactions, such as receipts, disbursements and payroll, reconciling bank statements, and typing vouchers, invoices, and other records. Courses explore areas such as:
- Payroll accounting
- Computerized accounting applications
- Business law
- Word processing
If you are good with numbers, the online Accountant Diploma program can increase your knowledge and give you a competitive edge for an entry-level job. Enroll in coursework in accounting, business law and math. Gain skills in computer accounting applications while you learn spreadsheet and database concepts.
Credits may be applied to a degree program should you choose to enroll in an associate’s degree.
The online Accounting Certificate program provides students with basic accounting knowledge which can be used immediately in the workplace or as part of a two year accounting or business degree. The curriculum focuses on:
- Fundamental accounting principles and practices
- Payroll accounting
- Computerized accounting applications
The online Administrative Assistant Diploma program prepares students to perform the typical day-to-day office operations as an administrative assistant. Increase your proficiencies in word processing, time management, record keeping and report preparation. Become an effective communicator and improve your public relations skills.
Courses cover areas such as:
- Keyboarding
- Spreadsheets and database concepts
- Word processing
Acquire professional financial knowledge and enjoy the flexible benefits of an accounting degree online. Learn how to examine and analyze financial information in order to prepare statements and offer advice. Manage business transactions in the office setting, including processing payroll and taxes.
Courses are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus, and you can expect the same academic rigor. Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Payroll and cost accounting
- Business law
- Computer applications
Gain basic business knowledge that can be applied to a broad range of entry-level positions through an online Administrative Assistant associate program. Taught by the same faculty that teach on campus, you will learn fundamentals in office management, including accounting, filing systems and record keeping. Increase your business communications and public relations skills. Take courses in spreadsheet and database applications.
Benefit from the flexibility of the virtual learning environment and build your resume at the same time.
Gain skills to enter the workforce or choose to transfer into a four-year program through the online Communication Studies degree program. In addition to general education courses, you will have the opportunity to explore courses in small group communication, intercultural communication and interpersonal communication. Benefit from the flexibility that online learning offers.
Curriculum in this transfer pathway allows for seamless transfer into a Minnesota State university.
Begin your educational degree through an online Business degree program and gain necessary credits to transfer into a four-year college. You will have the opportunity to explore a range of business foundations, such as principles in economics, accounting and management. Increase your knowledge of mathematics and computer applications. Choose electives that meet your goals.
Curriculum in this transfer pathway allows for seamless transfer into a Minnesota State university.
The online Business Management associate degree program caters to both students planning to enter the job market immediately after graduation and those planning to continue their education at a four-year institution. Courses in accounting, marketing, management, business law, and more prepare graduates for entry-level positions in:
- Offices
- Private industry
- Civil service
- A variety of business fields
Benefit from the academic standards of on-campus counterparts and the flexibility that online learning offers.
The online Management Certificate program provides students with basic business knowledge which can be used immediately in the workplace or as part of a two-year business degree. Coursework focuses on:
- Business environment
- Management practices
- Marketing principles
The online Manufacturing Production Technician Certificate program introduces students to the production technologies and information needed to pursue a career in manufacturing. Students are given opportunities to enhance or develop important workplace knowledge and skills in the areas of:
- Safety
- Quality
- Manufacturing processes
- Maintenance awareness
Successful completion of the online Receptionist Certificate program gives you the opportunity to become more proficient in multiple office-related tasks. Increase your keyboard skills and preparation of statements and vital documents. Learn professional communications in order to greet customers and effectively refer them to the proper team member. In addition, learn added business basics, such as file management, scheduling and simple bookkeeping.
Courses include topics such as:
- Business communications
- Word processing
- Presentation graphics
The online Supervisory Leadership in Management Certificate program from Minnesota West Community and Technical College is designed to help students enhance their career success through sound leadership skills and management practices. Gain credentials needed to be more competitive in your career, and opt to transfer credits into an online associate's degree.
Courses explore areas including, but not limited to:
- Conflict resolution
- Innovation and creativity
- Problem solving and decision making
- Interpersonal and teamwork skills
Computer Science & IT
This online Applications Specialist Certificate from Minnesota West Community & Technical college is intended to provide you with the essential knowledge and basic understanding of commonly-used business software. You'll learn presentation skills, along with spreadsheet essentials. This online certificate will prepare students for entry level positions in administration or business.
This online AAS in Information Security and Assurance from Minnesota West Community & Technical College prepares you to assess, administer, and secure networks and bring them into compliance by today's standards. You'll learn how to perform audits and implement solutions as you work through the curriculum. Classes generally include:
- Computer Forensics
- Routers and Switches
- Information Security Management
- Virtual Computing
This online AAS in Computer & Networking Technology can prepare you to trouble-shoot networks, along with software and hardware support. At Minnesota West, this is a hands-on learning program. Classes may include:
- PC Maintenance and Repair Software
- Windows Client/Server Administration
- Information Technology Customer Service
This online CISCO Networking Certificate from Minnesota West is designed to prepare you to sit the industry standard certification exam. As a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) you'll be able to install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot networks. This curriculum includes basic mitigation of security threats, along with:
- Advanced Routing Technology
- Fundamentals of Wireless Networking
This online Computer Specialist Certificate from Minnesota West will teach you the basics of popular programming languages. You’ll be well-prepared for entry level developer jobs, in almost any industry, through coursework such as:
- Concepts of Coding
- Visual Basic Programming
- Web Programming
This online certificate from Minnesota West will give you the skills to work in today’s common business software. You’ll learn how to produce spreadsheets, presentations and become familiar with how operating systems function. With this online program, you’ll be prepared to work in an entry level administrative position.
This certificate from Minnesota West will enhance your role within your organization, if you are responsible for the security of your network. You’ll gain a basic familiarity with aspects of informational security, including risk assessment, legal and ethical issues. The knowledge you gain through this curriculum can be used to educate others in your organization, as well.
- CLI/PowerShell
- Operating Systems
- Data Security Awareness
This online IT Workplace Assistant Certificate from Minnesota West will enable you to pursue entry-level positions working in an administrative position. You may also be able to take positions working under a network administrator. You'll learn the basics of a network and some troubleshooting. This crux of this program focuses on giving you a solid foundation of Microsoft Office to support users.
At Minnesota West, this online certificate to become an IT Workplace Specialist will give you basic skills across the facets of computer technology. You’ll learn a programming language, along with the UNIX operating system and basic network skills.
With additional training in data security, this online Programmer Specialist certificate will give you the skills to write code and create programs for certain applications. You will learn design, implementation and maintenance, as well, when taking this curriculum at Minnesota West.
You’ll learn how to create, deploy and maintain information on the web, with this online Webpage Design Assistant Certificate from Minnesota West. You can pursue an entry level position and use the project management skills you learn as a part of this curriculum, which likely includes:
- Multimedia for the Web
- Web Programming
- Art Appreciation
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Help make your community safer with this online emergency management certificate. You will prepare for a career with an Emergency Ambulance Service. Other students may choose to use this online emergency management certificate to pursue a career in basic transport service or in the emergency room, law enforcement, or fire department. Courses will likely be:
- Introduction to EMT
- EMT Completion/Bridge
Use this, the practical skills exam, and the designated readiness written exam for eligibility to take the National Registry Exam.
Education
This online education degree is designed for those seeking employment in a K-12 school district. The curriculum allows you to begin, continue, and enhance your education, meeting the core competencies produced by the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota. The degree is part of the Child Development Track of the Human Service Degree.
The curriculum is comprised of four required and five elective courses. Required courses likely include:
- Foundations of Child Development
- Special Needs of Young Children
- Guidance: Managing the Physical & Social Environments
Engineering
By obtaining the online Associate of Applied Science in Energy Technical Specialist from Minnesota West Community and Technical College, graduates will possess the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the renewable and traditional energy field. This degree is completely online for the flexibility and convenience of working students. This online degree is offered through a partnership with multiple colleges in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
Courses include, but are not limited to:
- Survey of physics
- Wind energy fundamentals
- Ethanol separation technology
Wind energy, ethanol, biodiesel, fossil fuels, or nuclear power generation are the options students choose to concentrate on. Classes are taught by professional, experienced faculty. Graduates of the online associate degree program in Energy Technical Specialist will be prepared to succeed in their chosen careers.
The online Biofuels Technology Biodiesel Certificate program provides foundational learning to support process plant technologies and operation. A concentration is available in biodiesel technologies. Courses include:
- Mechanical Fundamentals for Process Controls
- Process Dynamics
- Biodiesel Fundamentals
- Industrial Safety
- Biodiesel Technologies & Regulatory Issues
The online Biofuels Technology Ethanol Certificate program enhances students’ abilities to enter and advance careers in the renewable resource industry, such as process technicians or in sales and marketing. The curriculum focuses on ethanol production and renewable energy. Courses include:
- Mechanical Fundamentals for Process Controls
- Ethanol Process Fundamentals
- Process Dynamics
- Ethanol Separation Technology
- Industrial Water Treatment
Healthcare
With these online health informatics degree programs students prepare for careers in healthcare and technology. Become the link in administrative and clinical data for healthcare teams, collecting, analyzing, storing, protecting, and ensuring health information. Learn to:
- Perform diagnostic and procedure coding
- Utilize electronic systems for reimbursement
- Report data for enterprise-wide planning and research activities
- Maintain a legal patient record
Play an important role in healthcare, ensuring patient satisfaction and organization efficiency.
This health informatics degree pairs well with the Medical Coding Specialist Diploma or Healthcare Administrative Assistant Diploma or AAS.
Begin an exciting career in healthcare with this online healthcare administration degree program. With this program students prepare for careers in medical offices, performing confidential administrative and clerical work. Learn to perform such tasks as bookkeeping, billing, scheduling appointments, and processing insurance claims.
Enjoy small class sizes, personalized attention, and hands-on learning. In addition to learning practical skills, this healthcare administration online degree also serves as a starting point for further study in the field with credits that are designed for seamless transfer to other Minnesota State institutions.
Begin an exciting healthcare career with this healthcare administration online degree. Prepare for management positions in healthcare with this program.
Complete such courses as:
- Conflict Resolution
- Principles of Supervisory Leadership
- Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Interpersonal Skills for Supervisors
- Work Teams
Coursework is flexible yet includes independent practice and virtual role playing. This internet based online healthcare administration degree allows students to further their education without sacrificing their current career. Study where it is convenient while communicating with faculty via email and discussion groups.
Prepare for a career in healthcare with these health informatics online degrees. Become the link in administrative and clinical data for healthcare organizations, collecting, analyzing, storing, protecting, and ensuring health information.
Learn how to perform such tasks as:
- Diagnostic and procedure coding
- Utilizing electronic systems for reimbursement
- Reporting data for planning and research
- Maintaining an accurate and legal patient record
The flexibility of this online degree allows students to balance their educations with other obligations. Study when and where it is convenient.
The online Community Health Worker Certificate program prepares students to obtain employment in a variety of organizations by teaching a broad range of health-related functions. Students will also learn how to bridge the gap between cultures and health care systems. Graduates will work with health care organizations to increase cultural competence, improve access to health care for racial and ethnic minorities, improve the quality of care for the chronically ill, promote healthy communities, and educate families about access to and use of health care coverage.
The online Medical Coding Specialist Diploma program prepares students to work closely with other health care professionals in coding diagnosis and procedures on patient medical records. Students learn to analyze medical records for completeness of documentation, work with insurance companies, and about reimbursement procedures. It is recommended that students take this degree with the Medical Secretary Diploma or the Medical Secretary A.A.S.
Prepare for an exciting career in healthcare with this pharmacy degree online. Become a pharmacy technician, learning to assist licensed pharmacists. Help licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medications in pharmacies. In addition to gaining the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field, you will complete an externship to gain hands-on experience, putting this new information to use immediately.
After completing this pharmacy degree and reaching at least the age of 18, you will be both prepared and eligible to pass the pharmacy technician certification exam.