Choosing or Changing Your Program of Study

Your program of study is the degree or certificate you’re officially pursuing at Mott Community College. It serves as your academic and career roadmap. Each program outlines the courses, skills and experiences that help you reach your goals, whether that’s starting a career, transferring to a university or advancing in your current field.

Choosing a program that matches your interests and long-term goals is one of the most important decisions you’ll make at MCC. It keeps you focused, helps you register for the right classes and ensures you’re using your financial resources and time efficiently.

Why It Matters

• Stay on track: A clear program plan helps you avoid taking courses you don’t need.
• Graduate on time: You’ll have a direct path to degree or certificate completion.
• Save money: Every course you take will count toward your goals.
• Stay eligible for financial aid: Federal Financial Aid and most State programs will only pay for courses that are part of your officially declared program of study.
• Plan your future: Advisors help connect your program with career and transfer opportunities.

Financial Aid Eligibility

Federal Financial Aid and most State programs and regulations require that students receive aid only for courses that apply directly to their declared program of study. If you register for a class that does not count toward your program, financial aid cannot be used to pay for it.

How Advisors Support You

Your assigned academic advisor is your partner in exploring, selecting and updating your program of study. In partnership with you, we will:

1. Explore your options; discuss your interests, strengths, and career or transfer goals.
2. Run a sample degree audit in My Backpack to see how your completed courses apply to a new program and what requirements remain.
3. Discuss your timeline; how long it would take to complete and what classes to prioritize.
4. Confirm your decision; once you’re confident in your choice, your advisor will update your program of study directly in My Backpack.

This collaborative process helps ensure that any change you make supports your long-term plans and keeps your academic record accurate.

When to Review or Change Your Program of Study

You may want to revisit your program if:

• You’ve discovered new interests or strengths.
• Your career or transfer goals have shifted.
• You’re uncertain how your current courses apply to your goals.
• You’ve completed general education courses and are ready to focus your studies.

If any of these sound familiar, schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor. They’ll help you review your options and ensure your record reflects your current direction.

What to Expect in Your Advising Appointment

During your meeting, you and your advisor will:

• Review your current program of study.
• Explore other programs that align with your interests or transfer plans.
• Run a sample degree audit to see which of your courses count toward the new program.
• Review degree or certificate requirements and next-term courses.
• Decide whether to move forward with a change.

If you confirm a change, your advisor will immediately update your program in My Backpack.

Before your meeting:

• Think about your interests, career goals, or transfer plans.
• Review program maps or degree sheets for areas that interest you.
• Bring any questions you have about timelines, requirements, or financial aid impacts.

Frequently Asked Questions