Southwestern Michigan College (SMC) was founded in 1964 with campuses located in Dowagiac and Niles. The college offers transfer courses and curricula for students who wish to pursue their first two years of a four-year degree at SMC before transferring to a four-year college or university. Students can choose one of three Associate degrees (Associate in Arts degree, Associate in Science degree or Associate in Applied Science degree) or Specialty certificates through the college's Occupational Programs. The Division of Academic Studies and The Division of Advanced Technologies offer different courses.