Northcentral University

For those who are interested in earning their master’s in organizational leadership in just 12 months, then this program is for you. The Accelerated MSOL is not an alternative program, but is a scheduling option that can be applied to any specialization. It’s designed for you to complete an intense, fast-paced and highly-challenging graduate course structure. If you are considering the Accelerated MSOL track, you are strongly encouraged to first consider your availability to manage study time, work schedule or any other outside activities that may interfere with your progress, and your ability to learn in a rapidly moving academic environment.

The General Organizational Leadership specialization allows students to select courses from a broad range of electives to fit their personal and professional goals.

Smart companies know that people are their greatest asset, and individuals with strong talent management skills are needed to manage this important business function. The human resources management specialization focuses on the interrelationships between employees, leadership, and the business organization in general. You will develop skills to properly create, develop, mediate and maintain these critical connections. Students will also examine how an organization’s employee relations practices are linked to its overall business plan. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)* has acknowledged that NCU’s human resources management specialization fully aligns with SHRM's HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. The HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates were developed by SHRM to define the minimum HR content areas that should be studied by HR students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Project Management is one of the fastest growing professional disciplines and those degreed in this field can find themselves in high demand. In this specialization you will explore principles, concepts, tools, and techniques to improve project performance and organizational effectiveness including cost estimates, budget management, cost control, risk assessment, bid negotiation, contracts and performance reporting. This specialization focuses on risk management, procurement, monitoring and multi-project management. Your final specialization project is designed to demonstrate your ability to conduct an investigation on a workplace problem and recommend a plan of preventative action.

The Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology at Northcentral University helps prepare you for a career with, or advocating for, children, adolescents, and their families. Throughout your studies at the master’s level, you will have an opportunity to take an in-depth look at developmental stages and explore how the impacts of family, school, peers, society, and culture intertwine and affect the development of children and adolescents. The MS in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology program seeks to expose students to a deep understanding of physical, cognitive, gender, and socioemotional development that is acquired through critical analysis of research, as well as the theories of development that have arisen from this research. Students will also learn about child and adolescent psychopathology and get an in-depth understanding of ADHD as well as Autism spectrum disorders. Our unique one-to-one learning model provides you with individualized mentoring by our experienced doctoral professors. At the end of the program, an optional internship provides an opportunity to apply classroom studies to real-world situations.
 

The Master of Science Health Psychology at Northcentral University will familiarize you with the application of psychological principles that can prevent illness, improve personal health outcomes and impact health care systems at large. You will focus on the psychological study of health and illness, along with recovery, from the perspective that these phenomena arise from a combination of physical, behavioral, and social conditions. A core course is stress and coping, in which you will examine sources, manifestations and coping models for stress. You will also be able to select electives focusing on such topics as substance abuse, adult psychopathology, trauma and wellness. This program helps prepare you for a career to work in education, the health and wellness industry, or the helping professions. Our unique one-to-one learning model provides you with individualized mentoring by our experienced doctoral professors. At the end of the program, an optional internship provides an opportunity to apply classroom studies to real-world situations.
 

As organizations produce more and more data – and stake their future on its security – the risks associated with possible data theft and other malicious interventions have become ever greater. NCU’s Cybersecurity specialization will prepare you to take a leadership role in helping thwart hackers and other security breeches. In this program you will be encouraged to think outside of the box as an innovation leader who stays one step ahead of those dedicated to breeching security. Our Cybersecurity specialization will prepare you for a variety of technology leadership roles in both government and private organizations.
 

What could be more foundational to managing technology than preparing leaders to take an innovative approach to engineering management? This important question informs the creation of NCU’s Engineering Management specialization, designed for leaders in all types of engineering and technology management fields. In this specialization you will learn a variety of tools vital to assessing the potential of innovative ideas, protecting an organization’s intellectual property and bringing new ideas to fruition. Upon graduation, you will be able to use the knowledge you have gained to lead engineering and information systems initiatives in any organization, whether for government, business or nonprofit.
 

Technology without qualified leadership to oversee its optimal use is just expensive hardware. That’s why NCU’s IT Project Management specialization was created: to prepare students like you with the skills needed to manage the conception, planning, implementation and deployment of a variety of information technology-related projects and systems. In this important focus, you will pair your technology coursework with in-depth courses in leadership, risk management and oversight of multiple projects. On graduation, you will be prepared to take on management roles in project management and information technology.
 

With the changing definition of marriage, along with social expectations, marriage and long-term relationships often face challenges that call for the help of a trained third party. NCU’s Couple Therapy specialization is designed to prepare you to work with couples in therapeutic settings, primarily using a family therapy, systems perspective. Students in this specialization are required to complete two content courses in this area, a research course focused on issues related to working with couples, and at least 100 hours of clinical experience in an approved setting with a qualified local clinical supervisor.

Same-sex couples face many of the same relational issues as heterosexual couples, but the attendant differences can create unique challenges as well.  The LGBTQ Couple and Family Therapy specialization is designed to prepare you to work with clients in the LGBTQ community and to specialize in working with couples and families using a family therapy, systems-oriented approach. In this specialization, you will be required to complete two content courses focused in this area, a research course focused on issues related to working with LGBTQ couples and families, and at least 100 hours of clinical experience in an approved setting with a qualified local clinical supervisor.

Members of the military and their families are typically strong, but that strength sometimes needs the reinforcement that only a trained counselor can provide. The Military Family Therapy specialization prepares you to work primarily with individuals, couples, and families that are affiliated with the military, using a family therapy, systems perspective. In this specialization you will be required to complete two focused content courses, a research course focusing on issues related to working with military families, and at least 100 hours of clinical experience in an approved military setting with a qualified local clinical supervisor.

Today the Ed.D. has evolved to a terminal degree of choice for educational practitioners. The online Ed.D. attracts learners who have leadership responsibility for providing learning/training to others, whether they be in colleges, PK-12 schools, proprietary organizations, private and public businesses, or the military. The NCU Ed.D. focuses on job-embedded and solution driven applications, providing learners with the necessary tools and information to use research in their daily work. The diversity of the specialization offerings allows learners the opportunity to focus on what is meaningful to their professional growth and development. The Ed.D. experience at NCU culminates in the work setting applied dissertation project. The Gender Studies specialization is an in-depth focus on the social, cultural, and biological foundations of masculinity, femininity, and sexuality.

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The online MBA degree program from Northcentral University prepares learners to advance to higher levels of leadership in business. Advanced coverage of classic and contemporary theory in business administration is blended with key practical skills all managers need to succeed. Exposure to best practices in the business world enhances comprehension of the challenges and opportunities facing modern business leaders and the various stakeholders they serve. The Marketing specialization (graduate level) moves beyond fundamentals by focusing upon marketing management and marketing research. The courses provide learners the opportunity to enhance existing skills and knowledge and to gain new skills and knowledge germane to effectively managing the entire scope of the product life cycle in a strategically-sound, systematic, ethical, and legal manner. 

The applied computer science specialization is designed to help you acquire the knowledge and skills that will improve your ability to lead, manage and direct diverse and challenging technical projects. With today’s rapid changes in technology, business and research institutions look for leaders who can help them maintain a competitive edge. With an NCU degree specializing in applied computer science, you are poised to become competitive for these coveted positions. You will learn from all doctoral professors who are experts in the applied computer science field. During your studies, you will explore contemporary technical practices, systems and applications, network architecture, programming and software engineering.

The Change and Innovation MBA specialization at NCU is designed to provide you with knowledge of concepts and techniques associated with managing change and innovation. This specialization provides an in-depth examination of how positive change in organizations can affect productivity, efficiency and organizational culture. You’ll develop the competencies and skill to challenge the status quo by introducing and leading change in the competitive, global marketplace.

The Corporate Social Responsibility MBA specialization at NCU will help you develop tools for applying socially-responsible principles to current business environments. Additionally, you will gain the insights necessary to identify emerging legal, ethical, social and environmental issues, and generate strategic responses and sustainable implementation plans to position an organization as a good corporate citizen.

This forward looking entrepreneurship specialization curriculum takes students beyond the classroom, allowing them to build and test their entrepreneurial ideas in real-world settings. The entrepreneurship courses will integrate all business disciplines, including marketing, finance, operations, and strategy. The courses are designed to help students develop skills in building businesses, investing in businesses, raising capital, and evaluating business opportunities. Specifically, the students in this specialization will focus on analysis, decision-making and business planning and benefit from the perspectives of both academic and adjunct faculty, working together to provide integrated and relevant curriculum including an understanding of the latest business trends and techniques. The student will come to the specialization with a new venture product or service identified.

Offering a 100% online MBA degree program that is fully accredited by both the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), NCU brings together business disciplines in a 30-credit program to help students gain an integrated understanding of business in the 21st century. NCU MBA students experience a personalized one-to-one, coaching-like program in each of their courses that culminates in a real-world simulation Capstone in which they strategically draw on the disciplines studied throughout the program. Graduates of the program will develop the skills needed to bring out the best in themselves and their organizations.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The Master of Business Administration with a General Business specialization from Northcentral University allows students to select courses from a broad range of electives to fit their personal and professional goals.

Offering a 100% online MBA degree program that is fully accredited by both the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), NCU brings together business disciplines in a 30-credit program to help students gain an integrated understanding of business in the 21st century. NCU MBA students experience a personalized one-to-one, coaching-like program in each of their courses that culminates in a real-world simulation Capstone in which they strategically draw on the disciplines studied throughout the program. Graduates of the program will develop the skills needed to bring out the best in themselves and their organizations.

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The online MBA degree program from Northcentral University prepares learners to advance to higher levels of leadership in business. Advanced coverage of classic and contemporary theory in business administration is blended with key practical skills all managers need to succeed. Exposure to best practices in the business world enhances comprehension of the challenges and opportunities facing modern business leaders and the various stakeholders they serve. The Homeland Security program is designed to prepare senior management of law enforcement, public safety, and emergency medical care and disaster preparedness agencies for positions of executive leadership in the general field of homeland security. Courses will span the spectrum of management, budgetary rules, personnel and critical issues relating to crisis management and terrorism.

Offering a 100% online MBA degree program that is fully accredited by both the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), NCU brings together business disciplines in a 30-credit program to help students gain an integrated understanding of business in the 21st century. NCU MBA students experience a personalized one-to-one, coaching-like program in each of their courses that culminates in a real-world simulation Capstone in which they strategically draw on the disciplines studied throughout the program. Graduates of the program will develop the skills needed to bring out the best in themselves and their organizations.
Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The advent of globalization and technological advances have altered the nature of how people do business today and will in the future; creating an interrelated and interdependent world.  While globalization has brought about many benefits to people throughout the world, it has also brought many challenges.  Therefore, this specialization provides a unique focus on many of these challenges and opportunities and covers the essential elements required to understand and manage multinational and international organizations.  Individuals interested in international management positions could benefit from this program. The specialization focuses on international law, economics, marketing, TQM in International Business, and strategic management to prepare individuals as leaders and managers in the international context.

Offering a 100% online MBA degree program that is fully accredited by both the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), NCU brings together business disciplines in a 30-credit program to help students gain an integrated understanding of business in the 21st century. NCU MBA students experience a personalized one-to-one, coaching-like program in each of their courses that culminates in a real-world simulation Capstone in which they strategically draw on the disciplines studied throughout the program. Graduates of the program will develop the skills needed to bring out the best in themselves and their organizations.

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The online MBA degree program from Northcentral University prepares learners to advance to higher levels of leadership in business. Advanced coverage of classic and contemporary theory in business administration is blended with key practical skills all managers need to succeed. Exposure to best practices in the business world enhances comprehension of the challenges and opportunities facing modern business leaders and the various stakeholders they serve. The Management Information Systems (MIS) specialization is a user-friendly graduate specialization designed for administrators and managers. It is for managers who recognize that success in today's competitive environment requires an understanding of management and how managers use computer information systems to enhance the management process and business outcomes. The MIS specialization combines and applies the best from both disciplines: computer systems and management. Knowledge of computer programming is not a requirement.

Offering a 100% online MBA degree program that is fully accredited by both the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), NCU brings together business disciplines in a 30-credit program to help students gain an integrated understanding of business in the 21st century. NCU MBA students experience a personalized one-to-one, coaching-like program in each of their courses that culminates in a real-world simulation Capstone in which they strategically draw on the disciplines studied throughout the program. Graduates of the program will develop the skills needed to bring out the best in themselves and their organizations.

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The online MBA degree program from Northcentral University prepares learners to advance to higher levels of leadership in business. Advanced coverage of classic and contemporary theory in business administration is blended with key practical skills all managers need to succeed. Exposure to best practices in the business world enhances comprehension of the challenges and opportunities facing modern business leaders and the various stakeholders they serve. The Marketing specialization (graduate level) moves beyond fundamentals by focusing upon marketing management and marketing research. The courses provide learners the opportunity to enhance existing skills and knowledge and to gain new skills and knowledge germane to effectively managing the entire scope of the product life cycle in a strategically-sound, systematic, ethical, and legal manner.  

No matter how great a product or service is, it must be communicated in a way that translates to sales. In many respects, skilled marketers drive a business’ success. This makes strong marketing leaders an integral part of any senior management team. The NCU marketing specialization focuses on marketing management and research, including managing the entire scope of the product life cycle for domestic and international marketing. The specialization moves you beyond the fundamentals, emphasizing marketing management and research. Taught by doctoral professors, your studies provide you with strategies for a sound, systematic, ethical, and legal approach to contemporary marketing practices and research theory. A marketing specialization prepares graduates to work in corporate, non-profit, government, higher education and entrepreneurial roles.

Students in this specialization will focus on risk management, procurement, monitoring, and multi-project management. They will complete a final written research project demonstrating the ability to conduct an investigation on a workplace problem, identify an area for intervention, critique, justify, and recommend a plan of preventative action. This specialization explores principles, concepts, tools, and techniques to improve project performance and organizational effectiveness. Project Management is one of the fastest growing professional disciplines. Students examine all aspects of company projects including cost estimates, budget management, cost control, risk assessment, bid negotiation and contracts, and performance reporting critical to the success of any organization. The graduate specialization provides curriculum for students aspiring to take on project management responsibilities.  Graduates in this specialization can expect to lead single or multiple project teams, serve as a project expert in a centralized project organization in just about any industry or market sector.  Courses in this specialization count as Professional Development Units for PMI® certification.

Offering a 100% online MBA degree program that is fully accredited by both the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), NCU brings together business disciplines in a 30-credit program to help students gain an integrated understanding of business in the 21st century. NCU MBA students experience a personalized one-to-one, coaching-like program in each of their courses that culminates in a real-world simulation Capstone in which they strategically draw on the disciplines studied throughout the program. Graduates of the program will develop the skills needed to bring out the best in themselves and their organizations.
Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

It requires big-picture thinking to succeed in business. The Strategic Management MBA specialization at NCU is designed for you to learn how to examine the long-term needs of an organization and implement plans necessary to address those needs. Through this specialization, you will learn to identify and analyze various governmental, business and political challenges from a strategic perspective, as well as the opportunities that exist when operating within emerging national and international markets.

Coaching sports in the educational setting is a growing discipline with no formalized training process for those interested in this profession. The Master of Education in Athletic Coaching program from Northcentral University is designed to enhance coaching leadership skills for both coaches and athletes. The curriculum focuses on practical and successful coaching strategies; introduces the learner to the latest athletic performance improvement techniques; and examines the application of ethics and values in all aspects of coaching sport. The Athletic Coaching specialization is designed for professional educators interested in athletic coaching opportunities and offers an outstanding professional development opportunity for those already serving as coaches by advancing knowledge and skills in the field.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

Northcentral University's Master of Education (M.Ed) program is suited to learners who want to combine a strong understanding of current theory and practice in education and/or organizational leadership with their personal needs and career focus. The Master of Education also provides learners with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for doctoral level study. The nature and purpose of the Curriculum and Teaching specialization is to provide Teacher Learners the knowledge, skill sets, and professional competencies that will enhance their instructional practice and expand their professional awareness. Learners have the opportunity to explore, examine, and evaluate contemporary teaching and instructional practices. Effective teaching methods are aligned to effective curricula design and development. Effective learning outcomes and student achievement are aligned to effective curricula implementation and assessment. This specialization offers Learners a comprehensive program of study aimed to improve their classroom performance and practice.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The School of Education at NCU is committed to preparing Educational Leaders and scholars through a comprehensive program of study in Educational Leadership (EL) addressing the ever-changing conditions and emerging issues within the context of education. Dedicated to the University's mission of providing excellence in teaching, research, and service the program promotes a broad array of values, knowledge, and skills essential to renew and improve education in the 21st century. Learners pursuing the specialization in Educational Leadership engage in study related to the setting in which they are interested in working. The specialization in Educational Leadership allows learners to pursue a coherent set of structured learning experiences including traditional coursework, research, and professional practice to achieve learning outcomes.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

As the diversity of student populations change globally, teaching English as a second language is a skill in high demand. This program from NorthCentral University enhances skills in communicating with speakers of other languages and integrating techniques to successfully instruct students in English proficiency. (Note: Learners seeking ESL certification should verify with appropriate state officials that this specialization meets applicable certification requirements.) 

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

This specialization prepares Learners to develop and implement effective training in a variety of fields. Instructional design and the incorporation of technology and teaching strategies for the adult learner are the focus of the specialization. Additionally, the Learner is prepared to address workplace issues such as the development of human capital and conflict resolution issues. The specialization from NorthCentral University prepares Learners to identify emerging workforce issues and to resolve the issues through effective training and instruction.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The master's degree program in International Education allows learners to focus on issues of educational development, comparative systems, and international policy. The program promotes an understanding of global perspectives which impact education in the United States. Skills will be developed in areas of cultural awareness, international education theory, and global trends. Learners will develop the practical knowledge required to work within the context of complex global challenges influencing education around the world. The program provides a strong foundation for further study and prepares learners for careers in international and community-based organizations.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

Northcentral University's online Master of Education (M.Ed) program is suited to learners who want to combine a strong understanding of current theory and practice in education and/or organizational leadership with their personal needs and career focus. Organizational Leadership (OL) appeals to learners who are focused on developing the competencies required of organizational leaders. The strategically crafted courses serve to enhance the learner's commitment to the understanding and practice of leadership. Grounded in research, facilitated by leadership practitioner faculty and customized for maximum professional impact, the NCU Leadership course of study is designed for those who aspire to become collaborative change agents.

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

NCU’s MEd specialization in Reading Education program will strengthen and polish student’s teaching skills and strategies for developing literacy proficiency grades K-12. Students learn to apply leadership principles and theories to real-world educational problems, analyze reading issues and make decisions and/or recommendations that integrate cultural sensitivity. Students will also be asked to demonstrate effective use of current technology, reflect on likely situations, practically integrate theories, and learn from case studies. Students also explore the history of literacy in America within a cultural, sociological, political, and economic framework.

Both coaching and sports management are growing as professional disciplines. This program from Northcentral University is designed to enhance leadership skills, strengthen teaching and management abilities, and apply ethics and values to all aspects of athletics. The Sports Management specialization is for professional educators interested in K-12 sports management and offers an outstanding professional development opportunity for those already serving as coaches and sports managers by advancing their knowledge and skills in the field. Courses focus on leadership, legal aspects in athletics, financial analysis, marketing, sports governance, events and facilities management, ethics. Basic concepts are addressed in each course and application of those concepts emphasized. Courses will have a contemporary focus, emphasizing current problems and opportunities related to the content area. Most courses will emphasize projects and activities directly related to the Learner's work setting.

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

Childhood and the teenage years are often fraught with drama and, for many, heartache. The Child and Adolescent Therapy DMFT specialization is designed to prepare you to work in therapy settings with children and adolescents, and view those interactions from a family therapy and/or family systems perspective. With these goals in mind, you will be required to focus your course projects, internship work and dissertation research on issues related to working with children and adolescents. Through your online coursework and offline practicum within your community, you will be challenged to develop competencies and sensitivities to the particulars of working with children and teens who are facing challenges beyond their capacities.

When helping with the challenges facing today’s families, one never knows what emotional issues a family might experience. The General Family Therapy DMFT specialization allows you to select courses from a broad range of electives to fit your personal interests and professional ambitions. In this specialization you are required to focus your course projects, internship work and dissertation research on issues related to marriage and family therapy, dependent upon your career intentions. Offering increased flexibility, this specialization permits you to select four courses (12 credit hours) from the Marriage and Family Therapy curriculum at the 8000 level. Additionally, courses from NCU’s School of Psychology may be considered as well (with approval on a case-by-case basis) for fulfillment of this requirement.

Mental health issues can be among the most difficult for families to face on their own.  Once they’ve chosen to seek professional help, the last thing families need to face is an inefficient bureaucracy. The Mental Health Administration Specialization is designed to prepare you to fulfill roles as leaders and administrators in mental health organizations and agencies. In this specialization you will focus your course projects, internship work, and dissertation research on issues broadly related to mental health administration.

Involvement with the military can have incredible highs and unimaginable lows, both for the one in the military and for their family. The Therapy with Military Families Specialization is designed to prepare you to work primarily with individuals, couples, and families who are affiliated with the military through a family therapy and/or systems perspective. In this specialization, you will focus your course projects, internship work and dissertation research on issues related to working with military personnel and their families. Through your online coursework and offline practicum within your community, you will be challenged to develop the skills necessary for working with families who face diverse challenges associated with military life and the stresses of combat.

This specialization is designed to provide Learners with practical application of a broad accounting perspective and technical accounting knowledge, enabling the exploration of relationships among business activities, economic outcomes, and business performance. Learners will be able to meet the demand for analyzing advanced management and organization of business transactions and statements related to the assets, liabilities, and operating results of a business.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) serves as preparation for advanced positions of leadership in business, government, philanthropy, and policy and advocacy organizations. This Computer and Information Security specialization is designed to meet the demand in business and industry for computer security professionals who are trained in cyber-terrorism, computer forensics and computer security. Learners will study current techniques in data preservation, identification, and extraction and will perform forensic analysis of systems using popular examination toolkits. Learners will also be exposed to common practices involved in forensic investigations and evidence handling, and will become informed in federal and state privacy, intellectual property, search and seizure, and cyber-crime laws. In conjunction the topic of cyber-terrorism will be explored in depth including material on terrorism in general and the specific targets vulnerable to hackers and terrorists. Courses will also cover appropriate computer security programs and the appropriate management of them from a law enforcement, private security, management and government perspective.

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

This doctoral degree concentrates on developing advanced skills needed to work with educational and financial organizations.  The student will acquire skills from a broad collection of finance topics and research methods that fit both within for-profit and not-for-profit environments.  The finance skills include financial statement analysis, understanding advanced business financial decision models, understanding investment selection techniques, and understanding how financial institutions generate earnings and manage risks.  The methodologies studied will come from both quantitative and qualitative areas.  The student who successfully completes the degree is in a position to work in an educational environment as an instructor/professor or take a variety of research or practitioner oriented positions in industry.  Positions could include Economist, Financial Research Specialist, Statistician, Financial Analyst, Budget Analyst, Loan Officer, Financial Manager, Financial Planner, and Investment Banker.

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

For those who desire a more practical, skill-based specialization, the DBA in health care administration may be for you. This specialization prepares health care administrators in the areas of strategic planning in health care and managed systems, comparative health care system analysis, and total quality management in health care. Students will complete a final written research project, demonstrating the ability to conduct an investigation on a workplace problem, identify an area for intervention, critique, justify, and recommend a plan of preventative action. Graduates in the DBA program can demonstrate real-world application of knowledge and skills in both public and private health care management settings.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

This Human Resources Specialization focuses on the interrelationships between the organization's most important resources – its employees, its leadership, and the business organization in general.  This specialization will provide the Human Resources Manager the tools necessary to properly create, develop, mediate, and maintain these interrelationships that are so important to the overall success of the organization. Students will focus on HRM Information Systems, compensation and staffing strategies, training and professional development, cultural diversity, innovation, labor relations, and legal issues in HRM. This specialization will provide the student all of the tools necessary to specialize in any one of these areas of Human Resources Management. Students will complete a research project to demonstrate their ability to appropriately and successfully conduct an investigation into a workplace problem, identify areas for intervention, critique, justify, and recommend a plan of preventative action, which will provide the students with an excellent, high quality product proving their level of qualification for high-level Human Resource Management jobs within any industry.

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

Globalization, or as some would argue regionalization, has transformed not only the world economies but also the power dynamics from developed countries to emerging economies.  The 20th century saw economic and political power in the developed countries.  However, the 21st century is witnessing a change of economic and political power from not only the developed countries but also the emerging economies such as Brazil, India, China and Russia (BRIC).  Further, globalization has introduced many benefits through technology to nearly all the countries in the world.  For example, China, a centrally planned government today has a free market system; a new and successful economic model the world has never witnessed before.  However, the benefits have been matched with many challenges for these same countries; such as child labor practices, corruption, and so on.  Today, it is imperative that global leadership have an in-depth understanding of Emotional Intelligence (EQ), Cultural Intelligence (CI), and avoid ethnocentrism, as well as a self-reference criteria.  Further, global leaders, international marketers, and anyone doing business in a foreign country will meet the challenges of understanding the differences in political, economic, legal, socio-cultural, and environmental systems.  

Therefore, this specialization prepares students with a unique perspective to these issues; by focusing on the essential elements required to understand and manage multinational and international organizations.  Further, this specialization provides students with a comprehensive education and training in interdisciplinary subjects of management, law, government, diplomacy, international studies, economics, finance, and marketing; such as the international business environments, the global market environment, the cultural environment of global business, international strategic management, international business law and its environment, total quality management in international business, and so on, and through the application of rigorous and quality advanced qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and problem-solving techniques.  Students will complete a final written research project, demonstrating the ability to conduct an investigation on a workplace problem, identify an area for intervention, critique, justify, and recommend a plan of preventative action.  To this end, this specialization helps to prepare students for careers in international leadership and management, international marketing, international consulting and international trade; as well as prepares students for international teaching positions in post-secondary institutions of higher education at home or in a foreign country.

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The Management Information Systems specialization combines and applies the best components of both computer systems and management disciplines. The specialization focuses on management of Local Area Network (LAN) / Wide Area Network (WAN) /Database computer information systems to enhance the management decision making process and enterprise business outcomes. The Management Information Systems specialization prepares students for careers in network and systems management. Students complete a final written research project, demonstrating the ability to conduct an investigation on a workplace problem, identify an area for intervention, critique, justify, and recommend a plan of preventative action. Graduates could hold positions as consultants, professors of MIS, vice president of MIS and chief information officer.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) serves as preparation for advanced positions of leadership in business, government, philanthropy, and policy and advocacy organizations. D.B.A. learners gain the skills to advance to top leadership positions and to retain them through rigorous reflection on their professional experiences, in-depth exposure to the insights offered by the world's leading organizations, review of classic and cutting edge theory and research, and mastery of methods and techniques to identify, understand, apply, and communicate strategically critical knowledge. The Marketing specialization (graduate level) moves beyond fundamentals by focusing upon marketing management and marketing research. The courses provide learners the opportunity to enhance existing skills and knowledge and to gain new skills and knowledge germane to effectively managing the entire scope of the product life cycle in a strategically-sound, systematic, ethical, and legal manner.

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

This specialization explores principles, concepts, tools, and techniques to improve project performance and organizational effectiveness. Learners examine all aspects of managing and overseeing business projects, including cost estimates, budget management, cost control, risk assessment, bid negotiation and contracts, and performance reporting critical to the success of any enterprise. The specialization focuses on management, leadership and team building in the project/program environment. Learners will examine strategies relating to managing multiple projects as well as the concepts of earned value project management. Learners will complete a final written research project, demonstrating the ability to conduct an investigation on a work place problem, identify an area for intervention, critique, justify, and recommend a plan of preventative action.

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The online Ed.D. attracts learners who have leadership responsibility for providing learning/training to others, whether they be in colleges, PK-12 schools, proprietary organizations, private and public businesses, or the military. The Ed.D. experience at NCU culminates in the work setting applied dissertation project. The nature and purpose of the Curriculum and Teaching specialization is to provide Teacher Learners the knowledge, skill sets, and professional competencies that will enhance their instructional practice and expand their professional awareness. Learners have the opportunity to explore, examine, and evaluate contemporary teaching and instructional practices. Effective teaching methods are aligned to effective curricula design and development. Effective learning outcomes and student achievement are aligned to effective curricula implementation and assessment. This specialization offers Learners a comprehensive program of study aimed to improve their classroom performance and practice.

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

Northcentral University knows that the need for well prepared educational leader leaders has never been greater. Today the Ed.D. has evolved to a terminal degree of choice for educational practitioners. The online Ed.D. attracts learners who have leadership responsibility for providing learning/training to others, whether they be in colleges, PK-12 schools, proprietary organizations, private and public businesses, or the military. Learners pursuing the specialization in Educational Leadership engage in study related to the setting in which they are interested in working. The specialization in Educational Leadership allows learners to pursue a coherent set of structured learning experiences including traditional coursework, research, and professional practice to achieve learning outcomes.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The pedagogy of language acquisition is of extreme importance in today's classrooms and businesses. Northcentral University offers this specialization which provides the knowledge base to build successful programs to enhance the learning of the English language, to assess skills of diverse students and to design instruction with bilingual materials. A practicum is possible for this level of study in English as a Second Language. (Note: Learners seeking ESL certification should verify with appropriate state officials that this specialization meets applicable certification requirements.)

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The graduates from Global Training and Development are tomorrow's leaders in the field of training. The coursework entails theoretical and practical information from the areas of organizational leadership, human resources, and adult education as well as a series of research courses in which strategies are changed, reviewed, and prioritized for future effectiveness. The specialization emphasizes systemic leadership and organizational capacity.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The Doctor of Education degree in International Education at Northcentral University will introduce you to theories of comparative education, cross-national comparative analysis, global educational transfer and borrowing, international development, and the relation between culture and education, and the tools needed to be an effective educator of global and comparative education.

You will learn how to develop strategies in conducting comparative research and cross-national policy analysis, as you comprehend, through reading and course assignments, the global dimensions of several crucial contemporary issues, including the hopes of global cooperation, and the complexity of educational accountability, authority, and professionalism. You will also be introduced to international organizations and consider current topics and debates in the fields of international education. Special emphasis is given to practices, strategies, and techniques that can be adapted to intercultural/multicultural contexts.

NCU’s EdD with a specialization in Learning Analytics in Higher Education can set students apart in this field. This program will immerse students, exposing them to the history of data analytics, instruction on the proper identification, utility, and application of relevant data in the educational world. In addition, students will receive an introduction to data mining, types of data analytics, and other important issues within the realm of learning analytics. Students will be well-prepared to lead and oversee the collection and management of sensitive data and the performance of statistical tests that are used in the field.

With the growing demand for nurses across the U.S. and elsewhere, a shortage of nursing educators has resulted. NCU’s School of Education is pleased to offer an online Doctor of Education (EdD) with a specialization in Nursing Education. NCU’s exemplary reputation for instructional quality provides a strong foundation for a doctoral experience that comprises opportunities to develop scholarship, conduct research and enhance leadership skills for nursing educators. This program prepares you as an educational leader who participates and supports growth in nursing education. NCU’s specialization in Nursing Education is designed to help you fill the growing gap for qualified nursing instructors.  A master’s degree in nursing, or a master’s degree in a closely related field with a current RN license, is required for entrance into the program.

Northcentral University knows that the need for well prepared educational leaders has never been greater. Today the EdD has evolved to a terminal degree of choice for educational practitioners. The online EdD attracts learners who have leadership responsibility for providing learning/training to others, whether they be in colleges, PK-12 schools, proprietary organizations, private and public businesses, or the military. The Special Education (SE) specialization is designed to prepare graduates to teach and work with individuals with various types of disabilities. The specialized curriculum prepares learners to teach students with mental, physical, behavioral and learning disabilities, as well as work in a variety of related fields. 

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The need has never been greater for business leaders who can contribute to the knowledge base of contemporary business by making strategically adroit linkages between theory and practice. Learners gain the skills to meet that need through rigorous reflection on their professional experiences, in-depth exposure to the insights offered by the world's leading organizations, review of classic and cutting edge theory and research, and mastery of methods and techniques to identify, assess, understand and communicate strategically critical knowledge. The Applied Computer Science specialization is the discipline of designing methods for solving problems by means of computers. The curriculum is designed to provide preparation for professional careers in the areas of Software and Network Administration. Admission is open to holders of any Bachelor's degree or the equivalent who have computer and industrial or business experience.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The PhD Criminal Justice Specialization takes a multi-discipline approach to examining current topics within law enforcement and security practices. Students are challenged to identify issues for problem-solving and offer recommendations. Students in this specialization act as administrators, top-tiered managers, and college professors.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

Advance your career in the dynamic and volatile field of health care administration. This health care administration specialization includes advanced research and course work in the areas of strategic planning, comparative health care system analysis, and total quality management in health care. Students who choose this specialization are often current or future health care professionals who want to develop theoretical and research-based health care industry management knowledge. Graduates often seek high-level management positions in both public and private health care settings.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

This doctoral-level Human Resources Specialization focuses on the interrelationships between the organization's most important resources – its employees, its leadership, and the business organization in general. This specialization will provide the Human Resources Manager the tools necessary to properly create, develop, mediate, and maintain these interrelationships that are so important to the overall success of the organization. Students will conduct research on theories and practices for HRM information systems, compensation and staffing strategies, training and professional development, cultural diversity, innovation, labor relations, and legal issues in HRM. The student may choose to complete his or her dissertation in this specialization, furthering the scholarly research and adding to the current body of knowledge in the field of Human Resources Management or one of its specific functions. This program will allow the students to become scholarly contributors to the current body of knowledge in a field they are passionate about. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

Today's global business environment is interconnected and interdependent, in many different ways, through technology, and international trade, via trade agreements, and so on.  While globalization, or as some may argue regionalization, brings many benefits, it also brings many global challenges, such as the recent global financial crisis.  These global challenges suggest that Marketing, for example, should be culturally responsive, that Multi-National Corporations (MNC) should think globally, but act locally, and while standardization principles are critical to organizational success, localization is a must to do business in a specific foreign country.  Further, today’s global leadership must be aware of the challenges of doing business in foreign countries, due to their individual and different political, economic, socio-cultural, legal, and environmental systems.  Additionally, researchers argue that the global dynamic stage for the 21st century is witnessing an economic and power shift from the developed countries to the emerging and developing economy nations.  To minimize these challenges, MNCs must have an in-depth understanding of Emotional Intelligence (EQ), and Cultural Intelligence (CI).  Further, they must avoid ethnocentrism and a self-reference criteria approach to doing business.  

Therefore, this specialization prepares students with a unique perspective to these issues; by focusing theory and research of business practices on multinational and international organizations in meeting these global challenges.  Further, this specialization provides students with comprehensive education and research techniques in cross-disciplinary subjects such as the international business environments, the global market environment, the cultural environment of global business, international strategic management, international business law and its environment, total quality management in international business, and so on, and through the application of rigorous and quality advanced qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and problem-solving techniques.  To this end, this specialization helps to prepare students for careers in international leadership and management, international marketing, international consulting and international trade; as well as prepares students for international teaching positions in post-secondary institutions of higher education at home or in a foreign country.

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The Management Information Systems specialization combines and applies the components of both computer systems and management disciplines. The focus is using Local Area Network (LAN) / Wide Area Network (WAN) / Database systems to enhance the management process and business outcomes, applying contemporary research and current theories in the MIS field. The Management Information Systems Specialization will help prepare students who would like to expand their knowledge base in this every changing field. Graduates could hold positions such as chief information officer, vice president of MIS, MIS professor, or chief security officer.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The need has never been greater for business leaders who can contribute to the knowledge base of contemporary business by making strategically adroit linkages between theory and practice. Learners gain the skills to meet that need through rigorous reflection on their professional experiences, in-depth exposure to the insights offered by the world's leading organizations, review of classic and cutting edge theory and research, and mastery of methods and techniques to identify, assess, understand and communicate strategically critical knowledge. The Marketing specialization (graduate level) moves beyond fundamentals by focusing upon marketing management and marketing research. The courses provide learners the opportunity to enhance existing skills and knowledge and to gain new skills and knowledge germane to effectively managing the entire scope of the product life cycle in a strategically-sound, systematic, ethical, and legal manner.

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

This specialization from Northcentral University serves to enhance the understanding and practice of organizational leadership using an interdisciplinary approach between business and education theory and research. The focus of this specialization is to provide the Learner with a theoretical research approach to strategic planning in all phases of organizational leadership including building organization capacity and sustainability. This interdisciplinary specialization appeals to professionals in business administration, human resources, non-profit administration, and related fields, whose professional goal may be organizational consulting or a senior leadership position in corporate, government, not-for-profit, educational or community organizations.

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

Northcentral University's online Ph.D. in Education program is suitable for learners who want to combine a strong base of theoretical knowledge with an individualized focus to conduct research in and about PK-12, postsecondary and adult learning environments. The nature and purpose of the Curriculum and Teaching specialization is to provide Teacher Learners the knowledge, skill sets, and professional competencies that will enhance their instructional practice and expand their professional awareness. Learners have the opportunity to explore, examine, and evaluate contemporary teaching and instructional practices. Effective teaching methods are aligned to effective curricula design and development. Effective learning outcomes and student achievement are aligned to effective curricula implementation and assessment. This specialization offers Learners a comprehensive program of study aimed to improve their classroom performance and practice.

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

NCU's online Ph.D. in Education program is suitable for learners who want to combine a strong base of theoretical knowledge with an individualized focus to conduct research in and about PK-12, postsecondary and adult learning environments. Ph.D.s in Education are found in many different roles in academia, industry and not-for-profit organizations, including educational consultant, academic researcher, policy maker, educational theorist, and faculty member or administrator in a higher education setting. The School of Education at NCU is committed to preparing Educational Leaders and scholars through a comprehensive program of study in Educational Leadership (EL) addressing the ever-changing conditions and emerging issues within the context of education. Dedicated to the University's mission of providing excellence in teaching, research, and service, the program promotes a broad array of values, knowledge, and skills essential to renew and improve education in the 21st century.

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The pedagogy of language acquisition is of extreme importance in today's classrooms and businesses. This specialization from Northcentral University provides the knowledge base to build successful programs to enhance the learning of the English language, to assess skills of diverse students and to design instruction with bilingual materials. Research and current analysis of ESL theory provides the basis for the assessment and design process. (Note: Learners seeking ESL certification should verify with appropriate state officials that this specialization meets applicable certification requirements.)

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The continual evolution of many facets of education may have you wondering which area to focus on—analytics or curriculum development, international education or e-learning—or whether you should choose just one area. If you envision a career in education that doesn’t fit neatly into one discipline, Northcentral University—a regionally accredited online university—has a program that can tailor your education to your needs. The PhD in Education with a general education specialization allows you to tailor a degree program to fit your career goals.

The program from NorthCentral University provides knowledge in educational leadership research, theory and practices applicable to higher education. Research and analysis is conducted to identify future directions of national and global higher education focused on educational change through policy development and educational reform.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

Northcentral University's online Ph.D. in Education program is suitable for learners who want to combine a strong base of theoretical knowledge with an individualized focus to conduct research in and about PK-12, postsecondary and adult learning environments. Learners pursuing the Ph.D. in Education have the opportunity to customize and focus their program through their coursework, doctoral research courses and the doctoral dissertation. The Leadership in Higher Education (LHE) specialization offers learners pursuing the doctor of education or doctor of philosophy degrees with an opportunity to pursue studies in higher education. Learners pursuing the higher education specialization are employed as middle-and senior-level administrators (including presidents, vice presidents and deans) and as faculty members in colleges and universities throughout the world.

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

If you are committed to researching educational systems and applying the findings to improve student, faculty and school success, the NCU Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD) with a specialization in Learning Analytics K-12 can help you develop the advanced knowledge needed to contribute to this field. This online PhD program focuses on useful best practices for the design of data collection systems, as well as the proper dissemination and utilization of the data. You’ll study the history of data analytics, key theories, leading experts and components of datum and how they apply in K-12 environments.

Northcentral University's online PhD in Education program is suitable for learners who want to combine a strong base of theoretical knowledge with an individualized focus to conduct research in and about PK-12, postsecondary and adult learning environments. PhDs in Education are found in many different roles in academia, industry and not-for-profit organizations, including educational consultant, academic researcher, policy maker, educational theorist, and faculty member or administrator in a higher education setting. The Special Education (SE) specialization is designed to prepare graduates to teach and work with individuals with various types of disabilities. The specialized curriculum prepares learners to teach students with mental, physical, behavioral and learning disabilities, as well as work in a variety of related fields.

Northcentral University strives to enable students to make informed choices about their academic program selection by making disclosures to prospective students in a clear, timely, and meaningful way.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy program is focused on developing the skills and personal and professional growth that is requisite for effective practice in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy. Also offers advanced clinical education and training, research coursework and opportunities, and supervision training and experience.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The Couple Therapy Specialization program from NorthCentral University is designed to prepare Learners to work primarily with couples in therapy settings from a family therapy, systems perspective. Learners in this specialization are required to focus their course projects, internship work, and dissertation research on issues related to working with couples. 

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The Therapy with Military Families Specialization program from NorthCentral University is designed to prepare Learners to work primarily with individuals, couples, and families that are affiliated with the military through using a family therapy, systems perspective. Learners in this specialization are required to focus their course projects, internship work, and dissertation research on issues related to working with military personnel and their families.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The Gender Studies specialization is an in-depth focus on the social, cultural, and biological foundations of masculinity, femininity, and sexuality.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

As the world’s population continues to age, the demand will continue for individuals trained in gerontology. The Gerontology specialization is designed to train you in working with older adults and their families. Coursework in this program prepares you for career opportunities in health facilities, mental health clinics, government agencies and community organizations.

The Industrial/Organizational Psychology program trains Learners to work in a variety of settings. This program prepares Learners for research and field experience. Within the industrial and organizational program, the Learner is expected to become competent in theory, research, and applications of psychology as they relate to human behavior in organizations. The program emphasizes the contributions of both industrial and organizational psychology to the understanding of people in their world of work. Training is received in conducting basic and applied research, and in the applications of theory and research to organizational and human resource management problems in organizations.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

NCU’s PhD-level Computer Science specialization calls on students to research the design and function of computers from the inside out, providing an inside understanding of the foundational technology of any information system.  This specialization dovetails very well with the larger goals of your PhD-TIM program. A general specialization, it was created to provide you with a foundation on a wide variety of computing topics and to prepare you for a range of technology leadership roles. On graduation, you will be able to use the general but in-depth knowledge you’ve gained to lead the innovative integration of computer technologies in any organization.
 

As computer systems and high-speed processors gain greater and greater capacities, the amount of information generated can be daunting to the leader of today’s organizations. It takes leadership to manage that mountain of electronic gold most efficiently and effectively. That’s where those who’ve gained their PhD-TIM in NCU’s Data Science specialization come in. This specialization will prepare you to start processing the mountains of data that organizations produce and turn it all into usable information. Our Data Science graduates are prepared with the latest statistical and modeling tools that will enable you to help your organization use data most effectively to serve stakeholders’ interests.
 

NCU’s Information Systems specialization is designed for scholars who want to research new ways for computers to work together to maintain, store and process information. With this broad-based, but foundational perspective on technology information management, you may find yourself in high demand. In this innovation-focused course of study, you will be introduced to a variety of topics in information systems and will prepare for a range of information technology leadership roles. Upon graduation, you will be empowered to use this in-depth knowledge to lead the innovative integration of information technologies and information systems in any organization.
 

If you are interested in a graduate-level specialization involving K-12 learning analytics, but do not want to pursue a doctoral degree or write a dissertation, Northcentral University’s Education Specialist (EdS) degree program with a specialization in Learning Analytics may be a great fit for you. NCU’s online graduate degree program will immerse you in key areas of analytics, including data collection systems, identifying relevant data and the proper dissemination and utilization of the data to help improve learning outcomes. You’ll focus on foundations of learner analytics, proven theories and useful best practices and their application in K-12 education.