Northcentral University

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.

Northcentral University’s Systemic Treatment of Addictions specialization is designed for students pursuing their Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. It is ideal for students interested in helping people face addiction issues and co-occurring disorders. Topics covered include the historical and theoretical foundations of addictive disorders, the philosophies of co-occurring disorders and various systematic theories and evidence-based models for treatment. Students also learn methods for assessing substance-related and addictive disorders in the context of family therapy.

The Master of Arts in Psychology program in Gender and Sexual Fluidity at Northcentral University reflects NCU’s goal to train students who can serve in diverse communities.  Likewise, the School of Psychology recognizes how crucial it is for today’s mental health providers and educators to possess a certain level of sensitivity to the myriad of issues, challenges, and changes in our current understanding of mental health, gender, and healthy sexuality.

The Gender and Sexual Fluidity specialization expands the breadth of knowledge for current and future mental health caregivers. You will benefit from studying One-to-One with 100% doctoral faculty who offer valuable feedback and support as you examine social, cultural and biological foundations that influence gender diversity. You will also gain expertise in theory and research skills, and develop ways to apply your learning about gender diversity in your own community.

The MBA Criminal Justice Specialization offers students a unique insight into the operational and organizational structure of police agencies. Students can expect exposure to concepts that are readily applicable to a law enforcement setting. Many graduates utilize their knowledge and learned skills in managerial positions. Students may find professional employment opportunities in law enforcement agencies and private security firms.

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 lifeblood of every organization - private, public, religious or corporate - is its financial resources. Managers must know how to manage and allocate resources in order to ensure long-term profitability and organizational health. This specialization concentrates on developing these essential skills.

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.

NCU’s Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Global Business Management covers the essential elements required to understand and manage global organizations. Individuals interested in global management positions and/or teaching in post-secondary institutions of higher education would benefit from this program. The specialization focuses on topics such as global leadership issues and characteristics, trends and strategies in global business strategic management, and the challenges of positioning global brands and pricing approaches. Courses are focused on understanding management within a global organization and challenges global business leaders face, as well as strategies to manage them and position the business in the global market. Some specific areas include, but are not limited to, emerging economies, product differences across culture/modification of product for foreign markets, change barriers in global organizations and implementing changes, and pricing strategies and marketing across multi-national markets. In this program, students will also learn to diagnose the health of an organization, relate media appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience, evaluate the challenges and opportunities presented by the global business environment, interpret legal compliance, ethical concerns of stakeholders, and social responsibility in terms of their impact on the conduct of business, and justify effective business solutions.

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.

Northcentral University’s Master of Business Administration specialization in Information Technology is built for business professionals seeking to benefit from a stronger understanding of the IT field, networks, and computing. Technology can be intimidating — yet beneficial — for many organizations. In this specialization, students will learn how to take advantage of new technologies and ideas, gain familiarity in working with or within IT departments, and prepare to be a champion of positive change through new ideas and new technologies. With carefully selected courses directly from the School of Technology, this program will provide business leaders a strong understanding of the field through courses that are aligned to the current standards in the industry.

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.

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.

A career in education often starts in the classroom, but for many, it doesn’t end there. For those that want to have a greater influence on the future of education, including having an impact on policy, preparing to take on a leadership role is critical. Northcentral University’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree program helps students gain the skills and knowledge needed to lead the way. This comprehensive program is aligned with traits specific to the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL), including data-driven decision-making and evidence-based educational practice. This makes it an ideal option for those with a teaching background that want to prepare for roles of leadership within an educational institution. Students will explore vital topics for today’s educational professional, including disciplinary theories, managing curricular resources, fundamental skills for administrative leadership and education policy for school leaders.

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.

Northcentral University’s Master of Education with a specialization in School Safety, Security, and Emergency Management will help you develop your fundamental knowledge and skills related to teaching, learning, and student support. This specialization offers certified teachers and classified staff three distinct and connected domains: school safety, school security, and school emergency management. You will learn about diverse topics such as technologies to manage safety, security, and emergencies; threat assessments of people and facilities; restorative justice and other alternatives to student discipline; and how to contribute, implement, and improve school safety plans through a practitioner’s perspective. This is an important practice that both school administrators and teaching staff would benefit from by improving both day-to-day operations, and school morale. Students who feel safe and secure at school are better able to learn by engaging the curriculum, teachers, and peers. You will demonstrate your proficiency through a capstone project in the final course.

NCU's online Master of Education (MEd) 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 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. The course offerings within the SE specialization covers a wide spectrum of issues relating to individuals with disabilities, including the development and characteristics of learners, individual learning differences, instructional strategies, social development, and language development. The curriculum encompasses learning environments, instructional planning, assessment, professional and ethical practices, and collaboration.

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. Visit www.ncu.edu/GE for more information.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

Northcentral University’s Master of Education with a specialization in Trauma-Informed Educational Practices will help you develop your fundamental knowledge and skills related to teaching, learning, and student support. You will consider various educational settings and learner population as you explore the fundamentals of a trauma-informed approach to education, including how trauma manifests in different populations, specific trauma-informed strategies for the classroom, involvement of multi-tiered systems of support, and strengthening resilience among both students and educators. While earning your master’s in trauma-informed education practices, you will learn to address trauma, how to understand the student’s experience, and educational strategies for handling the situation. You’ll also be trained to recognize the trauma and concerns from students’ trauma in myriad environments, including school and home. The specialization provides opportunities for you to demonstrate your proficiency through a capstone project in the final course. All courses must be completed prior to the capstone course.

NCU’s Master of Human Resource Management degree (MHRM) helps human resource professionals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become leaders in their field. The program is designed to prepare students for a range of roles within domestic or international organizations, including leadership positions. Upon graduation, students will have a deep understanding of the positive impact human resources has on both the employment lifecycle and strategic organizational goals.

This program covers foundational concepts and theories along with effective human resource practices. Students will explore employee recruitment, retention strategies, staffing models, compensation issues and learn how to manage labor relations. Additional areas of focus include training and development, global talent development and employment law. Those in this program will also acquire the skills needed to effectively manage a diverse, global workforce.

NCU’s Master of Human Resource Management with a specialization in Global Business Management covers the essential elements required to understand and manage global organizations. Individuals interested in global management positions and/or teaching in post-secondary institutions of higher education would benefit from this program. The specialization focuses on topics such as global leadership issues and characteristics, trends and strategies in global business strategic management, and the challenges of positioning global brands and pricing approaches. Courses are focused on understanding management within a global organization and challenges global business leaders face, as well as strategies to manage them and position the business in the global market. Some specific areas include, but are not limited to, emerging economies, product differences across culture/modification of product for foreign markets, change barriers in global organizations and implementing changes, and pricing strategies and marketing across multi-national markets. In this program, students will also learn to apply human resource management concepts in addressing issues and challenges in domestic and global organizations, evaluate an organization's human resources capacity, analyze the challenges of managing human resource operations in domestic and global organizations, and create employee compensation, benefits, and classification plans.

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.

Financial management is important for the efficient operation of any organization, but it can be a particularly complex task within government agencies, public organizations and within the nonprofit sector.  Students interested in preparing for a career in this field can gain the right skills and experience through our Financial Management specialization.

This specialization examines the relevant financial analysis of financial and non-financial organizations. Students will assess financial statements, explore foreign exchange issues and learn about risk and investment management. By the end of the program, students will demonstrate their knowledge with a final research project that includes identifying a workplace problem and an area for intervention along with creating a recommended plan of action.

NCU’s Master of Public Administration with a specialization in Global Business Management covers the essential elements required to understand and manage global organizations. Individuals interested in global management positions and/or teaching in post-secondary institutions of higher education would benefit from this program. The specialization focuses on topics such as global leadership issues and characteristics, trends and strategies in global business strategic management, and the challenges of positioning global brands and pricing approaches. Courses are focused on understanding management within a global organization and challenges global business leaders face, as well as strategies to manage them and position the business in the global market. Some specific areas include, but are not limited to, emerging economies, product differences across culture/modification of product for foreign markets, change barriers in global organizations and implementing changes, and pricing strategies and marketing across multi-national markets. In this program, students will also learn to manage programs in public organizations, assess the effectiveness of public service programs and policies within government agencies, interpret administrative laws and regulations for program implementation in public organizations, and apply public administration knowledge in addressing challenges in public organizations.

Public administrators working within the field of homeland security must have a strong understanding of security, public policy and procedure. Those looking to forge a career related in this rewarding but challenging industry can acquire the insight and knowledge they need with our Homeland Security specialization.

This specialization is designed to prepare professionals working within law enforcement, public safety and similar areas to take executive leadership positions related to homeland security. Students will cover a spectrum of critical topics including everything from management and budgetary rules to crisis management and terrorism. Additionally, students will complete a final project that demonstrates the competencies learned throughout their degree program.

Northcentral University’s Master of Public Administration specialization in Information Technology is built for public administration professionals seeking to benefit from a stronger understanding of the IT field, networks, and computing. Technology can be intimidating — yet beneficial — for many organizations and communities. In this specialization, students will learn how to take advantage of new technologies and ideas, gain familiarity in working with or within IT departments, and prepare to be a champion of positive change through new ideas and new technologies. With carefully selected courses directly from the School of Technology, this program will provide public administration leaders a strong understanding of the field through courses that are aligned to the current standards in the industry.

Nonprofits are unique organizations that have their own set of regulations and special challenges. Those interested in launching a career in this rewarding and dynamic field can gain the knowledge and skills they need with our Nonprofit Management specialization.

This specialization looks at the fundamental principles of nonprofit management including revenue generation, legal issues and the recruitment and management of volunteers. Other areas of focus include the roles and responsibilities of the management team, maximizing fundraising opportunities and maintaining healthy budgets. Additional topics include marketing and promotion, diversity and ethics.

Northcentral's Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program is tailored for individuals looking to advance their current career in accounting, finance or business management.  Utilizing the CPA Exam Prep materials, the program addresses the goals of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and is designed to maintain relevancy with the accounting profession and certification requirements. With globalization and increasingly complex tax and regulatory requirements, professionals seeking leadership roles in public accounting, industry, government or not-for-profit organizations can gain the skills and knowledge they need to make an impact in a variety of organizations. This program is 100% online, with no time-consuming or costly entrance exam requirements.
 

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.

Data makes the world go around. As we grow more reliant upon data, we also grow more vulnerable. Protecting this complex cyber infrastructure takes constant vigilance, dedication and education. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity at Northcentral University will expose students to the latest tools, practices, methods and procedures used to manage and protect critical information infrastructures and other sensitive assets. You will gain the knowledge you need to protect systems, networks and data from disruption, unauthorized access, alteration or even destruction. This comprehensive program investigates the current trends and emerging threats in the industry. You will learn how to use monitoring systems, intrusion detection functions and forensic tools to identify cyber threats. You’ll also learn how to secure networks and systems and prevent subsequent attacks. NCU’s MS in Cybersecurity prepares you to work within this dynamic field by helping them gain the skills, hands-on experience and practical knowledge needed by today’s cybersecurity professionals. Our curriculum is also aligned to the standards associated with Certified Information Systems Security Professional® (CISSP).

Northcentral University’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity with a specialization in General Cybersecurity adds a broad view of areas that are important within information assurance and general cybersecurity exposures and solutions. The specialization provides added content in core business technology areas such as databases, adoption of new content areas, and safe application creation and acquisition. Modern information assurance and related risks provide an important area explored with a practitioner emphasis aimed at curing problems and preventing future losses. Updated and evolving forensics for legal and incident resolution complement advance learning related to standards, frameworks, and the practical management of risk. Throughout this program, you will learn to manage legal, ethical, and security risks in technology-based systems, as well as evaluate the scope and impact of emerging technologies in cybersecurity on a local and global scale.

Northcentral University’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity with a specialization in
Public Service and Defense exposes you to the latest tools, practices, and methods used to protect critical information, sensitive assets, and privacy, and to comply with ethical and legal expectations. During the program, you will explore specific public service and defense best practices, standards, frameworks, and models, including the Federal Information Security Modernization Act, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Department of Defense expectations that contribute to strengthened defenses, gaining the real-world knowledge needed to work as a cybersecurity professional and to communicate at all levels of an organization. Throughout this program, you will learn to evaluate an organization’s maturity in protecting its information infrastructure, manage legal, ethical, and security risks in technology-based systems, and to formulate solutions to cybersecurity problems.

Northcentral University’s Master of Science in Educational Psychology program will provide students the information, skills and experience they need to make an impact in the classroom. Students will learn how to enhance education and training outcomes across diverse learning environments through the application of educational psychology principles and research. As a student, you’ll explore the foundations of educational psychology along with critical subjects such as child and adolescent development, the psychology of learning, gifted education and diversity-related topics.  You’ll also cover key topics in research, such as research design and how to utilize statistics. Additionally, you’ll learn about professional ethics and the law as it relates to the field. This program is ideally suited for those that currently work in education or those that seek a future in education or workforce training development.

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.

Northcentral University’s Master of Science in Information Technology program is designed to help IT professionals gain management-level knowledge of current technology concepts and tools. The program is designed and taught by experienced technology professionals to ensure it’s aligned with current industry needs. You can tailor the MSIT program to your career goals by choosing a specialization in Cloud and Networking Infrastructure Management, General Information Management, Information Technology Project Management, or Network Risk Management and Control. Throughout the program, you will explore a broad range of topics such as networks, mobile computing, database management, and information security. You will learn about project management, contingency planning, and IP law so that you are prepared to take on technology-related leadership roles in government and private organizations.

Northcentral University’s Master of Science in Information Technology General Information Management specialization focuses on developing the skills and knowledge needed to manage and support technical teams by providing a general overview of systems analysis and design, cybersecurity, data integration, and IT asset management. In this specialization, you will conduct technical analysis, design, response, and documentation to support enterprise operations; assess legal, ethical, privacy, and security considerations; and incorporate project management methodology into planning, development, and implementation of IT solutions. The specialization aligns with the knowledge areas required for certification in Network+, Security+, and CRISC.

Northcentral University’s Master of Science in IT Information Technology Project Management specialization focuses on developing the skills and knowledge needed to lead or support information technology projects and programs. As part of this specialization, you will explore strategies to control project risk and manage project teams and resources to ensure the delivery of quality technical products and services. This specialization aligns with the knowledge areas required for Project Management Institute's Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification.

Northcentral University is dedicated to developing innovative and leading-edge programs for our students. Our new Master of Science in Organizational Leadership curriculum provides an intense examination of the current state of leadership within a given profession. Upon completion of the program, you will have gained the knowledge to evaluate your own leadership skills and the components of leadership that contribute to the health of an organization, as well as how to apply best leadership practices in an organization.

Northcentral University’s Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program and all of NCU's programs were developed to make earning your degree possible by scheduling school around your life, not your life around school. With weekly course starts, and one-to-one learning, you can earn your degree and manage professional, personal, and family obligations.

The criminal justice system is a vast, billion-dollar industry with many growing opportunities for those with higher degrees and leadership skills. In this MBA specialization you will focus on developing the advanced competencies and analytical capabilities needed to seek management and leadership positions in correctional institutions, law enforcement and the court system. At the end of your program, you will complete a final written research project, demonstrating your ability to conduct an investigation on a workplace problem, identify an area for intervention, critique, justify and recommend a plan of preventative action.

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.

Organizations and foundations dedicated to service or charity need keen leadership and expertise management. In this specialization you will learn the fundamental principles of nonprofit management by exploring the roles and responsibilities of the management team, their efforts to maximize fundraising opportunities and to maintain healthy budgets. Other areas you will cover in this specialization include: revenue generation, legal foundations, recruitment and management of volunteers, and promotion and marketing. You will also examine contemporary topics such as diversity and ethics within the nonprofit setting.

The Master of Science in Sport Psychology (MSPSYSP) degree program helps you develop the skills and personal and professional growth needed for sport psychology by critically analyzing a broad range of theories and practical knowledge. With an integrated learning experience, you will have the opportunity to engage in fieldwork and supervision. In this program, you will complete a total of 36 credit hours over 12 courses in as few as 21 months. This degree may appeal to individuals who would like to work with athletes and other high-performance people on the psychological aspects of their performance. This program may also appeal to those who are already working in a mental health/counseling environment and are looking to broaden their clientele and engage in non-clinical work. Other current professionals working in the athletic field, including coaches, physical therapists, strength and conditioning coaches, and athletic administrators may be able to enhance their marketability and advance their careers by having this secondary degree and expertise in sport psychology. Additionally, individuals working in other high-performance fields such as law enforcement, military, and executive coaching may benefit from this type of educational training. Northcentral University’s Master of Science in Sport Psychology includes coursework that has been identified as appropriate by the Certification Council of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.

Northcentral University’s Master of Science in Technology Management with a specialization in Cybersecurity Management focuses on developing the knowledge and skills needed to oversee and manage cybersecurity professionals. You will explore key topics of cybersecurity – managing risk, privacy, and security. Additionally, you will explore contingency planning, incident analysis, and cloud systems certification and accreditation. You will be exposed to activities that highlight services to optimize operations and justify fiscal resources required to meet the strategic and operational technology needs of the enterprise. Finally, you will conduct activities to incorporate strategic, operational, and project planning and management into the implementation of IT solutions. For this specialization, you will complete 30 credit hours in as few as 15 months. Courses will delve into cybersecurity principles, managing risk, security, and privacy in information systems, contingency planning and incidents, and cloud and system certification and accreditation. Upon completion of this program, you’ll be prepared to take on an advanced leadership role within an exciting, ever-evolving, and in-demand industry.

Northcentral University’s Master of Science in Technology Management with a specialization in General Management focuses on developing the knowledge and skills needed to oversee and manage technology management professionals. As part of this specialization, you will explore key topics of leadership in Agile projects, cybersecurity, risk management, concepts of data science, quality management, and contingency planning and incidents. You will be exposed to activities that highlight services to optimize operations and justify fiscal resources required to meet the strategic and operational technology needs of the enterprise. Finally, you will conduct activities to incorporate strategic, operational and project planning and management into the implementation of IT solutions.

Northcentral University’s Master of Science in Technology Management with a specialization in Project and Program Management is designed to prepare you for project management leadership positions. As part of this specialization, you will explore key topics of leadership in Agile projects; leadership in project management; managing risk in projects; and program and portfolio management. You will be exposed to activities that highlight services to optimize operations and justify fiscal resources required to meet the strategic and operational technology needs of the enterprise. Finally, you will conduct activities to incorporate strategic operational and project planning and management into the implementation of IT solutions.

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.

Successfully running a counseling practice isn’t what most mental health care practitioners learn to do while gaining expertise in their fields. As a result, many gifted therapists and counselors see their dreams of private practice evaporate. The Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship Specialization is designed to prepare you to manage the business aspects of a clinical practice, or use your expertise in an entrepreneurial fashion.  In this specialization you will focus your course projects, internship work, and dissertation research on issues broadly related to small business development and entrepreneurship.

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 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.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

For those who desire a more practical, skill-based specialization, the DBA in Health Services may be for you. This specialization prepares health service industry managers 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.

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.

Northcentral University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration with specialization in Information Technology will help you develop the skills and the personal and professional growth required for effective practice in the field of IT. In this specialization, you will learn to explain the primary information technology components and functions; determine the role of technical policies and protocols as they relate to IT systems and operations; evaluate the strengths, vulnerabilities, and impact of various cloud computing platforms; model a network architecture with basic network security considerations; and employ best practices to configure and manage patches and upgrades. The Information Technology specialization is focused on developing leaders who know how to take advantage of new technologies and ideas. The courses help prepare professionals to be champions of positive change through new ideas and new technologies.

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.

Northcentral University’s Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ) program can help criminal justice professionals gain the advanced knowledge they need to become leaders in their field. This program was designed to help students develop a pragmatic approach to solving the problems facing the industry today. Upon graduation students will have a deep understanding of criminal justice theory, criminology theory, civil and criminal liability and gain the leadership skills they need to distinguish themselves in the workplace. This program offers specializations in Homeland Security, Law Enforcement and White Collar Crime.  It is ideally suited for those that hold a master’s degree and are currently working in the criminal justice field. Students will enhance their understanding of critical topics in criminal justice and gain the additional skills they need to contribute in leadership roles. This includes the ability to research, budget, organize and manage operations related to public safety.

Northcentral University’s Doctor of Criminal Justice with a specialization in Organizational Leadership serves to enhance the understanding and practice of organizational leadership using an interdisciplinary approach between business and education theory and research. Students will explore theoretical research as it relates to strategic planning in all phases of organizational leadership, including building organizational capacity and sustainability. This specialization has broad appeal among practicing professionals with a background in business administration, human resources, nonprofit administration, and related fields, whose professional goal may be organizational consulting or a general leadership position in corporate, government, not-for-profit, educational, or community organizations.

This specialization focuses on acquiring administrative knowledge and skills in government and public agency budgeting, government relations, public personnel policy management, politics, and urban planning. The curriculum emphasizes contemporary program evaluation, complex public organization, and environmental compliance, along with strategies needed to meet the challenges in government management at the local, state and federal levels. 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 along a timeline of deliverables and objectives. Possible potions held by graduates are Budget Director, Program Evaluation Director, Research Analyst and Economic Development Director.

The Doctor of Education in Early Childhood Education program from NorthCentral University allows learners to explore a broad spectrum of topics from growth and development, childhood literature, program administration, curriculum and assessment, and stakeholder partnerships. The specialization is designed with an emphasis on the development of skills in scientific inquiry and leadership. Learners enrolled in this program will develop an understanding of theory related to the study of education in early childhood. Learners will apply research findings in an informed manner and conduct applied research and program evaluation.

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’s EdS with Specialization in Social Emotional Learning program will help you develop the skills and the personal and professional growth required for effective practice in the field of social emotional learning. The 11-course program prepares you to become an SEL leader after three to five years of direct experience. In this specialization, you will learn to demonstrate expertise in social emotional education content, conduct a needs assessment, plan and implement curriculum, assess student learning, coordinate school health and advocacy for social, emotional, and academic education as a holistic approach, serve as a resource to the school, students and their families, the community, and more. The Social Emotional Learning (SEL) specialization is focused on mid-career or advanced classroom teachers, school counselors or psychologists, and school/district administrators who desire a more intensive examination of the five core competencies identified by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL): self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness. From a practitioner’s perspective, you will examine how these competencies are applied across classrooms, schools, homes, and communities. While individuals outside of the K-12 school context would benefit from the specialization, the courses do use a K-12 lens.

The Doctor of Education degree with a specialization in Sports Management from Northcentral University provides educators with leadership expertise in this growing field. The program is designed to allow learners the ability to increase their understanding of the field of Sports Management through practical application and doctoral research on the influences that impact sports and athletics. The program includes a combination of science-based academics, research methods, and real-world experience with an emphasis on the ever-changing financial, legal, political, and marketing concerns within the sports industry.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

Northcentral University’s Doctor of Education (EdD) in Instructional Design program will help students gain the skills they need to develop and manage complex design projects. This includes hands-on experience working with subject matter experts and learning how to utilize popular authoring tools to create powerful learning experiences. Upon graduation students will understand how to design and develop learning environments for government, business, military, and K-12 and higher education applications or leading ID teams. This program was created by experienced professionals to help guide students on how to apply their knowledge to solve authentic problems. Students will cover a range of advanced topics, including research, contemporary instructional design, and the design and development of simulations and gaming solutions.

Northcentral University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership program will help students prepare for leadership roles within a variety of healthcare delivery organizations. This is a practice-based program designed to align with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials and the nurse leader competencies from the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE). Students will explore key topics such as organizational leadership, financial management strategies, healthcare economics, informatics in healthcare delivery and patient advocacy. Students will also learn how to use data and technological resources for decision-making. Additionally, this program includes 500 practice experience hours in conjunction with an evidenced-based research project designed to offer hands-on experience.

To enroll, students must have, and maintain throughout the program, a current, active and unencumbered license as a registered nurse (RN).

This doctoral degree concentrates on developing advanced skills needed to work with educational, governmental and financial organizations.  The student will acquire skills from a broad collection of financial topics and research methods that can fit both within for-profit and not-for-profit environments.  The finance skills include financial statement analysis, understanding advanced financial business 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 that successfully completes the degree is in a position to work in an educational environment at a university level as an instructor/professor or take a variety of research or practitioner oriented positions.  For example, positions could be 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.

Advance your career in the dynamic and volatile field of health services. The Health Services 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 services industry management knowledge. Graduates often seek high-level management positions in both public and private health services settings.

Northcentral University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration with a specialization in Industrial Organizational Psychology explores the application of industrial and organizational psychology and management theory to the understanding of people in work environment. In this interdisciplinary specialization, students complete courses in the School of Business and Technology Management and the School of Psychology in order to develop competencies in theory, research, and applications of psychology related to human behavior in organizations. Students conduct advanced research related to the application of organizational and psychological theory to human resource management.

The program is a research-based program that is designed to give students the opportunity to build their skill and knowledge base. The program emphasizes qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Students have the chance to learn to evaluate, interpret, and integrate knowledge into the business decision-making process.

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. Organizational Leadership (OL) appeals to Learners who are focused on developing the competencies required of organizational leaders. The strategically crafted courses serve to enhance 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.

Northcentral University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration with specialization in Strategic Marketing will help you develop the skills and the personal and professional growth required for effective practice in the field of business. This specialization delivers a next-generation approach to strategic marketing, transcending traditional marketing management, and research methodology. This specialization delivers benchmark training in the three pillars of global change leadership, marketing science, and innovation in marketing economics. Following the execution of strategic coursework, students will focus on real-world global product strategy, advancing digital marketing across the entire scope of the product life cycle. The specialization provides strategies for a sound, systematic, ethical, and legal approach to contemporary and emergent marketing practices. At the conclusion, students will be well prepared to lead the marketing workforce of tomorrow.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science program at Northcentral University is a research-oriented program designed to help you learn how to organize, research and leverage data to drive growth. This hands-on program covers many important topics such as big data integration, quantitative research design, databases and business intelligence. Additionally, you’ll explore the theories, concepts and tools of the emerging area of data visualization. You will also have the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience during the course of the program. The curriculum for our PhD in Data Science program follows the CRISP structure and was developed by industry experts to reflect current industry needs.

The Doctor of Education in Early Childhood Education program from NorthCentral University allows learners to explore a broad spectrum of topics from growth and development, childhood literature, program administration, curriculum and assessment, and stakeholder partnerships. The specialization is designed with an emphasis on the development of skills in scientific inquiry and leadership. Learners enrolled in this program will develop an understanding of theory related to the study of education in early childhood. Learners will apply research findings in an informed manner and conduct applied research and program evaluation.

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.

This specialization educates leaders in the field of training and development. 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 from NorthCentral University emphasizes systemic leadership and organizational capacity, verified through research and analysis of contemporary theory and practice.

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 online Doctor of Education (EdD) with a specialization in Learning Analytics in Higher Education can set you apart in this ever-expanding field as a skilled educational data analyst. This program will immerse you in the field, exposing you to the history of data analytics, instruction on the proper identification, utility, and application of relevant data in the educational world. In addition, you will receive an introduction to the components of datum, data mining, types of data analytics and other associated issues. Upon graduation, you will be well-prepared to lead and oversee the collection and management of sensitive data.

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. 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 appealing to learners who currently serve as or want to become collaborative change agents within their organization.

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 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.

Learning organizations face a range of challenges, from budget issues and ethical concerns to learning how to adapt to the increasingly diverse student population. Addressing these issues requires strong leaders that have in-depth knowledge, specialized experience and vision. Northcentral University’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Leadership degree program can help students develop and refine the skills needed to lead an organization to success. This comprehensive program is a theoretical research degree designed to help students learn how to ethically address the complex problems faced in education today. This is an ideal program for those that wish to improve educational practices across private and public sectors, such as PK-12, higher education, military and corporate learning environments. Students will explore theories, models and practices related to various leadership styles to gain a broader understanding of how to be an effective leader. Additionally, the program covers topics such as evidence-based decision making, educational policy and the relationship between policy and overall school performance.

Northcentral University’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Instructional Design program will help students gain the advanced skills they need to thrive in the challenging and rewarding field of instructional design. Students will gain practical, hands-on experience working with subject matter experts, managing complex projects and carrying out research projects. Upon graduation students will have the skills they need to help shape learning environments and contribute to the overall body of knowledge in the field of instructional design. This program is centered on helping students develop advanced skills and knowledge related to the learning experience and instructional design. Students will learn how to evaluate design processes, explore the design and development of simulations, games and mobile learning along with the various methods of information delivery.

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.

This specialization is designed for students that are interested in becoming leaders and mentors for the next generation of marriage and family therapists. Courses within this specialization cover vital topics such as professional identity development, strategies for assessing trainee competence and ethical responsibilities for supervisors. Additional topics include working with adult learners in e-learning environments, using technology to facilitate training and emerging digital technologies.

Students with this specialization are required to focus on issues related to education and supervision for their course projects, Advanced Practical Experience Component and dissertation research.

The Medical Therapy Specialization program from NorthCentral University is designed to prepare Learners to work individuals, couples and families that are facing chronic or acute medical difficulties. Medical Family Therapy incorporates a family therapy, systems perspective in helping client families to understand and deal with their medical difficulties. Learners in this specialization are required to focus their course projects, internship work, and dissertation research on issues related to medical family therapy.

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.

Northcentral University’s Counseling Psychology specialization is designed for students pursuing their Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology. It is ideal for mental health professionals who are licensed or pre-licensed having a foundation of clinical knowledge and skills at the master level.. Students enrolled in this specialization will learn about clinical supervision, psychopharmacology, research, and cognitive and personality assessments. To enroll in this program, students must have a conferred clinical master’s degree in a mental health or related field that included a practicum/internship, from a regionally accredited institution. This program is also offered as a California Licensure Track.

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 opportunities in health facilities, mental health clinics, government agencies and community organizations.

Northcentral University offers a robust Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology program in Industrial Organizational Psychology (IOP) that is aligned with the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology’s (SIOP) guidelines for education and training. You’ll work with expert faculty who will provide personalized feedback and support as you learn to apply psychological theories to critical issues in the fields of business and industry. As you work through the courses, you will become adept at small group theory and team processes, dynamics of leadership and management, and the structure and procedures of organizational development. Additionally you’ll learn about the application and interpretation of tests and measurements as applied to employee selection, as well as how to conduct performance appraisals and training evaluations.

The IOP specialization in the PhD in Psychology program at Northcentral University will prepare you to assume leadership positions in industry, government, consulting and education in various fields, such as research, coaching, human resource development, consumer behavior analysis, workplace planning, personnel specialist, and talent acquisition.

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

Exposure to trauma and disaster can lead to emotional and behavioral issues for victims, survivors, relief workers and bystanders. The Trauma and Disaster Relief specialization prepares you to understand the needs of individuals who have witnessed natural disasters, accidents, abuse, physical injury, bullying, etc., and who are grappling with how to cope or to integrate memories or feelings related to that experience.

As organizations rely more and more on data collection, the risks associated with data theft and breeches have become greater. NCU’s Cybersecurity specialization will prepare you to take a leadership role in thwarting hackers and information theft. In this program you’ll learn 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. Upon graduation, you will be well prepared to anticipate and mitigate risks in managing and deploying data-intensive systems.
 

The importance of engineering and invention to the field of technology cannot be over-emphasized. That understanding informs the motivation behind creating 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 scholars like you with the skills needed to conceive and 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.
 

In the Education Specialist with a specialization in Early Childhood Education program, you will build on your existing knowledge and skills in early childhood education as you focus on leadership in practice. This focus will include curriculum, assessment, and program administration that aligns with research on the growth and development of young children. You will also investigate early childhood literacy and literature along with the roles of families, caregivers, schools, and communities as partners in early childhood education. This specialization supports your development as an advanced practitioner in the field of early childhood education. This specialization supports your development as a leader focused on problems of practice in the field of early childhood education. You will complete a total of 11 courses for 33 credit hours in as few as 17 months. Upon completion of the program, you will be prepared to recommend policies advancing equity and social justice in educational organizations; select ethical and regulatory compliant actions supporting the mission and vision of organizations; develop leadership skills through the integration of theoretical constructs with professional practice; create strategic and tactical plans to improve organizations; and construct theory-informed decisions for addressing complex problems of practice.

Many positions in academic administration and strategy require cross-disciplinary skills and knowledge – so why settle on a single specialization? Northcentral University’s Education Specialist degree program with a general education specialization may be the ideal choice—particularly if you’d like a doctoral-level education without the requirement of a dissertation. The general education specialization allows you to combine disciplines–such as organizational leadership and curriculum and teaching–into a single degree program and map out a curriculum that meets your particular career goals.

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.

Northcentral University’s EdS with Specialization in Social Emotional Learning program will help you develop the skills and the personal and professional growth required for effective practice in the field of social emotional learning. The 11-course program prepares you to become an SEL leader after three to five years of direct experience. In this specialization, you will learn to demonstrate expertise in social emotional education content, conduct a needs assessment, plan and implement curriculum, assess student learning, coordinate school health and advocacy for social, emotional, and academic education as a holistic approach, serve as a resource to the school, students and their families, the community, and more. The Social Emotional Learning (SEL) specialization is focused on mid-career or advanced classroom teachers, school counselors or psychologists, and school/district administrators who desire a more intensive examination of the five core competencies identified by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL): self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness. From a practitioner’s perspective, you will examine how these competencies are applied across classrooms, schools, homes, and communities. While individuals outside of the K-12 school context would benefit from the specialization, the courses do use a K-12 lens.

The Education Specialist degree with a specialization in Sports Management at Northcentral University provides you with an opportunity to increase your leadership expertise in this growing field as you explore a combination of science-based academics, research methods, and real life experiences within the collegiate athletic department.

Throughout this specialization, you will examine the ever-changing financial, legal, political and marketing concerns of directing an athletic department at the collegiate level. You will also develop your understanding of Title IX, legal aspects, and advisement programs for the student athlete as you work One-to-One with experienced faculty members who have had many years of successful athletic administration experience at the collegiate level.