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Version: 01-21-2008 Copyright ©2008

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100 -ABOUT NORTHCENTRAL UNIVERSITY

100.1 -Disclosures

TERMS GOVERNING YOUR PROGRAM The sections entitled, "Types of Degree Programs Offered" and "Admission Requirements", from the current online catalog, in effect at the time of your enrollment, are the official sources and permanent references governing the terms of your enrollment.

NCU recommends that you keep a copy of the catalog for your records. The University reserves the right to change policy and procedures at any time. If the university does change policy and/or procedures, you will be notified via the Current Announcements section which appears at the top of your Learner Web site homepage screen.

INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITATION Northcentral University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

PROGRAM ACCREDITATION Northcentral University is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the premier accrediting association for business schools and programs with a focus on teaching excellence. ACBSP is recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

HONOR SOCIETIES

Northcentral University is a member of the following honor societies:

Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education

Delta Mu Delta Honor Society Business

100.2 -Mission Statement, Vision, and Values

Our Mission - Northcentral University uses distance learning methodologies to provide adult learners throughout the world with opportunities to earn bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in recognized academic programs to enable them to acquire the competencies and to apply the knowledge and skills needed to participate and function effectively in modern society.

VISION - Northcentral University is committed to being a premier higher education distance learning institution. This end is achieved through an uncompromising passion for excellence in providing educational opportunities for adult Learners that fosters integrity, critical thinking, professional knowledge, a global view, and leadership for a changing world.

VALUES - Values represent beliefs that the University holds in high regard and deems important in higher education. Northcentral University recognizes the keen interconnection of its organizational culture and the beliefs, values, and expectations that guide the behavior of the members of the institution. To achieve its Mission and Vision, NCU affirms its values of Integrity, Innovation, Respect, Teamwork, Leadership, and Performance.

Learners - Our Learners are our clients. We are deeply committed to meeting the needs of our Learners, and we constantly focus on putting our Learners and their educational needs first in distance learning.

Integrity - NCU's integrity is built upon this core set of values: innovation, respect, teamwork, leadership, and continuous improvement in our performance. NCU's commitment to integrity is validated by its value driven actions.

Innovation - Innovation is the key to improving the quality of our educational programs and services.

Respect - We recognize that our people are the cornerstone of our success. We value our diversity of thought and action as a source of strength and we are committed to treat people with respect and dignity.

Teamwork - We know that to have a successful university a community of Learners, Faculty Mentors, and staff must work together, frequently transcending organizational and geographical boundaries.

Leadership - We believe that leaders exhibit standards for others to follow. Leaders achieve difficult goals, envision new and innovative educational delivery systems, and challenge outdated concepts of learning.

Performance - We strive for continuous improvement in our performance. We define and measure outcomes and take corrective action to ensure that our passion for excellence is never compromised.

100.3 -Distance Learning at NCU

In the NCU distance learning environment, Learners and Faculty Mentors interact one on one. There are no cohort groups at NCU, but a personalized teaching model. Learners and Mentors interact asynchronously during a course term to achieve learning outcomes. Mentors function as instructors, facilitators, guides, consultants, and evaluators.

Course interaction occurs through Compass, a proprietary course management system. The university uses asynchronous computermediated communications in primarily textbased courses. Learners and Mentors communicate using NCU’s Message System and the Course Page, thereby avoiding spam and viruses. The messaging system tracks LearnerMentor interaction.

Undergraduate programs include a set of Core Courses. Graduate programs and specializations include a set of fundamentals and a set of related elective courses allowing the Learner to select coursework closely associated with his or her educational and career goals. Learners, guided by Mentors and supported by traditional texts, technology, and electronic resources and databases, complete a degree plan. Where appropriate, Learners must include courses to satisfy general education and/or content area requirements. Elective courses are divided into concentrations at the undergraduate level and specializations at the graduate level. Learners choose from a carefully selected array of courses that support program objectives.

100.4 -Institutional Effectiveness and Learner Outcomes Assessment

Northcentral University is committed to its mission and to continuous improvement of its programs and services. Assessment is the ongoing process of evaluating Learner academic achievements. Learners, Faculty Mentors, staff, and external constituencies are asked to participate in assessment and institutional effectiveness activities that may include, but are not limited to, examination, performance assessments, questionnaires, surveys, focus groups, interviews, learning journals, portfolios, case studies, comprehensive exams, and followup studies.

100.5 -NCU President and Board of Trustees

NCU President, Clinton D. Gardner, Ph.D. (ex officio member)
Martin Gottlieb, MPA (Chair)
Michael Horowitz, Ph.D. (Member)
Kenton D. Jones, J.D. (Member)
M. Kathleen Murphy (Member)
Karen F. Rizk (Member)
Cynthia A. Russell, DNSc, RN (Member)
Arthur Lee Smith, Ph.D. (Member)

Ownership information is contained in addendum 012208 and will be provided upon request.

200 -GENERAL EDUCATION

NCU’s General Education program for undergraduate degree programs has been designed to provide lifelong Learners with the tools, skills, and knowledge fundamental to successful, scholarly bachelor degree studies and for enhancing personal future effectiveness in all aspects of life.

The Learnercentered focus is reflected in a courseembedded assessment process and interactive mentoring system that provides Learners with continuous guidance and support for learning success. Advancement and success in today’s professions depend on being comfortable with and knowledgeable about the necessary tools and abilities.

Written communication and writing skills are essential for success in NCU’s programs and are therefore a foundation of general education. The curriculum provides sequential writing courses that support developmental, academic, and critical thinking learning opportunities.

201 -General Education Program

201.1 -Objectives of the Program

The undergraduate curriculum supports preparation for meeting the emerging professional challenges in a diverse and interconnected world by becoming more aware of the interrelationships of knowledge. By acquiring these skills and information, Learners are provided the foundation for mastering the competencies in their selected field of study and preparing for a continuously complex society.

The General Education program objectives will provide Learners the means to:

1. Identify and Apply Research Skills

  • Become proficient with current informational research technology;

  • Locate and analyze information and its sources;

  • Examine, organize, and evaluate information.

2. Develop and Apply Critical and Analytical Thinking

  • Apply analytical thinking;

  • Demonstrate integrated learning;

  • Apply critical thinking in realworld experiences.

3. Discover and Interpret Multicultural Experience

  • Integrate cultural diversity in personal and disciplinespecific contexts;

  • Differentiate culturally diverse dimensions and applications;

  • Experience common ground and shared goals.

4. Demonstrate Effective and Professional Communication

  • Communicate through various written styles that have professional and academic application;

  • Develop and apply computer skills and literacy.

201.2 -General Education Bachelor Degree Requirements

NCU requires that Learners satisfactorily complete a minimum of 39 semester credits in general education for the bachelor’s degree program. This requirement may be satisfied by the transfer of general education courses completed at the associate and bachelor degree levels at approved postsecondary colleges and schools.

For Learners who need to complete general education courses at NCU to meet the 39 credits for the bachelor’s degree, the following courses are required in specific areas:

1 Informational Literacy course (LS1010 must be taken at NCU as a first undergraduate course)

2 English composition courses (may be satisfied in transfer)

1 College Mathematics course (may be satisfied in transfer)

The following course groups are recommended to meet the 39 credits: 1 Informational Literacy course 2 Humanities courses 2 Natural Sciences courses 2 Social or Political Sciences courses 3 General Education electives

201.3 -General Education Undergraduate Courses

201.3.1 - Undergraduate Humanities Courses

Choose two courses from the following:
HU1001 American Literature
HU1002 Introduction to African American Studies
HU1003 Appreciating the Visual Arts
HU1004 The Art of Wondering and Philosophy 
HU1006 Concert Music The Fine Art of Listening
HU1007 My Community’s History 
HU1008 Exploring Cinema
HU1009 Culture and Religion
HU1010 The Short Story 

201.3.2 - Undergraduate Learning Skills Courses

Informational Literacy Course the following course is required:
LS1010 Search Strategies

College Mathematics Courses One of the following courses is required:
LS1003 Understanding Media
LS1006 Problem Solving With Logic
LS1008 Mathematics
LS1009 College Algebra
LS2005 Personal Finance

201.3.3 - Undergraduate Natural Science Courses

Choose two courses from the following:
NS1002 Introduction to Meteorology 
NS1003 Introduction to Geology 
NS1004 Controversial Environmental Issues
NS1005 General Biology 
NS1006 Health and Nutrition

201.3.4 - Undergraduate Political or Social Sciences Courses

Choose two courses from the following:

Undergraduate Political Science Courses

PS1001 American History 
PS1002 U.S. Government
PS1008 Western Civilization

Undergraduate Social Science Courses

SS1003 Marriage and Family 
SS1004 Sociology 
SS1005 Psychology of Adjustment
SS1007 Psychology in Business
SS1009 Introduction to Cultures

201.3.5 - General Education Lower Division Electives

Choose three (3) additional courses from the Humanities, Natural Sciences, Political or Social Sciences, or from the following Learning Skills courses:
LS1003 Understanding Media
LS1006 Problem Solving With Logic
LS2005 Personal Finance

201.3.6 - General Education Upper Division Electives

IDS3001 Critical Thinking in a Diverse Society-Upper Division
IDS3002 Sociology of the Future
IDS3005 Behavioral Economics
IDS3007 World Music

201.3.7 - Graduate Informational Research Skills

LS6010B Information Research Strategies
LS6010P Information Research Strategies

300 -SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT

301 -Mission Statement and Directions

301.1 -Mission Statement

The shared mission of Northcentral University’s School of Business and Technology Management is to enable online adult Learners to acquire the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to achieve professional goals, to contribute to the productivity of the organization and the community, and to provide leadership that focuses on the emerging needs of organizations. The organizations will be in the public and private sectors, forprofit and nonprofit, and communities throughout the local and global environments.

301.2 -Mission Directions

To achieve our mission, the following directions foster a continuous improvement framework for ensuring a quality program that will meet the challenging needs of organizations, public and private sectors, forprofit and nonprofit organizations, and communities throughout the local and global environments:

  1. Advance online technology to create online instruction and learning resources, to create a collaborative learning environment, and to assess progress and mastery of knowledge, skills, and competencies

  2. Provide online technology to create effective counseling and student services

  3. Advance online technology to deliver undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral instruction and learning in degree areas with accepted specializations identified as significant by nonprofit, forprofit, and governmentcentered organizations

  4. Prepare online technology to bridge the gap between academic theory and reallife practice in organizations through research designs and methods

  5. Promote online technology to include the 11 Common Professional Components (CPCs) in each course in an attempt to make business education more practical and multidisciplinary, and to integrate the following common professional components: marketing, finance, economics, ethics, accounting, management, legal environment, statistics, global dimensions, information systems, and business policies of comprehension by integrating experience

  6. Advance online technology to facilitate cognitive and effective learning knowledge, skills, and values and a commitment to the common public good

  7. Promote online technology to engage in multidisciplinary leadership dialogue about the connection between how business courses, homeland security courses, and public administration courses are taught and how careers are developing

  8. Implement programs to improve brand recognition

  9. Include CPCs in curriculum

301.3 -Vision Statement

Northcentral University School of Business and Technology Management shared vision strives to achieve global identity in online academic excellence in the pursuit of lifelong learning. The School of Business will provide innovative educational opportunities and professional solutions in the changing world of technology management for leaders and managers in the public and private sectors, public and private organizations, and communities to make a difference in the quality of life within a global society.

302 -Bachelor of Business Administration Degree Program (BBA)

302.1 -Goals of the BBA Program

The goals for the Bachelor of Business Administration degree program are to:

  • Prepare Learners to apply the decision role and responsibilities of operations in relation to marketing, finance, accounting, management, economics, legal environment, ethics, information systems, and business policies.

  • Prepare Learners to apply business theory to business practice.
  • Prepare Learners to advance their careers in business administration through their knowledge, competency, and professional skill sets.

302.2 -General Degree Requirements

The Bachelor’s Degree in Business requires a total of 120 semester credits.

  • A minimum of 30 credits of instruction must be completed through the University.

  • A minimum of 39 credits must be in general education with requirements in specified areas.

  • A minimum of 42 credits in the Business and Technology Management program area, with 27 of those credits in prescribed courses that meet the requirements of Common Professional Components for Association for Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accreditation.

  • Cumulative grade point average of "C," 2.0, or higher.

  • Official transcripts on file for all transfer credits accepted by the University.

  • Official documents on file for basis of admission: high school transcript or GED.

• All financial obligations to the University paid in full. The University may accept a maximum of 90 semester credits in transfer toward the

bachelor’s degree for coursework completed at an accredited or approved college or university with a grade of "C" or better.

302.3 -BBA Fundamental Degree Requirements

Business graduates are expected to have a basic knowledge of economic institutions; the complex relationships that exist between business, government, and consumers; and a basic knowledge of the functional areas of business. Business Learners share the 11 Common Professional Components (CPCs) required by ACBSP accreditation.

Required: Six (6) credit hours

BUS4019 Ethics in Business
BUS4025 Introduction to Business Statistical Analysis

Electives: Select 18 credit hours, six (6) of the nine (9) courses listed below

BUS3000 Introduction to Business
BUS3001 Basic Business Law
BUS3002 Practical Business Accounting
BUS3003 Computer Information Systems
BUS3004 Economics
BUS4000 Essentials of Marketing
BUS4001 Small Business Management
BUS4003 Money, Banking, and Business Finance

302.4 -BBA Specializations

Accounting Applied Computer Science Criminal Justice Homeland Security Management Marketing Learners who complete at least 18 semester credits in a single area of specialization at NCU

may elect to have the specialization recorded on their transcript and diploma. A specialization is not required.

Accounting

Accounting is the process of systematically collecting, analyzing, and reporting financial information. Accounting is the language of business. In modern society, it is impossible to manage a business without accurate and uptodate information supplied by a firm’s accountants. Managers, lenders, suppliers, and stockholders rely on information contained in three fundamental reports: the balance sheet, the income statement, and a statement of cash flows.

Applied Computer Science 

We live in a growing and rapidly changing information society. Until businesses began using computers, data were transformed into information manually. Computers are an essential part of transforming data into information in every aspect of our daily lives. Computers are

used to control the nerve centers of automobiles, toys, and even the human heart. Applied computer science is a discipline that uses basic computational theory and techniques to solve practical information retrieval, analysis, and dissemination problems for business and industry.

Criminal Justice 

The criminal justice system is a global multicultural network connecting distinct legal traditions and codes, both domestically and internationally. The modern criminal justice manager must possess the necessary skills to operate within a worldwide venue, coordinating the efforts of local, state, federal, and multinational organizations and international resources at home and abroad.

Homeland Security

The Undergraduate Homeland Security program is designed to prepare Learners with the expertise required for security positions through an understanding of emergency preparedness, maritime security, air and ground transportation security, intelligence management, protection, cyberterrorism, biological terrorism, public health management, and the Incident Command system.

Management

Managers have to plan, implement their plans in the present, and evaluate results against what has been accomplished in the past. Operations managers are concerned with present and future sales levels and with the availability of resources. Marketing managers need to have detailed information about their firm’s product mix. Human resources managers must be aware of anything that pertains to their firm’s employees. Administrative managers are responsible for the efficient and effective use of human, financial, and material resources. Managers need a wellrounded background in marketing, financial analysis, human relations, and information systems.

Marketing

The business activities that make up a firm’s marketing efforts are those directly concerned with satisfying customers’ needs. The basic approach to marketing is defined by the mix of four elements: product, price, distribution, and promotion. A firm that understands marketing will enhance the creation of utility for the purchase of its products. Leaders who plan the future of their firms are challenged to find a marketing strategy that makes sense. Change is occurring at an accelerated rate: today is not like yesterday, and tomorrow will be different from today. Three developments have great influence on marketing strategy: globalization, technological advances, and deregulation.

302.5 -BBA Specialization Courses

302.5.1 -Accounting Courses

Required:
BUS4099 Professional Studies Application Project

Electives:
ACT4013 Computerized Accounting
ACT4040 Financial Accounting
ACT4050 Managerial Accounting
ACT4051 Intermediate Accounting I
ACT4052 Intermediate Accounting II
ACT4053 Cost Accounting
ACT4064 Advanced Accounting
ACT4065 Tax Accounting
ACT4067 Auditing

302.5.2 -Applied Computer Science Courses

Required:
BUS4099 Professional Studies Application Project

Electives:
CS4000 Introduction to Computers and Information Systems
CS4001 Computer Operating Systems
CS4006 Professional and Technical Writing
CS4009 The Internet
CS4010 Inside LAN Networks
CS4011 Network Administration
CS4012 Presentation Software
CS4016 Computers in Business
CS4017 Web Technology and Development
CS4018 Computer Systems Architecture

302.5.3 - Criminal Justice Courses

Required:
BUS4099 Professional Studies Application Project

Electives:
CJ4000 Introduction to Criminal Justice
CJ4001 Introduction to Law Enforcement
CJ4002 Criminology 
CJ4006 Corrections
CJ4010 Law Enforcement and the Community
CJ4011 Research Methods in Criminal Justice
CJ4013 Introduction to Criminal Law
CJ4014 Criminal Court Process
CJ4015 Law Enforcement and Management
CJ4017 Introduction to Corporate/Private Security

302.5.4 - Homeland Security Courses

Required:
BUS4099 Professional Studies Application Project

Electives:
HS4000 Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
HS4001 Terrorism and Homeland Security 
HS4002 Maritime Security 
HS4003 Ground Transportation Security 
HS4004 Air Transportation Security 
HS4005 Incident Management HS4006 Homeland Security Strategy 
HS4007 Intelligence Support to Homeland Security 
HS4008 Protecting Critical Infrastructure
HS4009 Weapons of Mass Destruction
HS4010 Public Health Management and Emergency Preparedness
HS4011 Risk Management: Analysis and Planning
HS4012 Homeland Security Considerations for Local Government
HS4013 Cyberterrorism and Protecting Networks
HS4014 Biological Terror: Protecting People and the Food Supply 

302.5.5 - Management Courses

Required:
BUS4099 Professional Studies Application Project

Electives:
BUS4001 Small Business Management
BUS4002 Essentials of Human Resources Management
BUS4003 Money, Banking, and Business Finance
BUS4004 Supervisory Management
BUS4005 Career Management and Personal Marketing
BUS4006 Advertising
BUS4007 Retail Management
BUS4009 Administrative Office Management
BUS4010 Manufacturing Systems

302.5.6 - Marketing Courses

Required:
BUS4099 Professional Studies Application Project

Electives:
BUS4000 Essentials of Marketing
BUS4001 Small Business Management
BUS4005 Career Management and Personal Marketing
BUS4006 Advertising
BUS4007 Retail Management
BUS4008 Sales

303 -GRADUATE BUSINESS PROGRAMS

303.1 -Fundamental Degree Requirements for Graduate Business Programs -Strategic Knowledge Studies (SKS)

Effective January 1, 2008, Learners applying for admission to NCU graduate business degrees are required to demonstrate mastery of the Core Professional Competencies (CPCs) listed below, as required by the School’s ACBSP accreditation. Learners must demonstrate skill mastery in 11 CPC areas. Mastery in all 11 CPCs are necessary to matriculate in School of Business Technology and Management courses. If passage in all 11 is not achieved, the Learner will need to take Leveling Courses or may elect to complete 3 semester hours of undergraduate courses for each of the CPCs not transferred into the university. Specific admission requirements are:

  • Have successfully completed and passed at a “B” level academic credits taken within the last 10 years in the 11 CPC areas from a regionally or nationally accredited program.

  • A CPC may only be waived by passage of an equivalent course at the undergraduate or graduate level, as evidenced in the transcripts being presented for admission into the program. Note: A course may not be used to waive more than one CPC.

The 11 required CPCs are as follows:
Accounting
Business Ethics
Business Finance
Business Policies of Integrating Experience
Economics
Global Dimension of Business
Information Systems
Legal Environment of Business
Management
Marketing
Quantitative Techniques and Statistics

303.1.1 – SKS Leveling Courses and Related CPCs

Leveling courses are designed to identify, develop, and enhance knowledge in business concepts necessary to solve a wide variety of businessrelated situations typically found by managers in global and diverse business environments.

Course #SKS5001 is titled Graduate Studies in Contemporary Global Commerce. The course covers the four CPCs of Business Ethics, Global Dimension of Business, Management, and Marketing.

Course #SKS5002 is titled Graduate Knowledge Studies in Fiscal Management and Economics and covers the four CPCs of Accounting, Business Finance, Economics, and Legal Environment of Business.

Course #SKS5003 is titled Graduate Knowledge Studies in Quantitative/Information Systems and covers the three CPCs of Business Finance, Information Systems, and Qualitative Techniques or Statistics.

If one or more CPC in a given module is “missing”, then the entire SKS module must be taken. As a specific example, if the Learner has not previously taken a Finance course at another institution, then the Learner has the option of taking a 3semesterhour undergraduate course in Finance or taking SKS 5002, which includes Business Finance as one of the CPCs covered in the course.

303.1.2 - Fundamental Course Sequence

Graduates are expected to have a basic knowledge of economic institutions, the complex relationships that exist between business, government, and consumers, and a basic knowledge of the functional areas of business. Learners in the MBA share the 11 Common Professional Components (CPCs) required by ACBSP accreditation. Satisfying the below fundamental requirements is a prerequisite for enrolling in any other graduate course in business. Courses taken to satisfy the fundamental requirements may not be counted toward a specialization.

Learners in the MBA program must complete six fundamental courses. Competency can be demonstrated through prior undergraduate or graduate coursework or by successfully completing prescribed courses at NCU.

Learners in the Ph.D. and DBA program must complete five fundamental courses. Graduate business administration program Learners (Ph.D. and DBA) will be required to demonstrate competency in those subject areas that define the fundamental breadth of understanding of the discipline. Competency can be demonstrated through prior undergraduate or graduate coursework or by successfully completing prescribed courses at NCU.

Fundamental Competency Courses

Required: Six (6) credit hours

Management
Quantitative Techniques and Statistics

Electives: MBA choose six (6) courses (18 credits)
Ph.D. and DBA choose five (5) courses (15 credits) 

Accounting
Business Ethics
Business Finance
Business Policies of Integrating Experience
Economics
Global Dimensions of Business
Information Systems
Legal Environment of Business
Marketing

All courses are three credit hours. Specialization and elective courses can then be completed in any sequence.

Required: Six (6) credits

Management
OM7015 Personnel Management and Organizational Behavior (first course)
Note: This course cannot be transferred in and cannot be waived

Quantitative Techniques and Statistics (select one course)
MGT5028 Business Statistics
MGT6028 Applied Statistics for Business Decision Making

Electives: MBA choose six (6) courses (18 credits) 
Ph.D. and DBA choose five (5) courses (15 credits) 

Accounting
ACC7000 Managerial Accounting for Decision Making

Business Ethics
MGT5019 Ethics in Business

Business Finance (select one course)
FIN5015 Financial Statement Analysis
FIN5017 Quality Concepts in Financial Management

Business Policies of Integrating Experience
This CPC will be satisfied by completing a Graduate Specialization.

Economics
MGT5001 Economics and the Modern Manager

Global Dimensions of Business (select one course)
IB5014 Cultural Environment of International Business
IB5016 Global Business Strategic Management

Information Systems (select one course)
MIS5000 Management Information Systems
MIS5001 Information Systems Development

Legal Environment of Business
MGT5027 Legal Implications in Management

Marketing (select one course)
MKT6001 Product Marketing
MKT6006 Marketing Research II
Note: Satisfying the above fundamental requirements is a prerequisite for enrolling in any other graduate course in business. Courses taken to satisfy the fundamental requirements may not be counted toward a specialization.

Learners in the graduate business administration program (Ph.D. and DBA) must demonstrate competency in those subject areas that define the fundamental breadth of understanding of the discipline. Competency can be demonstrated through prior undergraduate or graduate coursework or by successfully completing prescribed courses at NCU.

303.2 -Master of Business Administration Degree Program (MBA)

303.2.1 -Goals of the MBA Program

The goals for the Master of Business Administration degree program are to:

  1. Prepare Learners to apply theoretical knowledge of business to meaningful personalized professional needs.

  2. Prepare Learners to advance their knowledge base in the following specializations: Computer Science, Computer and Information Security, E-Commerce, Criminal Justice, Financial Management, Health Care Administration, Homeland Security, Human Resources, Management, International Business, Marketing, Management, Information Systems, Public Administration, Sports Management and Leadership, Engineering and Technology.

  3. Prepare Learners to advance their careers in business administration through their knowledge, competency, and professional skill sets.

  4. Prepare Learners to interpret the principles and dynamic nature of markets, organizations, and public and private sectors.

  5. Prepare Learners to support a spirit of entrepreneurship.

  6. Prepare Learners to recognize the ethical roles of business within a global society.

303.2.2 -General Degree Requirements

The Master of Business Administration degree program emphasizes business administration/ leadership and management studies at the graduate level. Graduates are expected to have a basic knowledge of economic institutions; the complex relationships that exist between business, government, and consumers; the functional areas of business. Effective January 1, 2008, Business Learners must meet the requirements of the 11 Common Professional Components (CPCs) required by ACBSP accreditation. Learners must complete a minimum of 39 semester credits in business or other approved graduate courses. Elective courses must be appropriate to the Learner’s degree program.

The master’s degree requires a total of 39 semester credits at the graduate level. The University may accept a maximum of 6 semester credits in transfer toward the master’s degree for graduate coursework completed at an accredited or approved college or university with a grade of "B" or better. An additional 3 semester credits may be waived if the Learner has met all 11 CPCs in prior undergraduate or graduate coursework.

The master’s degree program has the following graduation requirements:

  • A minimum of 30 credits of graduate instruction must be completed through the University 

  • Completion of subject area competency requirements for graduate program

  • Elective courses must be appropriate to the department’s graduate program

  • Cumulative grade point average of "B," 3.0, or higher

  • Official transcripts on file for all transfer credits accepted by the University 

  • All financial obligations to the University paid in full

303.3 -Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS)

Description of Program The CAGS program is a postmaster’s certificate program that is being offered by the School of Business and Technology Management. In order to earn a CAGS certificate, Learners’ must complete the prescribed 6 courses, a total of 18 credits, within the chosen CAGS program. The Learner must complete all 6 courses with a grade of "B" or better in order to receive the certificate.

Basis of Admission for CAGS Program Applicant must have a conferred masters’ degree from an accredited institution (regional, national, or programmatic). The Registrar’s office will accept unofficial copies of the master’s transcript from applicants in order to enroll the applicant in the program.

Going From CAGS Program Into Doctoral Program Learners may enroll in a doctoral program once they complete their CAGS program. Enrollment personnel will be contacting Learners who are enrolled in their final course about moving into the doctoral program.

Basis of Admission Into the Doctoral Program Current NCU policy for admittance into a doctoral program:

Admission to the master's or doctoral programs requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent 120 semester credits from an accredited institution (regional, national, or programmatic) with course grades of “C” or better. Official transcripts documenting prior academic work and the award of the degree used as the basis of admission must be sent to the Registrar.

NOTE: If a Learner wants to enroll in a doctoral program in a school other than the school from which the Learner obtained the CAGS, the University does not guarantee that all or any of the courses will be transferable to a program of another school.

EXAMPLE: Learner obtains a CAGS certificate through the School of Business and Technology Management, but wants to obtain a doctorate through the School of Psychology.

In these cases, the School Dean (from the school in which the Learner wants to obtain the doctorate) will review the CAGS courses and provide the final determination. The outcome will be documented in the Learner's journal and Learner file. The Learner will be notified by email of the requirements to obtain the doctoral degree.

CAGS Programs - School of Business

Advanced Accounting
Business, Corporate, and Campus Security 
Criminal Justice
E-Business
Financial Management
Health Care Administration
Homeland Security 
Homeland Security: Leadership and Policy 
Management of Engineering and Technology 
Public Administration

In order to earn a CAGS certificate, choose six (6) courses within the CAGS program.

303.3.1 -Advanced Accounting

This CAGS will help Learners prepare for careers in auditing, corporate accounting, and accounting positions in government and nonprofit organizations. This CAGS will develop Learners’ advanced accounting knowledge to pursue higher levels in management, such as chief financial officer or controller, beyond calculation of financial statements into analyzing the results. Courses may serve as preparation for the Uniform CPA examination.

ACC7000 Managerial Accounting for Decision Making
ACC7010 Accounting and Fraud Examination Techniques
ACC7015 Forensic Accounting Theory and Practice
ACC7025 Advanced Tax Strategies
ACC7030 Advanced Auditing Methods and Practice
ACC7040 Advanced International Accounting
ACC7045 Advanced Cost Accounting

303.3.2 - Business, Corporate, and Campus Security

This CAGS will focus on the security career markets. Security officers who stand a post or provided direct contact with the public and retiring police officers who are interested in a

postlaw enforcement career. This CAGS is a way to develop the credentials that give a competitive advantage to those seeking positions as private security officers, and as managers and supervisors with security expertise.

BCC7000 Nature of Crime in Corporate America
BCC7005 Ethical and Legal Issues in Corporate Security
BCC7025 E-Commerce Security
CJ5008 Violence and Society
CJ5009 WhiteCollar Crime

303.3.3 - Criminal Justice

The criminal justice system is now a global multicultural network connecting distinct legal traditions and codes, both domestically and internationally. The modern criminal justice manager must possess the necessary skills to operate within a worldwide venue, coordinating the efforts of local, state, federal, and multinational organizations and international resources at home and abroad. As the sophistication of both the methodology and the equipment to detect crime has increased, so has the cunning of the criminal element. The Criminal Justice program provides Learners with the opportunity to expand their understanding of crime, the justice system, law enforcement issues, and the challenges that each element faces in an everchanging world.

CJ5002 Juvenile Offender
CJ5004 Organized Crime
CJ5006 Drugs, Values, and Society
CJ5007 Current Issues in Law Enforcement
CJ5008 Violence and Society
CJ5009 White-Collar Crime
CJ5010 Forensic Scientific Evidence
CJ5011 Survey of Forensic Sciences

303.3.4 - E-Business

E-Business is a growing area of interest for businesses of all sizes. Businesses are transforming themselves to take advantage of the power of electronic communications. There are new possibilities for all business activities, using public networks (such as the Internet), private networks (such as the ATM network), and mobile commerce.

The E-Business specialization is designed for Learners who want to become proficient in conducting business on the Internet or the World Wide Web. You will explore the impact of electronic technologies on buying and selling, businesstobusiness relationships, and internal business processes. Online marketing, Webbased applications, enabling methodologies, and tools for online payment and transactions are included in the curriculum.

E-Business Learners become focused on solving business problems through developing new business strategies and operating in the networked environment, whether local, regional, or global. These are valuable business skills that are in large demand in the business community where almost every company has an online presence.

ECM5001 E-Commerce for Entrepreneurs
ECM5002 Web-Based Applications
ECM5003 Graphic Designs for E-Commerce Applications
ECM5004 Managerial E-Commerce
ECM5006 Integrated Supply Chain Management
ECM5007 E-Commerce Marketing for the Internet

303.3.5 - Financial Management

The lifeblood of every organization private, public, religious, corporate, profit, or notforprofit is its financial resources. Financial managers must know how to manage, interpret information and data, allocate financial resources, and make shortand longterm investments to ensure longterm profitability and organizational health. This specialization concentrates on developing these essential skills.

FIN5013 Investment Management
FIN5014 Financial Institutions
FIN5015 Financial Statement Analysis
FIN5016 International Finance
FIN5017 Quality Concepts in Financial Management
FIN5018 Accounting for Nonprofit Organizations

303.3.6 - Health Care Administration

The Health Care Administration program is designed to prepare health care administrators to identify a problem or potential problem area, or an area for analysis and intervention, recognize the constraints and limitations to intervention and change, and propose alternative outcomes in the health care industry. The program is designed to prepare health care administrators to analyze a preferred decision and recommendation based on a strategic plan, organization objectives, external environment, regulations, ethics, threats, and opportunities that can be used to make health care more efficient.

HCA5012 Heath Care Financial Management
HCA5013 Health Care Legal and Ethical Issues
HCA5014 Health Care Policy Analysis and Development
HCA5015 Health Care Administration Principles and Practices
HCA5017 Total Quality Management in Health Care
HCA5019 Managed Health Care Systems
HCA5021 Comparative Health Care Systems

303.3.7 - Homeland Security

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.

HS5000 Terrorism and Countermeasures/Executive Protection
HS5001 Homeland Security Transportation
HS5002 International Crime and Terrorism
HS5003 Homeland Security Risk Management
HS5004 Computer Security, Forensics, and Cyberterrorism
HS5005 Strategy and Intelligence

303.3.8 - Homeland Security - Leadership and Policy

The Homeland Security Doctoral program prepares senior leaders of public administration, 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 cover topics ranging from terrorism, strategy, and intelligence to emergency management and critical infrastructure security issues. The program provides a rigorous educational opportunity for current and future security professionals in senior national security positions of executive departments and agencies, enhances the overall body of knowledge of homeland security disciplines by providing a unique opportunity for practitioners and academic specialists to research and explore new concepts and methods of providing security for governments and the public, and provides seniorlevel homeland security professionals the opportunity to apply theory and emerging concepts to realworld issues through innovative approaches to complex problems.

HS7000 Homeland Security and Terrorism
HS7001 Homeland Security Strategy
HS7002 Intelligence and Homeland Security
HS7003 Homeland Security and Weapons of Mass Destruction
HS7004 Local Emergency Management and Civil Preparedness
HS7005 Disaster Management and Terrorism in Health Care Management
HS7006 Leadership, Management, and Public Policy in Homeland Security
HS7007 Intelligence and Law Enforcement Integration in Homeland Security
HS7009 The Economics of Homeland Security
HS7010 Aviation and Ground Transportation Security
HS7011 Resiliency: The Center of Gravity of Homeland Security
HS7012 Fear and Terrorism
HS7020 Security of the Maritime Transportation System

303.3.9 - Management of Engineering and Technology

Technology drives productivity, lowers cost, and drives competitiveness. Conventional managerial styles do not adapt well to managing the highly skilled technologydriven professional in a technologybased environment. Engineers and scientists moving toward technical management responsibilities while maintaining identity in their technology need to establish the skill set and managerial style that will enable them to generate and transfer knowledge for making and implementing decisions that provide leadership in the management of engineering and technology. This specialization focuses on integrating practical technical experience with management theory and practice.

MET5010 Quality Management
MET5015 The Process and Impact of Technology
MET5016 Improving Productivity Through Technology
MET5020 Management of Technology
MET5023 Managing the Research and Development Organization
MET5029 Project Management

303.3.10 - Public Administration

Managers possessing the wide range of skills in public administration are meeting the challenges in government management at the local, state, and federal levels. For practicing public administrators as well as those seeking entry into public administration, this specialization focuses on acquiring the administrative knowledge and skills in such diverse areas as budgeting, government relations, personnel policies, politics, and urban planning.

PUB5003 Public/Urban Politics
PUB5005 Public Budgeting and Finance
PUB5009 Public Program Evaluation
PUB5010 Complex Public Organizations
PUB5013 County and Rural Government
PUB5014 The U.S. Federal Government

303.4 -Fundamental Competency Requirements for Ph.D. and DBA Programs

All Ph.D. and DBA Learners are required to demonstrate competency in the areas listed below. Competency can be demonstrated through prior graduate work or by successfully completing prescribed courses at NCU.

GraduateLevel Statistics Competency Ph.D. and DBA Learners are required to have completed:

A graduatelevel statistics course within 3 years of entering the NCU program with a grade of "B" or better or completion of the following:

Competency in Research Writing Skills Ph.D. and DBA Learners are required to show competency in writing skills for research purposes through their NCU graduate coursework before being assigned to any dissertation courses. Learners may be required to complete English writing course(s) when the department chair or Faculty Mentors determine that communication skills are insufficient.

Computer Competency Learners are required to use appropriate computer skills that are necessary in writing a dissertation. Learners must be able to prepare documents using APA formatting and advanced word processing skills, such as the creation of tables and figures, headers and footers, page breaks, tables of contents, and hanging indents. In addition, Learners need to use computer programs for the statistical analysis and presentation of data. The oral defense requires a computerbased presentation by the doctoral candidate such as a PowerPoint presentation.

303.4.1 -Doctoral Dissertation Process

The Dissertation Handbook explains the University’s dissertation process. Faculty Mentors assist each Ph.D. and DBA Learner to reach this high goal through a systematic process leading to a highquality completed dissertation. A Ph.D. and DBA dissertation is a scholarly documentation of research that makes an original contribution to the field of study. This process requires care in choosing a topic, documenting its importance, planning the methodology, and conducting the research. These activities lead smoothly into the writing and oral defense of the dissertation.

A candidate for the Ph.D. or DBA degree must be continuously enrolled throughout the series of dissertation courses. If additional time is required to complete any of the dissertation courses, Learners must reenroll and pay the tuition for that course. Continuous enrollment will only be permitted when Learners demonstrate progress toward completing dissertation requirements. The Dissertation Committee determines progress.

303.5 -Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration Degree Program (Ph.D.)

303.5.1 -Goals of the Ph.D. Program

The goals of the Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration program are to:

  • Prepare Learners to advance their knowledge base in their area of specialization.

  • Prepare Learners to pursue personal goals of advancement in business administration through leadership and management skills.

  • Prepare Learners to manage sufficient qualitative and quantitative tools to perform effective business analysis.

  • Prepare Learners to complete a significant and substantial research dissertation that contributes solutions to issues, problems, and challenges using increasingly complex and innovative practices within the global society.

  • Prepare Learners for professional positions of leadership in the private, business, government, and nonprofit sectors.

303.5.2 -General Degree Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Business Administration Program is a researchbased program designed to prepare leaders for positions in the private and public sectors. Upon completion of the Ph.D. program, Learners are expected to have a broad knowledge in fields of business and technology management and an understanding of at least one specialized area of study. The aim is to enhance knowledge and competencies appropriate to a leadership role in business, administration, and technology management. The primary aim of the Ph.D. program is to provide Learners the expertise in the methods of scientific inquiry and independent research.

Effective January 1, 2008, Business Learners must meet the requirements of the 11 Common Professional Components (CPCs) required by ACBSP accreditation. A total of 84 credits beyond the bachelor's degree must be completed by the Learner. The 84 credits will be comprised of courses, research, and a dissertation. Elective courses must be appropriate to the Learner's degree program.

Applicants may transfer up to 30 graduate credits into their Ph.D. An additional 3 semester credits may be waived if the Learner has met 11 CPCs in prior undergraduate or graduate coursework.

The Academic Advisor works with Learners to create an academically sound Learning Plan based on prior academics and their professional goals.

Admissions Criteria:

  • A completed application

  • Application fee

  • All official transcripts sent from the previous degreeawarding institution

  • Applicants with international credentials from an academic institution outside of the United States must have their credentials evaluated through an official agency. Please refer to Section 800.9.3 Credential Evaluation, for further details concerning International Admission Requirements.

NOTE: Completion time frame for doctoral degrees - Effective for all doctoral Learners (Ph.D., Ed.D., and DBA) beginning their doctoral studies on or after 11/1/07.

NCU provides 7 years to complete all doctoral program requirements based on requiring 54 or less credits.

Learners who are unable to complete the doctoral degree within 7 years due to extenuating circumstances may document the circumstances and send a request for consideration to the Office of Academic Affairs (academicaffairs@ncu.edu). The Office of Academic Affairs will consider each request on a casebycase basis and respond to the Learner directly within 2 weeks. This policy applies to all current doctoral degree programs and any other doctoral degree programs that NCU may establish in the future.

303.5.3 -Ph.D. Degree Requirements

A Ph.D. in Business Administration requires 84 graduate semester credits beyond the bachelor's degree. Elective courses must be appropriate to the Learner’s degree program. The Ph.D. program includes 12 credits of dissertation preparation modules (RSH8961B RSH8964B), 3 credits for the doctoral comprehensive course (CMP8092B), and 9 credits of dissertation coursework (DIS9009B, DIS9019B, and DIS9029B).

NOTE: Completion time frame for doctoral degrees - Effective for all doctoral Learners (Ph.D., Ed.D., and DBA) beginning their doctoral studies on or after 11/1/07.

NCU provides 7 years to complete all doctoral program requirements based on requiring 54 or less credits.

Learners who are unable to complete the doctoral degree within 7 years due to extenuating circumstances may document the circumstances and send a request for consideration to the Office of Academic Affairs (academicaffairs@ncu.edu). The Office of Academic Affairs will consider each request on a casebycase basis and respond to the Learner directly within 2 weeks. This policy applies to all current doctoral degree programs and any other doctoral degree programs that NCU may establish in the future.

303.5.4 -Ph.D. Doctoral Course Sequence

Fundamental competency courses and specialization course work must be completed prior to the Comprehensive Examination. Specialization and elective courses can then be completed in any sequence prior to the Comprehensive Examination and Dissertation sequence. Following completion of all fundamentals, electives, and specializations, the Comprehensive Examination is completed. The RSH8961RSH8964 courses lead the Learner stepbystep through the research design process and are completed sequentially. After all RSH courses and the Comprehensive Examination are completed, DIS9009B (Doctoral Dissertation Proposal), DIS9019B (Data Collection), and DIS9029B (Doctoral Dissertation required for Ph.D.) are completed sequentially.

Oral defense of the Ph.D. dissertation is required.

303.5.5 -Ph.D. Required Research and Dissertation Courses

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program is a researchbased program designed to prepare leaders for positions in the private and public sectors. Upon completion of the Ph.D. program, Learners are expected to have a broad knowledge in fields of business and technology management and an understanding of at least one specialized area of study. The aim is to enhance knowledge and competencies appropriate to a leadership role in business, administration, and technology management. The primary aim of the Ph.D. program is to provide Learners the expertise in the methods of scientific inquiry and independent research.

RSH8961B Research Topic, Problem, Purpose, and Questions
RSH8962B Research Methods and Designs
RSH8963B Development of Constructs and Data Analysis for Quantitative or Qualitative Designs
RSH8964B Concept Paper
CMP8092B Doctoral Comprehensive
DIS9009B Doctoral Dissertation Proposal
DIS9019B Data Collection
DIS9029B Doctoral Dissertation

303.6 -Doctor of Business Administration Degree Program (DBA)

303.6.1 -Goals of the DBA Program

The goals of the Doctor of Business Administration program are to:

  • Prepare Learners to advance their knowledge base in their area of specialization

  • Prepare Learners to pursue personal goals of advancement in business administration through leadership and management skills.

  • Prepare Learners to pursue personal goals of advancement in business administration through leadership and management skills.

  • Prepare Learners to manage sufficient qualitative and quantitative tools to perform effective business analysis.

  • Prepare Learners to complete a significant and substantial research dissertation that contributes solutions to issues, problems, and challenges using increasingly complex and innovative practices within the global society.

  • Prepare Learners for professional positions of leadership in the private, business, government, and nonprofit sectors.

303.6.2 -General Degree Requirements

The Doctor of Business and Administration (DBA) program is designed for business leaders and senior managers, in the private and public sectors to enhance their knowledge and competencies appropriate to a leadership role in business and administration. The DBA program provides Learners with the flexibility to apply a broad range of disciplines and research methods to their chosen area of study. The Doctor of Business and Administration (DBA) program is a research based degree, but unlike the Ph.D., the DBA combines academic rigor and managerial relevance to focus on a business issue, concern, or problem. The outcome of the research is designed to provide valuable insights to an organization, in addition to contributing to the knowledge in the field of business. The DBA is increasingly recognized by international business and management schools as the appropriate post MBA (or equivalent Master degree) route to combining academic research on management and business.

Effective January 1, 2008, Business Learners must meet the  requirements of the 11 Common Professional Components (CPCs) required by ACBSP accreditation. A total of 84 credits beyond the bachelor's degree must be completed by the Learner. The 84 credits will be comprised of courses, research, and a dissertation.

Applicants may transfer up to 30 graduate credits into their DBA program. An additional 3 semester credits may be waived if the Learner has met 11 CPCs in prior undergraduate or graduate coursework.

The Academic Advisor works with Learners to create an academically sound learning plan based on prior academics and their professional goals.

Admissions Criteria:

  • A completed application (available online at www.ncu.edu)

  • Application fee

  • All official transcripts sent from the previous degreeawarding institution

  • Applicants with international credentials from an academic institution outside of the

United States must have their credentials evaluated through an official agency. Please

refer to 800.9.3 Credential Evaluation, for further details concerning International

Admission Requirements.

NOTE: Completion time frame for doctoral degrees - Effective for all doctoral Learners (Ph.D., Ed.D., and DBA) beginning their doctoral studies on or after 11/1/07.

NCU provides 7 years to complete all doctoral program requirements based on requiring 54 or less credits.

Learners who are unable to complete the doctoral degree within 7 years due to extenuating circumstances may document the circumstances and send a request for consideration to the Office of Academic Affairs (academicaffairs@ncu.edu). The Office of Academic Affairs will consider each request on a casebycase basis and respond to the Learner directly within 2 weeks. This policy applies to all current doctoral degree programs and any other doctoral degree programs that NCU may establish in the future.

303.6.3 -DBA Degree Requirements

A DBA in Business Administration requires 84 graduate semester credits beyond the bachelor's degree. Elective courses must be appropriate to the Learner’s degree program. The DBA program includes 12 credits of dissertation preparation modules (RSH8961B RSH8964B), 3 credits for the doctoral comprehensive course (CMP8091B), and 9 credits of dissertation coursework (DBA9009, DBA9019, and DBA9029). The comprehensive course (CMP8091B) must be completed prior to enrollment in the first RSH Course.

NOTE: Completion time frame for doctoral degrees - Effective for all doctoral Learners (Ph.D., Ed.D., and DBA) beginning their doctoral studies on or after 11/1/07.

NCU provides 7 years to complete all doctoral program requirements based on requiring 54 or less credits.

Learners who are unable to complete the doctoral degree within 7 years due to extenuating circumstances may document the circumstances and send a request for consideration to the Office of Academic Affairs (academicaffairs@ncu.edu). The Office of Academic Affairs will consider each request on a casebycase basis and respond to the Learner directly within 2 weeks. This policy applies to all current doctoral degree programs and any other doctoral degree programs that NCU may establish in the future.

303.6.4 -DBA Doctoral Course Sequence

Fundamental competency courses and specialization course work must be completed prior to the Comprehensive Examination. Specialization and elective courses can then be completed in any sequence prior to the Comprehensive Examination and Dissertation sequence. Following completion of all fundamentals, electives, and specializations, the RSH8961B RSH8964B courses lead the Learner stepbystep through the research design process and are completed sequentially. The Comprehensive Examination is then completed. After all RSH courses and the Comprehensive Examination and are completed, DBA9009 (Doctoral Dissertation Capstone Proposal), DBA9019 (Doctoral Dissertation Project Development), and DBA9029 (Doctoral Dissertation Capstone Project) are completed sequentially.

Oral defense of the DBA dissertation is required.

303.6.5 -DBA Required Research and Dissertation Courses

The Doctor of Business and Administration (DBA) program is designed for current and potential business leaders and senior managers, in the private and public sectors to enhance their knowledge and competencies appropriate to a leadership role in business and administration. The DBA program provides Learners with a broad range of disciplines and research methods to their chosen area of study. The Doctor of Business and Administration (DBA) program is a researchbased degree, but unlike the Ph.D., the DBA is focused on a management issue or problem, such as accounting, finance, and marketing. The outcome of the research is designed to provide valuable insights to an organization, in addition to contributing to the knowledge of the field of management. The DBA is increasingly recognized by international business and management schools as the most appropriate postMBA (or equivalent master’s degree) route to combining academic research on management and business.

RSH8961B Research Topic, Problem, Purpose, and Questions
RSH8962B Research Methods and Design
RSH8963B Development of Constructs and Data Analysis for Quantitative or Qualitative Designs
RSH8964B Concept Paper
CMP8092B Doctoral Comprehensive
DBA9009 Doctoral Dissertation Capstone Proposal
DBA9019 Doctoral Dissertation Project Development
DBA9029 Doctoral Dissertation Capstone Project

303.7 -Graduate Specializations

Advanced Accounting
Applied Computer Science
Business, Corporate, and Campus Security
Business Quantitative Methods
Computer and Information Security
Criminal Justice
E-Commerce
Financial Management
Health Care Administration
Homeland Security
Homeland Security: Leadership and Policy
Human Resources Management
International Business Management
Management
Management Information Systems
Management of Engineering and Technology
Marketing

Interdisciplinary Specializations

Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Organizational Leadership
Sports Management and Leadership

Learners who complete at least 18 graduate semester credits in a single area of specialization at NCU (not counting any fundamental courses) may elect to have the specialization recorded on their transcript and diploma. A specialization is not required.

Advanced Accounting

This specialization is designed to meet the demand for Learners to be able to analyze business transactions and prepare statements concerning the assets, liabilities, and operating results of a business. The curriculum will provide Learners with a broad accounting perspective and technical accounting knowledge, and enable the explorations of relationships among business activities, economic outcomes, and business performance.

Applied Computer Science 

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/business.

Business, Corporate, and Campus Security

With a rise in the asymmetric threat from terrorist organizations and increased commercial espionage, the need for a disciplined approach to corporate infrastructure security and facility protection is greater than ever. Business, Corporate, and Campus Security will explore the vulnerability that can be exploited on college campuses around the country from requirements for site security to dormitory access. The course will further explore communications alternatives needed for mass notification and those issues that need to be included in security event response.

Business Quantitative Methods

The business quantitative methods specialization introduces productive research designs that contribute to the knowledge about field of business. The focus of this specialization is to introduce appropriate analysis that will provide a pathway to resolve the questions of research interest. The specialization covers theoretical, computational, and interpretive issues of multivariate exploratory and inferential statistical procedures using computer applications.

Computer and Information Security

This specialization is designed to meet the demand in business and industry for computer security professionals who are trained in Cyberterrorism, 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 cybercrime laws. In conjunction, the topic of Cyberterrorism 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.

Criminal Justice 

The criminal justice system is a global multicultural network connecting distinct legal traditions and codes, both domestically and internationally. The modern criminal justice manager must possess the necessary skills to operate within a worldwide venue, coordinating the efforts of local, state, federal, and multinational organizations and international resources at home and abroad.

E-Commerce 

The E-Commerce specialization is designed for Learners who want to become proficient in conducting business on the Internet and the World Wide Web. Online marketing, Webbased applications, enabling methodologies, and tools for online payment and transactions are included in the curriculum.

Financial Management

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 longterm profitability and organizational health. This specialization concentrates on developing essential skills in the field of financial management.

Health Care Administration 

With the growing concern over health care and the economical delivery of health care services, there is an increasing requirement to bring managerial expertise to the health care industry. Health care administrators are in demand at entry level and for advanced managerial positions in hospitals, in health maintenance organizations, in health insurance companies, and in governmental, public health, voluntary, and social service agencies. This specialization develops the essential managerial perspective and skills for this industry.

Homeland Security

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.

Homeland Security: Leadership and Policy

The Leadership and Policy doctoral program prepares senior leaders of public administration, 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 cover topics ranging from terrorism, strategy, and intelligence to emergency management and critical infrastructure security issues. The program provides a rigorous educational opportunity for current and future security professionals in senior national security positions of executive departments and agencies, enhances the overall body of knowledge of homeland security disciplines by providing a unique opportunity for practitioners and academic specialists to research and explore new concepts and methods of providing security for governments and the public, and provides senior level homeland security professionals the opportunity to apply theory and emerging concepts to realworld issues through innovative approaches to complex problems.

Human Resources Management

Throughout history the challenge to managers has been to manage an organization's human resources to achieve peaceful, productive, and profitable organizational outcomes. This specialization studies the interrelationships between human resources and the business organization, equipping the manager to function as a human resource manager specialist in business, industry, and service organizations.

International Business Management

The global economy requires that domestic and foreign business managers have the knowledge of cultural, economic, political, and legal environments of business and the necessary managerial skills for making management decisions in an international context. This specialization focuses on the essential elements required to understand and manage international organizations.

Management

This specialization is for the managergeneralist who must understand how the key parts of an organization function and interrelate. Effective enterprise results when the managergeneralist organizes the efforts of specialists in order to accomplish organizational outcomes. Learners gain the conceptual overview of modern theory and practice in each of the key areas of management.

Management Information Systems

The Management Information Systems specialization is a userfriendly 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 Management Information Systems specialization combines and applies the best from both computer systems and management. Knowledge of computer programming is not a requirement.

Management of Engineering and Technology

The engineering and technology manager brings together technical expertise with management knowhow, which creates a synergism between technology and business in order to improve organizational outcomes.

Marketing

The Marketing Specialization at the 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.

Public Administration

Managers possessing the wide range of skills in public administration are meeting the challenges in government management at the local, state, and federal levels. For practicing public administrators as well as those seeking entry into public administration, this specialization focuses on acquiring the administrative knowledge and skills in such diverse areas as budgeting, government relations, personnel policies, politics, and urban planning.

Interdisciplinary Specializations

Industrial and Organizational Psychology

The Industrial and 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.

Organizational Leadership

Organizational Leadership appeals to Learners who are focused on developing the competencies required of organizational leaders.

Sports Management and Leadership

The Sports Management and Leadership specialization was created to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding and changing multibillion dollar sports industry, providing Learners an opportunity to expand their knowledge.

303.8 -Graduate Specialization Courses

An asterisk (*) indicates the course has a prerequisite. The prerequisites are shown in the course descriptions.

NOTE: If a course is unavailable, your Academic Advisor will assist you in selecting an alternate course.

303.8.1 - Graduate Accounting Courses

The goals of the Accounting Specialization are that Learners will be able to:

  • Analyze business transactions and prepare financial statements concerning the assets, liabilities, and operating results of a business

  • Explore a broad accounting perspective and technical accounting knowledge

  • Assess the relationships among business activities, economic outcomes, and business performance

Required:
ACC7016 Accounting Project

Electives:
ACC7000 Managerial Accounting for Decision Making
ACC7010 Accounting and Fraud Examination Techniques
ACC7015 Forensic Accounting Theory and Practice
ACC7025 Advanced Tax Strategies
ACC7030 Advanced Auditing Methods and Practice
ACC7040 Advanced International Accounting
ACC7045 Advanced Cost Accounting
BUS6011 Special Topics in Business and Technology Management

303.8.2 - Graduate Applied Computer Science Courses

The following goals of the Applied Computer Science specialization are that Learners will be able to:

  • Pursue personal goals of advancement in applied computer science

  • Apply skills for the continuing emerging Internet revolution

  • Develop a proficiency in Web page construction, programming fundamentals, and fundamental computer science concepts

  • Recognize solutions for work problems and areas for intervention.

Required:
CS6010 Applied Computer Science Project

Electives:
CS5000 Decision Support and Expert Systems
CS5001 C# Programming
CS5002 C++ Programming
CS5003 Computer Graphics
CS5005 Database Management
CS5006 Networking Technologies
CS5008 Client Server Relationships
CS5009 Computerized Systems for Business and Management
CS5010 Managing Communication
CS5012 Operating Systems
CS5013 Programming Languages
CS5014 Software Engineering
CS5015 Distributed Computing
ECM5003 Graphic Designs for E-Commerce Applications
MIS5005 Local Area Networks (LAN)
MIS5007 Wide Area Networks (WAN)
BUS6011 Special Topics in Business and Technology Management

303.8.3 - Graduate Business, Corporate, and Campus Security Courses

The goals of the Business, Corporate, and Campus Security specialization are the following:

  • Compare and contrast knowledge from different fields and distinguish between textbook knowledge and realworld application

  • Identify a problem or potential problem area, or an area for analysis and intervention, recognize the constraints and limitations to intervention and change, and propose alternative outcome scenarios

  • Present and defend a report containing the analysis and a preferred decision and recommendation

Required:
BCC7010 Investigation Project

Electives:
BCC7000 Nature of Crime in Corporate America
BCC7005 Ethical and Legal Issues in Corporate Security 
BCC7025 E-Commerce Security 
HS5000 Terrorism and Countermeasures/Executive Protection
HS5004 Computer Security, Forensics, and Cyberterrorism
HS5005 Strategy and Intelligence
CJ5008 Violence and Society
CJ5009 WhiteCollar Crime
BUS6011 Special Topics in Business and Technology Management

303.8.4 - Graduate Business Quantitative Methods Courses

The goals of the Business, Corporate, and Campus Security specialization are the following:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the process of planning a research study 

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the general statistical techniques for analyzing data.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of the relationship between research and organizational change.

Required:
MKT6006 Marketing Research II

Electives:
BUS6011 Special Topics in Business and Technology Management
MGT6028 Applied Statistics for Business Decision Making
MET5000 Principles of Productivity
MET5006 Operations Research
MGT5028 Business Statistics

303.8.5 - Graduate Computer and Information Security Courses

The goals of the Computer and Information Security specialization are that Learners will be able to:

  • Evaluate computer forensics and the methods used in tracking an offender

  • Assess encryption, encoding, and compression, and their roles in protecting privacy and data integrity including hiding data from digital detectives

  • Analyze how hostile code enables some people to exercise power over others and identify computer hardware and software as forensic tools

Required:

Electives:
CIS5000 Introduction to Computer Security
CIS5002 Corporate Computer and Network Security
CIS5003 Cyberforensics: Collecting, Examining, and Preserving Evidence of Computer and Information Crimes
CIS5004 Introduction to Systems Certification and Accreditation
CIS5005 Cyberterrorism, Information Warfare, and Critical Infrastructure Protection
CIS5006 Introduction to Computer Network Auditing
CIS5007 Outsourcing and Computer and Information Security
CIS5008 Risk Management in Information Assurance and Security
CIS5009 Legal and Ethical Issues in Information Assurance
CIS5010 Contingency Planning and Disaster Recovery for the Security Professional
BUS6011 Special Topics in Business and Technology Management

303.8.6 - Graduate Criminal Justice Courses

The goals of the Criminal Justice specialization are that Learners will be able to:

  • Compare and contrast knowledge from different fields and distinguish between textbook knowledge and realworld application

  • Identify a problem or potential problem area, or an area for analysis and intervention, and recognize the constraints and limitations to intervention and change

  • Propose alternative outcome scenarios

• Present and defend a report containing the analysis and a preferred decision and recommendation.

Required:
CJ6010 Criminal Justice Project

Electives:
CJ5002 Juvenile Offender
CJ5004 Organized Crime
CJ5006 Drugs, Values, and Society
CJ5007 Current Issues in Law Enforcement
CJ5008 Violence and Society
CJ5009 WhiteCollar Crime
CJ5010 Forensic Scientific Evidence
CJ5011 Survey of Forensic Sciences
HS5000 Terrorism and Countermeasures/Executive Protection
HS5002 International Crime and Terrorism
BUS6011 Special Topics in Business and Technology Management

303.8.7 - Graduate E-Commerce Courses

The goals of the E-Commerce specialization are that Learners will be able to:

  • Compare and contrast knowledge from different fields and distinguish between textbook knowledge and realworld application

  • Identify a problem or potential problem area, or an area for analysis and intervention, recognize the constraints and limitations to intervention and change, and propose alternative outcome E-Commerce scenarios

  • Present and defend a report containing the analysis and a preferred decision and recommendation for a logistics design concept that can be used to control logistics costs and make the supply chain more efficient

Required:
ECM6010 E-Commerce Project

Electives:
ECM5000 Introduction to E-Commerce
ECM5001 E-Commerce for Entrepreneurs
ECM5002 Web-Based Applications
ECM5003 Graphic Designs for E-Commerce Applications
ECM5004 Managerial E-Commerce
ECM5006 Integrated Supply Chain Management
ECM5007 E-Commerce Marketing for the Internet
BUS6011 Special Topics in Business and Technology Management

303.8.8 - Graduate Financial Management Courses

The goals of the Financial Management specialization are that Learners will be able to:

  • Compare and contrast knowledge from different fields and distinguish between textbook knowledge and realworld application

  • Identify a problem or potential problem area, or an area for analysis and intervention, recognize the constraints and limitations to intervention and change, and propose alternative outcome in the financial management environment

  • Present and defend a report containing the analysis and a preferred decision and recommendation for accounting procedures with ethical considerations, fiduciary responsibilities, and logistics design concepts that can be used to control logistics costs and make the supply chain more efficient.

Required:
FIN6010 Financial Management Project

Electives:
FIN5013 Investment Management
FIN5014 Financial Institutions
FIN5015 Financial Statement Analysis
FIN5016 International Finance
FIN5017 Quality Concepts