McKendree University

Accounting

The accountant's role in business decision making has expanded, making accounting one of the fastest-growing fields in education and business. Career opportunities include employment as financial or managerial accountants, and graduates are well-positioned for the CPA examination and advanced study.

Agribusiness

Agribusiness is an upper-division completion degree that equips students with business acumen, analytical skills, and industry-specific knowledge for leadership roles in agribusiness, blending core business principles with coursework in agricultural economics, environmental sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Admission requires an A.S. or A.A.S. in a related field.

Applied Artificial Intelligence

The applied artificial intelligence major prepares students to think critically, solve problems, and apply core concepts in AI, building a strong foundation in AI theories, tools, and strategies and learning both how to use existing AI and how to develop new systems.

Art

The art major is focused on the development of a broad range of skills and concepts within visual art and design, providing a high-quality educational experience through an engaged and critical curriculum. An art degree prepares students for a variety of careers within the arts, including graphic design, illustration, photography, studio arts, arts administration, and teaching.

A.S. in Business Administration

Athletic Training

The direct entry (4+1) program allows students to complete both the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Sport Performance and the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) degrees in a total of five years, providing structured didactic and supervised clinical coursework to prepare students for entry-level positions in athletic training.

B.A. and B.S. in Biology

B.A. and B.S. in Biopsychology

B.A. and B.S. in Mathematics

B.A. in Global Studies

B.A. in Individually Designed Major

B.A. in Musical Theatre

B.A. in Organizational Communication

B.A. in Professional Writing & Rhetoric

B.A. in Public Relations Studies

B.A. in Spanish

B.A. in Theater

B.A. Undeclared/Unclassified

B.B.A. and B.A. in Economics

B.F.A. in Art Education

Biology (Bachelor of Arts)

The biology major emphasizes engaging students in scientific inquiry and the practice of science. The degree prepares students for employment in areas such as conservation, wildlife biology, education, and research, as well as for graduate or professional school in medicine, physical therapy, pharmacy, dentistry, or veterinary science.

Biology (Bachelor of Science)

The biology major emphasizes engaging students in scientific inquiry and the practice of science. The degree prepares students for employment in areas such as conservation, wildlife biology, education, and research, as well as for graduate or professional school in medicine, physical therapy, pharmacy, dentistry, or veterinary science.

Biopsychology (Bachelor of Arts)

The biopsychology major blends the disciplines of psychology and biology. This major prepares students interested in helping careers, accelerated nursing programs, or graduate programs in psychology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, etc.

Biopsychology (Bachelor of Science)

The biopsychology major blends the disciplines of psychology and biology. This major prepares students interested in helping careers, accelerated nursing programs, or graduate programs in psychology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, etc.

B.S.Ed. in Middle School Education

B.S.Ed. In Special Education

B.S. in Computational Science

B.S. in Computer Information Systems

B.S. in Data Analytics

B.S. in Education in Education in SPE/ELE

B.S.N. in Nursing

Business Administration

The School of Business also offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, available to undergraduates through the BBA/MBA 4+1 accelerated option. Full details are provided in the graduate catalog.

Business Administration

The major in business administration is the most flexible program offered within the School of Business, allowing students to choose electives from accounting, business, economics, management, or marketing. It provides a broad foundation for careers in business, industry, or government and for graduate school.

Chemistry

Courses in the program are designed to make students competent in the areas of content, critical thinking, laboratory work, and research. Chemistry content courses span the five major fields of general, organic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry, and the degree prepares students to enter graduate or professional school or employment in chemical and biochemical research and technology.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students to become eligible for the state Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) examination. It is offered through the accelerated pre-counseling pathway, in which students complete undergraduate psychology and general education requirements before entering the graduate program.

Communication

The communication major emphasizes a wide range of communication topics and theories, with tracks in Human Communication, Organizational Communication, Sport Communication, or Strategic Communication. Students develop skills in verbal, nonverbal, and written communication for private, government, and non-profit sectors.

Computer Science

Computer science majors are provided with the systems programming and problem-solving skills commonly expected in technical positions and obtain the theoretical background required to pursue further education and advanced degrees, preparing for employment in the industrial sector and scientific lab environments.

Cyber Defense

Students in the cyber defense major gain knowledge and develop skills related to the protection of information and intellectual property in the public and private sectors, with courses aligned to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE). The major prepares students to work as analysts, investigators, consultants, and managers.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity majors are provided with analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate fundamental cybersecurity concepts, theories, and strategies and to recommend technical and non-technical security solutions on various cyber systems, preparing for employment in the industrial sector and government agencies.

Data Analytics (Bachelor of Arts)

Data analytics focuses on the analysis of large, complex data sets, utilizing skills from mathematics, statistics, and computer science. Students use subject domain knowledge and professional writing skills to present their analysis to a broad audience. The BA follows a social science track.

Data Analytics (Bachelor of Science)

Data analytics focuses on the analysis of large, complex data sets, utilizing skills from mathematics, statistics, and computer science. Students use subject domain knowledge and professional writing skills to present their analysis to a broad audience. The BS follows a business track.

D.N.P. in Ethical Leadership

Economics and Finance

Economics and finance students focus on the allocation of resources with an emphasis on community, business, and financial resources, learning to develop and interpret operating budgets, capital budgets, and investment portfolios and to develop and manage capital structure.

Economics (Bachelor of Arts)

Economics students focus on the study of the allocation of resources with an emphasis on personal, business, and public sector decision making. Students learn to use economic tools like opportunity costs, supply, demand, marginal analysis, the equation of exchange, and the theory of trade.

Economics (Bachelor of Business Administration)

Economics students focus on the study of the allocation of resources with an emphasis on personal, business, and public sector decision making. The major combines the business core with economics coursework and provides a sound foundation for post-graduate studies in economics, business administration, law, and public policy.

Ed.D. in Curriculum Design and Instruction

Ed.S. in Curriculum Design and Instruction

Ed.S. in Curriculum Design & Instruction

Ed.S. in Superintendent Licensure

Educational Studies

Educational Studies is a non-licensure major that provides a foundation in educational theory and practice for students interested in working in educational departments of museums, zoos, hospitals, churches, or other institutions. The program of study is designed with a School of Education advisor and does not meet requirements for teacher licensure.

Elementary Education

The elementary education major prepares candidates for teacher licensure in elementary education in the state of Illinois through a sequence of professional education courses in theory and methodologies and a series of clinical field experiences culminating in student teaching.

English

McKendree University's English major teaches students to read closely, think critically, and write well, developing understanding of the cultural, historical, ethical, aesthetic, and linguistic dimensions that shape us. The major offers Literature, Professional Writing, and Secondary Education tracks.

Entrepreneurship

The entrepreneurship degree provides the skills needed to innovate, create and develop business plans, raise venture capital, and manage one's own business. Students learn to evaluate the competition and calculate risk in a new business.

Environmental Studies

Environmental studies is a field that integrates the natural sciences with other disciplines. Through critical thinking and the use of the scientific method, environmental studies evaluates the complex relationships between humans and the environment, preparing students for careers or graduate work in environmental science, business, policy, law, and public health.

Exercise Science and Sport Performance

This major builds the foundation for careers in the field of exercise science and sport performance, combining biological sciences and exercise science content knowledge with culminating real-world internship settings. Completion makes students eligible for additional professional certifications through the ACSM and NSCA.

Health

The health major prepares students to be proficient in the knowledge and understanding of health science content and theory with culminating coursework in real-world internship settings, preparing them for careers in schools, healthcare facilities, worksites, and government agencies, as well as for further graduate study.

Healthcare Administration

McKendree offers the Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree, available to qualified undergraduates through the HCM/MHA 4+1 accelerated option that pairs the BA in healthcare management with the MHA over five years.

Healthcare Management

The healthcare management major provides the opportunity to apply management skills and strategies to the healthcare industry, preparing students for entry-level management roles within diverse healthcare settings. Students explore topics including finance, legal, and human resource issues.

History

The study of history sharpens abilities to analyze and evaluate information critically, interpret relationships, and apply concepts to varying situations. A history major develops strong writing and research capabilities, culminating in a major original research paper based on primary source materials.

History Education

The BS major in History Education prepares students seeking initial licensure in secondary education, combining required history coursework with the professional education requirements. Students must complete all coursework taken toward licensure with a grade of C or better.

Human Resource Management

Human resource management prepares students to apply knowledge and skills to the design, management, and evaluation of programs to improve individual productivity and organizational effectiveness. The major is certified by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and prepares students for entry-level HR careers.

International Relations

The international relations major provides students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to be effective citizens in a globalizing world, culminating in a capstone research experience, and prepares students for careers in government, law, non-governmental organizations, and international affairs.

M.A. in Criminal Justice

M.A. in Education

M.A. in Education - Administration and Leadership

M.A. in Education in Curriculum Design

M.A. in Education in Teacher Leadership Licensure

M.A. in Education - Teacher Leadership

M.A. in Health Administration

M.A. in Performance Psychology and Leadership

M.A/M.S. Undecided

Management

The management major curriculum comprises the study of both management theory and application. Students gain knowledge of how individuals and organizations function and learn essential decision-making tools that managers use in business settings.

Management Information Systems

Management information systems majors complete coursework in computing and business, preparing them for employment as information technology managers, systems analysts, or tech consultants, or for other positions requiring an understanding of information technology in a business setting.

Marketing

The marketing program is designed to prepare students for a professional career in marketing such as advertising, brand management, sales management, and marketing research, based on a customer satisfaction model. Students develop marketing research ability to generate suitable strategies and tactics.

Master of Arts in Education - Higher Education Administrative Services

Mathematics (Bachelor of Arts)

Mathematics is the science of quantity, change, structure, and space. Mathematics majors develop rigorous analytical abilities and sharpen their oral and written communication skills, preparing for careers in teaching, private industry, government agencies, actuarial science, and law.

Mathematics (Bachelor of Science)

Mathematics is the science of quantity, change, structure, and space. Mathematics majors develop rigorous analytical abilities and sharpen their oral and written communication skills. Tracks include general, secondary education, and financial and actuarial sciences.

M.A.T. in Elementary Education

M.A.T. in Middle School Education

M.B.A. in Business Administration

Middle Grades Education - English/Language Arts

The middle grades education major prepares candidates for teacher licensure at the middle grades level, completing the professional education core plus required coursework in the English/language arts content area.

Middle Grades Education - Mathematics

The middle grades education major prepares candidates for teacher licensure at the middle grades level, completing the professional education core plus required coursework in the mathematics content area.

Middle Grades Education - Science

The middle grades education major prepares candidates for teacher licensure at the middle grades level, completing the professional education core plus required coursework in the science content area.

Middle Grades Education - Social Science

The middle grades education major prepares candidates for teacher licensure at the middle grades level, completing the professional education core plus required coursework in the social science content area.

M.S.N. - Master of Science in Nursing

Music

The music program provides students with the skills to appreciate, evaluate, and perform music from different eras of history and different cultures, with emphases available in classical performance or jazz performance. The degree prepares students to enter graduate school in performance, music history, music theory, or music therapy.

Music Education

The music education degree prepares students to teach at the K-12 level in Illinois, with emphases in vocal and instrumental music education. The program includes general education, music, and professional education classes and culminates in choral and instrumental secondary methods, a senior recital, and student teaching.

Music Marketing

Combining music with current music technology, advertising, marketing, and management, this degree is designed to prepare students for a variety of career opportunities in music marketing, such as working for a major music corporation or music store, or promoting their own performances.

Nursing (RN to BSN)

The BSN degree is offered exclusively as a baccalaureate completion program for graduates of an associate degree or diploma nursing program. The RN to BSN program builds on core competencies and knowledge, expanding professional practice and preparing graduates as generalists with a base for graduate education.

Nursing (RN to MSN)

The Division of Nursing offers an RN to MSN program in which students are admitted as undergraduates and shift to graduate status at the appropriate point in the curriculum, completing both the BSN and MSN requirements. Admission requires a minimum 3.25 GPA.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is an applied social and biological science dedicated to assisting people in developing skills and attitudes to adapt to disabilities. Offered in affiliation with Washington University School of Medicine, students complete three years at McKendree and transfer to Washington University for a Master of Science in occupational therapy.

Philosophy

Studying philosophy helps students confront in a methodical and constructive way fundamental questions and problems, both theoretical and practical. Philosophy cultivates skills in reasoning and argumentation that are critical to graduate studies, law school, and employment, and students often enter the fields of law, medicine, journalism, or business.

Physical Education

Students interested in teaching physical education develop skills, knowledge, and techniques required of contemporary K-12 physical educators and complete the teacher education licensure requirements for the Initial K-12 (Physical Education) license, preparing them to teach in elementary and secondary schools in Illinois.

Political Science

Political science provides students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to be effective citizens in a globalizing world, culminating in a capstone research experience. It is strong preparation for careers in government, law, non-governmental organizations, city management and urban planning, political consulting, and journalism.

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Corporate Finance

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Cyber Defense

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Digiat Marketing

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Human Resource Management

Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Psychology majors learn the skills needed to conduct scientific investigations through courses in statistics and research methods and complete a research project, preparing them for careers in mental health, social services, human resources, and graduate school.

Religious Studies

Religious studies analyzes the human relationship to what is conceived as ultimate reality, studying the beliefs, practices, and behaviors of the world's major religious traditions while focusing in a special way on Christianity. The major stresses critical thinking, reading, and writing skills.

Science Education

The secondary science education major, housed in the School of Education, prepares candidates for secondary (and K-12) teacher licensure by combining the secondary professional education requirements with secondary science content-area coursework.

Social Science Education

The secondary social science education major, housed in the School of Education, prepares candidates for secondary teacher licensure by combining the secondary professional education requirements with social science content-area coursework across at least three subject areas (economics, history, political science, psychology, or sociology).

Sociology

The sociology program offers a liberal arts degree with two tracks (General Sociology and Criminal Justice), developing appreciation for how society influences individual behavior and how societies are structured. It prepares students for graduate school, social work, criminal justice, community organizing, health care administration, and urban planning.

Special Education/Elementary Education Dual Licensure

This dual licensure program prepares candidates for teacher licensure in both special education and elementary education, requiring one extra semester beyond that of the elementary education licensure program.

Sport Management

The sport management major prepares students to work in the expanding sport industry, including collegiate and professional sports, the sporting goods industry, nonprofit and community organizations, fitness centers, and international sport. The major combines School of Business core courses with courses in sport.

Supply Chain Management and Logistics

Supply chain management and logistics consists of methodologies used to efficiently integrate and manage systems of people, resources, and information from suppliers to end-users, preparing students for careers as operations managers, logistics analysts, supply chain managers, purchasing managers, and distribution managers.