Northwest Nazarene University

Accounting

Prepares students for careers in accounting and for professional certification.

Applied Studies

Building on the strength of NNU's general education core curriculum with course work from an applied area, the applied studies major provides students with the content, methodology, and implications of the basic areas of human knowledge and encourages students to think for themselves.

Art: Graphic Design

Completion of the prescribed core courses plus the Graphic Design concentration courses, preparing students for careers in visual communication and design.

Artificial Intelligence

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence provides graduate study in AI, machine learning, and related computing fields, culminating in a capstone project. The program requires 30 semester credits.

Art: Studio Art

Completion of the core courses plus the Studio Art concentration courses, preparing students for careers or advanced degrees in the visual arts.

Biblical Studies

Provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in the interpretation of the Bible, including beginning skills in the biblical languages.

Biology (Bachelor of Arts)

Designed for the student who has goals other than graduate school or teaching.

Biology (Bachelor of Science)

The Bachelor of Science in Biology prepares students for graduate school, professional programs, and careers in the biological sciences.

Biology Education

To prepare students to teach content courses in grades 6-12 and meet the requirements for Idaho certification.

Biology: Pre-Medical

A course of study suitable for students preparing for application to Medical, Dental, Optometry, Physician's Assistant, and graduate school in biology.

Biology: Pre-Veterinary

A course of study suitable for students preparing for application to Veterinary Medicine programs.

Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration develops leadership, management, and analytical competencies for business professionals. The MBA curriculum requires 33 semester credits.

Business Administration

Provides a broad foundation in business administration for careers in business and industry.

Business Analytics

The Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics provides focused graduate-level study in business analytics and requires 12 credits.

Chaplaincy

The Graduate Certificate in Chaplaincy consists of four courses totaling 16 semester credits for those wishing to focus study in the area of chaplaincy. Certificate courses may be transferred into an existing Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree.

Chemistry (Bachelor of Arts)

To prepare students for fields of chemistry not requiring advanced studies.

Chemistry (Bachelor of Science)

Designed for the student who has goals of pursuing academic research or professional service in fields closely related to chemistry.

Chemistry: Biochemistry

Designed for students pursuing academic research or professional service in fields closely related to chemistry, with a focus on biochemistry.

Chemistry Education

To prepare students to teach content courses in grades 6-12 and meet the requirements for Idaho certification.

Chemistry: Environmental Chemistry

Designed for students pursuing academic research or professional service in fields closely related to chemistry, with a focus on environmental chemistry.

Christian Ministry

Prepares students to go directly into ministry after graduation and provides the educational requirements for ordination as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene.

Clinical Psychology

The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology is a practitioner-focused doctoral program preparing students for licensure and careers as clinical psychologists. The program requires 114-124 credits depending on the student's entry track.

Commercial Music

Designed for students pursuing a career in commercial music fields, with tracks emphasizing Music Management or Audio Production.

Communication

Prepares students with skills in interpersonal, group, and public communication for a variety of career fields.

Computer Science (Bachelor of Arts)

For students who wish to pursue a liberal arts degree with some specialization in computer science, but do not intend to enter graduate school in computer science.

Computer Science (Bachelor of Science)

Prepares one for further study in the technology and application of computing or a career in business, science, or industry.

Counseling

The Counselor Education Department offers a Master of Science in Counseling degree with three program areas within the field of counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling; and School Counseling. Each major requires 60 credit hours.

Criminal Justice

Prepares students for careers in the criminal justice system and related fields.

Curriculum, Instruction, and Innovation

The Master of Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Innovation is a fully online, cohort-based program for professionals seeking to improve instructional practices and leadership skills. It requires 33 semester credits.

Curriculum, Instruction, and Innovation

The Education Specialist in Curriculum, Instruction, and Innovation is designed for individuals who already hold a master's degree and wish to improve instructional expertise and develop skills as a teacher leader. It requires a minimum of 36 semester credits.

Digital Media

Completion of the prescribed core courses plus concentration credits across areas such as animation, audio engineering, video and film, and web development.

Divinity

The Master of Divinity is an extensive professional graduate degree preparing students for vocational ministry and leadership, with specializations in Chaplaincy, Missional Leadership, Spiritual Formation, or Youth, Children, and Family Ministry. Students complete 75 semester credits, including a 36-credit pastoral ministry core and a 32-credit specialization.

Educational Leadership

The Ph.D. in Educational Leadership consists of a minimum of 71 credits, with the first 30 earned through completion of an Ed.S. program or its equivalent and the remaining credits offered primarily online. The program prepares faculty and educational leaders through original scholarly research.

Educational Leadership

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership consists of a minimum of 66 credits, with the first 30 credits earned through completion of an Ed.S. program or its equivalent and the remaining coursework offered primarily online. The program prepares faculty and educational leaders through scholarly research and servant leadership.

Educational Leadership - Director of Special Education

The Master of Education in Educational Leadership - Director of Special Education prepares educators for leadership roles as Directors of Special Education. This fully online program requires 39-40 semester credits and includes a nine-month administrative internship.

Educational Leadership - Director of Special Education

The Education Specialist in Educational Leadership - Director of Special Education prepares administrators as instructional and transformational leaders, with tracks combining the Director of Special Education endorsement with principal or superintendent endorsements. The program requires 32-41 semester credits.

Educational Leadership - Principal

The Master of Education in Educational Leadership - Principal prepares educators for formal leadership roles such as building-level principal or assistant principal. This fully online program requires 36 semester credits and includes a nine-month administrative internship.

Educational Leadership - Principal

The Education Specialist in Educational Leadership - Principal prepares administrators as instructional and organizational leaders and includes a nine-month administrative internship. Successful completion qualifies graduates for a Pre-K-12 Principal endorsement in Idaho; the program requires a minimum of 32 semester credits.

Educational Leadership - Superintendent

The Education Specialist in Educational Leadership - Superintendent is designed for those seeking formal educational leadership roles such as superintendent, assistant superintendent, and other central office roles. It requires 33 semester credits and includes a year-long internship.

Elementary Education

To prepare candidates to teach in the elementary grades (K-8) and to meet certification requirements.

Engineering

An ABET-oriented engineering degree preparing students for professional engineering practice and graduate study.

English

Prepares students in literature, writing, and critical analysis.

English Education

To prepare students to teach content courses in grades 6-12 and meet the requirements for Idaho certification.

Health Communication

Prepares students to communicate effectively in health care and health-related settings.

History

Provides a foundation in historical study for careers and graduate work in history and related fields.

History Education

To prepare students to teach content courses in grades 6-12 and meet the requirements for Idaho certification.

Intercultural Ministry

Prepares students to minister in a global cross-cultural setting, working toward appointment as missionaries by the Church of the Nazarene or other mission agencies.

Leadership and Formation

The Master of Arts: Leadership and Formation is a fully online degree offering a 36-credit specialization in Missional Leadership, Spiritual Formation, or Youth, Children and Family Ministry. Students complete eight four-credit courses plus supervised ministry experience.

Leadership and Organizational Development

The Education Specialist in Leadership and Organizational Development is designed for individuals with a master's degree interested in leadership roles within higher education, community and organizational development, or business. It requires a minimum of 30 semester credits with a cognate in education, business, or religion.

Liberal Studies

Building on the strength of NNU's general education core curriculum, the liberal studies major provides students with the content, methodology, and implications of the basic areas of human knowledge. Students complete 60 credits in one of three concentrations: Humanities, Mathematics and Science, or Social Science.

Management

Prepares students for management and leadership roles in organizations.

Marketing

Prepares students for careers in marketing, sales, and related fields.

Mathematics (Bachelor of Arts)

For students who wish to pursue a liberal arts degree with specialization in mathematics.

Mathematics (Bachelor of Science)

For students who wish to prepare for graduate study in the mathematical sciences or for a career in applied mathematics in science or industry.

Mathematics Education

To prepare students to teach content courses in grades 6-12 and meet the requirements for Idaho certification.

Missional Leadership

The Graduate Certificate in Missional Leadership consists of four courses totaling 16 semester credits. Certificate courses may be transferred into an existing Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree.

Missional Leadership Studies

The Graduate Certificate in Missional Leadership Studies is a 16-credit certificate combining two Missional Leadership courses with two elective courses of the student's choice. Certificate courses may be transferred into an existing Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree.

Music: Applied Concentration

Designed for students interested in music performance and private studio teaching, and those who plan to pursue graduate work in performance, pedagogy, or theory.

Music Education

To prepare students to teach content courses in grades K-12 and meet the requirements for Idaho certification.

Music: General

Designed to give the student a general background in music and a working knowledge of its elements.

Nursing

Equips baccalaureate prepared nurses to practice as nurse leaders who advocate for individuals, families, and communities through evidence-based care.

Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner

The Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner degree path prepares master's-level FNPs through asynchronous learning with on-campus competency lab hours and clinical courses. The program consists of 47 graduate credits and can be completed within 24 months.

Nursing - Leadership and Education

The Master of Science in Nursing: Leadership and Education prepares graduate nurses to provide clinical leadership and to educate nurses, patients, and nursing students. Offered fully online, the program consists of 38 graduate credits.

Organizational Management

The Graduate Certificate in Organizational Management provides focused graduate-level study in organizational management and requires 12 credits.

Pastoral Ministry

The Master of Arts: Pastoral Ministry is a fully online, 40-credit validated course of study for Nazarene students pursuing ordination. It is designed to shape pastors and church leaders with a Wesleyan approach to pastoral ministry.

Philosophy

For students who want to be seriously involved in philosophical study either as a primary discipline or as foundational work for related studies and graduate work.

Philosophy and Religion

Prepares graduates to pursue graduate studies in religion, philosophy of religion, or a related field.

Physical Education (Kinesiology)

To prepare students to teach content courses in grades K-12 and meet the requirements for Idaho certification.

Physics (Bachelor of Arts)

Provides a foundation in physics with the flexibility of a liberal arts degree.

Physics (Bachelor of Science)

Prepares students for graduate study or careers in physics and related fields.

Political Science and International Relations

Prepares students for careers and graduate study in political science, international relations, law, and public service.

Politics, Philosophy, and Economics

An interdisciplinary major that combines studies in political science, philosophy, and economics, preparing students for managerial positions in business, government, and non-governmental organizations as well as law school and graduate work.

Pre-Counseling

Combines strong communication skills with psychology theory and application to prepare students for graduate training in the social science field.

Pre-Physical Therapy: Athletic Training

To prepare the student for graduate studies in athletic training and related health professions.

Pre-Physical Therapy: Physical Therapy

To prepare the student for graduate studies in physical therapy and related health professions.

Psychology

Students accepted into the Pre-PsyD track have the option to receive a Master of Arts in Psychology after completing the Pre-PsyD curriculum (approximately 41 credits over 1.5 years). This degree is only available to students admitted to the Pre-PsyD Program.

Psychology

Provides students with a solid background in the questions, methods, and theories of psychology and prepares them for occupations and further study in the field.

Psychology Education

To prepare students to teach content courses in grades 6-12 and meet the requirements for Idaho certification.

Public Relations

Prepares students for careers in public relations and strategic communication.

Recreation and Sport Management: Athletic Training

An emphasis within Recreation and Sport Management focused on athletic training coursework (not a NATA-approved professional program).

Recreation and Sport Management: Kinesiology/Coaching

An emphasis within Recreation and Sport Management focused on kinesiology and coaching.

Recreation and Sport Management: Outdoor Recreation

An emphasis within Recreation and Sport Management focused on outdoor recreation.

Recreation and Sport Management: Sport Management

An emphasis within Recreation and Sport Management focused on sport management.

Religious Studies

Focuses on the study of religion more generally, rather than on vocational ministry, for those interested in the integration of religion with other academic or vocational disciplines.

Semiconductor Engineering

An undergraduate certificate for students enrolled in the NNU BSE program or individuals who have previously earned an ABET-accredited bachelor's degree in engineering.

Social Work

The Master of Social Work program prepares students for advanced professional social work practice with specializations available in the field. The generalist program requires a minimum of 63 semester credits, while the advanced standing option requires a minimum of 41 credits.

Social Work

Prepares students for generalist social work practice in a variety of settings. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Spiritual Formation

The Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Formation consists of four courses totaling 16 semester credits. Certificate courses may be transferred into an existing Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree.

Spiritual Formation Studies

The Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Formation Studies is a 16-credit certificate combining two Spiritual Formation courses with two elective courses of the student's choice. Certificate courses may be transferred into an existing Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree.

Sports Psychology

A combination of Kinesiology and Psychology coursework focusing on activity and supporting core courses to prepare students for graduate work in sports psychology.

Theology

The Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) provides advanced study and research in Practical Theology for persons in pastoral, ministerial, educational, and church leadership. Offered in English and Spanish using a cohort model, the program consists of 53 semester credits.

Visual Arts Education

To prepare students to teach content courses in grades K-12 for visual arts and meet the requirements for Idaho certification.

Wesleyan Studies

The Graduate Certificate in Wesleyan Studies consists of four courses totaling 16 semester credits. Certificate courses may be transferred into an existing Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree.

Wildlife Biology and Ecology (Bachelor of Arts)

Prepares students for entry level jobs in nontraditional vocations within ecology, fisheries, wildlife, field, or conservation biology that focus on communication and media, marketing and business, political and social sciences, or outdoor education.

Wildlife Biology and Ecology (Bachelor of Science)

To prepare students for entry level jobs in ecology, fisheries, wildlife, field, or conservation biology, or to prepare students with similar vocational goals for graduate school.

World Languages Education

To prepare students to teach world languages in grades 6-12 and meet the requirements for Idaho certification.

Worship Arts

Designed for students interested in various forms of worship ministries. The major does not fulfill educational requirements for ordination in the Church of the Nazarene unless combined with the Christian Ministry minor.

Youth, Children & Family Ministry

The Graduate Certificate in Youth, Children & Family Ministry consists of four courses totaling 16 semester credits. Certificate courses may be transferred into an existing Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree.

Youth, Children & Family Ministry Studies

The Graduate Certificate in Youth, Children & Family Ministry Studies is a 16-credit certificate combining two Youth, Children and Family Ministry courses with two elective courses of the student's choice. Certificate courses may be transferred into an existing Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree.

Youth Ministry

Prepares students for a variety of youth ministry settings and fulfills educational requirements for ordination as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene.