Founder's HallUse Catalog
Accreditation
Mission, Vision, and Values
Welcome from President Votruba
History of NKU
Scope of Programs

 

 

 

 

 

 

The catalog of the University is the document of authority for all students. Any academic unit may issue additional or more specific information that is consistent with approved policy. The information in the catalog supersedes that issued by any other unit if there is a conflict between the two. The University reserves the right to change the requirements published in the catalog at any time.

Course descriptions in University catalogs are correct at the time of publication. See the Schedule of Classes for more recent information about courses.

HOW TO USE THIS CATALOG

The information in this catalog is current at the time of publication. If you are pursuing a degree, you are required to fulfill the requirements as they are listed in the catalog for the semester in which you enroll in that program.

If the requirements change after you have enrolled in the program, you have the option of fulfilling either the old or new requirements. If you elect to fulfill the old requirements and find the necessary courses have been discontinued or substantially changed, you may substitute other courses with the approval of the dean/chair of the college/school.

If your enrollment in the program or the University is interrupted for more than two semesters, your college dean/chair will decide which program requirements must be fulfilled.

This catalog was developed for you, our students. It provides important information to help you plan your education at NKU. The catalog includes information about courses, campus resources and student services, program descriptions, degree requirements and information about college policies and procedures. Use your catalog to help you with your plans for being a successful college student. For help in achieving success in your education program, contact your advisor.

Use the catalog to help you to understand the policies and procedures that may directly affect your life at NKU. A careful reading of the Academic Regulations and Academic Requirements may help you plan ahead and avoid future administrative problems that can have serious ramifications.

Use your catalog to learn about courses and degree requirements. First, if you are an undergraduate student, you may want to review the General Education Requirements. Then, for all students we recommend you read the general description and requirements of the College or School you are attending. Next, examine the curriculum outline, including core courses and prerequisites for your specific major. If you have not declared a major or are in the process of choosing one, use the catalog to help you decide what major is most closely aligned with your goals and interests.

Lastly, read the course descriptions to learn about the content of each course your are considering, whether it is one required for your major or an elective. Knowing what a course is about and how it will fit into your goal or program will help you choose your courses carefully.

Northern Kentucky University will provide each new student with a copy of the Catalog.

Northern Kentucky University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award undergraduate, graduate, doctorate, and professional degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane Decauter, Georgia 30333-4097 or call 404.679.4501 for questions about accreditation at Northern Kentucky University

STATEMENT OF MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES

The Mission of Northern Kentucky University

is to educate students to succeed in their chosen life roles; be informed, contributing members of their communities - regionally, nationally and internationally; and pursue satisfying and fulfilling lives. The university will offer a comprehensive array of baccalaureate and master's programs as well as law and other selected doctoral programs that meet regional needs.

The university supports multi-dimensional excellence across the full breadth of its work: teaching and learning, research and creative activity, and outreach and public engagement. Northern Kentucky University fosters a community that values openness, inclusion and respect. The university is committed to intellectual and creative freedom and to the open expression of ideas in ways that support scholarship and advance the learning process. The university embraces its regional stewardship role as reflected in its significant contribution to the intellectual, social, economic, cultural and civic vitality of the region and the commonwealth.

Northern Kentucky University achieves its mission through outstanding faculty, state-of-the-art programs and community partnerships. The university prides itself on its learner focus, entrepreneurial spirit, global perspective, innovative programs, small classes, technology-enhanced academic programs, co-curricular learning opportunities, and emphasis on active learning, including student research, internships, co-op programs and service learning.

Northern Kentucky University is the commonwealth's only regional university located in a major metropolitan area. The university values its role as an integral part of the metropolitan region and recognizes the region as a powerful source of knowledge and experience that can strengthen, enhance and enrich every aspect of the university. Regional stewardship informs every dimension of the university's mission.

The Vision

Northern Kentucky University will be nationally recognized as the premier comprehensive, metropolitan university that prepares students for life and work in a global society and provides leadership to advance the intellectual, social, economic, cultural, and civic vitality of its region and of the commonwealth.

Core Values

NKU is committed to:

  • Placing learners and their learning at the center of all that we do.
  • The highest standards of excellence in every dimension of our work.
  • Access to education that holds high expectations for all students and provides support for their success.
  • Public engagement that advances the progress of the region and commonwealth.
  • Intellectual and creative freedom and the free expression of ideas.
  • A culture of openness and inclusion that values diversity in people and ideas.
  • A work environment that encourages and rewards innovation and creativity.
  • A campus climate that supports collegiality, collaboration and civility.

WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY FROM PRESIDENT VOTRUBA

President Votruba's Web Site

 

Dear Prospective Student:

Greetings! I am pleased that you are interested in Northern Kentucky University as your choice to pursue your education.

What you will find at NKU are professors who care about their students, quality programs, small class sizes, convenient course offerings, great location, and easy access to many student organizations. When you become an NKU student, you will be central to our mission as a learner-centered campus.

Your educational journey is just beginning. We welcome you to join the over 15,000 other students who are pursuing their dreams at Northern Kentucky University.

HISTORY

Northern Kentucky University (NKU), the newest of Kentucky’s eight state universities, was founded in 1968. However, the roots of Northern can be traced back another twenty years. In 1948, a two-year Extension Center of the University of Kentucky was located in the First District Elementary School in Covington. Then, as Northern Community College, the center moved to the Park Hills area of Covington in 1962. Six years later, the General Assembly of Kentucky authorized the creation of a four-year college, Northern Kentucky State College (NKSC). A board of regents and a consultant were appointed by the governor to assist in planning the new school.

In September 1970, NKSC began offering courses for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Also, technical and semi-professional two-year programs leading to the degree of Associate of Applied Science were offered in accounting technology, nursing, and professional secretaryship. In 1971 third-year courses were added to the curriculum with the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science being initiated in business, education, and most of the basic arts and sciences. Also in 1971, the Salmon P. Chase College of Law, formerly an independent law school in Cincinnati, merged with Northern Kentucky State College.

Graduate programs were initiated in education in 1975; in business administration in 1979; in public administration in 1989; in nursing in 1992; in accountancy in 1998; in computer science in 1999; in instructional leadership in 1999; in teaching in 2001; in information systems in 2001; in industrial/organizational psychology and liberal studies in 2004; in executive leadership and organizational leadership in 2006, and in English and educational leadership in 2008. The Graduate Center was established on the NKU campus in 1977 to administer graduate programs; programs in social work, library science, nursing, public affairs, and community nutrition are available through the center.

The first building on the new campus in Highland Heights was completed in time for fall semester 1972. In addition to the opening of Louie

B. Nunn Hall, the University added fourth-year courses to the curriculum in 1972. The first bachelor’s degrees were awarded in May 1973, and course offerings have been continually expanded to meet the needs of a growing student body. On 25 February 1976, Governor Julian Carroll signed House Bill 180, making Northern Kentucky State College a university. Full status was recognized on 19 June 1976. Major construction of the campus began in 1972 and continues today to accommodate a growing enrollment that now is over 15,000 students.

SCOPE OF PROGRAMS

Northern Kentucky University offers students a broad range of educational programs emphasizing traditional collegiate and liberal studies. Recognizing the needs of its region, the University’s primary mission is to provide instruction at the associate and bachelor’s degree levels. The University also offers professional and career studies at these levels.

The University offers selected master’s degree programs, approved by the Council on Postsecondary Education, and the degree of Juris Doctor through Chase College of Law.

A metropolitan university, Northern takes advantage of its close proximity to other higher education and post-secondary institutions to maximize program offerings for the region through reciprocity agreements with the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, and Southern State Community College. Northern serves Indiana students through a reciprocity agreement with the State of Indiana. The University also provides applied research, service, and continuing education programs related to the needs of its region.

The University is authorized by the Commonwealth of Kentucky to confer the degrees of Associate of Applied Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts in Teaching, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Organizational Leadership, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science Business Informatics, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Accountancy, Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Administration, Master of Science in Computer Science, Master of Science in Nursing, and Master of Arts in Teaching. The degree of Juris Doctor is conferred by the College of Law; the degree of Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration by the College of Law and the College of Business. The Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership is conferred by the College of Education.

COMMITMENT TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of NKU not to discriminate in employment, educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid, or other school-administered programs on the basis of race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, physical and/or mental disability, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam Era. The University takes affirmative action to fulfill its policy against illegal discrimination.

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and is therefore a violation of NKU’s Affirmative Action Policy, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, non-verbal, physical, or nonphysical conduct of a sexual nature that unreasonably interferes with an individual’s academic or employment performance. The University’s policy is in compliance with state and federal guidelines and is consistent with the University’s interest in seeking a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. Student inquiries may be directed to the Northern Kentucky University, Dean of Students or the Director of Affirmative Action and Multicultural Affairs, Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099.

GEOGRAPHIC REGION

The University serves the citizens of northern Kentucky with a particular focus on the metropolitan area contiguous to greater Cincinnati. Student residential services are provided.

INSTITUTIONAL ADMISSION STANDARDS

Northern Kentucky University admits students under selective standards exceeding the minimum admission guidelines established by the Council on Postsecondary Education, with only limited exceptions. The institutional standards are consistent with the system-wide policy for admitting under-prepared students, including removal of academic deficiencies within a specified time frame. Through this approach, the University seeks to provide both broad access and high-quality programs and to pursue a particular commitment to placebound and other learners and to populations traditionally under represented in higher education.

DEGREE LEVELS

The University offers selected programs leading to associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, and professional law degrees to meet specific metropolitan/regional needs.

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS/PROGRAM PRIORITIES

Northern Kentucky University’s distinctive metropolitan/regional mission requires that it maintain a broad range of offerings: occupational programs, a traditional arts and sciences bachelor’s curriculum, legal education through Salmon P. Chase College of Law, and graduate programs to meet specific metropolitan/regional needs. The University’s responsibility is to meet the needs of both northern Kentucky and the greater metropolitan area. Academic priorities include occupational programs, liberal arts and sciences, business, education, and law. These strategic priorities translate into a core of liberal arts bachelor’s degree programs in addition to degree programs priorities at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and professional levels.

ENHANCEMENT OF INSTRUCTION

Teaching and learning are the primary focus of the University. The University offers a broad range of instructional and support services to promote the curricular and extracurricular development and success of its students. Developmental programs address the needs of under-prepared students; extensive evening offerings and alternate means of course delivery expand opportunities for students with limited access to the campus.

SERVICE AND RESEARCH FUNCTIONS

Northern Kentucky University seeks to develop creative and mutually beneficial partnerships with public and private enterprises in the local metropolitan area and the region in support of economic growth and investment. The University is especially committed to offering training, applied research, and other services in support of area businesses, industry, and government. It recognizes a special commitment to research and service in support of local elementary and secondary schools in its primary service area.

The University engages in community partnerships coordinated through the Scripps Howard Center for Civic Engagement. The Center was established by NKU to advance public stewardship, citizenship, and engagement through learning, scholarship, and community capacity-building. The Center engages students in a variety of community projects, from student philanthropy to service-learning to citizenship skill building. The Center also involves students in a Get Out the Vote for Democracy Initiative. NKU students can be trained as Engagement Specialists and assigned to work with faculty and community leaders on a variety of tasks.

For more information on these and other programs, visit the Center’s website at http://civicengage.nku.edu or phone the office at 859-572-1448.

STUDENT RESEARCH AND CREATIVITY

The University strives to enhance the experiences of students by offering two opportunities that enable students to fund and present research or creative activities on interesting topics.

Students can obtain funds to pay for materials, supplies, equipment, software, or project-related travel while they conduct a project under the mentorship of a faculty member. To locate the guidelines for this program, visit: http://rgc.nku.edu/surg.d0c.

Students can also present their work at the annual Celebration of Student Research and Creativity. This event highlights students’ achievements in a broad array of scholarly and creative activities. Students display their work through posters, oral presentations, interactive demonstratives, performances, and exhibits of artistic work. Website: http://celebration.nku.edu. For further information on both programs contact the Office of Research, Grants, and Contracts, Administrative Center 616, phone: 859-572-5136.

COLLABORATIVE VENTURES

The University establishes and maintains cooperative and mutually beneficial relationships with other public institutions of higher education in Kentucky, with elementary and secondary schools, and with other such institutions in northern Kentucky and the interdependent metropolitan area. Curriculum development emphasizes the transfer of credits from another institution toward degree completion.

The University participates in the Kentucky Commonwealth Virtual University (KYVU), a collaboration of Kentucky public and independent universities. KYVU can be found on the Web at http://www.kcv.org. KYVU is a public institution which coordinates credit and non-credit student-friendly learning environments that can lead to certificates or degrees. KYVU uses a multi-technology approach including one-way broadcast (KET), interactive television (KTLN), and Web-based course work. The Kentucky Commonwealth Virtual Library (KCVL), found at http://www.kcvl.org, provides a single web portal to learning materials state-wide and includes cooperation of Kentucky colleges, universities, P12 school systems, and local libraries.

EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS

Northern Kentucky University addresses the educational needs of its region and people effectively and efficiently. Planning, evaluation, assessment, and prudent commitment of resources are essential to promote continuous improvement of programs and services. Strategic planning that results in elimination of duplicative or unproductive programs not serving metropolitan/regional needs is essential, while the development of carefully selected new programs compatible with the mission is appropriate.

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Northern Kentucky University offers an array of excellent graduate programs. Graduate programs are directed to professionals who would like to earn a degree or certificate to help them in their career paths. For more information on NKU graduate programs call the Office of Graduate Programs at 859-572-1555; e-mail: gradprog@nku.edu; or, visit their website at http://gradsite.nku.edu.

DOCTORATE PROGRAM

Northern Kentucky University offers a doctorate program in educational leadership. For information on the program, call the Office of Graduate Programs at 859-572-1555; e-mail gradprog@nku.edu; or, visit their website at http://gradsite.nku.edu.

PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM

The University offers one professional program, the Juris Doctor. For information, contact Salmon P. Chase College of Law, 859-572-5490.

 

 

 

© 2009 Northern Kentucky University, Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099 - Contact NKU