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Academics
ACADEMICS
Rockhurst University academics include diverse undergraduate and graduate programs rooted in Jesuit philosophy and the liberal arts tradition.
Accounting
Accountants impact business decisions through financial information that helps organizations manage risk, set strategies, and maintain stability. An accounting degree from Rockhurst University sets students up for a successful career with challenging coursework and application of fundamental concepts developed through market research and consultation with hiring managers.
Analytics and Technology
The data and analytics field is one of the fastest-growing and highest-paid sectors in the 21st century. Data science jobs are in great demand and a degree in analytics and technology from Rockhurst University equips students with the business intelligence skills to fill these challenging roles.
Applied Mathematics
An applied mathematics degree at Rockhurst University serves as a marriage between the mathematical sciences and what many call “the real world.” Our students apply fundamental mathematics to problems in specific areas of study and industry. Courses encourage innovative thinking, workable solutions and pave the way for lucrative and practical careers in mathematics.
Art Minor
The visual arts program offers a minor to students who wish to explore the field of visual arts and its relationship to all fields of study offered at Rockhurst University. The program offers a diverse range of courses in art and art history. Cutting-edge studio spaces allow students to work in an expansive range of traditional and non-traditional disciplines, including drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography and mixed media.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry explores the chemical processes within and related to living organisms. It combines biology and chemistry using chemical knowledge and techniques to solve biological problems. Biochemistry graduates can engage in evaluative and critical thinking across the disciplines of chemistry and biology and integrate these disciplines into their chosen career paths, or medical, professional and graduate educations.
Biology
Rockhurst offers three biology degree options: B.S. in biology, organismal track; B.S. in biology, molecular track; biology minor. Our biology major pairs world-class academics with a solid career outlook, allowing you to further specialize your training by focusing on one track. We provide opportunities to supplement your knowledge beyond these two tracks with an understanding of human and environmental biology.
Biomedical Engineering
Rockhurst’s biomedical engineering degree is an intersection of four booming fields: physics, medicine, engineering and mathematics. RU’s program not only emphasizes medical engineering and physics, but it also arms graduates with problem-solving, critical thinking and communication skills. We’re proud to be one of the only undergraduate biomedical engineering schools in the region.
Business Administration
Rockhurst University offers a business degree that supports you with the best in business acumen, leadership expertise and ethical decision-making skills. Our degree gives you a solid, real-world understanding of the role business plays in society – from its history, impact on individuals, economic influence, as well as the social responsibilities that come along with it.
Business Communication
Rockhurst University’s Bachelor of Arts in business communication degree is a unique, interdisciplinary experience within two colleges at RU and across two disciplines integrated into one impactful major. Students take courses in both communication and business, focusing on interpersonal and organizational communication (internal and external), as well as media, public speaking and more.
Catholic Studies Minor
The Catholic studies minor is an interdisciplinary program that introduces students to issues and themes in the study of the Catholic Church and Catholic beliefs. The program is ideal for students interested in Catholic theology, Christianity and developing a deeper understanding of Catholic beliefs and how they influenced history and impact society today.
Chemistry
A chemistry degree from Rockhurst leads to success, whether you plan to continue your education in graduate school or go directly into one of the many careers for chemists. Our ACS-accredited chemistry department and its science degrees offer a broad spectrum of courses – from organic chemistry to physical chemistry to biochemistry – designed to meet your specific needs and desired vocational objectives.
Civil Engineering
Rockhurst’s civil engineering degree prepares students for a career in what is considered one of the oldest engineering disciplines. Classes are designed to educate students in the many specialties within the field, such as structural, construction, environment, geotechnical and transportation. A Rockhurst civil engineering degree will pave the way for an important and innovative career.
Communication
A communication degree from Rockhurst University focuses on communications processes, methods and how to develop strategic communication skills within yourself and on behalf of your future employer. Our major, which has human communication and mass communication tracks, emphasizes areas such as listening and group communication skills, journalism, public relations and advertising.
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Rockhurst’s CSD degree is a pre-professional speech language pathology undergraduate program that prepares you to serve both children and adults. It is an excellent option for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree to become a speech language pathologist, or further specialize their communication science expertise with a graduate degree in audiology or occupational therapy.
Computer Science
From computer engineering to programming to troubleshooting or enhancing efficiency, there are many career opportunities in the expanding computer science field. Our program puts students at the forefront with cutting-edge curriculum that provides a foundation of expertise in areas like operating systems, browsers, apps, software and networking.
Corporate Accounting and Finance
Rockhurst’s corporate accounting and finance major is a concentration within the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree offered through the Helzberg School of Management. You’ll explore careers in finance and concepts in accounting, investments, financial markets and institutional management.
Criminal Justice
Built on our strong liberal arts foundation, Rockhurst's BA in Criminal Justice degree introduces students to the complexity of the U.S. criminal justice system. In this major, you’ll explore causes and prevention of criminal behavior, as well as gain expertise on the meaning and application of the legal process, law enforcement, court management and correctional treatment.
Economics
Our BA in Economics program within Rockhurst’s prestigious Helzberg School of Management covers everything from international trade to environmental sustainability to global development and justice. The degree explores the intersection of law and economics, preparing you to analyze and formulate policy.
Education
Rockhurst undergraduate degree programs in education prepare future professionals to be knowledgeable and proficient teachers and leaders in their chosen field. We offer majors in elementary, middle, secondary and special education, leading to initial teacher certification.
Educational Studies Minor
Education fuels humanity, and careers in education reach far beyond teaching. That’s why Rockhurst University offers an educational studies degree. This minor offers you an opportunity to understand the complex educational practices that shape American education program policies, weaving together the political, economic, social and legal sectors at work.
Electrical Engineering
Responsible for the technology that powers our lives, an electrical engineer designs, tests and improves electronic equipment from lighting and wiring systems to cars to smart phones. Rockhurst offers one of the more unique engineering programs in Kansas City, preparing you for all electrical engineering requirements and ensuring graduates are well-versed in each facet of the industry.
Elementary Education
Rockhurst’s elementary education degree offers initial teacher certification in grades 1-6, preparing you to become a caring leader who engages in innovative teaching, collaboration and reflective practice. Through significant intellectual study and a variety of field and service-learning experiences, you’ll acquire what's necessary to instruct diverse learners as an elementary teacher in the 21st-century classroom.
Engineering
The Rockhurst University engineering program exists to develop high-quality graduates who meet the needs of our society both locally and globally. To that end, Rockhurst has partnered with the University of Missouri-Kansas City to offer engineering programs such as civil, electrical and mechanical engineering housed within RU's department of mathematics and the department of physics.
English
The English major includes four tracks that advance students’ skills in writing and analytical/creative thinking, deepen their understandings of the major developments in literature and strengthen their competence in applying critical methodologies to a wide range of literary and cultural artifacts.
Exercise Science
As a part of Rockhurst University’s exercise, sport and health science department, graduates of the exercise science program are prepared to help others achieve maximum mobility and health. The major is an excellent choice for students interested in careers in personal training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical rehabilitation, nursing, medicine and corporate fitness and wellness.
Film Acting Minor
The film acting minor is based on the development of the best traditional and non-traditional acting, movement, voice and on-camera techniques. Students are able to put those techniques into practice both in class projects and in film production.
Film Studies Minor
The film studies minor at Rockhurst University is a 15-hour interdisciplinary program that helps students learn the fundamentals of film form (staging, cinematography, editing, sound) and become literate in the conventions and strategies that span all film cultures.
Financial Markets and Economic Analysis
In the Bachelor of Business Administration's Financial Markets and Economic Analysis concentration, students explore concepts in investments, financial markets and financial institutions in the context of complex international economies. Students emerge prepared to analyze multifaceted market functions and to make agile, intelligent decisions in the world of investments and trade.
French
The French major at Rockhurst provides a robust foundational knowledge in language, literature, culture, professional French and film, culminating in a senior capstone project. A French major can be combined strategically with another major or minor.
Health Science
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science at Rockhurst University offers a comprehensive curriculum, including courses in leadership, health communications, nutrition, global health and ethics. Students choose from three customizable tracks to ensure that their learning experience equips them for success in their desired field or graduate school.
History
The history program at Rockhurst equips students to think critically, reason discerningly and communicate effectively through exposure to the human condition across many eras and places. History students are challenged by Ph.D. professors, scholars and presenters to ask contemplative questions of the past, analyze sources and apply findings to the present, and provide insight into the future.
International Business
In the International Business concentration of the Bachelor of Business Administration, students gain an understanding of the unique challenges inherent to globalization so they can plan and implement successful business strategies with consideration to diverse culture and socio-political and economic contexts.
International Journalism
Our world depends on well-trained journalists with degrees in journalism and mass communication to keep us connected and informed. Rockhurst’s international journalism program prepares students not only for a challenging and exciting career track, but also for global citizenship: language studies cultivate cultural sensitivity, and the journalism studies program trains one to communicate effectively with those of diverse backgrounds.
Journalism Minor
Rockhurst University’s journalism minor is designed to prepare budding journalists for various types of journalism by focusing on the fundamentals of the industry and mass communication itself. Students get a foundation in basic print and digital journalism skills, but also additional courses in mass media, advanced journalism and media theory.
Leadership Development Minor
A minor in leadership development is designed to pair with any undergraduate program. These leadership skills prepare students for the wide variety of challenges and situations that emerge when managing people and organizations. This minor provides a well-rounded educational experience and can increase hiring potential after graduation.
Management
In the Management concentration of the Helzberg School of Management Bachelor's in Business Administration, students broadly explore theories in organizational change, project management and leadership.
Marketing
The Marketing concentration of the Bachelor of Business Administration teaches the most important concepts in marketing – such as market research, segmentation and targeting, consumer behavior, the distribution of goods and services, pricing policy, promotion and communication, as well as marketing management – while offering students the opportunity to explore specialty areas of interest.
Marketing Analytics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the career outlook for market research analysts is projected to grow 23% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth is driven by an increased use of data and market research across all industries, cementing analytics as one of the strongest trends in marketing today.
Materials Science
Materials science drives the development of novel materials in industry and medicine. The field rests at the intersection of science and engineering – it’s the physics and chemistry of materials, with an emphasis on applications rather than fundamental research.
Mathematics
A math degree at Rockhurst can be as unique an experience as the student working to obtain it. Through a set of courses ranging from theoretical to applied, students meet professional and graduate school needs for those with a Bachelor of Mathematics.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering encompasses a variety of job duties, including the design, development and maintenance of electrical equipment from generators to engines to robots used in manufacturing. It is one of the most comprehensive and diverse engineering disciplines, and the mechanical engineering degree offered by Rockhurst is an effective way to enter a lucrative, essential industry.
Medical Laboratory Sciences
Formerly known as “medical technology,” medical laboratory sciences is a field of study revolving around biology and chemistry that lands graduates in satisfying careers. Rockhurst is home to one of the highest-quality medical laboratory science programs in Missouri. We offer our Bachelor of Science degree in medical laboratory sciences in cooperation with St. Luke’s Hospital and North Kansas City Hospital.
Music Minor
A music minor from Rockhurst University is an effective way to enhance a major in a related field. It offers a range of courses studying music literature, as well as various options for the applied study of music performance.
Nonprofit Leadership
Winner of the National Campus Program Excellence Award, Rockhurst is the only university in the Kansas City area that offers students the opportunity to earn the Certified Nonprofit Professional credential, making them seven-times more likely to rise to director-level or higher positions than non-CNP peers.
Nursing
Already one of Rockhurst University’s largest area of study, our health care programs are poised for even more growth and success in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the U.S. will have more than 1 million registered nurse job openings by 2024. Rockhurst is responding to the need for highly qualified and compassionate health care professionals in our community and around the world.
Paralegal Studies
Rockhurst's paralegal program began in 1974 as one of the first of its kind in the U.S. It prepares students for the growing field of paralegals and legal assistants and can be completed in a year. Courses are taught by practicing attorneys and judges with professional expertise in specialized areas of law.
Peace and International Studies
In our increasingly connected and complicated world, the ability to appreciate its working systems and cultures has never been more in-demand. The peace and international studies major at Rockhurst is designed to cultivate well-rounded representatives and leaders through interdisciplinary and international studies, allowing students to customize their degree to their own unique interests.
Philosophy
The philosophy major is designed to introduce students to a range of profound and stimulating philosophical questions, and to develop the critical thinking and logical skills necessary for independent thought. There are four comprehensive tracks: basic, professional, bioethics and social justice.
Physics
As one of the basic sciences, physics serves as the cornerstone of engineering and supports and complements biology and chemistry. Mastering physics requires the study and understanding of key physical concepts through mathematics, mechanics, thermodynamics and more.
Physics of Medicine
The physics of medicine pre-professional major track is interdisciplinary in nature and is designed for students who wish to attend clinical graduate school programs in medicine or health care. Students experience a unique, hands-on curriculum that focuses on a deep conceptual understanding of physics as it applies to other sciences, medicine and health care.
Political Science
Political science investigates the nature and purpose of government, the principles on which it rests, the justification of political authority, the legal and moral aspects of that authority and the nature and development of the great human freedoms. Courses offered focus on these concerns in the American and international political systems.
Pre-Dentistry
The American Dental Association describes careers in dentistry as competitive in salary with a wide variety of career opportunities, including working in hospitals, research laboratories, private practice, education, as well as international relief organizations. Rockhurst's pre-dentistry program puts prospective dental professionals on a pathway to success.
Pre-Law
Pre-law is a program designed to advise students about the opportunity of attending law school and entering the legal profession. Pre-law advising includes discussing possible majors and classes to prepare for law school, guidance on the law school application process, information about the LSAT, details about specific law schools, as well as information about careers in the legal profession.
Pre-Medicine
Rockhurst pre-medical students have access to a wide variety of opportunities and resources, including health-related clubs and fraternities, volunteering opportunities, pre-health advisors and research opportunities. Students who are interested in attending an M.D. or D.O. medical school complete pre-med courses and an undergraduate major at Rockhurst.
Pre-Occupational Therapy
At Rockhurst University, we are committed to preparing competent, caring occupational therapy professionals. Our capable graduates are ready to assist individuals in the prevention or treatment of impairments due to developmental deficits, aging, physical illness or injury.
Pre-Optometry
Rockhurst University offers a four-year pre-professional program for students interested in obtaining the Doctorate in Optometry, O. D. Based in the division of natural sciences, the program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree and provides students with the undergraduate courses necessary to pursue the advanced professional degree.
Pre-Osteopathic Medicine
Rockhurst pre-medical students have access to a wide variety of opportunities and resources, including health-related clubs and fraternities, volunteering opportunities, pre-health advisors and research opportunities. Students who are interested in attending an M.D. or D.O. medical school complete pre-med courses and an undergraduate major at Rockhurst.
Pre-Pharmacy
The College of Arts and Sciences at Rockhurst University offers a pre-pharmacy program designed to help students complete the pharmacy school requirements needed to continue their pharmacy major.
Pre-Physical Therapy
Rockhurst University is committed to preparing proficient, compassionate physical therapy professionals with a strong ability to effectively lead and advocate for patients and clients.
Pre-Physician Assistant
Rockhurst University offers a four-year pre-professional program for students interested in pursuing a Master of Physician Assistant degree. Rockhurst Pre-PA students will work closely with Pre-Health advisors to tailor their pre-requisite coursework to the PA programs of choice.
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Rockhurst offers a four-year pre-professional program for students interested in becoming veterinarians.
Psychology
The psychology major at Rockhurst University fosters both scientific and critical thinking. It promotes the application of research methods to understand how and why organisms do what they do. The major is designed to familiarize students with several different areas of psychology, including applied, biological/experimental, cultural/social, and developmental.
Public Policy
Rockhurst University’s public policy major prepares students to engage with the modern policy environment through interdisciplinary coursework that stresses in-depth analysis of political, economic and social issues. In addition to the lower division and core courses, students apply their knowledge through an internship, co-op or research project under faculty supervision.
Secondary Education
The School of Education seeks to transform lives in a learning community centered on excellence and service in education, providing a distinctive context for the professional preparation of teachers. The secondary education major with initial teacher certification in grades 9 through 12 prepares you to become a caring leader engaged in innovative teaching, collaboration and reflective practice.
Sociology Minor
A sociology minor at Rockhurst centers around the understanding of how society and culture act as social contexts shaping human identity, understanding, and relationships. Sociology is a useful complement to a variety of Rockhurst degrees, improving preparedness for the professional world as well as enhancing hiring desirability for graduates.
Spanish
The Spanish major provides a base of knowledge in areas like language, literature, culture, film, professional and medical Spanish. The sequence of courses will lead to a senior capstone on a research topic that fascinates you, along with personalized mentoring for it.
Special Education
The special education major with initial teacher certification in mild-moderate/cross-categorical disabilities for grades K through 12 prepares students to become caring educational leaders engaged in innovative teaching, collaboration and reflective practice.
Speech Pathology
Rockhurst University’s communication sciences and disorders degree is a pre-professional speech pathology undergraduate program that prepares you to serve children and adults with a broad range of communication disorders. If you’re wondering how to become a speech pathologist, RU’s acclaimed communication disorders major is the best place to start. With a foundation in Jesuit, liberal arts education, our communication science...
Sport Management
Being an all-star athlete is not the only path to a career in sports. The sport management major in Rockhurst University’s exercise, sport and health science department prepares students interested in working for a sports team, organization, college or university for the job of their dreams.
Statistics Minor
Adding a statistics minor to a degree at Rockhurst University provides students with advanced reasoning skills and methods for understanding and producing data. Statistical application and theory knowledge can add a valuable perspective to related degrees, and a minor in statistics provides an elevated level of hiring desirability for graduates.
Strategic Communication
Students in the strategic communication major apply and uniquely develop both human communication and mass communication skills with a goal-oriented approach to understanding communication in interpersonal relationships and the media.
Theatre Arts Minor
Adding a minor in theatre arts to a Rockhurst University degree can be a highly valuable educational decision. While the minor has an emphasis on performing arts, courses in technical theatre elements, direction and script analysis combine to add a well-rounded perspective to a related degree.
Theology and Religious Studies
Unlike most universities, our program combines two distinctive approaches to the academic study of religion: theology and religious studies. Be engaged in questions of meaning, faith, justice, power, community, authority, values, spirituality and difference through a global lens.
Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies Minor
The minor examines the historical and contemporary circumstances shaping the relationships between women and men, and between women and women, in a variety of social settings. The program raises fundamental questions about gender identity and relations, roles, equality, and about philosophical, natural scientific and social scientific assumptions regarding human nature.
Business & Leadership
Communication
Education
Engineering
Entrepreneurship
Health Care
Humanities
Performing & Visual Arts
Service
STEM
Minors
Accounting
Analytics and Technology
Applied Mathematics
Art Minor
Biochemistry
Biology
Biomedical Engineering
Business Administration
Business Communication
Catholic Studies Minor
Chemistry
Civil Engineering
Communication
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Computer Science
Corporate Accounting and Finance
Criminal Justice
Economics
Education
Educational Studies Minor
Electrical Engineering
Elementary Education
Engineering
English
Exercise Science
Film Acting Minor
Film Studies Minor
Financial Markets and Economic Analysis
French
Health Science
History
International Business
International Journalism
Journalism Minor
Leadership Development Minor
Management
Marketing
Marketing Analytics
Materials Science
Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering
Medical Laboratory Sciences
Music Minor
Nonprofit Leadership
Nursing
Paralegal Studies
Peace and International Studies
Philosophy
Physics
Physics of Medicine
Political Science
Psychology
Public Policy
Secondary Education
Sociology Minor
Spanish
Special Education
Speech Pathology
Sport Management
Statistics Minor
Strategic Communication
Theatre Arts Minor
Theology and Religious Studies
Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies Minor
Pre-Professional
Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Law
Pre-Medicine
Pre-Occupational Therapy
Pre-Optometry
Pre-Osteopathic Medicine
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Physician Assistant
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Graduate Degree Programs
Part of our three colleges, Rockhurst graduate programs further develop professional leaders with hands-on curriculum, nationally recognized faculty and flexible schedules for continuing education.
Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Programs
Academic Excellence
With some of the best academics in Kansas City and beyond, we provide an experience that values students and changes lives, reflected through our expert faculty and the success our graduates enjoy.
89 % of full-time faculty hold the highest degree in their field
98 % career and grad school placement rates
23 % higher salary than U.S. median
ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES
We're in this together and here to help during every step of your journey to achieve your academic goals.
The academics from Rockhurst are insanely amazing. I’ve made, by far, the best decision by coming here.
– Nico Leon | Accounting and Finance ‘20
University Resources
Explore the many options Rockhurst University has available for student success and excellence in academics.
Upcoming Events
April 17, 2020 - 2:00pm
Arrupe Hall Auditorium
FOSA celebrates students, staff, and faculty who exemplify academic excellence and leadership. FOSA festivities traditionally begin with the opening & awards ceremony recognizing and celebrating students, staff, and faculty who exemplify academic excellence and leadership. Learn more
