Latest News
Maggie Schuh, ’07, didn’t come to Rockhurst knowing she wanted to be a teacher. In fact, she didn’t know what her major would be at all. And upon graduating with an English degree, she entered... Learn more
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 the problem-solving, critical thinking and communication skills that are in high demand within today’s health care industry. 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
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 pathology undergraduate program that prepares you to serve both children and adults with a broad range of communication disorders. Our communication science program emphasizes an ethical and culturally sensitive approach to its speech therapy curriculum. It is an excellent option for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree to become a speech 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, allowing you to create information structures and systems to maximize organizational performance in your future workplace.
Criminal Justice
Built on our strong liberal arts foundation, Rockhurst's Bachelor of Arts 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 Bachelor of Arts 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, and setting you up for success in any number of dynamic jobs in the growing economics field.
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. Each education major prepares students to critically examine diverse philosophies and institutional arrangements.
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 that 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 the knowledge, skills and disposition 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 program offerings and co-curricular programs reflect our belief that the study of English enhances our whole lives practically, intellectually and emotionally. The English major includes four tracks, each of with a minimum of 22 credit hours of upper-division coursework. Tracks advance students’ skills in writing and analytical/creative thinking, deepens 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 Exercise Science major is an excellent choice for students interested in careers in personal training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical rehabilitation, nursing, medicine, corporate fitness and wellness. Students should discuss their...
Film Studies Minor
The film studies minor at Rockhurst University is a 15-hour interdisciplinary program that helps students develop the skills to appreciate all aspects of the film experience. Students pursuing a film studies minor will approach film as an art form that provokes complex intellectual and emotional responses. While learning about the different cultures, approaches, and responses to film, students will ultimately...
Financial Markets and Economic Analysis
The stock market rises and falls with such volatility that it can be difficult to discern what factors do and do not dictate its movements. If you dig into the facts, however, it is possible to crack the code to domestic and international markets and understand the complexities of the market in the context of the economy and society at...
French
The French major provides a base of knowledge in language, literature, culture, professional French and film that can prepare you for exciting careers and open many doors to every continent of the world. The sequence of courses will lead to a senior capstone on a topic of research which fascinates you, and you will receive personalized mentoring for it. A...
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. To complete the program, students take 15 credit hours in the core health science curriculum, 12 credit hours within their chosen track and one experiential learning credit. Students choose from two customizable tracks to ensure...
History
The history program at Rockhurst equips students to think critically, reason discerningly, and communicate effectively through exposure to the human condition across many times and places. History students are challenged to ask contemplative questions of the past, analyze sources and apply findings to the present providing insight into the future. History majors and minors have the opportunity to explore topics...
International Business
In order to be competitive in the long-run, any business has little option but to compete internationally. It’s not just about moving business to other countries, it’s about doing so in a way that gives credence to the cultural, socio-political and historical context. It’s this deep, contextual knowledge that leads to global business success. In the International Business concentration of...
International Journalism
Our ever-changing, fast-paced world depends on well-rounded, well-versed journalists with degrees in journalism and mass communication are needed to keep us connected and informed. A degree in international journalism from Rockhurst will launch graduates into a booming, much-needed industry. Rockhurst’s international journalism program prepares the student not only for a challenging and exciting career track but also for global citizenship:...
Journalism Minor
Rockhurst University’s journalism minor is designed to prepare budding journalists for many types of journalism, namely print journalism and the digital age of the industry, while focusing on the fundamentals of journalism and mass communication itself. Students take courses in basic journalism career skills such as writing and research, but also courses in mass media, advanced journalism, and media theory.
Leadership Development Minor
A minor in leadership development from Rockhurst University is designed to pair well with any undergraduate program. The leadership skills learned in our leadership development program prepare students for the wide variety of challenges and situations that emerge when managing people and organizations, using leadership traits both learned and inherent to solve problems. In addition to providing a well-rounded educational...
Management
Business people skilled in management lead change as they impact the people, organizations and world around them. But, unless students decide to start their own companies right out of the gate, graduates in Management seldom become managers in their first corporate positions. They do, however, have a head start on the path toward greater power and responsibility. They think like...
Marketing
The marketing concentration of the Bachelor of Business Administration (BSBA) at Rockhurst’s Helzberg School of Management teaches the most important concepts in marketing – such as market research, market 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...
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. The marketing analytics...
Materials Science
Materials Science is the science that drives the development of novel materials in industry and medicine. Examples of material science include materials allowing very dense information storage, fast computing, new materials for clean energy production and storage, new materials for medical treatment and imaging, modern construction materials, or improved materials in automotive engineering. Materials science rests at the intersection of...
Mathematics
A math degree at Rockhurst University can be as unique an experience as the student working to obtain it. Through a set of courses ranging from theoretical to applied, students will meet professional and graduate school needs for those with a bachelor of mathematics. The mathematics program is also committed to providing relevant and practical mathematics courses, preparing students for...
Mechanical Engineering
Representing one of the most comprehensive and diverse engineering disciplines, the mechanical engineering degree offered by Rockhurst University’s engineering department is an effective way to enter a lucrative, essential industry. What is 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.
Medical Laboratory Sciences
Rockhurst University is home to one of the highest-quality medical laboratory science programs in Missouri. We offer the Bachelor of Science degree in medical laboratory sciences in cooperation with St. Luke’s Hospital and North Kansas City Hospital. What is a medical laboratory scientist? Formerly known as “medical technology,” medical laboratory sciences are a field of study revolving around biology and...
Music Minor
A music minor from Rockhurst University is an effective way to enhance a major in a related field. The music minor offers a range of courses that provide opportunities for the study of music literature, and various options for the applied study of music performance. Music Literature courses emphasize an interdisciplinary approach by exploring the effects of literature, visual arts,...
Nonprofit Leadership
Nonprofit organizations are in the business of making the world a better place. They change lives and solve our communities' toughest problems - but are only as effective as their leadership. Dedicated and skilled professional staff members are needed to create and lead programs, develop and manage resources, promote the cause, work with youth, analyze data and carry out many...
Paralegal Studies
The program began in 1974 as one of the first paralegal programs in the United States. The paralegal program prepares students for the growing field of paralegals and legal assistants. This flexible program can be completed in a year and only requires 18 credit hours for completion. Courses are taught by practicing attorneys and judges with professional expertise in specialized...
Peace and International Studies
What is peace and international studies? In our increasingly connected and complicated world, the ability to appreciate the working systems and cultures across the globe 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...
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 independ ent thinking. It provides a broadening perspective for the various areas of specialization in the natural and social sciences, in literature and the arts and in the various professional programs. The...
Physics
The field of physics is more than just memorizing physics equations and physics formulas. It helps us understand the world around us. The physics major at Rockhurst University emphasizes both mathematics and a conceptual understanding of the physical world, answering questions like “Why does that happen?” and “How does that work?” What is physics? As one of the basic sciences,...
Physics of Medicine
The Physics of Medicine pre-professional major track is interdisciplinary in nature and is designed for students that wish to attend clinical graduate school programs in medicine or healthcare. Physics of Medicine students experience a unique hands-on curriculum that focuses on deep conceptual understanding of physics as it applies to other sciences, medicine and healthcare. Our graduates leave Rockhurst with strong...
Political Science
Political science is the systematic study of the individual's relationship with government. It 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 deal with these concerns in the American as well...
Pre-Dentistry
The American Dental Association (ADA) 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. Acceptance to dental school requires a strong academic record supplemented with community service and dental experience. Rockhurst University students from Kansas and Missouri qualify for...
Pre-Law
Pre-law is a program designed to advise students about the opportunity of attending law school and entering the legal profession. We welcome students that want to explore the possibility of a legal education as well as students that have already decided to pursue a legal education. The goal of the program is to assist the student in making an informed...
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 interested in attending an M.D. or D.O. medical school complete pre-med courses and an undergraduate major at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. Students applying to medical school are required to take the MCAT...
Pre-Nursing
Already one of Rockhurst University’s largest area of study, our healthcare programs are poised for even more growth and success in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States will have more than 1 million estimated registered nurse job openings by 2024. Rockhurst’s mission, and our Jesuit core value of cura personalis – care for...
Pre-Optometry
Rockhurst University offers a four-year pre-professional program for students interested in obtaining the Doctorate in Optometry, O. D. This program, based in the Division of Natural Sciences, leads to a Bachelor of Science degree and provides students with the undergraduate courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math necessary to pursue the advanced professional degree. There is no uniform listing of...
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-pharmacy at Rockhurst is a non-degree track and two-year program.
Pre-Physician Assistant
Rockhurst University offers a four-year pre-professional program for students interested in pursuing a Master of Physician Assistant degree. Based in the Division of Natural Sciences, this program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree and provides students with the undergraduate courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math necessary to pursue an advanced professional degree. Students interested in this program should...
Psychology
The psychology major aims to foster scientific and critical thinking. The program 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. All students are required to complete a course from each of the following areas: 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 coursework, students are required to apply their knowledge through an internship, co-op, or research project under faculty supervision. Combined with the broader Rockhurst experience focused...
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 educational leader engaged in innovative teaching, collaboration and reflective practice. Students in...
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. A sociology minor is a useful complement to a variety of different degrees offered at Rockhurst, and a minor in sociology can improve preparedness for the professional world as well as enhance hiring desirability for graduates...
Spanish
The Spanish major provides a base of knowledge in language, literature, culture, film, professional and medical Spanish that can prepare you for exciting careers and open many doors. The sequence of courses will lead to a senior capstone on a research topic that fascinates you, along with personalized mentoring for it. The major concentration in Spanish consists of a minimum...
Special 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 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. Students taking the Sport Management major are encouraged to pursue a minor aligned with...
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. Knowledge of statistical application and theory can add a valuable perspective to related degrees, and a minor in statistics provides an elevated level of hiring desirability for graduates. The estimated growth in mathematics and statistics related careers...
Strategic Communication
Students in the strategic communication major apply and develop both human communication and mass communication skills. Students have a goal-oriented approach to understanding communication in both relationships and in the media. Communication students are able to integrate their liberal arts knowledge seamlessly with the major. Students take courses in both human and mass communication to get a well-rounded communication experience...
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
Get ready to be engaged in questions of meaning, faith, justice, power, community, authority, values, spirituality and difference through a global lens. Unlike most universities, our program combines two distinctive approaches to the academic study of religion: theology and religious studies. In other words, our curriculum offers the best of both worlds. The Rockhurst University Department of Theology and Religious...
Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Minor
The Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies minor at Rockhurst examines the historical and contemporary circumstances that have shaped the relationships between women and men, and between women and women, in a variety of social settings. This gender studies minor raises fundamental questions about gender identity and relations, gender roles, gender equality, and about philosophical, natural scientific and social scientific assumptions...
Accounting
Analytics and Technology
Applied Mathematics
Art Minor
Biochemistry
Biology
Biomedical Engineering
Business Administration
Business Communication
Catholic Studies
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 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
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-Nursing
Pre-Optometry
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Physician Assistant
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
97 % 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.
After coming to campus, I’ve loved the school. It provided me with so many different opportunities. The staff and faculty are very encouraging. If I wouldn’t have gone here, I don’t know if I’d be where I am now as a senior at Rockhurst.
– Alexis Medina | Sports Management ‘19
University Resources
Explore the many options Rockhurst University has available for student success and excellence in academics.
Upcoming Events
October 10, 2019 - 11:50am
Convocation Center
The International Studies and Global Perspectives Committee presents “Traditions of Gift Giving and the Gift of Culture” the 20th annual World Cultures Day celebration, featuring displays of culture and cuisine from more than 40 countries... Learn more
