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On Friday, leaders from Rockhurst University and Kansas City University signed a pivotal new agreement establishing and accelerated pathway for high school students and others to earn KCU’s medical and health care degrees. Starting in...
Academics
ACADEMICS
Rockhurst University academics include diverse bachelor's and graduate programs rooted in Jesuit philosophy and the liberal arts tradition.
Accounting (BSBA, Minor)
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 (B.S., Minor)
As access to data continues to grow, companies are relying even more on data science and data analytics to make informed business decisions. Because of this, the field of data and analytics is one of the fastest-growing and highest-paid sectors in the 21st century.
Applied Mathematics (B.S., Minors)
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 (B.S.)
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 (B.S., Minor)
Rockhurst offers several biology degree options: B.S. in Biology, organismal track; B.S. in Biology, molecular track; B.S. in Biology, environmental tack, B.S. in Biology, general biology 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 Physics (B.S.)
The Biomedical Physics Major is designed to prepare students for graduate or clinical research programs in multiple intersections of physics, biology and medicine. With an interdisciplinary complement of required courses, students can design upper-division courses to meet their research and career choices.
Business Administration (Pre-MBA Minor)
The Business Administration Pre-MBA Minor provides non-business majors the opportunity to learn the fundamental skills and language of business in order to prepare them for success in the workplace. The curriculum also completes the prerequisite requirements for the MBA program.
Business Administration Degree (BSBA/BBA, Minor)
Rockhurst University offers a business degree that supports you with the best in business acumen, leadership expertise and ethical decision-making skills. Our BBA 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.
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 (B.S.)
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 (B.S.)
The Rockhurst 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, environmental, geotechnical and transportation. A Rockhurst civil engineering degree will pave the way for an important and innovative career.
Computer Science (B.S.)
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 (BSBA)
Rockhurst’s corporate accounting and finance degree is a concentration within the Bachelor of Science in business administration (BSBA) degree offered through the Helzberg School of Management in the College of Business and Technology. You’ll explore careers in finance and concepts in accounting, investments, financial markets and institutional management.
Criminal Justice (B.A., Minor)
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.
Cybersecurity (B.S.)
The cybersecurity major is designed so graduates can attain employment in an IT/Cybersecurity-related field and advance their careers in industry, government, or academia. Graduates will have an understanding of the breadth of security-related issues in technology deployment and the ethical underpinnings of appropriate data management and protection. This cybersecurity program is an interdisciplinary program combining elements of computer science, analytics,...
Economics (B.A., Minor)
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.
Educational Studies (B.A.)
Rockhurst's Educational Studies degree is designed to help students major in education with a non-licensed teaching degree. The foundational coursework in this program provides insight into the current and future state of education, while the electives will allow students to personalize the program to meet their interests. In addition, the program includes an internship/capstone experience that is personalized to align...
Educational Studies (Minor)
Our educational studies 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 (B.S.)
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 knowledgeable in each facet of the industry.
Elementary Education (B.A.)
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 Degree Options
The Rockhurst University engineering program develops high-quality graduates who meet the needs of our society both locally and globally. Rockhurst University, in partnership with the University of Missouri-Kansas City, offers engineering programs including civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Students complete coursework on both the Rockhurst University and University of Missouri-Kansas City campuses.
English (B.A., Minors)
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.
Environmental Studies (Minor)
The goal of the Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies Minor is to facilitate the development of environmentally aware and responsible citizens. The Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies minor seeks to prepare students to direct their knowledge and skills toward urgent environmental issues, to diagnose complex problems from multiple perspectives and to make choices based on values beyond economic efficiency. Students will employ knowledge, critical...
Exercise Science (B.S., Minor)
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 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 (BSBA)
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 (Minor)
The French minor at Rockhurst provides a robust foundational knowledge in language, literature, culture, professional French and film, culminating in a senior capstone project. A French minor can be combined strategically with another major.
German (Minor)
The German minor provides students with a robust education in both German language and culture, preparing them for careers that can extend overseas. As a supplementary degree, the German minor is meant to be combined with other programs to round out and enhance an education.
Health Science (B.S.)
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 (B.A., Minor)
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 (BSBA)
In the international business concentration of the Bachelor of Science in 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.
Leadership Development (Minor)
A minor in leadership development is designed to pair with any bachelor's 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 (BSBA)
In the management concentration of Rockhurst University's Bachelor of Science in business administration, students broadly explore theories in organizational change, project management and leadership.
Marketing (BSBA, Minor)
The marketing concentration of the Bachelor of Science in business administration program 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 (BSBA)
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.
Mechanical Engineering (B.S.)
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 Humanities (Minor)
With knowledge of humanistic methodologies and disciplines, students will be able to bring a creative and holistic approach to the study of medicine and health and will demonstrate awareness of how the health sciences are called to answer fundamental human problems. The medical humanities program focuses on health and wellness in the greater context of the human experience to develop...
Medical Laboratory Sciences (B.S.)
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 Saint Luke’s Hospital and North Kansas City Hospital, and University Health.
Medical Spanish (Minor, Certificate)
Our new Medical Spanish Minor or Medical Spanish Certificate provides healthcare professionals with a much-needed Medical Spanish stackable credential that will serve them to communicate in Spanish with their existing and future patients as well as augment their professional skills. The Medical Spanish Certification and Minor programs consist of a combination of Badges that will result in the completion of...
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 (Certificate)
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 (BSN)
Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences' Bachelor of Science in Nursing program provides quality education to a diverse student population through innovative educational programs.
Nursing (RN-BSN)
The RN to BSN program provides a quality education that builds on the RN’s prior learning and nursing experience while recognizing their unique challenges when seeking a baccalaureate degree. Years of research show having a BSN degree actually leads to improved patient outcomes, including better rates for mortality and failure-to-rescue.
Peace and International Studies (B.A.)
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 (B.A., Minors)
The philosophy degree 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 of Medicine (B.S., Minor)
The physics of medicine 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 (B.A., Minor)
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 a bachelor's degree 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-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 (B.A., Minor)
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 (B.A.)
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.
Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA, Certificate)
Designed for registered nurses who qualify for CNOR certification and advanced practice registered nurses to achieve certification for surgical first assistant roles, the Registered Nurse First Assistant certificate program at Rockhurst University’s Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences is a pathway to a career as an in-demand perioperative nursing professional.
Secondary Education (B.A.)
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 Studies (B.A., Minor)
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 (B.A.)
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-Language Pathology (B.S., Minor)
Rockhurst’s SLP bachelor's 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 SLP expertise with a graduate degree in audiology or occupational therapy.
Sport Management (B.S., Minor)
Being an all-star athlete is not the only path to a career in sports. The sport management major 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 (B.A., Minor)
A strategic communications 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.
Strategic Communication – Business Emphasis (B.A.)
Rockhurst University’s Bachelor of Arts in strategic communication with a business emphasis is an interdisciplinary, 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.
Theater 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.
Theatre Arts 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.
Theology and Religious Studies (B.A., Minor)
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.
Theology Teaching (B.A.)
The Theology Teaching Degree will prepare Rockhurst graduates with a firm intellectual foundation in all the major areas today’s theology teachers are expected to demonstrate competency. The depth and breadth of the program will assure that Rockhurst graduates who go into K-12 teaching in the field of theology will be prepared to meet the demands of the theology teacher education...
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 (BSBA, Minor)
Analytics and Technology (B.S., Minor)
Applied Mathematics (B.S., Minors)
Art (Minor)
Biochemistry (B.S.)
Biology (B.S., Minor)
Biomedical Physics (B.S.)
Business Administration (Pre-MBA Minor)
Business Administration Degree (BSBA/BBA, Minor)
Catholic Studies (Minor)
Chemistry (B.S.)
Civil Engineering (B.S.)
Computer Science (B.S.)
Corporate Accounting and Finance (BSBA)
Criminal Justice (B.A., Minor)
Cybersecurity (B.S.)
Economics (B.A., Minor)
Educational Studies (B.A.)
Educational Studies (Minor)
Electrical Engineering (B.S.)
Elementary Education (B.A.)
Engineering Degree Options
English (B.A., Minors)
Environmental Studies (Minor)
Exercise Science (B.S., Minor)
Film Studies (Minor)
Financial Markets and Economic Analysis (BSBA)
French (Minor)
German (Minor)
Health Science (B.S.)
History (B.A., Minor)
International Business (BSBA)
Leadership Development (Minor)
Management (BSBA)
Marketing (BSBA, Minor)
Marketing Analytics (BSBA)
Mechanical Engineering (B.S.)
Medical Humanities (Minor)
Medical Laboratory Sciences (B.S.)
Medical Spanish (Minor, Certificate)
Music (Minor)
Nonprofit Leadership (Certificate)
Nursing (BSN)
Nursing (RN-BSN)
Peace and International Studies (B.A.)
Philosophy (B.A., Minors)
Physics of Medicine (B.S., Minor)
Political Science (B.A., Minor)
Psychology (B.A., Minor)
Public Policy (B.A.)
Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA, Certificate)
Secondary Education (B.A.)
Sociology (Minor)
Spanish Studies (B.A., Minor)
Special Education (B.A.)
Speech-Language Pathology (B.S., Minor)
Sport Management (B.S., Minor)
Statistics (Minor)
Strategic Communication (B.A., Minor)
Strategic Communication – Business Emphasis (B.A.)
Theater Arts (Minor)
Theatre Arts Film Acting (Minor)
Theology and Religious Studies (B.A., Minor)
Theology Teaching (B.A.)
Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies (Minor)
Pre-Professional
Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Law
Pre-Medicine
Pre-Occupational Therapy
Pre-Optometry
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. This includes our specially tailored online programs.
Online Degree Programs
Another step forward for Rockhurst, our online programs are tailor-made for students who want to take classes over the internet as well as those who want to complete their degree on their own time or away from campus.
Explore our Health Care Degree 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.
Rockhurst has a sense of community, of inclusion, and finding a home away from home, while you're growing to be your best self.
– Sydney Shindler | Pre-Med ‘23
University Resources
Explore the many options Rockhurst University has available for student success and excellence in academics.
