Northcentral University was established in 1996 as a distance learning university and is headquartered in Prescott, Arizona. The university initially offered online degree programs in psychology and business administration, which has now expanded to include both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business, psychology and education with a variety of available specializations.
The business degree program available through Northcentral University is the first fully online business degree program to be awarded accreditation through the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and Northcentral University has conferred over 600 degrees to graduates thus far. In 2008, Northcentral University was purchased by Rockbridge Growth Equity, LLC, which is the current owner.
Northcentral University strives to create a personalized educational program for each student with individual guidance and the convenience and affordability of undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered entirely online. Students obtain assignments and connect with professors through the university’s Learner Web and email and have access to an extensive online library for research requirements. Classes begin each month and students enjoy the freedom of setting their own schedule and working at a self-directed pace.
Over one-quarter of the students at Northcentral University are in professions that require a great amount of flexibility in scheduling, such as law enforcement and the military; therefore, Northcentral University emphasizes the provision of self-directed programming for adult learners and busy professionals.
Accreditation
Northcentral University holds regional accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Additionally, the School of Business is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Schools of Education
The School of Business and Technology Management provides the first fully online business degree program to be accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and emphasizes offering a variety of specializations, personal mentoring and a convenient online learning format for working professionals.
The School of Education prepares students to become professional educators by equipping them with the education and classroom skills they need, provided by faculty members with real-world experience and a dedication to providing individual mentoring to each student.
The School of Psychology provides a thorough education regarding the practice and principles of psychology in an online format designed for working professionals. The aim of each degree and certificate program is to prepare students to enter the field of professional psychology in healthcare, industrial or private practice settings.
Scholarships Offered
Students seeking financial assistance for attendance at Northcentral University can take advantage of external scholarship opportunities available through community organizations, professional associations, government agencies and political groups.
Financing Options
Northcentral University offers a number of payment plans and assists students in connecting with several private loan and student financial aid programs that assist students in paying tuition and other educational expenses.
Payment plans available through the university include the pay-in-full tuition program, which locks in the initial tuition rate, the pay-by-course tuition plan and a monthly payment plan.
Other financing options include Sallie Mae Smart Option Loans, Wells Fargo Education Connection Loans, Pentagon Federal Credit Union Loans for active duty and retired military personnel and special military tuition programs.
Credit Earning Options
Northcentral University accepts transfer credits earned at regionally accredited U.S. universities and colleges, as well as international institutions approved by a foreign country’s Minister of Education in a manner comparable to the accreditation process used in the United States.
Official transcripts are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and credits may be awarded for traditional accredited schools, Advanced Placement (AP), DANTES Standardized Subject Tests (DSST), CLEP subject tests and military courses and experience.
Transfer students entering bachelor degree programs may transfer up to 90 semester credits earned with a grade of C or above. Master-level students entering the Psychology/Marriage and Family Therapy program may transfer up to 15 semester credits awarded a grade of B or above. All other master-level transfer students may transfer up to 6 semester credits earned with a grade of B or above. Doctoral transfer students entering the Psychology/Marriage and Family Therapy program may transfer up to 36 semester credit hours completed with a grade of B or higher. All other doctoral-level transfer students may transfer up to 12 semester credits earned with a grade of B or above. All doctoral semester credits must have been completed within the previous three years to be eligible for transfer.