Find out more about Northwest Nazarene University

The online Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies degree program from Northwest Nazarene University is designed to provide the first two years of study for students aiming to transfer into a baccalaureate program. The curriculum consists of courses in:

• Christian Formation
• Humanities
• Sciences
• Intellectual & Practical Skills
• Mathematics

The online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies degree program from Northwest Nazarene University provides students with the content, methodology, and implications of the basic areas of human knowledge; fosters the attitude of intellectual curiosity harnessed by moral responsibility; and encourages students to think for themselves, enabling them to participate in life as autonomous individuals. There are three emphasis areas within the curriculum:

• Humanities
• Mathematics & Science
• Social Science

The online Associate of Arts in Accounting is convenient and flexible, enabling students to continue working and living in their local community while pursuing this degree.  Students are developed into ethical servant leaders who can transform a global society for the kingdom of Christ through a strong, scholarly business curriculum rooted in the liberal arts tradition and delivered through traditional and innovative methods.  Graduates can transfer this degree into bachelor’s degree programs.

The online Associate of Arts in Business is convenient and flexible, enabling students to continue working and living in their local community while pursuing this degree.  Students are developed into ethical servant leaders who can transform a global society for the kingdom of Christ through a strong, scholarly business curriculum rooted in the liberal arts tradition and delivered through traditional and innovative methods.  Graduates can transfer this degree into bachelor’s degree programs.

The online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration prepares the adult learner to enter business careers or pursue graduate work in the field by completing this program while working full-time and handling family obligations.  Students are developed into ethical servant leaders who can transform a global society for the kingdom of Christ through a strong, scholarly business curriculum rooted in the liberal arts tradition and delivered through traditional and innovative methods.  Courses teach accounting, finance, economics, management, information technology, ethics, marketing, communication, teamwork, qualitative and quantitative analysis, social responsibility, and workplace respect.

Advance your accounting career or prepare for a career change with the online Master of Accountancy. Prerequisites are available to students with an undergraduate degree in a major other than accounting, while those with an accounting bachelor’s degree can take the fast track and finish their master’s degree in as little as 11 months.

Students in this online accounting degree program can choose from two tracks: Professional Accounting (CPA) or Management Accounting (CMA). Coursework for each track is chosen to best prepare students for the corresponding certification exams and fulfill educational requirements. Students receive top-of-the-line exam prep resources and access to a certified professional who can provide guidance on studying and preparing for certification.

All students will take a set of core courses including:

• Managerial and Cost Accounting
• Ethics in Management
• Business Analytics and Valuation
• Advanced Accounting Information Systems
• Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination

The online MBA degree program is a generalist program in business administration.  This program is designed for working adults who are willing to commit to an intensive course of study.  Students will take two courses at a time for eight-week periods.  Required courses can be completed in just 16 months.  

Special emphases focusing on specific sectors of the economy are offered for students who wish to customize their degree to suit their personal interests and career goals.

The online Associate of Arts in Elementary Education from Northwest Nazarene University is the first step in preparing individuals to become teaching professionals. After completing this program, students may transfer into NNU’s Bachelor of Arts program. With no existing credits, the AA in elementary education can be completed in two years, and students with existing credits may finish sooner.

Career opportunities for graduates include, but are not limited to:

• Elementary school teacher
• Middle school teacher
• Secondary school teacher

Dedicated professors are always available to answer questions and provide guidance. Plenty of online resources are available for students to access. By obtaining the online Associate of Arts in Elementary Education, graduates can begin their path toward becoming teaching professionals.

The online Associate of Arts in Secondary Education from Northwest Nazarene University is the first step in preparing individuals to become successful educators. After completing this program, students may transfer into NNU’s Bachelor of Arts program. With no existing credits, the AA in secondary education can be completed in two years, students with existing credits may finish sooner.

Career opportunities for graduates include, but are not limited to:

• Elementary teacher
• Middle school teacher
• Secondary school teacher

Experienced and dedicated faculty are always available to answer questions and provide guidance to students. Many online resources are available for students to access during the program. By obtaining the online Associate of Arts in Elementary Education, graduates can begin new, rewarding careers in education.

The online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Northwest Nazarene University provides advanced research and study for educators interested in educational leadership roles. Flexible scheduling is convenient for working professionals to be able to balance work with classes. New cohorts begin in the spring of each year. 

Classes offered include, but are not limited to: 

• Introduction to educational research
• Dissertation research
• Effective leadership for change management  

This Ph.D. program is for students who are committed to success and have a strong passion for leadership. Doctorally-prepared experienced faculty bring their knowledge and ideas to each class. The online doctoral program in Educational Leadership allows graduates to pursue higher leadership positions in education.

The online Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from Northwest Nazarene University provides advanced study for educators interested in educational leadership. Flexible scheduling is convenient for working professionals. New cohorts begin in January each year. 

Classes offered include, but are not limited to: 

• Advanced qualitative research
• Dissertation writing and defense
• Policy influence and development

 

This Ph.D. program is for students who are committed to excellence and have a passion for leadership. Doctorally-prepared faculty with extensive experience bring their knowledge and ideas to each class. The online doctoral program in Educational Leadership puts graduates on a path to success in education.

With a focus on leadership, research practices, and personal reflection, the online Master of Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Innovation from Northwest Nazarene University equips graduates with the necessary skills to effectively use technology in today’s educational environment. This online program emphasizes personal learning and can be completed in 18 months. Students are aided by faculty advisors to help direct the course of study.



A sample of classes offered include: 

• Instructional coaching
• Teachers as leaders
• The learning process

Graduates can move into careers such as education administrators, elementary school teachers, middle school teachers, and more. Expert faculty provide relevant and practical lessons in each class. Graduates will have the correct attitudes and skills to remain current in an ever-changing educational environment.

The Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership and Building Administrator is designed for education professionals with a Master’s Degree who are seeking leadership roles in Building Administration. Emphasis is placed on instruction, service, professional development, ethical decision-making, problem-solving, and creative solutions. This online program is designed to fit the needs of working professionals by offering convenience and flexibility. 

Classes include, but are not limited to: 

• Special education law for administrators
• Mixed methods research
• Administering human resources



Accessible faculty and staff allow for support throughout the course of the program. Classes start every eight weeks and new students may join any time during the year. Completion of this online program leads to an Education Specialist degree with an Idaho Administrator Certificate endorsement as a School Principal.

The online Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership/Director of Special Education from Northwest Nazarene University is designed for certified teachers with a Master’s Degree who are seeking leadership positions in special education. Emphasis is placed on instruction methods, service work, professional development, decision-making skills, complex problem-solving, and finding creative solutions to various issues. This online program is designed to fit the needs of busy, working professionals by offering convenience and flexibility.

Classes include, but are not limited to:

• Special education law for administrators
• Seminar: Special education policies and procedures
• Legal and financial issues in education

Experienced and professional faculty and staff allow for support throughout the program. This program takes approximately 17-24 months to complete. Completion of this online program leads to an Education Specialist degree with an Idaho Administrator Certificate endorsement as a Director of Special Education.

The online Education Specialist in Educational Leadership/Leadership Organizational Development from Northwest Nazarene University is for individuals who hold a master’s degree and are interested in leadership positions in community organizations, businesses, or higher education. This online program uses set courses so that students can plan their schedules ahead of time. This program typically can be completed in 22 months. 

Classes include, but are not limited to: 



• Data-driven decision making
• Conceptual statistics and applications for educators 
• Educational change: A historical perspective

Classes begin every eight weeks and new students can join throughout the year. This program also serves students who are looking to enroll in the NNU doctoral program. Graduates can look forward to successful, rewarding careers as education specialists.

The online Education Specialist in Educational Leadership/Superintendent from Northwest Nazarene University is designed for individuals who hold a Master’s Degree and building administrator certification who are seeking to advance their careers. This online program can be completed in 22 months. Designed to fit the schedules of working students, set courses can be planned ahead of time. 

Courses include, but are not limited to: 

• The superintendency
• Advanced school finance
• Public relations and marketing for schools 



Coursework emphasizes decision-making, leadership skills, financial skills, and resource management. Graduates can move into careers such as Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and other central office roles in school districts. Students participate in a year-long internship at the district office level.

The online Education Specialist in Special Education from Northwest Nazarene University is designed for individuals who hold a master’s degree and teaching certification who wish to gain further experience in special education. This online degree can be completed in less than two years. Emphasis is placed on trauma informed teaching.

Some classes offered include, but are not limited to: 

• Assessment and collaboration
• Behavior intervention and treatment
• Conceptual statistics and application



Classes are led by dedicated and professional faculty. Students have access to many online resources during the course of their post graduate certification. The online Education Specialist in Special Education produces compassionate teacher leaders who are ready to step into special education classrooms with confidence and success.

Northwest Nazarene University’s Master of Arts in Teaching/Elementary Education is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject and wish to become elementary school teachers. This 16-month online program offers a flexible schedule, one year of coursework, and one semester of student teaching. New cohorts start every fall semester.

Some of the courses offered include: 

• Elementary classroom management
• Learning and the brain
• Elementary content literacy

Classes are led by experienced and dedicated faculty. Students have access to many online resources for assistance. The online master’s degree in Elementary Education produces teacher candidates who are ready to step into elementary or middle school classrooms with the confidence and skills to succeed.

Northwest Nazarene University’s Master of Arts in Teaching/Secondary Education is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline and wish to become secondary school teachers. This 16-month online master’s degree offers a flexible schedule, one year of coursework, and four months of student teaching. New cohorts begin every fall semester.

Some of the courses offered include:

• Secondary content methods
• Secondary teaching methods
• Innovative instruction

Classes are led by experienced, professional faculty. Students have access to many online resources during their courses. The online master’s degree in Secondary Education produces strong teacher candidates who are ready to step into school classrooms with the knowledge and ability to succeed.

With a focus on leadership, research practices, and personal reflection, the online Master of Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Innovation from Northwest Nazarene University equips graduates with the necessary skills to effectively use technology in today’s educational environment. This online program emphasizes personal learning and can be completed in 18 months. Students are aided by faculty advisors to help direct the course of study.

A sample of classes offered include: 

• Instructional coaching
• Teachers as leaders
• The learning process



Graduates can move into careers such as education administrators, elementary school teachers, middle school teachers, and more. Expert faculty provide relevant and practical lessons in each class. Graduates will have the correct attitudes and skills to remain current in an ever-changing educational environment.

The online Master of Education in Educational Leadership/Building Administrator is for individuals seeking formal leadership roles in schools such as principals, assistant principals, or instructional team leaders. This program can be completed in 22 months. Ideal for working professionals, courses can be set ahead of time to plan schedules.

A sample of classes includes:

• Educational values
• Instructional supervision and leadership
• Special education law for administrators

Students benefit from supportive, experienced faculty and staff. Classes start every eight weeks, and new students may join during the year. Successful completion of this program allows the graduate to be recommended by the State of Idaho for a Pre K-12 Principal endorsement on an Idaho Administrator Certificate.

The online RN to BSN degree program from Northwest Nazarene University provides a course of study for registered nurses to enhance their critial thinking and communication skills while concurrently developing their leadership abilities. Coursework covers topics such as:

• Systems management
• ​Evidence-based practice/nursing research
• ​Nursing of diverse communities and populations
• History of nursing
• Leadership

NNU offers an online Master of Science in Nursing / Family Nurse Practitioner degree. Graduates are eligible to sit for national licensure as a FNP and assume the role of Advanced Practice Clinician in nursing.

The curriculum of this online Nurse Practitioner degree incorporates online courses, clinical experiences in the student’s home state, and residency hours on the NNU campus. Coursework focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating clients of various ages, backgrounds, and cultures. Students also gain expertise in health policy, health promotion, and translational science.

Classes cover topics including:

• Population health and interprofessional collaboration
• Healthcare systems
• Primary care of the family
• Professional practice issues
• Pharmacology and pathophysiology for advanced practice nursing

The online MSN degree program focusing on Leadership & Education offered by Northwest Nazarene University aims to prepare its students for advanced nursing roles. Students in this master’s in Nursing Education have the opportunity to learn and develop via the latest technology, the practice of teaching, and the challenge of designing and implementing programs and nursing curricula. 

The program examines ways to utilize evidence-based practice and research findings to deliver quality care in clinical settings. Nurses learn how to advocate for diverse populations and demonstrate social justice in healthcare delivery. Graduates of this nursing administration degree program will be able to promote healthy communities in collaboration with an interprofessional healthcare team.

Coursework covers topics such as:

• ​Leadership perspectives
• ​Population health
• ​Healthcare systems/policy
• Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology
• Principles of teaching and curriculum development
• ​Organizational leadership