Graduate with Confidence

Skills for Every Calling

As an ambitious student, you want a degree that works hard for you after you graduate. Your degree should be more than just a title on a piece of paper. When you finish college, you should feel fully equipped to make an impact in your new career. On your CV or resumé, employers will see all the ways you’ve been equipped to excel in their workplace, and you’ll be truly prepared to do just that. When you choose NU, you’re choosing confidence in your career.

“NU really gave me a solid foundation for nursing knowledge, including things like pharmacology and medical surgical pathophysiology. NU also gave me leadership training, as well as management and clinical training. But I think what really prepared me for what I’m doing today is the cross-cultural experience that allowed me to think outside the hospital and outside the United States, and to see nursing globally.”

–Ashley Ott, Class of 2005

Professional Readiness Courses

These classes are one-credit courses that focus on teaching Professional Readiness Skills valuable for all majors. The courses are organized around Competency Groups, inspired by the NACE Career Readiness Competencies (National Association of Colleges and Employers), and are ‘sponsored’ by Colleges or Departments. Some examples of offered courses are Leadership, Job Search Skills, Networking, Christ in the Workplace, Grit, and Emotional Intelligence. The core curriculum requires students to earn one Professional Readiness credit. This credit requirement is waived for students who transfer 60 or more credits to NU; but all NU students are welcomed and encouraged to enroll in Professional Readiness courses to augment their learning.

Professional Readiness Certificates

These certificates equip students with a tool to effectively communicate technical or professional skills they have learned to future employers. Every certificate requires the successful completion of three specific courses. Upon review and approval, some transfer courses may count toward certificates.

Audio Production

  • Survey of Audio Technology 3 credits
  • Recording Engineering I 3 credits
  • Digital Audio Workstations I 3 credits

Basic Computer Programming

  • Introduction to Computer Science 3 credits
  • Computer Programming I 3 credits
  • Data Structures and Algorithms 3 credits

Basic Design

  • Introduction to Art and Design 3 credits
  • Graphic Design 3 credits
  • Introduction to Design Thinking 3 credits

Basic Finance

  • Principles of Financial Accounting 3 credits
  • Survey of Economics 3 credits
  • Finance 3 credits

Conflict Resolution

  • Social Psychology 3 credits
  • Conflict Resolution 3 credits
  • Business Negotiation 3 credits

Cross-Cultural Competence

  • Cultural Anthropology 3 credits
  • Intercultural Communication 3 credits
  • Introduction to World Religions 3 credits

Cultural Criticism

  • Rhetoric and Persuasion 3 credits
  • Literature: Literary Theory 3 credits
  • Technology and Culture 3 credits

Digital Marketing

  • Media Writing 3 credits
  • Digital Marketing 3 credits
  • Web Design and Layout 3 credits

Editing & Publishing

  • English Grammar 3 credits
  • Editing and Publishing 3 credits
  • Creative Writing 3 credits

Graphic Design Skills

  • Introduction to Design Thinking 3 credits
  • Web Design and Layout 3 credits
  • Graphic Design 3 credits

Intercultural Competence

  • Cultural Anthropology 3 credits
  • Intercultural Communication 3 credits
  • Social Psychology 3 credits

Organizational Management

  • Industrial Organizational Psychology 3 credits
  • Organizational Behavior 3 credits
  • Human Resource Management 3 credits

Technical Project Management

  • Introduction to Computer Science 3 credits
  • Introduction to Data Management 3 credits
  • Technical Project Management 3 credits

Video Production

  • Digital Video Production I 3 credits
  • Digital Video Editing I 3 credits
  • Survey of Video Technology 3 credits

Visual Content Creation

  • Survey of Video Technology 3 credits
  • Graphic Design 3 credits
  • One of the following:
    • Introduction to Photography 3 credits
    • Introduction to Painting 3 credits
    • Drawing for Design 3 credits

Website Design and Development

  • Graphic Design 3 credits
  • Web Development 3 credits
  • Web Design and Layout 3 credits

Writing

  • English Grammar 3 credits
  • Creative Writing 3 credits
  • One of the following:
    • Media Writing 3 credits
    • Creative Nonfiction Workshop 3 credits
    • Fiction Workshop 3 credits
    • Poetry Workshop 3 credits

“NU helped me discover opportunities in the entertainment industry I didn’t realize existed. I went to the school thinking I was going to be a studio engineer but discovered quickly that I enjoyed live work more than studio work. Through an opportunity to go to a gig with our live music professor, Greg Hearns, I was able to see what the life of live audio was like. NU also gave me the opportunity to learn how to network and expand my capabilities in the workplace.”

–Jared Hyde, Class of 2017

Career Services on Campus

NU students are encouraged to utilize the Career Services Center on campus, which provides support to workshop resumés and cover letters, find job and internship opportunities, and discuss career options — all from a Christian understanding of vocation.

Sarah Hommas

Interested in Partnering with Us?

Contact Sarah Hommas to learn more about hiring interns and graduates or exploring other ways to contribute to our students’ professional success.

Sarah Hommas

Assistant Director of Career and Student Support Services
sarah.hommas@northwestu.edu
425-889-5208