Online Graduate Course Descriptions

McKendree University course descriptions are listed below for our Fall 2021 online graduate courses.

Fall Course Dates:

First eight-week courses (F1) begin on August 23 and end on October 14. 

Second eight-week courses (F2) begin on October 18 and end on December 9. 

Full semester courses (FF) begin on August 23 and end on December 9.

Tuition and Fees: Vary by program, please contact us for more information.

Application Process: Apply online (no fee) at www.mckendree.edu/apply

Questions: Please email online@mckendree.edu or call (800) BEARCAT

 

EDL 620 SCHOOL LAW (3)

This course addresses the laws and policies that affect schools in Illinois. Illinois State laws and regulations, as influenced by federal constitutional and statutory laws, will be examined as they relate to governing, managing, and implementing school programs. Included are a study of state and federal laws, regulations and case law affecting Illinois public schools, and State and federal laws, regulations, and case law regarding programs for students with disabilities and english language learners.

 

EDU 504 EARLY ADOLESCENTS AND SCHOOLING (3)

Focuses on the developmental characteristics of early adolescents, the nature and needs of early adolescents. Includes the advisory role of the middle grade (5-8) teacher in providing appropriate guidance as well as in assessing, coordinating and referring students to health, social services and other related services. Study the development of students in middle school grades (5-8) and ages (10-14).

 

EDU 602 MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION (3)

The social, economic, cultural,, and political factors that affect the schooling of students from culturally diverse backgrounds will be explored in this course. Studies of the history and philosophy of different models of multicultural education will also be examined.

 

EDU 611 CURRICULUM THEORY AND DESIGN (3)

This course will examine the historical, social, and political aspects of curriculum design and instruction. dominant and alternative ways of thinking about curriculum and its evaluation will be presented. Included are: differentiated instruction, curriculum mapping, using rubrics, exploring theory, and developing a curriculum design, as well as other current curricular issues and initiatives. The course focuses on literacy and numeracy, english language learner (ell), early childhood, technology, the exceptional child, gifted, assessment, and the needs of the school/district in improving student learning.

 

EDU 615 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN EDUCATION (3)

Assists experienced educators in the public schools to become more aware of issues in education that have an impact upon them. Issues will be analyzed in terms of the historical and philosophical bases that have created the climate leading to these problems. Issues will be addressed in terms that help educators cope with the teaching and leadership situation. Studies include an understanding of Illinois Professional teaching Standards, identification of bullying, understanding the different types of bullying behavior and its harm to individual students and the school; and the importance of teaching, promoting, and rewarding a peaceful and productive school climate.

 

EDU 621 CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IN EDUCATION (3)

This course will explore the issues of character education from the theoretical and practical aspects, the impact or absence of such programs in the public/private schools, and the connection to service learning projects. Students will be expected to explore/develop a character education program for possible implementation in their classroom or school.

 

EDU 641 EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND STATISTICS (3)

This course will examine both quantitative and qualitative methods in educational research. It will equip students with the necessary tools to conduct field research as well as to critically understand and evaluate the research of others. Must be taken concurrently with EDU 645.

 

EDU 650 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (3)

A seminar course examining the major theories of teaching, learning, classroom management strategies, assessing student variability, and cultural diversity. In addition, emphasis will be placed on applications of learning theory, research skills, and contemporary issues. Significant independent research required.

 

HES 601 THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF HIGHER EDUCATION (3)

This course explores the history of higher education in the united States and provides an overview of current and emerging trends in the higher education industry – private, public, and proprietary; two-year and four-year; graduate and professional. Surveys philosophical bases, types of mission, structure and governance, characteristics of faculty, students and curricula, and regulatory role of government and accrediting agencies.

 

HES 655 LAW IN HIGHER EDUCATION (3)

This course will examine legal issues focusing on sources and application of law as it applies to higher education. Students will learn to analyze legal issues faced within higher education so that in their professional role, students can effectively work toward resolution and application of appropriate action.

 

HES 695 CAPSTONE IN BEST PRACTICE INTERVENTION (3)

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge gained through the program in the major areas of inquiry. Students will be divided into teams and assigned research projects culminating in a presentation on key future trends in higher education and at the university of the future. Synchronous sessions will be required.

 

MBA 503 MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS (3)

A course introducing students to the management of an organization and how the organization achieves its strategic goals. In this course, the strategic goals are examined from the perspective of the management and marketing operations in a global business environment. Topics may include the functions of management, team development, target market definition and analysis, buyer behavior, competitor analysis, the role of marketing research, strategic planning, and the use of information systems and the Internet for decision making. Prerequisite: admission to the MBA program.

 

MBA 504 QUANTITATIVE AND STATISTICAL TOOLS (3)

A survey of quantitative business tools such as cost-volume-profit analysis, linear programming, and basic inventory models. the course will also address fundamentals of descriptive and inferential statistics, the use of statistics in decision-making, and the gathering, assembly, and analysis of data. Prerequisite: admission to the MBA program.

 

MBA 570 FOUNDATIONS IN CYBERSECURITY (3)

This course introduces foundational concepts in cyber defense. Students in this course will be introduced to basic programming and scripting languages such as Powershell and Python, foundational networking strategies, topology, and configuration, the principles of data flow and communications technology, the framework of general data Protection regulation, and the legal and ethical environment of cyber defense.

 

MBA 621 ACCOUNTING FOR MANAGERS (3)

This course is designed to provide guidance for managers regarding the integration of business strategy and accounting information. examples include applying accounting principles to management compensation in a way that is consistent with company strategy, quantitatively assessing qualitative information through the Balanced Scorecard technique, and including information and objectives in budgets that encourage specific behavior that is congruent with the organization’s long-term goals. these methods of communicating accounting information to increase coordination and cooperation within a company are addressed through a variety of readings, case studies, and class projects. Prerequisite: Completion of MBA 501 or equivalent.

 

MBA 622 ECONOMICS OF THE FIRM (3)

This course centers on the application of microeconomic concepts to managerial issues. the course includes tools such as equilibrium analysis, elasticity, optimization, production theory, opportunity cost, cost theory, and pricing. Problems, cases, and analysis will be stressed. Prerequisite: Six credits of undergraduate economics or MBA 502 or equivalent.

 

MBA 623 BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS AND APPLICATIONS (3)

Business success results in part from proper control of resources and performance, which is driven by information gathering and assessment. Students will learn methods for planning, data analysis, and communications of results in applied business research. Students will utilize these skills in a team research project on a regional organization or issue. Prerequisite: MBA 504 or equivalent.

 

MBA 625 LEGAL ISSUES FOR MANAGERS (3)

A topics course intended to acquaint students with important legal issues facing the business community. topics such as the following will be considered: corporate governance, business structures, torts, tort reform, operation of the legal system, role of inside and outside counsel, securities regulation, employment law, consumer debt/bankruptcy, and government regulation. Prerequisite: admission to the MBA program or permission of the instructor.

 

MBA 630 PEOPLE MANAGEMENT (3)

This course provides an overview of the core functions of human resources. this is followed by in-depth coverage of employment and labor law, diversity management, job analysis and design, staffing, recruitment and retention, and total rewards as a means of leveraging organizational success through human capital optimization.

 

MBA 631 CORPORATE FINANCE (3)

This course examines the major decisions facing corporate financial managers. these include risk and return trade-offs, capital budgeting, corporate financing, capital structure, new equity issues, options, debt financing, risk management, mergers, and corporate governance. Prerequisite: MBA 501 or equivalent.

 

MBA 634 FINANCIAL TAXATION AND STRATEGIC PLANNING (3)

The course will explore the implications of taxation on corporate strategy and policy, specifically as it applies to the context of various corporate decisions, such as organizational structuring, mergers and acquisitions, corporate investment, and compensation. Students will gain an understanding of general taxation regulations and how they interact with corporate-level, business-unit-level, and functional-level strategies of corporations. Prerequisite: MBA 631.

 

MBA 636 LEADING ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE (3)

The course takes a meso-level approach toward the development of key human resource leader skills and behaviors. the course includes comprehensive content on change management behaviors, select HR organizational development practices, the role of internal human resource consultants, managing individuals vs. teams, leveraging performance appraisal results, and training and development functions. Students will complete a variety of self-assessments and evaluate leader effectiveness through a multi-media case covering a contested merger.

 

MBA 637 FINANCIAL ANALYSIS AND REPORTING (3)

This course presents a practical framework for analyzing a corporation from a financial perspective. Students will gain proficiency in analyzing various financial statements for the purposes of performance analysis, strategic planning and forecasting, financial compliance, and reporting. Students will understand the implications of these topics, not only as they relate to the organizational context, but also as they relate to and interact with the broader economic context.

 

MBA 642 CUSTOMERS AND THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE (3)

This course introduces the student to the concepts of creating customer value and satisfaction; positioning for competitive advantage; consumer markets, business markets and buyer behavior; marketing research and information systems; and the role of marketing in the strategic planning process. an understanding of the theoretical and applied aspects of marketing knowledge sharpens a student’s analytical skills for critical thinking and enables him/her to communicate effectively. Prerequisite: MBA 503 or equivalent.

 

MBA 651 GLOBAL ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT (3)

This course is a study of the influence of culture, economics, industry, regulation, and strategy on the management and structure of the international firm. Major topics such as technology control, outsourcing, and strategic alliances will be addressed by comparative evaluation of international organizations. Prerequisite: MBA 503 or the equivalent.

 

MBA 652 ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR (3)

Individual and group behavior in the organization setting is investigated in this course. the principles of organizational behavior are studied with a focus on application. topics covered will include but are not limited to motivation, teamwork and group behavior, employee participation, job enrichment, job design, communications, diversity, decision making, change, and conflict resolution. Prerequisites: none.

 

MBA 653 STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT AND ETHICS (3)

The stakeholder management model posits that organizations can simultaneously pursue corporate social responsibility and financial success. topics include the impact of the Foreign Corrupt Practices act and the Federal Sentencing guidelines for organizations on company ethics programs, legitimacy, stakeholder relations, public policy issues, and ethical decision-making models. the course will utilize a case-study approach. Prerequisite: MBA 503 or equivalent.

 

MBA 661 CORPORATE STRATEGY AND LEADERSHIP (3)

This capstone course requires students to integrate and apply previous MBa courses to executive decision-making and leadership. themes such as leadership styles, charismatic and transformational leadership, groupthink, the cult of personality, and the ethics of leadership will be explored from potential links between leadership and organizational performance at different levels. Students will apply the strategic management process and entrepreneurial approaches for business financing in case studies or business plans in the analysis of for-profit organizations. Prerequisite: Completion of at least 27 hours of MBA core courses.

 

MBA 674 CYBER THREAT ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE (3)

This course helps students understand the importance of identifying, analyzing, and mitigating threats to information systems and/or networks. Students will learn the best practices for cyber defense infrastructure support, vulnerability assessment and management, cyber Investigation, event management, and incident response from the framework perspective of security information event management.

 

MBA 676 CYBER DEFENSE MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP (3)

This course helps students understand the executive management perspective of cyber defense. In this course, students will learn the principles related to executing decision-making authority, as well as establishing vision an direction for and organization’s cyber defense. Students will also learn best practices for developing policy, plans, and strategy in compliance with laws and regulations, and in support of cyber defense activities.

 

MHA 500 HEALTHCARE OPEARATIONS AND ECONOMICS (3)

This course delineates the delivery of healthcare at the local, national, and global level along with the value of a systems approach to healthcare. Students will examine trends and regulations impacting healthcare, as well as challenges in cost, access, and quality. the shift to patient- and family-centered care and engagement will be explored. Payer sources, as well as factors impacting reimbursement such as pay-for-performance, will be examined.

 

MHA 502 ETHICS, SOCIAL JUSTICE, DIVERSITY, AND HEALTH EQUITY (3)

In this course, students analyze the concepts of social justice, diversity, and health equity in the context of fundamental ethical theories, constructs, and philosophies. Students will explore the impact of the social determinants of health and the experience of health disparities that impact health systems as well as health outcomes at the individual, group, community, national, and global levels.

 

MHA 503 MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS (3)

A course introducing students to the management of an organization and how the organization achieves its strategic goals. In this course, the strategic goals are examined from the perspective of the management and marketing operations in a global business environment. topics may include the functions of management, team development, target market definition and analysis, buyer behavior, competitor analysis, the role of marketing research, strategic planning, and the use of information systems and the Internet for decision making.

 

MHA 604 QUALITY, SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE IN HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS (3)

This course focuses on the impact of quality, safety, and performance in organizations. Students will develop skills to manage and ensure safety and quality within the various healthcare organizations. Students will explore evidence-based strategies for improving quality in the healthcare system, as well as the agencies that are focused on ensuring that quality and performance are met within the organization. through this course, students will engage in 20 hours of experiential learning activities.

 

NSG 500 EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE IN HEALTHCARE (3)

This course prepares students to extend their knowledge level and enhance utilization of the latest evidence-based practices. Statistical reporting methods and interpretation of statistical data will be examined. Building upon their baccalaureate education, graduate students will critique and synthesize evidence-based studies in nursing and related healthcare fields with the aim of developing evidence-based standards. the value of the role of healthcare leaders in developing protocols and policies based on the best evidence will be explored. the field of implementation science will be examined with healthcare leaders collaborating to communicate and disseminate evidence-based standards into practice.

 

NSG 502 ETHICS, SOCIAL JUSTICE, DIVERSITY AND HEALTH EQUITY (3)

In this course, students analyze the concepts of social justice, diversity, and health equity in the context of fundamental ethical theories, constructs, and philosophies. Students will explore the impact of the social determinants of health and the experience of health disparities that impact health systems as well as health outcomes at the individual, group, community, national, and global levels.

 

NSG 600 FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING MANAGEMENT (3)

This course explores the theoretical foundations of management and its applications to nursing practice at all levels. Students critically examine the process of nursing management in healthcare. Students will examine the role of nursing administration as it relates to Nursing administration: Scope and Standards of Practice. this course will also delineate various change management models. In addition, students will explore the challenges facing nursing administration regarding all-hazard preparedness. Pre/co-requisite: NSG 500.

 

NSG 603 MANAGEMENT OF FISCAL SYSTEMS (3)

Students investigate the use of fiscal data to support managerial decision-making. Fiscal concepts explored include cost accounting, cost variance analyses, and personnel costs in the current healthcare environment. Students will apply this knowledge in preparation of a budget. through this course, students will engage in 20 hours of experiential learning activities. Pre/co-requisite: NSG 500.

 

NSG 604 QUALITY, SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE IN ORGANIZATIONS (3)

This course focuses on the impact of quality, safety, and performance in organizations. Students will develop skills to manage and ensure safety and quality within the various healthcare organizations. Students will explore evidence-based strategies for improving quality in the healthcare system, as well as the agencies that are focused on ensuring that quality and performance are met within the organization. through this course, students will engage in 20 hours of experiential learning activities. Pre/co-requisite: NSG 500.

 

NSG 615 EDUCATIONAL METHODS AND STRATEGIES (3)

This course explores instructional design and the selection of appropriate educational strategies, methods, and materials. the importance of connecting classroom content with clinical experiences is examined. the impact of digital technology to facilitate the teaching/learning process is differentiated. Current research regarding best practices in simulation, online learning, and distance education is investigated. Pre/co-requisite: NSG 500, 609.

 

NSG 616 ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATIONS IN NURSING EDUCATION (3)

This course explores formative and summative assessment in nursing education to determine evaluation of student learning, including ethical/legal aspects of student evaluation in the academic setting. Program and course evaluation are discussed, in consideration of the impact of accrediting and regulatory agencies. the process of faculty evaluation is explored. Students develop an instructional session to demonstrate expertise in the nurse educator role. Pre/co-requisites: NSG 500, 609, 615.

 

NSG 617 ADVANCED CLINICAL PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY (3)

Students investigate the biological basis for physiological diseases differentiating normal lifespan changes, benign variations, and pathology. Students explore principles of clinical pharmacology with an introduction to pharmaco-therapeutics necessary to manage patients’ disease processes across the lifespan. Students will engage in 40 hours of experiential learning with a master’s-prepared preceptor to develop skills as a nurse educator in the clinical setting with pre-licensure students. Pre/co-requisites: NSG 500, 609, 615, 616.

 

NSG 653 LEADERSHIP IN POPULATION HEALTH (3)

In this course, students engage in active learning activities to develop leadership skills in building teams, connecting with partners, and collaborating with stakeholders to promote population health practice and improve outcomes. Focus will be placed on leadership theory and tools, change principles, and group dynamics to foster shared vision and effective group function among diverse stakeholders. Pre/co-requisite: NSG 500.

 

NSG 654 PRIMARY, SECONDARY, AND TERTIARY PREVENTION TO PROMOTE INDIVIDUAL AND POPULATION OUTCOMES (3)

This course prepares students to synthesize scientific and clinical evidence encompassing primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention for application into practice to improve health outcomes at the individual, group, aggregate, and population levels. emphasis involves the student’s development of skills to critically analyze and evaluate the evidence for effective application of programming in the healthcare delivery realm and methodology to evaluate program and health outcomes. Pre/co-requisite: NSG 500.

 

NSG 656 ADVANCES POPULATION HEALTH PRACTICUM AND SCHOLARLY PROJECT (3)

This is a capstone clinical practicum and scholarly project course. through the capstone course, population health students demonstrate their ability to effectively implement an evidence-based population health improvement or change through the completion of their scholarly project. The practicum experience is the setting for the scholarly project and provides opportunities to observe, reflect on, and operationalize concepts from the foundational graduate coursework within the population health option. In addition to attaining course-defined outcomes, students will define individualized outcomes for their practicum experience with focus on developing competence in specialty areas and population health. This is a concentrated practice experience involving 90 hours with a preceptor and supported by conferences with faculty. Prerequisite: NSG 500. Co-requisites: all 600 level courses. NSG 656 must be completed during the final semester of study.

 

NSG 700 ETHICAL, LEGAL, AND SOCIAL JUSTICE IN LEADERSHIP (3)

This course prepares students for administrative practice by integrating nursing science with principles of social justice, ethics, and legal aspects in various healthcare settings. Strategies are identified to lead the healthcare team through complex ethical and legal issues related to emerging information and patient care technologies. Students analyze the relationships among ethical, legal, and regulatory issues to advocate for social justice, equality, and the development of ethical policies at the organizational and systems levels.

 

NSG 710 QUALITY, SAFETY IMPROVEMENT, AND RISK MANAGEMENT WITH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (3)

This course provides students with a theoretical and methodological foundation for understanding and applying information technology to achieve patient safety and quality improvement goals. the emphasis is on skills and competencies needed to provide leadership to ensure quality and safety in the healthcare environment. Students will examine the value of technology and information systems to support evidence-based practice, guidelines, and policy across various health settings. Students will use current health technology tools to monitor key organization, risk management, and quality indicators.

 

NSG 720 ANALYTICAL METHODS FOR EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE AND RESEARCH TRANSLATION (3)

This course prepares students to synthesize scientific and clinical evidence for application into practice to improve healthcare outcomes. the course addresses the integration of translational research into health services practice and its value to the ethical nurse leader. Students develop skills to critically evaluate theories, concepts, and methods relevant to the review, analysis, synthesis, and application of scientific evidence to nursing and interprofessional healthcare practice.

 

NSG 730 APPLIED ORGANIZATIONAL ANALYSIS IN SYSTEMS (3)

This course prepares students to develop organizational and institutional processes of defining an overarching strategy or direction for the organization, including decisional support for allocation of resources. Students will explore strategies to create, sustain, and evaluate change in complex micro-and-macro systems. tools to determine direction, strategies, and courses of action will be a primary focus. Students will use collaborative and interprofessional skills to explore proposed system solutions.

 

NSG 740 ADVANCED FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF HEALTHCARE RESOURCES (3)

This course prepares students to critically analyze the principles of finance and fiscal management in healthcare systems. economic issues that impact healthcare systems and patient care delivery will be analyzed. Financial reports and statements will be analyzed to determine the profitability and fiscal stability of organizations. Forecasting techniques and research will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of financial management strategies. the influence of global trends on the healthcare delivery system will be reviewed.

 

NSG 770 POPULATION-FOCUSED SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT AND DESIGN (3)

This course is focused on evidence found in current research combined with the principles of epidemiology to design, plan, and manage healthcare populations. Students will critically analyze and synthesize practice assessment, intervention, and evaluation of outcomes for populations. Students will develop and support data-driven decisions to design strategies to impact population health.

 

NSG 790 ADVANCED NURSING PROJECT I(3)

This course prepares students as they initiate exploration and analysis of their selected client, population, and/or system. Students’ own evidence-based analysis and data from either clinical practice and/or epidemiological studies will be used to guide the dNP advanced Nursing Project. the proposed project will be directed at practice change, system changes, or aggregate health improvements. analysis of socio-economic, cultural, ethical, and political implications will be incorporated into the project proposal. Students will prepare a project overview. In addition, the student will complete team and Chair team selection during this course.

 

SPE 500 FOUNDATIONS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION (3)

The study of philosophical, historical, and legal foundations of special education. The investigation of the progression of service delivery models from segregation to inclusive settings and the self-determination of persons with disabilities across the lifespan.