Northcentral University

What is the history of Northcentral University?

Northcentral University (NCU) began in Arizona in 1996 as a university focused on distance education for working adults. Its online, largely asynchronous courses became central to its identity, particularly at the graduate level.

NCU later joined the National University System and was integrated into National University. That change matters to applicants: Northcentral University is a historical institutional name, not a separate campus-based university to assume is accepting new students. Prospective students should use National University's current catalog and admissions materials to identify the institution that will enroll them and award their degree.

What are the faculties and departments at Northcentral University?

Northcentral University organized its programs around schools of business, education, social and behavioral sciences, and technology. Its offerings emphasized online bachelor's completion and graduate study rather than a broad selection of traditional, campus-based undergraduate majors.

Representative fields included business administration, education, psychology, and marriage and family therapy. Because NCU's programs were integrated into National University, applicants should compare the current degree title, school, curriculum, and delivery format in National University's catalog. A historical NCU program name does not establish that an identical program remains open to new students.

What is the location of Northcentral University?

Northcentral University was associated with San Diego, California, but its defining learning environment was online rather than a residential San Diego campus. Its earlier institutional roots were in Arizona.

For an online student, a San Diego administrative address does not imply that classes, faculty appointments, or student services take place there. Applicants interested in attending in person should check the location attached to a specific National University program; commuting and facility access depend on that program, not on NCU's former address.

What is the mission and vision of Northcentral University?

Northcentral University's stated educational purpose centered on accessible, online higher education for adults seeking to advance their knowledge and professional qualifications. Its approach emphasized flexible scheduling and interaction with faculty through distance learning.

That mission describes what NCU sought to provide, not a measured outcome for every student. Applicants considering a successor program should look beyond the historical mission statement to National University's current course format, faculty-contact expectations, student-support policies, and program requirements.