Prospective Students: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

High school students walking on NKU's campus

Welcome!

We are honored for the opportunity to lead you to a fulfilling and prosperous STEM career.
To help you envision your journey as an NKU student, explore:

Majors & Programs

Choose from 20 majors and programs to begin your unique and prosperous STEM career.

Get to know the departments, and pick majors to explore career possibilities and four-year plans.

Biology student using a pipette in the lab

STEM Scholarships

NKU is already the best investment in the region for your degree, and these scholarships make that deal even sweeter for new and transferring STEM majors.

View STEM Scholarships

Expect the Best

Your college education is an investment in YOU, so choose a campus community with the desire and capacity to invest in you as much as you do it.

Students learning biology through hands-on activities in a stream on a colorful, fall day

High-Quality Education

All NKU STEM programs offer hands-on and experiential learning through laboratory coursework and interactive lectures.

Small class sizes and 1-on-1 office hours allow faculty and students to have closer interactions, giving students the attention they need to be the best they can be.

First-Year Support

For an easy and pleasant transition into college life, all first-year STEM students participate in an "intro to major" course that helps them:

understand the requirements and components of their STEM program,
develop time management and study skills,
locate all the resources NKU has to offer,
bond with and learn from STEM Peer mentors, and
plug into extracurricular activities.

Student researcher and a faculty member doing computing and analytics research in sunny room

Undergraduate Research

Students elevate their academic experience outside the classroom with paid and for-credit research opportunities as early as their first year! These hands-on, real-world experiences equip students with professional relationships and stellar resumes before graduation.

STEM majors smiling and having fun together at social event

Friendly Community

NKU's mid-sized campus makes it very easy to build relationships, so it's the perfect place to learn and play! Outside of classes and research, spend quality time with students, faculty, and staff through hundreds of events and student clubs and organizations.

Success is inevitable when you're part of a community rich in the things money can't buy, like relationships, attention, inclusivity, diversity, and support at all levels.

Why NKU?

STEM majors from all over the world call NKU their "home-away-from-home".
See why they've chosen and continue to choose NKU.

Testimonials

"Not a lot of universities have the option to pursue Engineering Physics as an undergraduate. In addition to that, I love the small class sizes where I can get to know my peers and professors a lot better, and I love how passionate and willing to help my professors are. There's a lot of opportunities to learn outside of class within campus such as clubs and research and great communities to be a part of."

Andrea Cárdenas Echavarría

Major: Engineering Physics
Hometown: Medellín, Colombia

"I chose Northern Kentucky University because of its strong academic programs aligned with my career goals and the opportunities it offers for personal and professional growth."

Binayak Shrestha

Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal

"I chose NKU because of the location. I liked how close NKU was to larger cities. At the same time, I also chose NKU for smaller class sizes and more personal connections with organizations and professors"

Blake Biddle

Major: Biological Sciences (CMG Track)
Hometown: Lewis County, Kentucky

"I chose NKU because it was close enough to be near family, but far enough to become independent. I felt welcome from the first time I visited with my high school and there was a day that my family and I went to NKU for more information, and I knew before I left that it was the school for me."

Cheyenne Korda

Major: Cybersecurity
Hometown: Sparta, Kentucky

"I chose NKU because it was the most affordable option for me. This was the school that accepted my scholarships to their fullest degree. The main reason why I continue to choose NKU, however, is due to the communities and friends I have been able to find on campus. The truth is I love being a Norse and that is why I continue to choose NKU."

Dylan Mull

Major: Biological Sciences (EEO track)
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky

"I chose NKU because the campus was not overwhelmingly large. I enjoy the medium sized campus that NKU brings."

Evan Welp

Major: Biological Sciences
Hometown: Amelia, Ohio

"I chose NKU because of the unique blend of diverse cultural experiences available to its students, combined with the excellence of its computer science/data science program."

Gaurab Baral

Major: Data Science
Hometown: Arubari, Kathmandu, Nepal

"NKU felt safe and home and a great campus as I was traveling from far away. I also have my brother here in Lexington, who had visited the campus and insisted I go there because of the campus size as well as secure housing. I have never felt far from home."

Preshika Basnet

Major: Computer and Information Technology (Cybersecurity Track)
Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal

"I chose NKU because I liked the smaller feel of the campus and was interested in the smaller class sizes that NKU offers. NKU also has many great programs that interested me and played a factor in going to NKU."

Sierra Ison

Major: Geology
Hometown: Harrodsburg, Kentucky

"I chose NKU because it is close to my home, which allows for an easy commute, and because I received multiple scholarships that cover the cost of my education. I am grateful for my decision as I have made new friends, joined several organizations, and many of my lifelong friends also attend NKU."

Sierra Simon

Major: Cybersecurity
Hometown: Grant's Lick / Alexandria, Kentucky

"I chose NKU because the atmosphere is extremely welcoming and encouraging."

Sydney Oergel

Major: Biological Sciences (CMG Track)
Hometown: Alexandria, Kentucky

"I chose NKU because in my junior year of high school, I attended the Multicultural Leadership Conference at NKU and instantly fell in love with how small and beautiful the campus was and even more how much people made me feel like I was right at home. NKU is the place to be!"

Rayah Ross

Major: Biology
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky

"I chose NKU due to a couple reasons. First off because of my majors and how well known and successful our college of informatics and college of business are. Secondly the location is perfect as I get to be close to family and enjoy the life of Cincinnati. Lastly, the costs were perfect with five kids in the household I wanted to do the best I could to ease the burden for my family."

Peyton Knight

Major: Cybersecurity
Hometown: Union, Kentucky

"I chose NKU because of the undergraduate research opportunities. I believed the research opportunity and the size of the school would benefit me in preparing for medical school."

Alisha Detmer

Major: Biochemistry
Hometown: Patriot, Indiana

"NKU’s commitment to academic excellence and it’s welcoming, inclusive community made it the perfect choice for me, even all the way from Nigeria. I knew I could pursue my passion here."