National University
La Jolla, United States • Founded 1971
Overview
Founded in 1971, the National University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of La Jolla (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), California.
Officially accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, National University (NU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. National University (NU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
The acceptance rate range is 50-59% making this US higher education organization an averagely selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
NU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Looking to reach National University? Address, contact details, and online links below. For finance and tuition payment queries, the bursar or finance office is typically a separate contact point.
Academic Details
The numbers below cover the academic side of National University. Academic calendar conventions vary — semester, trimester, or quarter systems each carry different teaching rhythms.
Academic Structures
How National University structures its academic side — by faculty, school, and unit — is detailed below. The structure affects everything from credit transfer to cross-faculty modules.
Unit 6 items
- College of Arts and Sciences
- School of Business and Management
- School of Education
- School of Engineering Technology and Media
- School of Health and Human Services
- School of Media and Communication
Programs Offered
National University's degree-level programme breakdown, with search. Industry-sponsored programmes often have bonded service or employment commitments — read the terms before accepting any sponsored place.
Bachelor's Degree
50 programmes
National University's 50 programmes at this tier lead to a bachelor's qualification, the first full degree most students pursue and the usual prerequisite for master's-level entry.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Education, General Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Construction Engineering General Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering General Engineering
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Non-Professional Legal Studies Law
Legal Support Services Law
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Liberal Arts
Natural Sciences Liberal Arts
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Psychology, General Psychology
Psychology, Other Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Homeland Security Criminal Law & Justice
Security Science and Technology Criminal Law & Justice
Public Administration Public Administration
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Media Management
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Public Health Public Health
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business/Corporate Communications Business Administration
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Construction Management Business Administration
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
44 programmes
National University lists 44 programmes awarding a master's — the tier where graduates build the specialist credentials many senior and technical roles now expect.
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Education, General Education & Teaching
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Statistics Mathematics
Sustainability Studies Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Psychology, General Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Homeland Security Criminal Law & Justice
Security Science and Technology Criminal Law & Justice
Public Administration Public Administration
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Public Health Public Health
Medical Illustration and Informatics Health Sciences
Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems Health Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
International Business International Business
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
2 programmes
National University lists 2 programmes awarding a doctorate — the apex qualification for those pursuing research leadership or an academic career.
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
1 programme
National University lists 1 programme awarding a doctorate — the apex qualification for those pursuing research leadership or an academic career.
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
27 programmes
This group collects National University's 27 programmes of certificates, diplomas, and foundation or associate programmes — practical entry points or stepping stones toward a degree.
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General General Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Legal Support Services Law
Legal Support Services Law
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences Molecular Biology
Human Biology Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Security Science and Technology Criminal Law & Justice
Marine Transportation Supply Chain & Logistics
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Health Sciences
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Medical Illustration and Informatics Health Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to National University
A practical five-step guide to applying to National University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
- 1 Research programmes at National University
National University's catalogue includes 124 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for National University's admissions process.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
- 4 Lodge your application
Submit your completed application through National University's official website at www.nu.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (800) 628 8648. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about National University
A short Q&A covering National University's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.
In what year was National University established?
National University was founded in 1971 (approximately 55 years ago).
What city is National University in?
National University operates from La Jolla, United States.
Is National University a public or private institution?
National University operates as a private institution.
How big is National University's student body?
National University serves approximately 15,000-19,999 students.
How many faculties does National University have?
National University is organised into 6 academic units across its disciplines.
Is National University officially recognised?
National University is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
How do I find National University online?
You can find National University online at www.nu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Top the United States universities often run international branch campuses. National University's international footprint compared to this benchmark signals global engagement scale.
Members of International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
Member-only fellowships through International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) are open to students at National University and the universities below. These can be less competitive than open competitions because the applicant pool is narrower.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Within easy reach of National University, these institutions host comparable faculties and admissions structures — useful for regional shortlisting. Regional universities often coordinate on credit transfer and joint programme delivery.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Foreign-language teaching requirements for Education & Teaching programmes vary across the United States. Some run entirely in the national language; others offer English-medium delivery for international students.
Universities Often Compared with National University
Faculty mobility between National University and peer institutions is common — academics often move within a comparable tier. This signals shared academic standards and salary structures.
