Business & Technology - Management
Online students only
During this course, students will be taught and provided with tools to develop the necessary skills to balance educational pursuits with the responsibilities of family, career, and community. This includes time management, work-life balance, and applying real world experience to academic pursuits. These skills will enable students to be successful at UNK and in life.
Business & Technology - Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Agribusiness
Business & Technology Learning Community students only
This course should introduce students to both the very basics of marketing and the transformative role AI plays in shaping marketing today, while gaining the knowledge and skills needed to become successful university students. The course balances the class-lectures with hands-on, real-world applications to keep students engaged and help them understand how AI can be used to enhance marketing practices.
Business & Technology - Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Agribusiness
Production agriculture affects nearly every aspect of our daily lives—from the food we eat and the clothes we wear to the fuel powering our vehicles and the goods we use. However, as the proportion of people with direct connections to farms or ranches continues to decline, so does the general understanding of agriculture and the challenges it faces. In this class, we will explore and discuss agriculture’s essential role in everyday life. We will critically examine current issues confronting agriculture and consider how their resolution may impact individuals both in the U.S. and globally. Class assignments are designed to develop skills in academic strategies, effective communication across diverse perspectives, personal well-being, career planning, and more.
Education - Learning Skills
This course invites students to explore their personal "information diet" while developing information literacy skills. Coursework covers how to find, define, and use information effectively in both academic and everyday contexts. Students will examine their current information habits, learn academic research strategies, and strengthen critical thinking skills. The course highlights navigating digital resources and understanding how information influences knowledge and decision-making.
Arts & Sciences - Sociology
Thompson Scholars Learning Community students only
As individuals, we build and develop connections with the social world around us, which in turn also shapes our own lives. This course explores who we are, our relationships personally, locally, and globally, and how we are impacted by the world around us.
Arts & Sciences - Biology
This course explores the physical limits of animal form and function, such as the strength of structures and the dynamics of locomotion. We will explore superhero powers in context of biology to understand where science meets fiction. We will also learn about some real-life superheroes, such as ants who can carry 10-50 times their body weight. Assigned readings, podcast episodes, quizzes, and inquiry-based group activities will be used to explore these topics.
Business & Technology - Industrial Technology
This course is designed to equip students with practical skills and competencies that support academic and professional success. Through a systematic learning approach, students will develop skills and competencies that support a successful transition to a professional career. Professional skills such as time management, project management, financial literacy, networking, and team collaboration will be explored. Additionally, students will have opportunities to develop practical, career-focused tools such as a resume, a professional digital profile, individual budgets and wellness plans, and other resources that support the transition from college to a professional career.
Arts & Sciences - Mathematics & Statistics
Tailored for MATH 101, MATH 106, and MATH 108 students
This course will prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to be successful in their first college math course. Topics include a review of foundational math concepts (number sense, fractions, patterns, etc.), growth mindset, responsible use of calculators, and an exploration of what it means to be a “math person.” Students will also learn how to read math textbooks, apply effective study strategies to math problems, communicate their mathematical thinking, and examine their personal and financial wellness through a mathematical lens.
Business & Technology - Accounting, Finance, and Economics
Students are introduced to the history, processes, and morality of capitalism. The class will discuss the effects of concentrating capital and how almost all individuals in a capitalist society can take advantage of the process to build personal wealth.
Business & Technology - Cyber Systems
This course will focus on the technological developments that facilitate the creation and implementation of digital recording software and instruments. In this course, students will study basic concepts in digital audio such as: pulse code modulation, analog to digital conversion, continuous to discrete mapping, bit depths, sample rates, aliasing, file types, lossiness, digital audio workstations, midi, interfaces, clock technologies, plugins, digital signal processing, non-linear signal flow and editing, and digital audio gear. By the end of the semester students will understand how analog music signals are converted into bits and how computers apply effects and non-linear editing capabilities for digital music creation, recording, mixing, and mastering in professional and amateur applications.
Arts & Sciences - Modern Languages
This first-year seminar allows students to study and compare coming-of-age narratives from within and beyond the borders of the United States through international films and texts in English translation and/or Global English. Although this course is taught in English and is not a second-language acquisition course, it builds on the World Readiness Standards for Learning Languages, which include investigating and reflecting on the products, practices and perspectives of indigenous and international cultures. The course integrates academic success strategies and engagement with campus and community activities related to indigenous and global cultures.
Arts & Sciences - Criminal Justice
Thompson Scholars Learning Community students only
Critical issues in criminal justice will be analyzed through their representation in film and media. Students will gain an understanding of the components of the criminal justice system from the perspectives of criminal offenders, victims, and practitioners.
Business & Technology - Cyber Systems
Honors Program students only
Perfection. No one can achieve it, but many try. This course incorporates many areas of research to explore the ideas of perfection vs. imperfection, grit, and resiliency.
Education - Teacher Education
Teachers Scholars Living Learning Community students only
This course offers a dynamic introduction to the diverse landscape of educational professions. Going beyond the traditional image of a classroom teacher, students will delve into the myriad roles that shape the educational experience. Through engaging activities and explorations, students will discover their own strengths and how they align with various career paths. From the rewarding work of classroom instruction to the strategic leadership of administrators, the specialized support of school counselors, speech language pathologists, technology specialists, human relations, and the impactful policy decisions of school board members and state department of education officials, this course provides a comprehensive overview of the opportunities available to those passionate about making a difference in education.
Arts & Sciences - Philosophy
The main motivation for this First-Year Seminar is twofold: first, to engage in a sustained conversation about a fundamental human relation, friendship. We will seek to come to a common understanding of what friendship is, what the joys and sufferings of these relationships are, what obstacles (i.e. borders) there are to establishing and maintaining these relationships, and what they demand of us, specifically, what virtues (i.e. habits of thought and character) are necessary to being a good friend. The second motivation is to emphasize the role that art (specifically literature) can and should play in our efforts to be clear and honest with ourselves about friendship (and other important concepts) and the role art can and should play in developing the habits of thought and character needed for friendship (and other relations) to flourish.
Education - Kinesiology and Sport Sciences
Dive into the history and cultural impact of sports. Students will explore the evolution of sport and how it has influenced behavior, motivation, and expectations in athletes of all ages. Students will critically analyze the impact of sports on today’s culture.
Education - Teacher Education
This course offers an introduction to learning theories with opportunities to apply what you learn in this course to improve your academic performance in other courses. You’ll explore strategies related to theories of how people learn, including cognitive and brain-based learning theories, sociocultural learning theories, behaviorist learning approaches, and more. Through engaging activities and with plenty of opportunities to try out various learning hacks, students will better understand themselves as learners and discover some of the science behind effective teaching and strategic learning.
Arts & Sciences - Communication
This course will cover human relationships as they form, grow, and dissolve over time. We will discuss healthy and unhealthy relationships. Topics will include interpersonal friendships and romantic relationships, relationships in the workplace, and the ways in which the media portray, affect, and make use of relationships.
Business & Technology - Cyber Systems
Ever wondered how hackers’ trick even the smartest people? This course explores the world of cyber deception, exposing the psychological tricks behind social engineering, the art of manipulating individuals into giving up sensitive information without their awareness. Through interactive attack simulations, mock phishing scams, and real-world case studies, students will uncover the tactics hackers use to exploit human vulnerabilities. This course is designed for students of all backgrounds and requires no prior technical expertise. Developing cybersecurity awareness is crucial in today's digital world, making this course valuable for individuals pursuing any career path. Think you are too smart to be fooled? This course will challenge your assumptions and equip you with the knowledge to protect yourself and others from cyber deception.
Education - Learning Skills
TRIO, Kearney Bound, KACAS students only
This course will examine how learning happens through an academic lens. Topics include growth mindset, Bloom’s Taxonomy, metacognition, motivation, and related concepts. Students in this course will equip themselves with the knowledge and skills to become successful lifelong learners by analyzing the conditions that allow lasting learning to happen, engaging in collaborative learning activities, and exploring why some strategies are more effective than others. Students will also locate and interpret scholarly sources about the learning process, integrate them into an academic paper, and present their conclusions about what it means to be a lifelong learner.
Arts & Sciences - Modern Languages
This first-year seminar explores the cognitive, social, educational, and professional dimensions of multilingualism, asking whether it functions as a "superpower" in today’s world. Students will engage with research, media, and personal experiences to examine how bilingualism shapes identity, develops cognitive skills, and impacts career opportunities. The course integrates academic success strategies, campus engagement, and an introduction to language acquisition processes through an immersive language learning experience.
Arts & Sciences - History
Thompson Scholars Learning Community students only
Everything has a history. The past is all around us. It shapes who we are and the decisions we make. This class introduces students to the analytical and research skills required to understand their shared past and succeed in the present. This class supports students as they navigate both their academic journey and the past that shapes our world. Through discussions, experiential learning, and historical case studies, students will develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills while examining how history influences the present. Each section will focus on a particular historical era, theme, or figure. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the tools to succeed in college and a deeper appreciation for history’s impact on their everyday lives.
Arts & Sciences - Health Sciences
Success in healthcare requires more than science or technical knowledge. This course helps
first-year students build essential academic and life skills while exploring how self-awareness, resilience, and interpersonal skills impact patient care and professional success.
Arts & Sciences - Communication
Nebraska contains sweeping landscapes and rich natural resources that sustain wildlife, support livelihoods, and provide beauty for people to enjoy. This course focuses on communication tools that are used to document, describe, and share information about the state’s natural resources. Students will explore various forms of communication, including visual, written, and verbal, through the lens of contemporary multimedia platforms and other outlets to discover Nebraska and develop a sense of place within the Great Plains.
Arts & Sciences - Political Science
This topic introduces students to careers in public service and the law, and how practitioners in the field contribute to creating the good life in local, state, national, and international communities. Through assigned readings and guided encounters with public service and legal professionals, the class explores the scope of civil society, the functions of social capital, and the ethical underpinnings of public service.
Education - Teacher Education
How schools are represented in popular media offers a reflection of how our culture thinks about education. The contemporary tropes that abound, whether it is the teacher as pedophile or the principal as buffoon, are a clear cultural shift from those of previous generations which more often depicted school staff as heroic, or at least competent. So, what does all this mean for the reality of American education today when issues like school funding and school choice are debated in the public square? What does it mean for those who exist in schools right now like students and staff. And for, those who don’t like, well everyone else. This course will examine the impact of these representations with particular attention on teacher recruitment. In pulling apart these fictions from students’ own experiences in school, we will contend with why anyone would want to be a teacher given the negative representations fed to us. Oh and then there’s those teachers on Instagram.
Business & Technology - Cyber Systems
This course introduces students to data-driven decision making in the world of athletics. Students will learn how to collect and analyze data to evaluate player and team performance along with in-game and management strategies. We will use real-world datasets to learn relevant concepts such as modeling, visualization, and advanced metrics. While basic statistical and programming techniques will be introduced, no prior experience in these fields is required.
Business & Technology - Cyber Systems
Welcome to the ultimate guide to surviving (and thriving) in the age of Artificial Intelligence! In this course, you’ll unravel the mystery of what AI actually is—spoiler alert: it’s not Skynet (yet). Explore using AI as your personal productivity sidekick. You’ll also tackle the big, scary question: “Will AI steal my job”. We’ll dive into when not to use AI, particularly when it comes to ethics, originality, and coursework. You’ll know how to work smarter, keep your integrity intact, and maybe even make AI your new best friend—because, let’s face it, it’s not going anywhere.
Arts & Sciences - Music, Theatre, and Dance
All UNK students can learn the skills musicians have developed to maximize our practice time to pursue both excellence and enjoyment. We’ll explore goal-setting to identify what each student wants to practice (whether it’s clarinet, juggling, knitting, yoga, etc.) and what targets will track their progress. We’ll explore time management, including prioritizing our time to work toward our goals and pacing ourselves when we’re alarmed by the full picture of all our commitments. We’ll explore which UNK services and facilities support our goals and needs, and what academic and life commitments we should prioritize in our time and energy. We’ll also learn how collaboration and communication can enhance independent efforts. Most importantly, we’ll learn techniques to balance big goals with the tasks to achieve them, to increase our positive mindset (“grit”) to make the most of setbacks, and to reward our small successes to keep us motivated.
Business & Technology - Management
Everyone can think like an entrepreneur. An entrepreneurial mindset is a way of thinking that embraces innovation, resilience, and problem-solving to create opportunities and drive success. It involves taking initiative, adapting to challenges, and maintaining a growth-oriented perspective in both business and life. This course equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the mindset and foundational skills needed to turn ideas into viable business ventures. Whether interested in launching a startup or fostering an entrepreneurial approach in any career, students will gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship.
Business & Technology - Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Agribusiness
This course will provide students with a foundational understanding of marketing principles and social media marketing. Topics include target market, messaging, social media platforms, and sales. Students will learn what it takes to become a successful social media influencer. In addition, students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to become successful university students.
Arts & Sciences - Chemistry
Unveiling Chemistry in the Everyday is a First-Year Seminar course section designed to introduce students to chemistry through real-world applications while supporting their transition to college life. This course connects chemical concepts to everyday scenarios, such as (but not limited to) environmental sustainability, medicine, food science, and consumer products, helping students see the relevance of chemistry beyond the classroom. Through collaborative activities and discussions, students will enhance their critical thinking, decision-making, and communication skills while also engaging in activities that promote academic success, community building, and campus resource exploration. Ideal for first-year students of any major, this course fosters curiosity, confidence, and a well-rounded understanding of the world around them.
Education - Teacher Education
In this course students will examine the physiology of learning to better understand how the science of learning happens and how healthy practices can enhance the quality of learning, memory and creative thinking in college and over a lifetime. We will learn brain and nervous system basics using a variety of readings and creative activities. Students will learn and practice a variety of techniques that use a framework for embodied learning that can be practiced throughout college and career to enhance life-long learning: active notetaking, trans-mediation, hands-on-activities like simulation, exercise, and nutrition. We will also research, discuss, and debunk common myths about the brain and learning.
Education - Kinesiology and Sport Sciences
Students will explore the intersection of social media trends, environmental factors, and personal health to unlock the secrets to optimal wellness. This course dives into the latest health trends circulating online, from fitness challenges to nutrition hacks, and critically examines their effectiveness. Students will analyze how social media shapes our perceptions of health, body image, and wellness routines. Through hands-on experiences and projects, students will explore their own personal environments. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge to make informed, sustainable health choices while navigating the digital age's overwhelming flow of health trends.
