Take Your Career to the Next Level with a M.A. in Art

If you want one of the best all-around values in a graduate art program in the Chicago area, look no further.  Governors State’s M.A. in Art degree prepares you to take the next step in becoming a practicing artist or to have a career in the art world as a critic, curator or professional educator.  However, regardless of the direction your career path takes, you will be taught by gifted, practicing artists who can help you to achieve your professional goals.

As part of the College of Arts and Sciences, our quality art programs are housed in the Communication, Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) Division and include the permanent GSU Visual Arts Gallery.  The CVPA is committed to creating an intellectually stimulating, and visually compelling experience for the entire region through exhibits of established and emerging artist as well as our own students’ work.

GSU’s exceptional art program emphasizes intellectual curiosity, self-discipline, and technical proficiency.  Students who are accepted into the master’s program will select either an art history or studio option with approval from their advisor.  Courses include painting, printmaking, photography, digital imaging, sculpture and ceramics.  A student has the opportunity to develop into an artist in command of the medium and capable of expressing an individual view.  Our extensive art history courses range from contemporary international and regional artistic expressions to those of ancient America, Africa and Asia.

To be admitted into the art program, students must meet all university criteria and have an undergraduate degree from one of the humanities.  Prospective students need to submit a proposal that outlines academic goals with supporting rationale and a plan of study.  The proposal must be approved beforehand by a program advisor.  For the complete degree requirements, please see our website. 

In every college we have outstanding programs and world-class professors; all focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At GSU you’ll find an abundance of both.  We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.

An Overview of GSU’s College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is comprised of the following four divisions:  The Division of Chemistry and Biological Sciences; Division of Communication, Visual and Performing Arts; Division of Computing Mathematics and Technology and the Division of Humanities and Social Science. Our broad course offerings include 20 undergraduate programs, 17 minors and 10 graduate programs.   Furthermore, we have 8 certificate programs available for undergraduate and/or graduate students. 

In terms of accreditation, GSU is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The university is also a member of the Illinois Council of Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs.  In addition many of the programs in the CAS have received specific accreditation.  

As an example the American Chemical Society has approved our Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree program. The American Chemical Society approves professional programs that meet the guidelines defined as high quality undergraduate education.  Another example includes our Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with Teacher Education Concentration.  The degree program has received national recognition with no conditions through the Illinois State Board of Education, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Council on Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).  Please see our website for further information regarding specific accreditation at the CAS.  

In terms of our professors, eighty-five percent of the faculty at GSU holds a Ph.D. or the highest degree in their discipline.  You will discover that the faculty and staff mirror the diversity of our student body and share similar experiences and backgrounds. Each of them is dedicated to their students’ success and brings a wealth of world-class research, exhibition and service to the GSU experience.

From art to criminal justice and communications to mathematics and science, the CAS offers a broad range of programs.  Also most of our classes have fewer than 30 students so you will receive personalized attention.  Visit our website to learn more about the exceptional programs at the CAS.   

Did you know that Governors State University offers several off campus learning opportunities including the Naperville Learning Center? These locations offer added convenience to students in all areas of Chicagoland.   We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.

Explore Your Options in GSU’s Mathematics Programs

The College of Arts and Sciences offers an excellent selection of degree programs in Mathematics through the Division of Computing, Mathematics and Technology.  Our Mathematics programs provide students with the skills they need to develop powers of critical reasoning and logic within the context of mathematics.  GSU students are prepared for rewarding careers in a variety of fields and advanced graduate studies.

Our minor in Mathematics can be taken to enhance your preparation for a major discipline that requires a substantial amount of work in mathematics and will help to develop additional quantitative and qualitative reasoning skills.  The minor requires a total of 23-credit hours.  All students intending to get a minor in mathematics must meet with an advisor in the Division to develop a study plan.

GSU's B.A. in Mathematics degree is a balance between theoretical and applied study.  Students receive a substantial, broad background in mathematics and develop skills in logical thinking, problem analysis, problem-solving, and computer usage.  Fields that require mathematic skills include medicine, business, education, government, computer science and engineering. There is also the option to earn an Illinois Teaching license for grades 6 through 12. Students who enroll in the B.A. in Mathematics with an Actuarial Science concentration will take courses in economics, statistics and probability and be prepared to take the first actuarial exam.

Our M.S. in Mathematics program emphasizes problem solving and mathematical inquiry. Students will be presented with course work in a broad range of mathematics including abstract algebra, probability and statistics, combinatorics, advanced calculus, the history of mathematics, financial mathematics and mathematical modeling.  Students who enroll in the M.S. in Mathematics with an Actuarial Science sequence will take coursework in advanced probability and financial mathematics and be prepared to take the first two actuarial exams.

The other offering from the Division is our Mathematics Education Certificate program.  Please see our website to learn more about all of our outstanding programs. 

Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  Each of our four colleges has stellar programs and world-class professors focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting. Our rich history, cultural amenities and a beautiful campus all contribute to making us one of the best colleges in Chicago.

  

GSU’s Computer Programs

As a part of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Division of Computing, Mathematics and Technology offers undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in Computer Science.  These programs are a balance of theoretical and applied study and are intended for students interested in the application of computers and information technology to problem-solving.

A minor in Computer Science is a great choice for anyone who is pursuing a career in another field that requires a significant amount of computer use or to augment their major with additional marketable skills.  The 22-credit hour minor requires at least one course at an upper-division level. 

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree at GSU provides a solid foundation for a challenging career with rewards in our technology dependent world.  The theoretical and practical based program prepares graduates to work in a variety of settings such as business and industry, government agencies, or in research and technical organizations.  Jobs include programmers, network professionals, systems designers, software engineers and database professionals.

GSU’s Master of Science in Computer Science degree is an applications-focused program with a software engineering orientation.  It is designed for practicing professionals in the field.  As a student, you are prepared for a challenging career as a software engineering professional in a wide range of business, industrial and government settings.

Our Digital Forensics Certificate provides students with theoretical and practical knowledge in digital forensics, which is one of the fastest growing branches of computer security.  The 12-credit hour certificate is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.  Digital forensics investigators specialize in recovering, analyzing and presenting data from computers for use in investigations and as evidence. 

Finally the Division’s Information Security Certificate is a 15-credit hour program and is also open to undergraduate and graduate students.  Information security jobs are one of the fastest growing in the field of security. Organizations need specialists to protect their digital assets from computer and network attacks. 

Please see our website for all of the details and requirements of our Computer Science programs.  Our faculty’s research interests range widely and are reflected in our courses.    

At GSU we offer a wide variety of exceptional academic programs, activities and services.  In every college we have stellar programs and world-class professors; all focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Our rich history, cultural amenities and a beautiful campus all contribute to making us one of the best universities in Illinois.

A New Theatre and Performance Studies Program at GSU

One of the newer programs offered from the CAS Division of Communication, Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) is our Theatre and Performance Studies (TAPS), Bachelor of Arts degree.  The TAPS program provides the opportunity for students to experience performance as a transformative agent of social, cultural, political and personal change.  The program emphasizes the importance of performing stories as a way to initiate a sustaining dialogue of shared experience across identities, diversities, and desires. 

Students in the program will develop a greater understanding of the role that storytelling has on life in general and how it is used to offer an awareness of cultural diversity and civic engagement.  Furthermore, the program provides students with the tools to develop better communication, leadership and critical thinking skills.  The Theatre and Performance Studies program is committed to making art that is provocative, innovative, insightful, engaged, and resonant whether on stage, behind the scenes or in the classroom.

As a student in the program, you will select a specialization from one of the following three choices:  Performance, Technical Theatre, and History and Criticism.  See our website to learn more about the details and requirements for the B.A. in Theatre and Performance Studies degree.  Also you can stay informed of audition announcements, production dates, course information, and campus and community happenings through our facebook page. 

Furthermore, be sure to take advantage of the excellent programs from our Center for Performing Arts such as the 2015 GSU Taste of the Center GALA event that takes place May 29^th.  The Center presents more than 50 performances each year and offers the community a diverse range of excellent, affordable cultural and arts education experiences. 

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors; all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Learn more about the rich history, cultural amenities and beautiful campus that contributes to making us one of the top colleges in Illinois.  

Did You Know You Can Get College Credit for Military Service?

It only seems fair that a member of the U.S. Military who now wishes to go to college to get their degree is recognized for their years of service, and Governors State University could not agree more.  In fact, we have designed a program for just such individuals that awards college credit toward an undergraduate degree based on prior work and life experiences.

GSU’s Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program acknowledges that members of the military and many other adult students bring a multitude of talents and abilities to their college course work.  This is why we award college credit based on military service, proficiency exams and other significant learning experiences that can be used to accelerate your degree completion.  We even allow up to 80 credit hours in lower division courses earned in an earlier time period to be transferred to Governors State. 

A bachelor’s degree can help to advance your career and open doors for new opportunities.  Statistics indicate that a degree can make a big difference in your overall earning potential.  Four-year degree holders earn on average 33 percent more than those with only some college, and the difference is even higher between four-year degree holders and those with only a high school diploma. Source: “Education Pays 2013,” The College Board.

If you want a head start on your degree and are interested in learning how to earn college credit for your military service, please contact the Interdisciplinary Studies Department.  The program is intended for students who have earned college credits from a regionally accredited institution, but have to earn a bachelor’s degree. Please note that all incoming students are required to meet GSU general admission requirements.   

Also as a veteran, the GSU Veterans Resource Center is committed to easing your transition into academia.  They are there to help you access a number of resources, including job opportunities, scholarships and other free events and initiatives geared specifically toward the student veteran community.

Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  We have a highly diverse student body and our courses are taught by gifted professors. Our rich history, cultural amenities and a beautiful campus all contribute to making us one of the best colleges in the Chicagoland area.

Criminal Justice - Restorative Justice Concentration

Dr. Carolyn Boyes-Watson, author of Peacemaking Circles and Urban Youth - Bringing Justice Home, defines restorative justice as “a broad term which encompasses a growing social movement to institutionalize peaceful approaches to harm, problem-solving and violations of legal and human rights.”   She adds that examples of restorative justice range from “international peacemaking tribunals such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa to innovations within our criminal justice system, schools, social services and communities.” 

In the book, Changing Lenses, Howard Zehr states that restorative justice asks the questions, “Who has been hurt? What are their needs? Whose obligations are these? What are the causes? Who has a stake in the situation?” And finally, “What is the appropriate process to involve stakeholders in an effort to address causes and put things right?”  This is unlike traditional criminal justice methods where questions typically revolve around what laws were broken, who did it and what punishment do they deserve.  

In restorative justice, collaborative, community-based or community-oriented techniques are used as a way to respond to crimes and offenses.  The approach relies less on traditional judicial processing and more on the victim, community and offender-centered practices that hold offenders accountable for their actions.  The process helps to ensure the consequences of harms and offenses meet the specific needs and desires of victims and community members, while improving offender competencies so as to prevent future harmful behavior on the offender's part.

At Governors State, we offer a Restorative and Community Justice Concentration in our B.A. in Criminal Justice program as well as a five-course Restorative Justice Certificate.  In the program, students study the historical, global and cultural influences on contemporary restorative justice programs and practices.  In addition students take part in practice-oriented workshops to acquire hands-on practice and skill development in restorative justice techniques.  Please see our website for the program’s requirements and information.   

Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restorative_justice

Did you know that Governors State University offers several off campus learning opportunities including the Naperville Learning Center? These locations offer added convenience to students in all areas of Chicagoland.   We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.

Get Your Degree in Communication from GSU

If you are thinking about a career in public relations, advertising, broadcasting or publishing, you may want to consider getting a communications degree.  GSU’s Division of Communication, Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) offers three excellent programs in Communication.  Students can earn their Bachelor of Arts in Communication, a Minor in Human Communication or a Master of Arts in Communication and Training. 

Our Minor in Human Communications, is an excellent choice for students entering fields where communications will play an important role in their success.  The course work helps students to develop marketable skills that will complement their chosen field.

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree gives students the skills to communicate effectively and ethically in written, verbal, and visual forms within the context of evolving technological, socio-cultural, political, and economic environments.  Along with the core of communication courses, you will choose a concentration in advertising and public relations; journalism; filmmaking and multimedia; or human communication. Each concentration includes the practical skills and applied understanding that is necessary for career development. 

GSU’s M.A. in Communication and Training degree will enhance your ability to communicate effectively in order to make an impact in business, government, media, the arts and other vital fields.  The core curriculum for the masters in communication degree offers a broad array of practical and applied knowledge that utilizes the latest theories and research.  You will learn how to design and implement the most effective communication strategies while developing a global perspective. 

In today’s world, the ability to communicate effectively is a requirement if you wish to be successful in any number of fields. Please see our website to learn more about our Communications degree programs.     

Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  Each of our four colleges has stellar programs and world-class professors focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting. Our rich history, cultural amenities and a beautiful campus all contribute to making us one the of best colleges in Chicago.

Careers for Political Science Graduates

If you are interested in a career in public service or political advocacy, Governors State offers a B.A. in Political Science or M.A. in Political and Justice Studies.  Our undergraduate program has a civic and community engagement emphasis with challenging course work on American government and policy, comparative political analysis, international and global politics, and political theory. As a graduate, you will be prepared to apply what you have learned in class to solve real-world problems through analysis, activism, advocacy and civic engagement.

Careers include working in government and criminal justice, or for political parties, lobbying groups, research organizations, nonprofits, international businesses and public interest groups.  In addition the degree is excellent preparation if you plan to go on to graduate studies in the social sciences, education or legal profession. 

GSU’s M.A. in Political and Justice Studies strives to develop the conceptual abilities and substantive knowledge needed to acquire an understanding of political behavior, current policy issues, problems, and changes in government and society.  The program is an excellent academic foundation for a variety of careers.  Graduates have careers in higher education, the legal profession, state or local governments, the nonprofit sector, the federal bureaucracy, justice related fields, or organizations that monitor political and social processes or influence the content of public policy. 

Through the exceptional programs offered by the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences, students leave GSU with a broader appreciation of the ways our differences and commonalities have shaped our rich history and the ways in which they will impact our future.  Our many areas of study include American studies, anthropology, criminal justice, English, gender and sexuality, global studies, history, interdisciplinary studies, integrative studies, latina/o studies, political science, restorative justice, social sciences and sociology. 

Along with the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree, the division offers the following undergraduate degree programs:  Anthropology and Sociology, Criminal Justice, English, English Teacher Education, History, Interdisciplinary Studies and Social Sciences.  Graduate programs also include: M.A. in Criminal Justice and M.A. in English.  Please see our website for information on all of the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs.     

At GSU we offer a wide variety of exceptional academic programs, activities and services.  In every college we have stellar programs and world-class professors; all focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Our Division of Humanities and Social Sciences offers a range of high-quality programs designed to prepare the next generation of leaders. 

Summer Performances at the CPA

The Center for Performing Arts (CPA), a part of the College of Arts and Sciences, presents more than 50 performances each year that offer diverse, high quality and affordable cultural and arts education experiences.  The CPA’s upcoming calendar for May and June is a great example of the types of outstanding programs and performances theater goers have come to expect from the Center.    

The Spencers Theatre of Illusion will be presented on Sunday, May 3 at 2 p.m.  Performed by two artists who are described by the critics as “modern day Houdinis”, the high-tech show combines drama, comedy, romance and suspense with elaborate stage illusions. With the theatrical elements of a Broadway-style production combined with a rock concert, the audience takes a journey to the brink of impossibility…and back again.   

The 2015 Taste of the Center Gala will be held on May 29, 2015.  Honoring the Chicago Community Trust and Affiliates, Cocktails and Silent Auction will start at 7 p.m. and dinner and program starts at 8 p.m.  For the event, the theater is transformed into an elegant and intimate cabaret setting and attendees will sample culinary and artistic delights paired with wine.  Along with the five-course dinner, there will also be five live performances and a Silent Auction in the lower lobby.  All proceeds from the Gala will benefit the Center's music, theatre, dance and arts education programs, which has brought diverse and affordable programs to the Southland for 20 years.  If you want to attend the Gala, see our website for reservations. 

For children ages 7-14, our Frozen - 2015 Summer Theatre Camp offers a chance to explore a frozen wonderland filled with familiar characters and friendly faces.  The 5-day program culminates in a performance on the last day of camp.  Please visit our website to learn more about other upcoming performances at the CPA and become one of the more than 60,000 people who attend our shows each year.  Also for students interested in entering a theatre program, the CAS offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Performance Studies degree.

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors; all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Learn more about the rich history, cultural amenities and beautiful campus that contributes to making us one of the top colleges in Illinois.  

STEM Jobs Continue to Grow

Earning your degree in a STEM field opens the door to many excellent career opportunities.  Forbes Magazine reported in July 2014 that, “STEM jobs–those requiring a science, technology, engineering, or math-related degree–not only account for more than 10% of jobs in the United States, many of them pay wages close to double the U.S. average, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.”  They also point out that in the early stages many jobs for math or science graduates may not pay as much as entry-level engineering or computer science jobs, but that they have the potential for strong salary growth through experience and advancement.    

At Governors State, we offer exceptional science programs to give students the tools they need to successfully enter into science related careers.  The Division of Chemistry and Biological Sciences undergraduate programs include four degrees:  Biology, Bachelor of Science; Biology, Bachelor of Science Teacher Education Concentration; Chemistry, Bachelor of Science; and Chemistry Teacher Education, Bachelor of Science.   We also have two Master of Science degrees:  Analytical Chemistry and an Environmental Biology program. 

If you already hold an undergraduate degree in biology or chemistry, we have two certificates that prepare you to teach biology or chemistry at the secondary level.  In addition we offer an endorsement to teach at the middle school level that requires two additional 3 credit courses.  We also have a minor in biology or chemistry that can be a good choice to enhance prospects for employment in education, industry, or the health professions, and for admission to graduate or professional school.

As a student, you will discover that the Division of Chemistry and Biological Sciences combines the latest technology with newly renovated laboratory facilities and innovative teaching methods.  Our dedicated faculty brings real-world field experience into the classroom and incorporates the latest research into the curriculum.  Please see our website for information and requirements on all of our science programs. 

Source: 

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kathryndill/2014/07/03/the-top-paying-stem-jobs-for-recent-grads/

In every college we have outstanding programs and world-class professors; all focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At GSU you’ll find an abundance of both.  We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.