An Exceptional Master’s in Computer Science Program

For many making the decision to pursue an advanced degree is based not only on our interest and talents, but also with an eye to future employment opportunities.  The good news according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is that jobs for computer scientists and database administrators with master's degrees are expected to grow 34.1 percent from 2008 to 2018.  In the same period, jobs for network systems and data communications analysts are expected to grow more than 50 percent.*  

At GSU we offer working professionals an exceptional Master’s in Computer Science degree.  Our applications-focused program has a software engineering orientation and is designed to prepare students for employment as software engineering professionals in a wide range of business, industrial and government settings.

The graduate curriculum for GSU’s M.S. in Computer Science program is based upon the completion of an undergraduate major in computer science with a significant software engineering orientation.   However a bachelor’s degree in computer science is not required for admission into our graduate program.  For those students, they will need to complete the appropriate prerequisite courses in addition to the course work for the master’s degree. 

All of our graduate classes are taught by highly talented professors who are as equally committed to research as they are to teaching and bring that extensive knowledge into the classroom.  Our faculty research interests range widely and include object-oriented programming, Windows programming, operating systems, artificial intelligence, information security, digital forensics, Internet programming and database systems.   

Please see the Division of Computing, Mathematics and Technology website for complete program requirements and details.   Along with the Master of Science in Computer Science we also offer Computer Science programs that include a B.A. in Computer Science and a minor in Computer Science.  Additionally we also offer a Digital Forensics Certificate and an Information Security Certificate.

Source: "Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-2011," U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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.  Find out what steps to take to get started on an exceptional career with a computer science degree. 

GSU’s Analytical Chemistry, Master of Science Degree

Governors State University’s Chemistry Program provides students with the latest technology that includes our newly renovated laboratory facilities to create a concise, cohesive and comprehensive course of study.  One of the excellent offerings from our Chemistry Program is the M.S. in Analytical Chemistry. 

The Master’s in Analytical Chemistry degree provides students the opportunity to get valuable hands-on experience through state-of-the-art instrumentation, procedures and computer analysis.  Our challenging course work will teach you to recognize the importance of future biotechnology and the analytical techniques needed to support it.  In addition GSU graduate students have the choice of doing a thesis, project or internship.

Upon graduation, you may work as an analytical chemist in laboratories that specialize in the application of wet chemical and the instrumental procedures in problem-solving, or in the pharmaceutical industry.  Our M.S. in Analytical Chemistry is also a valuable stepping stone for those students who intend to pursue a Ph.D. in the various chemistry disciplines. 

As an analytical chemist, you will make qualitative and quantitative determinations about structure, composition and nature of materials by identifying and measuring their components.  You will gain the skills to develop analytical techniques, study relationships and interactions and identify the presence and concentration of chemical pollutants. 

Graduate students are taught by a dedicated group of experienced professors who bring a wide range of research interests into the classroom.  Research topics includes the following: photochemistry, spectrochemistry, trace analysis of organic pesticides, chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, electro-chemistry, analysis of metals in the environment, water analysis, biochemistry, computational chemistry, equations of state, bio-organic chemistry, organometallic chemistry and catalysis. 

Please refer to the Division of Chemistry and Biological Sciences’ website to learn more information regarding details and requirements for the M.S. in Analytical Chemistry degree as well as our other programs.  For further questions, please contact a department advisor. 

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 Science offers a range of high-quality programs for an undergraduate or graduate chemistry degree. 

Save Time and Money with an Accelerated Degree Program

As an adult learner, no doubt you are interested in achieving your goals quickly and conveniently in order to move your career forward.  This is where an accelerated degree program is the perfect answer as it offers students the benefit of taking fewer classes and completing a degree faster, which ultimately saves both time and money. 

We would like to introduce you to Governors State University’s excellent accelerated Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies degree program.  This unique program not only offers  adult learners flexible schedules and adaptability suited to busy lifestyles, but also awards college credits based on prior work and life experiences to use toward a bachelor’s degree.

So how does it work?  GSU’s program permits students to transfer up to 80 lower division courses earned in the past to be used toward their undergraduate degree.  To receive college credit for past work or life experiences, you will need to consult with a department advisor to determine your eligibility.

Prior learning credits are based on activities that include military service and work or life related experiences.  Prospective students also have the choice of taking competency exams such as the CLEP (College Level Examination Program©) or DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support©).  Another approach to earning college credits for life and work experiences is to prepare a prior learning assessment portfolio.  Once submitted, faculty evaluators will assess your portfolio to determine the proper amount of course work that has been mastered.

Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree will improve your employment opportunities, provide better job security, and help to increase your earning potential.  Please see our website for the full requirements and details regarding this exceptional program.  

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.   Once you discover all that GSU offers, we are sure you will agree that we provide the best value of any of the colleges in Illinois.

GSU’s Offers a Biology Education Certificate

GSU’s Biology graduate programs include a M.S. in Environmental Biology and a Biology Education post-baccalaureate certificate.  The certificate program is designed for those students who already hold an undergraduate degree in Biology and are now interested in pursuing a rewarding career as a teacher at the secondary level.

Over the last six years, the U.S Department of Education has continued to warn about a national shortage of science teachers, including biology teachers. (Source: "Designated Teacher Shortage Areas," Illinois State Board of Education) GSU’s certificate program is one way we are helping to improve the shortage. 

The sequence of course work for the Biology Education certificate is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education and leads to an initial secondary license in Biology.  If interested, you can also obtain an endorsement for teaching at the middle school level. 

To be recommended for an Illinois State Board of Education teaching certificate, you must present evidence of having passed the Test of Academic Proficiency (formerly Basic Skills), Subject Matter Knowledge and Assessment of Professional Teaching examinations of the Illinois Certification Testing System.  In addition you will need to complete a student teaching requirement in biology as well as the other requirements for licensure through approved programs in the Teacher Education and Certification section of the GSU catalog. 

Along with our Biology Education certificate program, we also have programs that prepare future teachers at the middle and high school level in Chemistry Education, English Education and Mathematics Education.  All candidates must have previously completed an undergraduate degree in one of those particular fields and is now seeking to obtain a teaching license.

In a moving quote from Nelson Mandela, the South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician and philanthropist, he states, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”   Please see our website for the complete details and requirements regarding GSU’s Biology Education certificate. 

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 Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals.

GSU’s Visual Arts Gallery

Next time you are in the area, we encourage you to schedule a trip to the GSU Visual Arts Gallery.  As a part of the College of Arts and Sciences, the gallery is committed to creating an excellent, intellectually stimulating, and visually compelling experience for the entire region.  The dynamic exhibitions are comprised of works from established, emerging, and student artists. 

The gallery program brings a strong tradition of making connections to the academic and creative pursuits of both students and faculty of the art program.  In 2010, the gallery held its first National Juried Exhibition.  Exhibitions such as those in the "Ways of Making" series feature professional artists and curators. The "Art on Campus" program activates walls around campus with exhibits that resonate with pertinent themes and topics of particular interest to our ever-growing audience.  The current director of the Visual Arts Gallery is Jeff Stevenson.

One example of an exhibit that was on display late last year was called "Post-Consumerism: painted and adaptively reused materials" that was in conjunction with "One Book: One University - The Story of Stuff."   The exhibit was from a GSU Art Program alumnus, Tiffany Gholar, and gleaned materials from our single-use, packaging-intense, throw-away culture and re-purposed them into colorful compositions.  The display included a discussion of two of her books, "Imperfect Things" and "Post-Consumerism" during an informal and fun artist's talk and book signing. 

The Visual Arts Gallery receptions and events are free and open to the public, so plan a visit sometime soon and get on our mailing list to stay up-to-date.  In addition you can find gallery hours and information regarding upcoming exhibitions on our website.

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 best colleges in Chicago.

Explore GSU’s College of Arts and Sciences

As one of the four colleges at Governors State, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs that provide students a strong foundation built with hands-on experience and the latest technology.  The CAS’s mission is to teach theoretical and applied knowledge and to cultivate habits of mind, communication skills, and artistic vision and expression befitting that of advanced learning.

You will find that the CAS reflects the diversity found throughout GSU with students of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities.  In addition our faculty and staff mirror the diversity found in our student body and share similar experiences and backgrounds. Our courses are taught by professors who are extremely dedicated to your success and bring a wealth of world-class research, exhibition and service to your GSU educational experience.

We provide the opportunity for you to develop yourselfwith life-changing offerings in the arts, humanities and sciences.  Currently we have nineteen undergraduate degree programs, seventeen minors, eight certificate programs for undergraduates or graduate students, and ten graduate programs.

The CAS is made up of the Division of Chemistry and Biological Sciences; the Division of Communication, Visual and Performing Arts; the Division of Computing, Mathematics, and Technology; the Division of Humanities and Social Science.  Please refer to our website for the complete details and requirements of all of our programs. 

As you can see, the broad scope of programs from the CAS is designed to meet a range of diverse educational needs.  Our CAS students are empowered to join and strengthen the wider community and to become change agents within our global culture.  They have the expertise and background to serve as leaders in their respective disciplines and professions and are equipped to become informed, responsible citizens. 

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.