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.

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. 

Career Opportunities for a Media Studies Degree

The InsideJobs website states that, “The purpose of a media studies degree is to look at the way media (including print, film, and television) affect society as a whole.”  Students learn how the media influences the way people act in both their personal lives and in business.  Most degree programs include course work in “media ethics, news media and global affairs, and the music business in media.”  The kind of jobs that graduates with a bachelor degree find includes entry-level positions as an editorial assistant or production assistant.  InsideJobs also suggests that one of the best ways to improve your prospects for landing a job in the field is to take an unpaid internship while a student. 

At GSU our Division of Communication, Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) offers an exciting Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies program.  Here, students have the chance to learn in state-of-the-art television studios, media labs and technology enhanced classrooms.  You will explore the various aspects of media planning, management and production in a global, multicultural environment.  Course work includes the study of television and transmedia production, studio and independent field production, social media and emerging media cultures, regional media industry including public media, global and non-western media systems. 

Furthermore, the Media Studies program offers students the chance to participate in seminars with media professionals, internships with regional media organizations, area-focused field research and projects in the public interest.  Students are taught by an award-winning faculty who draw from a range of academic disciplines, the arts and media professions.  Please see the CVPA’s website for information and requirements for the Media Studies degree as well as our other programs. 

Source: http://www.insidejobs.com/articles/media-studies-degree-what-to-expect

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.

The Division of CVPA Offers Several Master Programs

The Division of Communication, Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) at GSU offers several master programs that inspire imagination, innovation, and curiosity.  Our outstanding graduate programs include a M.A. in Art, a M.A. in Communication and Training, and a Master of Fine Arts in Independent Film and Digital Imaging.

The M.A. in Art degree prepares graduates to become practicing artists or for careers in the art world as critics, curators or professional educators.  As a student, you will take courses in painting, printmaking, photography, digital imaging, sculpture or ceramics.  Your studies provide an opportunity to develop into a mature artist who is in command of the medium and capable of expressing an individual view.  Classes also include art history where you learn to treat art objects as historical documents related in subject, style, technique and material to other works of art.

Today’s fast-paced world requires the ability to communicate effectively if you wish to make an impact in business, government, media, the arts and other vital fields.  GSU’s M.A. in Communication and Training provide students with those abilities and more.  To further your personal and professional goals, you have a choice of one of three sequences: Communication Studies, Media Communication or Human Performance and Training.

Our Master of Fine Arts in Independent Film and Digital Imaging takes the art of digital filmmaking and digital imaging and blends it with communication skills and artistry to create a unique program.  The challenging course work leads to specialized knowledge, creative development and advanced technological skills in image making and media production.

The CVPA is your partner in the journey of learning through creativity and the production of scholarly and artistic work.  Please see our website for complete program requirements and information. 

At Governors State, we invite you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors who are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Learn more about the rich history, cultural amenities and beautiful campus that helps to make us one of best colleges in Illinois.   

Get Your Chemistry Degree at GSU

The American Chemical Society states that learning the skills of research is an important aspect in your training as a future chemist.  They explain that “Because chemistry is an experimental science, work in the laboratory is the method by which new areas of the field are discovered and contributions to society are made.”

As a student, your work in a chemistry lab will teach you how to analyze and interpret data; synthesize, separate, and characterize chemical compounds; and to record accurate laboratory notes.  You will have the opportunity to use instruments, make accurate, precise measurements and learn how to handle and dispose of chemicals safely. 

At Governors State, our Chemistry Programs combine the latest technology, including newly renovated laboratory facilities to give students a concise, cohesive and comprehensive course of study. We offer two challenging undergraduate Chemistry degree programs, a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a Teacher Education Concentration.  Both tracks provide students technologically advanced laboratory courses with hands-on experience in a variety of modern scientific instruments.  Course work includes a strong background in the basic concepts of analytical, organic, physical, biochemistry and inorganic chemistry.

A chemistry degree can prepare you for an exciting career in a number of science or science-related fields, including medicine, dentistry, education, environmental science, forensic science, pharmaceuticals and scientific writing.  Jobs settings vary as well and include governmental or industrial laboratories.  A Bachelor of Science in Chemistry also prepares students for advanced graduate studies.  Please see the Division of Chemistry and Biological Sciences website to learn more about our selection of exceptional programs. 

Source: http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/students/highschool/collegeplanning/earningachemistrydegree.html

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. 

Want to Earn a College Degree? Resources for Veterans

The mission of GSU’s Veteran Resource Center (VRC) is to help make Governors State one of the most veteran friendly campuses in the State of Illinois.  The VRC is an affiliate chapter of the Student Veterans of America and works to assists veterans with the process of transitioning into academia.  Our services show veterans how to access a number of resources that are specifically geared toward the student veteran community, including job opportunities, veteran benefits, scholarships and other free events and initiatives.

If you are on active duty, a reservist, or a retired veteran, you and your dependents will qualify for some form of financial aid, from privileged federal loans to grants.  Our job is to ensure that veterans and their dependents connect with the available resources to help them achieve their academic endeavors. 

Student veterans from the various branches of service can find more comprehensive information at The U.S. Servicemember’s Guide to Academic Programs and Aid website.  It is designed to make the benefit process easier to understand and navigate.  Please keep in mind that some of the financial aid and scholarships are exclusive, so be sure to check the eligibility terms of each award to see if you can qualify and claim more than one.

At GSU we recognize it can be challenging to start life as a university student for the first time.  To help alleviate any problems, the VRC has constructed a Toolkit to assist you in navigating the admissions, registration, and certification process at GSU. 

Incoming students may be interested to learn more about our Bachelor of Art in Interdisciplinary Studies degree.  It is one of our unique programs that allow prior life experiences to be translated into undergraduate college credit, and military service is one of the life experiences the program accepts.  Please contact us to learn more. 

Sources: http://www.onlinecolleges.net/for-students/college-guide-for-veterans/  

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 universities in Illinois.

Master of Arts in Art at GSU

The Governors State University’s M.A. in Art degree is an exceptional program that will help you to develop your artistic vision and voice.  Residing within the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), the art programs are part of the Communication, Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) division, which include the permanent GSU Visual Arts Gallery. 

Our master’s in art program emphasizes intellectual curiosity, self-discipline and technical proficiency.  Students are given the opportunity to grow into mature artists that are in command of the medium and capable of expressing an individual view.  The course work includes painting, printmaking, photography, digital imaging, sculpture and ceramics.  The extensive selection of art history classes range from contemporary international and regional artistic expressions to ancient America, Africa and Asia.  

In addition, the program requires an advisor approved graduate exhibition or presentation of an art history thesis. If you choose the art studio option, you will prepare a one-person exhibition and written documentation that reflects a consistent body of work in your area of interest.  Students opting for the art history thesis will complete a research project and prepare a formal thesis manuscript. 

In addition to meeting GSU’s general admission requirements, applicants need to have an undergraduate major in a humanities and submit a proposal outlining academic goals.  A student’s proposal requires supporting rationale, a plan of study and needs to include examples of previous work.  All proposals must be approved by a degree program advisor before admittance into the major. 

As a GSU graduate student, you will be taught by talented, practicing artists in their own right who can help you to achieve your career goals.  Also we keep class-sizes small to ensure personalized attention.  Please see the CAS’s website for the complete program details and requirements.  

Governors State University offers students outstanding academic programs, activities and services. Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors; all of which are 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 best colleges in Illinois.

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. 

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.

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.  

GSU’s offers a M.S. in Environmental Biology Program

Graduate programs in biology can vary from one university to another. At Governors State University, our excellent program prepares students as professional biologists with a strong environmental emphasis.  Our Master of Science in Environmental Biology degree is primarily focused on the application of quantitative methods and the design of field and laboratory studies.   

As a graduate student, you will be taught by our stellar faculty that brings a wealth of world-class research and experience to your GSU education.  Students are presented with coursework that covers the spectrum of environmental biology with classes in toxicology, physiology, and ethology.  In addition students receive instructed in population and community ecology and the applied aspects of all of these disciplines. 

All of our biology programs have the distinct advantage of the GSU campus location that resides between urban and rural areas, which create diverse complex learning environments.  Furthermore GSU students are now learning in one of the most modern and advanced university science environments in the region.  The recent renovation and redesign of our large 60,000 square foot science facilities was a three-year project started in October of 2011.  The new facilities allow us to better train students with the rigorous academics and extensive hands-on experiences they need to compete regionally as well as on a national and global scale.

Our graduates find excellent career opportunities in research, government services or as naturalists at county, state and national parks. Others employment options include jobs in the private sector as waste management or environmental consultants, at planning agencies or as teachers.  Please see our website for the complete program requirements and details or contact a department advisor if you have further questions. 

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.

Take Your Career to the Next Step with a Master’s in Communication

The Division of Communication, Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), a part of the College of Arts and Sciences, is comprised of the Division of Digital Learning and Media Design (DLMD), The Center for Performing Arts (CPA), and the Governors State University Visual Art Gallery.  One of the exceptional degree programs offered by the CVPA is a Master of Arts in Communication and Training. 

GSU’s Communication and Training degree give students the option of three quality sequences in order to adapt the program to meet your specific career goals.  Along with the three sequences, we offer elective courses that complement each of our options and allow students to further personalize their education.  The choice of sequences is as follows: Communication Studies, Media Communication or Human Performance and Training.  

The Communication Studies sequence explores multiple aspects of human interaction in both private and public realms.  Students are provided the skills to become effective citizens and leaders who exemplify ethical and professional communication practices.  The Media Communication sequence is designed for those students who intend to pursue careers in the fields of televisions and cinema, multimedia writing, producing and directing.  Our last sequence, Human Performance and Training is intended for those that want to take their career in the direction of developing skills in assessing performances, determining performance gaps, designing and delivering training and non-training interventions and evaluating results. 

The Master of Arts in Communication and Training degree offers a wide variety of careers.  Employment opportunities include: filmmaking, advertising, television production/direction, journalism, instructional development, customer service, human resource development, higher education, public affairs, instructional design and development, media management, media writing, public relations and job training.  Please see the CVPA’s website for all of the course requirements and program details. 

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.

Considering a Master’s Degree in Chemistry?

A chemistry degree can provide you with the education you need to make a difference in the world.  Many chemists work in fields that are trying to discover sustainable solutions concerning our energy, food, water and other scarce natural resources.  The Royal Society of Chemistry states that, “Global change is creating enormous challenges relating to human health, energy and scarce natural resources.”  These are the challenges chemists are working to solve.

As such employment opportunities for chemists continue to grow.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections estimated that the Job growth for chemists will be three times higher in the state of Illinois than nationally from 2008 to 2018.   However the type of career opportunities for chemists depends on the level of education they have obtained.  In order to open up widest range of job options, you will most likely need a Master of Science in Chemistry degree or a Ph.D. in Chemistry.   

Careers for chemists are found both inside and outside of the lab.  Many of the skills students learn while pursuing a degree are useful to employers in a wide range of settings such as patent law, government work, national defense, and private industry.  More chemistry related positions include working as analytical chemists in laboratories that specialize in the application of wet chemical and instrumental procedures or in the pharmaceutical industry. Furthermore students are prepared to pursue a Ph.D. in various chemistry disciplines.

At Governors State we offer an excellent M.S. in Analytical Chemistry program.  Students learn how to make qualitative and quantitative determinations about structure, composition and nature of materials by identifying and measuring their components.  Furthermore, they will develop analytical techniques, study relationships and interactions and identify the presence and concentration of chemical pollutants.  GSU graduate students have the opportunity to work with and be mentored by a highly qualified, engaged faculty. 

Sources:

http://www.rsc.org/careers/future/career-options

Governors State University offers students outstanding academic programs, activities and services. Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors; all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Our Division of Science offers a range of high-quality programs for undergraduate or graduate chemistry degrees.     

GSU’s Information Security Certificate

Employment opportunities are plentiful for those in the field of information security.  At Governors State University we offer students an opportunity to get the necessary training with our exceptional Information Security Certificate program.  The certificate program is open to both graduate and undergraduate students but students must have a background in networking or operating systems as well as discrete mathematics.

With the rapid increase in the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks over the last several years, information security analysts are one of the fastest growing branches in the field of security.  Today almost every type of organization requires security to protect their digital assets from computer and network attacks and many are behind in their ability to adequately defend against these attacks.  The successful completion of our program will give students the critical tools they need to join an elite group of experts on the front lines of fighting cybercrime. 

GSU’s certificate program is 15 hours of challenging course work that includes: Information Security; Information Security Policy and Management; Cryptography and Network Security; Laboratory in Information Security; and Special Topics in Information Security. For GSU’s undergraduates, the certificate program may be used as elective credit toward their bachelor's degrees.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for information security analysts in May of 2012 was $86,170.  They state that the career outlook for employment of “security analysts is projected to grow 37 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations.”  As computer hackers are creating havoc on the world’s computer systems, information security analysts will need to be well-trained to come up with innovative solutions.  Please see our website for more details on our Information Security Certificate program. 

Source: bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm

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.  

M.A. in Art Opens Up Opportunities

Getting your M.A. in Art can take your artistic expression to the next level.  Even for individuals that plan to work as independent artists, a master’s degree can open up opportunities and offer new experiences.  For those that choose to work in art related fields, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of artists and related workers is expected to grow 12 percent over the next several years. 

The M.A. in Art program at Governors State provides students the chance to take classes from a group of talented, professional artists who understand the profession and mentor students to help them attain their goals.  By building professional relationships with your teachers, who are already established artists, you will not only learn a lot from them but it can potentially open doors for future opportunities. 

Our master’s in art emphasizes intellectual curiosity, self-discipline, and technical proficiency and students can choose whether to concentrate in studio arts or art history.   In addition our art facilities give students the chance to explore a variety of techniques and diverse materials with course work that includes painting, printmaking, photography, digital imaging, sculpture and ceramics.

Furthermore, we have the GSU Visual Arts Gallery right here on campus.  The gallery is committed to creating an intellectually stimulating, and visually compelling experience for the entire region and offers exhibitions of established and emerging artists as well as the opportunity for our own students to display work. 

Please see the Division of Communication, Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) website for more of the details and requirements for our M.A. in Art degree program.  As a graduate you will be prepared to become a practicing artist or to find a career in the art world as a critic, curator or professional educator.

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 top colleges in Illinois.   

Good Reasons to Get Your Master’s in Biology

An undergraduate degree in Biology may not be enough professional training for many students’ career goals.  If you wish to get a job in the field of biology that has more responsibilities and offers higher salaries, you will most likely need to pursue your master’s degree. 

A master’s degree opens up a much wider range of career options than an undergraduate biology degree.  Graduates have careers that include research, government services or as naturalists at county, state and national parks. Others find employment in the private sector as waste management or environmental consultants, at planning agencies or as teachers. 

M.S. in Biology programs vary from university to university.  At Governors State, we offer a graduate major in Environmental Biology that prepares students to work as professional biologists with a strong environmental emphasis. The application of quantitative methods and the design of field and laboratory studies are a large part of our dynamic program. 

Before you apply to a graduate school, you need to check out the requirements. At GSU we require applicants to have completed a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 2.75 or higher and maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher for any graduate work attempted.  In addition there are several prerequisites that students must have successfully completed with a “C” or better.

Beyond the science prerequisites, we also expect our graduate students to be proficient in a Windows environment with file management, word processing, spreadsheet, graphing, and Internet skills.  For the full GSU requirements and program details, please see our website or talk with a department advisor. 

At GSU each college has stellar programs and world-class professors; all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  For students interested in pursuing a career as a professional biologist with an emphasis on the environment, we offer our master’s in environmental science.