Northeastern Illinois University

Anthropology uniquely incorporates both cultural and biological perspectives in its study of the diversity of past and present humans and the ecology and behavior of our closest primate relatives. With a strong commitment to teaching excellence, the NEIU Department of Anthropology offers courses leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts. The Anthropology Department provides a challenging curriculum in the sub-disciplines of cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, and archaeology that encourages field-based learning, data-oriented research, and a solid grounding in the theoretical constructs and ethics of the discipline. Students taking courses in Anthropology develop a multifaceted understanding of human diversity steeped in time, multicultural ethnographic comparisons, and the science of our physical form. This enriching perspective is not only well suited for subsequent graduate studies and professional careers in anthropology, but also for fostering the acceptance of others and negotiating the many facets of our modern global society.... [-]

The fundamental objective of the Art Department programs is to provide and promote a knowledge and understanding of the visual arts. The studio program gives students hands-on exposure to a variety of skills, both analytic and technical, in order to help students express concepts visually. The art history program introduces students to numerous periods of art, cultural and historical events, visual means of expression and communication, and research methods.

Northeastern Illinois University's Department of Art offers the bachelor's degree in Art. The undergraduate program has two concentration options:

Art History Studio Art

Take a closer look at the B.A. in Art (Art History and Studio Art concentrations) and the courses offered toward the degree.... [-]

The Communication, Media, and Theatre (CMT) Department, as suggested by its name, includes three distinct, creative and demanding disciplines that are linked with their foundation in the study of communication in a variety of contexts. Students majoring in these areas will learn to become more proficient in the theory and practice of communication, media and theatre arts while developing an appreciation of differing values and perceptions of the world in which they live.

The undergraduate degree is a liberal arts oriented degree program which allows students to concentrate, via elective course selection, in any of the three areas of study offered within the department:

Communication (CMTC), Theatre (CMTT), and Media (CMTM).... [-]

The Economics major provides students with a rigorous applied and theoretical curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in quantitative and analytical positions in private, public and non-profit organizations. We provide a flexible program based on a common core of theory courses and an array of elective courses offered at a range of times designed to accommodate both daytime and evening students.

Our curriculum is designed around five concentration tracks based on faculty skills and popular career paths, but Economics majors have a great deal of freedom to choose elective courses that meet individual goals.

Program Benefits

Economics, as a field in general and at Northeastern in particular, provides training in building strong economic fundamentals and sharpens analytical and critical thinking skills. The program is rigorous, and yet accessible to a large population of students with diverse backgrounds. Some of the program benefits include:... [-]

The B.A. in English at NEIU offers students a foundation in critical and creative methods along with advanced study in literature, literary history and criticism, cultural studies, critical and cultural theory, rhetoric, creative writing, and composition. Courses develop students’ engagement with texts and their cultural and aesthetic contexts while advancing their abilities in creative and critical thinking, reading, and writing.

The rigorous study of critical analysis and the craft of effective writing prepares students to engage in society and to compete in degree programs and fields as diverse as professional and technical writing, public relations, web content management and writing, teaching, research, publishing, marketing, library science, law, medicine, and many others.... [-]

Geography is a practical discipline which studies the distribution and movement of people, things and ideas across the complex surface of Earth. It offers great intellectual breadth by way of integrating knowledge from many disciplines in the social and natural sciences. At the same time, it focuses sharply on the spatial dimension, leaving geographers best suited to answer complex questions such as why things are where they are, where they are likely to be in the future, and where they might best be located. These skills are applied at any scale to any issue where space and location play a role. For example, one might determine where to best locate a business or how to predict or manage the trade. One might study neighborhood dynamics in a chang­ing economy or plan for urban growth and change. One might study natural hazards, resource use and distribution, or climate change; or perhaps migration, suburbanization, tourism. When location is relevant, geography plays a pivotal role.... [-]

The Department of History provides students with the skills to analyze and develop perspectives on the past, its cultures, ideas, and value systems. Possession of these skills allows students to better understand and appreciate the present state of affairs and future possibilities.

Career Opportunities for the History Major or Minor

As a history student, you will develop skills of critical thinking and writing that you will find indispensable as you pursue a variety of careers, including education, research, law, business, public affairs, and the service professions.

Scholarships

The Department of History has three awards available for students. The first, the Brommel-Lindberg Scholarship in History, provides one undergraduate history major at the junior level or above $1,200 for tuition and fees at Northeastern for the following academic year.... [-]

In Justice Studies we seek to discover the social and historical roots of justice and injustice and examine how popular understandings of these shape public policies, including those of the criminal justice system. We study systematic explanations for the failure (or triumph) of justice in society and explore the potential for transformative justice. Through critical inquiry, social science investigation, and experiential learning, Justice Studies students develop an understanding of social and economic justice issues and critical criminology, which studies the structural roots of crime and takes up the legal and social concerns of diverse, urban, low-income and disenfranchised communities whose members are often clients of the criminal justice system.... [-]

The undergraduate program in Mathematics leads to a bachelor's degree in Mathematics and has been designed to provide the students with options suitable for various career plans.

Concentrations

The choice of concentration determines the set of mathematics courses required, as well as those that can be taken as electives. Concentrations include:

Applied Mathematics Secondary Mathematics

Mathematics provides tools and techniques that can be applied to solve problems in many fields. With a major in Mathematics, students learn to apply these tools and consequently improve their career opportunities. Our programs are designed to prepare Mathematics majors for jobs currently offered by industry, business, educational and government institutions. The choice of a concentration should reflect the student’s academic interests as well as career plans.... [-]

Philosophy engages and critically analyzes the perennial questions of human experiences, such as the nature of knowledge, meaning, reasoning, morality, the character of the world, God, freedom, human nature, justice, and history. Philosophy is thus significant for everyone who wishes to live and act in a reflective and critical manner. Furthermore, the student of philosophy develops critical reasoning ability, acumen in textual analysis and persuasive writing skills useful for application in all disciplines and careers.

Philosophy, broadly defined, is the systematic inquiry into some of the problems of human existence. These problems are ones which cannot be dealt with by the methods of the sciences, and ones whose structures are based strictly on rational argument. In this sense, the study of philosophy, through the broad humanistic background that it provides, has always been an essential, perhaps the most essential, ingredient of a liberal education.... [-]

Political Science is central to an understanding of all basic social issues and is one of the most popular liberal arts majors. A political science education gives people the ability to understand the workings of politics and the way it impacts the lives of all of us. A major in this field helps students develop skills of understanding and analysis, and builds competence in oral and written expression. Graduates go on to careers in law, business, journalism, teaching, and government.

Political Science is central to an understanding of all basic social issues; therefore, an understanding of political life is indispensable for any well-educated person. The department currently offers an undergraduate major, a minor in political science, a minor in public administration, and a graduate program leading to the Master of Arts degree. ... [-]

Northeastern’s Department of Psychology offers an undergraduate program that leads to a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Our comprehensive Psychology program exposes you to various areas of psychology as well as opportunities for hands-on research and optional field experience.

The department faculty members represent a number of theoretical approaches as well as a wide range of content areas, enhancing your opportunity to become acquainted with the full scope of this broad and complex subject. Because of the need to create a combination of courses consistent with their career goals, students are urged to form a continuing relationship with a department faculty advisor early in their major.... [-]

Since 1988, our Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (B.A.S.W.) The program has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (C.S.W.E.). C.S.W.E. accreditation signifies that our B.A.S.W. program meets nationally accepted standards in eight areas:

Mission, goals, and objectives Curriculum governance, structure, and resources Faculty Student professional development Non-discrimination and human diversity Program renewal Program assessment and continuous improvement Our Mission

The Social Work Program’s mission is to produce generalist practitioners who are prepared for entry-level social work positions and admission into graduate schools of social work. Our students become critical thinkers, gaining social work values, professional identities and knowledge through self-reflection and service learning.... [-]

What difference does it make if we join a gang, have a baby, or go to college? What difference does it make to have money? What do changes in the family mean for future generations? What do social policies, such as AlDS legislation, or social campaigns, such as anti-choice or anti-drug activities, mean to society? How do military and governmental activities or changes in technology affect people’s everyday lives? What is the social significance of cultural diversity, race, social class, and gender? What can we do in our everyday lives to effect positive changes in our families, communities, and society?

Sociologists try to answer questions like these in order to understand what society is and how it affects individuals. One of the main insights of sociology is the understanding that groups and group life influence every aspect of our lives. Sociology is the systematic study of human societies, their patterns and arrangements, and their processes of development and change. Our faculty has a strong commitment to critical analyses of social structure and social arrangements, emphasizing analyses of race, class, gender inequality and social change.... [-]

The major in Special Education is designed to prepare undergraduate candidates to become highly proficient in the delivery of instruction and services to all school-aged children and adolescents with exceptionalities. The program consists of a 48-credit hour major plus a 24-credit hour cognate (in lieu of a minor).

Candidates are selected each October to begin studies in the subsequent spring semester as a cohort.

Program Benefits

Northeastern Illinois University offers flexible course offerings, small class sizes, and an affordable education.

The Special Education major programs are offered at both the Main Campus and El Centro.

Career Options

The Department of Special Education has a strong reputation for preparing quality special education teachers in Chicago and the surrounding area over the last 20 years. Graduates from Department programs enter K-12 schools prepared to meet the needs of diverse learners and to address critical issues in the field.... [-]

The Teacher Education Department offers high-quality learning opportunities and extensive clinical experiences to meet your personal and professional goals as a teacher candidate in Bilingual/ Bicultural Education, Early Childhood Education, and Elementary Education.

You will have the opportunity to interact with knowledgeable and caring faculty experienced in the Pre-K – Grade 12 classrooms who are ready to help you apply the latest research knowledge and best instructional practices in your teaching. You will engage in community and professional experiences that prepare you to teach all students in culturally and linguistically diverse school settings.

The Teacher Education Department encompasses three undergraduate initial teacher licensure programs: for undergraduate candidates who wish to become licensed teachers in the State of Illinois in Bilingual Education, Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. All teacher preparation programs in the Teacher Education Department are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (N.C.A.T.E.) and the Illinois State Board of Education (I.S.B.E.).... [-]

Northeastern Illinois University's B.S. in Accounting is one of the six largest accounting programs in the state of Illinois.

Accounting is the language of business. It’s essential that all small and large organizations have employees who understand basic accounting principles and can employ them for best business practices. In corporate, government, nonprofit and public accounting, the knowledge of debits and credits, financial statements and accounting information systems is basic for all business activities.

The College of Business and Management has a set of well-established Program Learning Goals and Learning Objectives across all programs that are assessed on a periodic basis. The College of Business and Management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and is among the top five percent of the worldwide business schools offering degree programs. See the Dean’s Welcome for four compelling features to study in the College of Business and Management.... [-]

The Department of Biology currently offers an undergraduate major and a minor in Biology. The broadly-based requirements of the major are designed to prepare students for:

advanced studies in biology, biomedical sciences, environmental biology, ecology, and applied ecology; professional training in medicine, dentistry, optometry, chiropractic, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and other health professions; the teaching of biology in secondary schools; or career opportunities in research, biomedical sciences, agriculture, industry, government, and academic institutions.

The department also has a graduate program leading to the Master of Science degree.

Students interested in completing a major or minor in Biology are strongly urged to declare the major early and seek advisement from a departmental advisor. It is particularly important that students be aware that if they complete the major in Biology, they are exempted from having to take any courses in the Natural Sciences distribution area of the General Education Program.... [-]

The undergraduate degree program in Chemistry at Northeastern fulfills the needs of students with diverse academic goals and prepares them for careers in industry and academia. The program is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and meets the standards established by the ACS Committee on Professional Training.

The curriculum provides the requisite background for students planning to attend graduate or professional schools in chemistry, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and other professional health fields. In addition to the chemistry courses in traditional disciplines, the department also offers specialized courses in environmental chemistry, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and bio-organic chemistry. Students in the chemistry program have the opportunity to conduct research with the faculty of the department of chemistry or participate in internship programs at various institutions and industry.... [-]

The goal of the Department of Computer Science is to provide individuals with a broad-based theoretical and practical understanding of Computer Science. Students who complete the program are prepared to pursue graduate study or to assume positions which include software engineering, technical programming, and the application of computers and related technologies to problems in an industry such as computer security, network design and management, and web design.

There are three tracks within the Computer Science undergraduate program:

Computer Science concentration: This concentration is designed primarily for students intending to pursue an advanced degree in Computer Science. However, it is appropriate for any student whose goal is to understand the fundamentals of computer science. Computer Networks and Security concentration: This concentration is designed to prepare students for employment in a computer security related field. Information Technology concentration: This concentration is designed to prepare students for employment involving web development and computer network design and maintenance. Program Benefits ... [-]

The Earth Science program uses an integrated approach to the study of problems of the Earth environment through a synthesis of geology, hydrology, and geochemistry. We emphasize a solid foundation in geology with opportunities to focus on environmental geosciences.

The Bachelor of Science in Earth Science prepares students for graduate study, or a wide range of positions in Environmental Geoscience fields, including industry, consulting, or state/federal agencies. In addition to required and elective ESCI courses, additional courses in cognate fields (math and science) are required for completion of the degree program. All students are urged to plan their program with the help of ESCI faculty advising.... [-]

Environmental science strives to understand the many interactions between the environment and its components, including the impact of human activities on the environment on one hand and how the environment affects humans on the other. Environmental Science goes to the heart of environmental issues in terms of understanding the science behind them as well as in developing scientifically sound solutions.

The Environmental Science program promotes the development of problem-solving skills, a broad and solid scientific knowledge base, and it teaches effective team collaboration because the understanding of and solutions to environmental issues often involve expertise in many scientific areas such as geology, hydrology, biology, chemistry, physics, as well as environmental policy. Team skills, including leadership abilities, are vital to the environmental scientist and are an integral part of the new Environmental Science major. The program will produce graduates who are committed to civic engagement and are qualified for employment with industry, governmental regulatory agencies, environmental consulting firms, and graduate study in Environmental Science or related fields.... [-]

Finance is the study of value, investments and financial management. Using basic principles from the fields of accounting, economics, and statistics, finance involves analysis of financial institutions, markets, and concepts.

The B.S. in Finance introduces students to principles in corporate and international finance and investment, and basic economics and market concepts. Through the curriculum, finance majors can emphasize in the study of markets or the study of financial management practices.

The College of Business and Management has a set of well-established Program Learning Goals and Learning Objectives across all programs that are assessed on a periodic basis. The College of Business and Management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and is among the top five percent of the worldwide business schools offering degree programs. See the Dean’s Welcome for four compelling features to study in the College of Business and Management.... [-]

The General Business Administration major is designed for those who wish to develop a broad understanding of business fields (Accounting, Finance, Management, and Marketing), rather than focusing on a specific one. In particular, those who want to become business generalists or entrepreneurs and those who are interested in starting or managing small to medium-sized businesses may pursue the General Business Administration major.

The College of Business and Management has a set of well-established Program Learning Goals and Learning Objectives across all programs that are assessed on a periodic basis. The College of Business and Management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and is among the top five percent of the worldwide business schools offering degree programs. See the Dean’s Welcome for four compelling features to study in the College of Business and Management.... [-]

The Management major is designed for those who wish to learn how to plan and organize the collection of activities, organizational infrastructure, capital and human resources involved in business processes, as well as how to staff, lead and control these processes to achieve an organizational goal.

The College of Business and Management has a set of well-established Program Learning Goals and Learning Objectives across all programs that are assessed on a periodic basis. The College of Business and Management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and is among the top five percent of the worldwide business schools offering degree programs. See the Dean’s Welcome for four compelling features to study in the College of Business and Management.... [-]

The Marketing major is designed for those who wish to develop a thorough understanding of how to find what customers or potential customers think, how to get products across and appealing to potential customers, and how to close a deal when products and customers meet.

The College of Business and Management has a set of well-established Program Learning Goals and Learning Objectives across all programs that are assessed on a periodic basis. The College of Business and Management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and is among the top five percent of the worldwide business schools offering degree programs. See the Dean’s Welcome for four compelling features to study in the College of Business and Management.... [-]

The Physics bachelor of science program allows students to pursue careers in teaching, research, and development, or to go on for further graduate study. All instruction is provided by full-time faculty in small classes, affording many opportunities for close personal contact between students and instructors. All advanced undergraduate courses are given in the evening, allowing students to complete studies on either a full- or part-time basis.

Faculty members are actively engaged in research projects which offer exciting opportunities for student participation. Also, faculty members offer assistance to students pursuing projects on their own.

Learning Requirements Required Courses PHYS-206L University Physics I With Lab 5 PHYS-207L University Physics II With Lab 5 PHYS-305 Modern Physics I 3 PHYS-306A Modern Physics II 3 PHYS-307 Writing Intensive Program: Modern Physics Lab 3 PHYS-308 Introductory Mathematical Physics 3 PHYS-311 Mechanics I 3 PHYS-321 Electricity And Magnetism I 3 PHYS-330 Intermediate Physics Laboratory 3 PHYS-335 Thermodynamics And Kinetic Theory 3 PHYS-336 Quantum Mechanics 3 Electives (300-level, take any two) 6 PHYS-324 Advanced Classical Physics PHYS-331 Optics PHYS-332 Electronics PHYS-338 Quantum Mechanics II PHYS-344 Introduction To Solid State Physics PHYS-361 Materials I: Structural, Mechanical And Thermal Properties PHYS-362 Materials II: Electric And Optical Properties PHYS-391 Astrophysics PHYS-392 Beyond The Cosmos' Creation Total Hours 43 Required Mathematics Courses MATH-187 Calculus I 4 MATH-202 Calculus II 4 MATH-203 Calculus III 4 MATH-301 Ordinary Differential Equations I 3 Total Hours 15 Cognate Electives Select three of the following:* 9-13 CHEM-211 General Chemistry I CHEM-212 General Chemistry II CS-200 Programming... [-]

Whether you are interested in a major or minor in music education or performance, the music program places an emphasis on the development of your musical performance abilities. Many of Northeastern's faculty members have trained at some of the finest music schools and conservatories in the world. This level of knowledge and experience, along with your personal investment, will make your studio lessons second-to-none. Participation in musical ensembles is a requirement of all music students, as well as attendance at live performances each semester. All students seeking admission to the music program must perform a live audition.

Students enrolled as a Music major will earn the Bachelor of Music (B.M.) degree.... [-]