Bachelor of Arts in French and Francophone Studies

at Shorelight Group - University of Illinois at Chicago USA

In addition to a sequence of basic French language courses, the Department of French and Francophone Studies offers a Major in French and Francophone Studies, a Major in the Teaching of French, and a Minor in French and Francophone Studies. All intermediate and advanced courses help students achieve two interlocking goals. First, all courses foster proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing French, as well as understanding how the language is woven into diverse cultural contexts in Francophone countries throughout the world. Second, all courses help students develop a historical sense of French-speaking cultures, as well as the critical and interpretive skills that come from analytical reading, active discussion, and persuasive writing.

A major or a minor in French and Francophone Studies gives students a strong, globally oriented foundation for careers in many fields, such as education, international commerce, law, government, and journalism.

Biological Sciences majors study living systems. Students and faculty pursue diverse programs of study, including, but not limited to, biochemistry, animal behavior, cell biology, development, ecology, environmental sciences, evolution, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, neuroscience, paleontology, plant biology, physiology (cellular, organismal, and environmental), population biology, and urban ecology. Students completing a baccalaureate degree in Biological Sciences are prepared for a wide range of careers, including jobs in a variety of health professions, the veterinary or pharmaceutical sciences, public or private research, education, regulatory policy, conservation and wildlife biology, environmental professions, and agriculture.

The Department of Biological Sciences offers a program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a Major in Biological Sciences.

The STEM-designated, MS in Construction Engineering and Management degree is designed to meet the growing demand in the field for highly skilled construction engineering managers. Students learn about a wide range of topics, including construction regulations, quality control, and environmental sustainability.

Students interested in an education that emphasizes an understanding of human behavior should consider a major in psychology. Psychology as a major/minor can lead to a broad range of career possibilities. An education that focuses on behavior principles is valuable for anyone whose future involves interacting with others.

Psychologists pursue careers in such areas as clinical services, health services, business, industry, testing, education, and behavioral research. There are plenty of career opportunities for students with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, particularly in the areas of social work, healthcare, business, and human resources. Career opportunities in some specializations may require a master’s degree, while career opportunities in others require a doctorate. Therefore, students should take time to examine their own interests, values, and goals in addition to job requirements and career options in their area of interest before embarking on an educational journey in psychology.

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Psychology is appropriate for students who wish to gain a strong base of knowledge for understanding the theories and scientific method of psychology. Students considering graduate study in a research-oriented psychology program or who plan to pursue an advanced degree in another discipline where a degree in a scientific discipline is required or preferred (e.g., medicine, occupational therapy) may choose this major.

The Department of Germanic Studies offers language and culture courses at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. Courses at all levels emphasize the development of language fluency and cultural competency, as well as critical-thinking and effective writing skills. Course offerings cover a wide array of topics including film, Business German, and contemporary media.

Courses in Yiddish language, literature, and culture are also offered.

The department offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts with Majors in Germanic Studies and Germanic Studies with a Business Minor, as well as the BA in the Teaching of German. A minor is offered in the Germanic Studies as well.

Students who major or minor in Germanic Studies may use their training in a variety of occupations, including teaching, translation, international marketing, banking and commerce, diplomatic service, and journalism.

The human-centered computing concentration prepares students to pursue areas such as user-interface design and development and computer graphics and animation. Applications of these skills might include video games, movie special effects, and visualization in science, engineering, and medicine. In addition to the fundamental areas of computer science—programming, data structures, discrete mathematics, algorithms, formal languages, computer architecture, and operating systems—the concentration educates students in user-interface design, computer graphics, visual media, and natural language processing.

The Department of Economics offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Economics. The program provides instruction on economic institutions and a rigorous foundation in the analytical tools and applied areas of economics, relying on mathematical and statistical techniques. Students learn how the price system operates; how consumers, firms, and government institutions allocate scarce resources; and the determinants of national output, inflation, unemployment, economic growth, and international trade. Laws, regulations, and institutions that influence economic activity are also studied. After learning the basic tools of microeconomics and macroeconomics in the introductory courses, students go on to study various applied areas of economics in the more advanced courses.

The program provides a strong grounding for many careers in banking, data science, insurance, service and manufacturing firms, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations. It also gives an excellent background to students who intend to continue their education. In particular, it provides a solid preparation for law school, an MBA program, and graduate studies in economics, business, public administration, and public policy.

Students are encouraged to contact the director of undergraduate studies of the economics department for further information on the field of economics and career options for economics majors.

The Department of Communication offers work leading to degrees at the master’s and doctoral levels and participates in the interdepartmental concentrations in Black Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, Latin American and Latino Studies, and Survey Research Methodology.

The department goal is to produce scholars and researchers who will be critical consumers and producers of research about communication, whether in academic or applied settings, and who will contribute to the growth of knowledge in those settings.

At the master’s level, study and research are available in two general areas, media studies and cultural diversity. Because the areas intertwine, program emphasis is on breadth and integration. Inquiry in media studies ranges, for example, from journalism ethics to electronic media and computer-mediated communication. Cultural inquiry includes language and symbolic representation, critical theory, social inequality and racism, and cross-cultural differences.

At the doctoral level, the program focuses on communication and technology. Students develop thorough understanding of the field, expertise in its theories, skills needed to conduct effective research, and experience teaching in a university setting. They also acquire a specialty from among those recognized in scholarly societies and reflected in current research emphases among department faculty.

A signature feature of department programs is their flexibility. Students pursue individual and professional aims with guidance from an advisor, designing a course of study to reach their own educational goals. Because the department strongly encourages interdisciplinary work, students may study with scholars in allied disciplines.

The School of Architecture offers a three-year, NAAB-accredited* first professional Master of Architecture (MArch) degree to students with either an undergraduate degree in architectural studies or an undergraduate degree in any other field of study. The studio-centered curriculum is supported by required and elective coursework in architectural technology and theory. The typical three-year course of study proceeds roughly through the following stages:

1. Incorporate the knowledge, techniques, methods and manners of the discipline;
2. Apply disciplinary means to frame and respond to the given problems and requests of external situations;
3. Expand the discipline by conducting advanced design research that identifies and addresses concerns that have yet to be recognized.

The Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship provides the business training needed to launch and grow a successful enterprise.

Chicago now ranks second in the nation in the number of fast-growing small businesses. To immerse our students in the city's vibrant entrepreneurial community, we partner with startup hubs and connect students with internships.