Master of Science in Reading

at University of St. Francis USA

Industrial-organizational psychology is the scientific study of human behavior in organizations and the workplace. As an I-O Psychology major at USF, you’ll learn about major psychological theories and their application in human resources through hiring, training and talent development, performance appraisal, motivation and work satisfaction. You’ll also learn more about organizational communication, organizational change and development, team building and leadership, culture and diversity, safety in the workplace and more. You’ll conduct field research and assessment, and will grow your skills in literature-based research, problem solving, oral and written communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and independent learning. You’ll also enrich your commitment to values and ethics while doing research and business—guided by the values of respect, integrity, compassion and service.

Graduates will be able to apply their understanding of major psychological theories and principles in their organizations and work life. They will be prepared for entry-level job positions and graduate-level training. According to a survey, jobs in the I-O psychology field are projected to increase by 19 percent before 2024.

Radiography is an allied health profession that employs X-radiation to produce images of the human body. The B.S. in Radiography at USF is a “2+2 program.” This means participating students will complete two years of liberal and pre-professional science education courses at USF before applying for admission to a professional program at Swedish American Health System in Rockford, Illinois or Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. (Admission to the professional education component is controlled by the sponsoring hospitals.)

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median national annual wage for radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, was $60,070 in 2017. According to the BLS, there will be a projected 13 percent rise in employment for radiographers by 2026, which is a faster-than-average growth rate compared to all occupations.

At the University of St. Francis, students benefit from small, intimate classes where they can work closely with professors. Most importantly, USF prepares students for successful careers in radiography and the allied health professions.

The Mathematics and Computer Science Program is a blend of courses from these two disciplines, designed to provide the student with the essential theoretical and practical elements of computer science as well as a significant background in mathematical theory and reasoning.

The Mathematics and Computer Science major is for students who like to develop scientific applications or applications that require use of higher mathematics. Businesses and agencies need specialized tasks for their employees and customers on computers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual salary for those in computer and mathematical occupations as $89,810.

At the University of St. Francis, there are student computer labs on campus located in most academic buildings. In addition to the general-purpose labs, there are discipline-specific labs for Computer Science, including a data communications lab. Additionally, the Computer Club provides opportunities for students to present their work and experiences from internships. Through this club, speakers from various industries present on topics of interest to Mathematics and Computer Science students.

This major offers a comprehensive approach to studio art, photography and graphic design. Students may immerse them­selves in a variety of traditional and contemporary media, taught by practicing artists with local, national and international professional experience. Learning takes place in a state-of-the-art facility that’s unmatched in the region, offering dedicated spaces for a variety of media such as ceramics, digital arts, graphic design, photography, printmaking, studio arts, video editing and woodshop.

Classes are small (usually ranging from 8–15 students), giving each student the opportunity to develop enriching educational relationships with classmates and professors. The Art & Design department emphasizes the importance of blending the faculty’s professional experience with the students’ understanding of contemporary aesthetics and their development of ambitious studio practice.

Art & Design students will:

• Gain an understanding of the visual arts in relation to culture and history
• Be introduced to historical and contemporary artistic and design practices
• Learn in an environment that fosters critical thinking
• Use facilities that are current with industry standards

Concentrations

• Graphic Design
• Photography
• Studio Art

The ability to use digital technology and to work in online environments is essential to career success in many different fields.

It’s not just technical skills that are important: making ethical judgments about technology, communicating effectively in online environments, and understanding how technology affects what it means to be human are crucial skills for success in the workplace and living a meaningful life.

Digital Humanities majors are prepared to succeed in a wide variety of fields by developing technical competencies in database management, digital media, software coding, and web design as well as wide-ranging knowledge in literature, history, the arts and philosophy.

Digital Humanities majors take courses in computer science and statistics, preparing them to use digital technology to study questions about the arts, culture, and the nature of human existence. They also take courses in literature, history, philosophy, media, and the digital arts, developing strong skills in critical thinking, design, and communication.

If you want to explore meaningful questions about the human experience, create sophisticated digital content, and help shape the future of culture, the Digital Humanities major offers a flexible program shaped by your unique interests.

The Master of Science Degree in Health Administration (M.S.) program at the University of St. Francis is designed for students who have knowledge and experience in specific areas of health care and are seeking a broader understanding of the field.

While the program is offered in a convenient format, the content is rigorous. The curriculum includes both the theories of management and its practical application in the health care field. Sound administrative skills—systematic, critical and open-minded investigation of literature and data for the solution of challenging problems—are essential for professionals preparing for increasingly significant roles in today’s society.

The Criminal & Social Justice major at the University of St. Francis offers students an exciting alternative to a traditional criminal justice program by offering the opportunity to build a concentration in one of several specializations. The focus of the program goes beyond the criminal justice system and examines historical, social, and legal barriers to creating a more just society. Students are educated about the structure and process of the criminal justice system with a holistic, Catholic social justice perspective.

Writing skills, ethics and integrity, service and social justice are emphasized to prepare students for a profession where these traits and skills are in high demand. The program seeks to provide students with a broad liberal arts foundation challenged by Franciscan values, and engage them in the continuous pursuit of knowledge, faith, wisdom, and justice. Students will explore and understand societal issues that lead to criminal behavior, and will learn theoretical and practical knowledge of the structures, processes, and functions of the criminal justice institutions and their relationship to other social systems.

Imagine going every day to a job you love. Do you have a passion for sports? Does working with kids and families interest you? Do you love being outdoors? If so, a career in the recreation and sport management field may be for you.

Recreation and leisure are essential for strong communities and satisfying lifestyles. USF’s Recreation and Sport Management program prepares students for rewarding careers in a field that provides meaningful leisure in a variety of settings. USF’s dedicated faculty prepares students for professional leadership roles through innovative instruction, experiential learning and a personalized advising process.

As the only nationally accredited program of its kind in the Chicago suburbs, USF’s Recreation & Sport Management program produces students who are marketable across a range of job settings. Nationally, jobs in the recreation field are expected to grow faster than the average for all
occupations (United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics). Entry level salaries average at $31,650, while median salaries can range anywhere from $62,740 to $83,790, depending on titles and duties.

Concentrations

• Community Recreation & Park Resources
• Outdoor Recreation
• Recreation Therapy
• Sport Operations Management

This major offers a comprehensive approach to studio art, photography and graphic design. Students may immerse them­selves in a variety of traditional and contemporary media, taught by practicing artists with local, national and international professional experience. Learning takes place in a state-of-the-art facility that’s unmatched in the region, offering dedicated spaces for a variety of media such as ceramics, digital arts, graphic design, photography, printmaking, studio arts, video editing and woodshop.

Classes are small (usually ranging from 8–15 students), giving each student the opportunity to develop enriching educational relationships with classmates and professors. The Art & Design department emphasizes the importance of blending the faculty’s professional experience with the students’ understanding of contemporary aesthetics and their development of ambitious studio practice.

Photography:
Designed to secure students introductory to upper level knowledge in photography application, practices, history, and theory. The primary goal of this concentration is to prepare the student for a career in a photography related position.

As a USF DARA major, you will become a musically competent professional. You’ll gain the technical knowledge to excel in today’s digital-based music production industry. You’ll also acquire the knowledge, principles and practices of engineering methodology and music production, while learning to turn your artistry into a viable and sustainable business.

Each DARA major will have a prolific portfolio of work with a resume that illustrates his/her exceptional abilities. You’ll be equipped for success as an audio engineer, music industry entrepreneur, creator of user generated content or a recording artist.

In the studio, you’ll remix and reshape audio loops, create MIDI compositions utilizing various MIDI editors and controllers, and capture, edit, mix and master audio using USF’s state-of-the-art facilities.

The DARA Studio includes digital audio workstations that run Avid Protools and Ableton Live as host DAWs. Students use a myriad of embedded plug-ins and virtual instruments, an extensive microphone selection, a tracking room, sound booths, a control room and editing suites to create their musical masterpieces, at which point the value of the DARA program and coursework will truly reveal itself.