Bachelor of Arts, Major in Environmental Studies

at Northeastern Illinois University USA

Geography is the study of space and location; it is a practical discipline which incorporates knowledge from the natural and social sciences to address problems of a spatial dimension. Geographers describe spatial patterns – where things are, where they are not, and why they are distributed that way. They determine optimal locations – for example, where a business should be or where to purchase a home. They also study interactions, such as travel patterns, trade, and migration.

Many geographers use Geographic Information Systems: computer software that merges maps, data, and analysis. The Department’s GIS Certificate Program can be incorporated into their major as electives or may be taken for the Certificate alone, outside of the degree program.  A minor in Geographic Information Science, which results in a Certificate as well, is also available.

In addition to the required courses in geography, students may choose to specialize in urban and social geography or geospatial techniques. The first option focuses on the study of metropolitan areas and the socio-spatial patterns that characterize them. Students are introduced to principles of urban planning and urban design and the dynamics of urbanization. The latter option includes instruction in field methods, computer-assisted mapping, statistics, geographic information science, and interpretation of aerial photos and satellite images.

The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (BAIS) is a degree completion program designed to meet the undergraduate needs of experienced adults in a manner compatible with career and family responsibilities.  Students complete graduation requirements through an alternative, self-paced approach to higher education.

The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (BAIS) is a degree completion program designed to meet the needs of adult and experiential learners, in a manner compatible with career and family responsibilities. Students complete graduation requirements through an integrative, self-paced approach to higher education.

Interdisciplinary Studies students design a unique curriculum based on personal interests, career, or academic goals. These options include:

• a second academic major
• an academic minor
• an Interdisciplinary Studies Concentration

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.

The interdisciplinary nature of psychology requires familiarity with other fields. Students intending to pursue graduate studies should have a strong background in mathematics and the natural sciences. All Psychology majors will benefit from course work in philosophy, physiology, literature, history, the social sciences, and computer science.

Programs in Urban Community Studies (UCS) are offered at the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS), 700 East Oakwood Boulevard, 60653, in the heart of Chicago's historic Bronzeville community. The scholar/activist thrust is the overriding entity that drives the community and academic programming of the programs of the Carruthers Center.

The Programs in Urban Community Studies, through the Goodwin College of Education, offer the following degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts in Urban Community Studies
• Minor in Urban Community Studies
• Master of Arts in Urban Community Studies

The Urban Community Studies undergraduate program seeks to introduce undergraduate students to the social, cultural, political and economic forces that impact urban communities. It reflects the ongoing trends and developments that continue to be a part of the changing demographics of the city so that students become equipped with understanding the complexity, diversity, and history associated with urban spaces. UCS seeks to prepare students to acquire employment in the broad fields of social and human services including community organizations, alternative educational programs such as charter schools, contract schools, after school programs, and mentorship programs aimed at improving the condition of urban youth. This is not a teacher preparation program and does not lead to licensure.
Specific Goals of the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Urban Community Studies

• Identify, deconstruct, and decode the existing socio-economic forces that influence Urban Community structures.
• Examine the literature, scholarship, social movements, and activism associated with understanding Urban Community issues.
• Identify and analyze culturally relevant models to navigate dilemmas faced in the Urban Community.
• Prepare UCS  majors to pursue graduate degrees in Urban Community Studies and other related fields.

Global Studies is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program that offers a major leading to the B.A. in Global Studies. The program provides students with the opportunity to investigate and analyze the globalized world and the transnational interconnections that are its hallmark. The innovative curriculum includes required core courses housed in Global Studies as well as cross-listed courses drawn from across the university. Through critical analysis of the contemporary world, carried out in coursework and through hands-on research and internship opportunities, students in the program accrue knowledge, scholarly abilities, and practical skills that will prepare them as informed global citizens and members of the 21st century workforce. The program will prepare students to pursue graduate education and careers in a wide range of fields, including international business and law, applied social sciences, community resources management, social services, and international development.

The Global Studies Program at Northeastern Illinois University is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program that offers a major leading to the Global Studies B.A. as well as a minor.
 
In Global Studies classes, students investigate and analyze life in a globalized world from cultural, economic, political, and other perspectives. 

The program is organized around five thematic tracks:

• Culture, Society and Identity
• Language, Knowledge and Representation
• Nature, Technology and the Body
• Power, Movements and Political Economy
• Violence, Resistance and Resolution

These tracks transcend traditional disciplinary, topical, and theoretical borders, providing opportunities for creative thinking, critical debate, and novel scholarship.  
 
Through critical analysis of the contemporary world, carried out in coursework and through hands-on research and internship opportunities, students in the program accrue knowledge, scholarly abilities, and practical skills that will prepare them as informed global citizens and members of the 21st century workforce. 

The Department of Counselor Education offers a 60 credit-hour program leading to the Master of Arts in School Counseling for licensed teachers. Additional coursework is required for students without a teacher license.  The School Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Find out more information at Counselor Education accreditation, licensures, and credentialing.

Counselor Education also offers a Non-Degree School Counselor Endorsement leading to licensure as a school counselor for individuals with an advanced degree in counseling or related fields.

The Department of Counselor Education offers a 48 credit hour program (16 courses) leading to the Master of Arts in Counseling: Rehabilitation Counseling.

The degree in Rehabilitation Counseling fulfills the educational requirements for the two levels of licensure as professional counselors in the State of Illinois:  Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). Graduates of the Rehabilitation Counseling program can also obtain Certified Rehabilitation Counseling (CRC) certification.

On July 1, 2017, the Council for Rehabilitation Education (CORE), the accrediting body of this rehabilitation counseling program, merged with the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).  CACREP will now have the responsibility for the review of Rehabilitation Counselor graduate programs. Find out more information at Counselor Education accreditation, licensures, and credentialing.

The Master of Science in Instruction: Secondary English/Language Arts Program is designed to offer professional development to classroom teachers who are interested in updating and refining their teaching competencies in the areas of Language Arts and English instruction at the secondary level.

Within this program students complete coursework in two areas:

• a professional core composed of coursework in literacy foundations (theory and pedagogy), curriculum development, cultural diversity, assessment, media technology, and research-18 cr hrs.
• a concentration in language arts with interdisciplinary coursework in education, reading, English, linguistics, and/or speech - 18 cr hrs.

The Master’s Degree in Computer Science has three concentrations: one for individuals who want to enter careers in industry, one for individuals who want to pursue a Ph.D., and one for high school teachers who want to obtain an endorsement to teach computer science. The program is designed especially for the convenience of the part-time student; courses are scheduled in the evening and on Saturday.

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 placement of Northeastern Chemistry majors into the workplace shortly after graduation as well as their acceptance into top rated graduate and professional programs in the country validates the strength of our program. The Chemistry Department is proud of the success of all its graduates and strives to excel by designing new course work and programs to help Northeastern students achieve their educational and career goals.