Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience

at Shorelight Group - University of Illinois at Chicago USA

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.

Sociology is the study of social life, including individuals, groups, organizations, institutions, and societies. Sociologists investigate the social causes and consequences of human behavior and interaction, such as inequality, poverty, discrimination, and urbanization. While offering a general sociology curriculum, the program particularly focuses on how social inequalities are structured and legislated, how they are supported by cultural representations and hegemonic ideologies, and how people navigate and push back against them in their everyday lives. The program specializes in the study of race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, organizations and the economy, global and transnational sociology, political sociology and social movements, and children and youth. Students learn multiple methodological approaches for the study of social life, such as ethnography, in-depth interviews, survey research, focus groups, statistical analysis of secondary data, and the use of comparative historical methods. Sociology majors in the program also explore how to actively use research-based evidence to increase the quality of life for the residents of Chicago, the state, the nation, and the world.

Sociology develops skills in analyzing, synthesizing, generalizing, and communicating information and knowledge. Courses stress both logical and data analysis as well as careful and thoughtful reading, discussion, and writing. Sociology’s subject matter includes relationships among economic, political, cultural, and social factors and explores the impact of such forces on individuals and society. This inclusive framework and general training lies at the heart of a liberal education for lifetime learning.

A major in sociology will prepare students to undertake graduate studies in sociology, and admission to other professional and graduate programs in medicine, health, law, urban planning, social work, education, and business. It is also an excellent preparation for a wide variety of occupations in business and industry, the justice system, community and social services, government, education, social justice, and research.

The Bachelor of Science in Accounting offers a proven business education that prepares students for accounting careers across the public and private sectors.

As an accounting major, you’ll be exposed to the latest research and theory, with plenty of opportunity for classroom practice and real-world application. The program will prepare you for careers in financial, managerial, governmental, nonprofit and international accounting, as well as auditing and taxation.

Earth and environmental science majors and minors study the processes that occur at Earth's surface and in its interior, the evolution of these processes over time, and the solids, liquids, and gases that make up Earth materials. Earth is viewed as a dynamic body, with continual exchange of materials and energy among the planet’s interior and exterior, atmosphere, oceans, and life. Understanding  these Earth system processes is essential for evaluating the global environment, its natural variability, and changes that result from human activities.

A degree in earth and environmental sciences may lead to employment in industry, in the public sector, or in education. Many earth scientists establish careers in areas that are environmentally related, which may include the prevention, control, and remediation of pollutants from water and soil. Others work at predicting and preventing problems associated with natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, and volcanic eruptions. Employment possibilities also exist in the exploration, use, and management of resources such as water, metals, petroleum, and coal.

Political science is the systematic study of politics and its connection to human life as a whole. It focuses on the way people are governed and govern themselves in a wide variety of settings—including the state, the workplace, schools, and the family—and the way in which governance in those settings affects their life chances and shapes their sense of self. Students who elect this major examine, among other things, the relationships between law and political institutions, economic and political power, and culture and political identity. They develop the analytical, interpretive, and critical methods necessary to understand these relationships at local, national, regional, or international levels, and thus, to act as responsible citizens at those levels. They also learn to write well. In short, political science is central to a well-rounded liberal arts education.

Political science also provides excellent preparation for careers in law, government, teaching, journalism, business, and the nonprofit sector.

In addition to the BA with a Major in Political Science program, the department offers two concentrations: the Concentration in Law and Courts and the Concentration in Urban Politics.

The MA in Applied Economics program at UIC is designed for students who desire an MA degree in economics as either a stepping stone to a Ph.D. program or a career that requires such preparation, but have not extensively studied economics in an undergraduate program. We provide analytically rigorous training in economic theory and statistical analysis that is accessible to students with less preparation in mathematics than is required for enrollment in an Economics Ph.D. program. Importantly, we condense this accelerated program into three semesters, including summer, so that students can complete the entire program in ten months. This substantially reduces the cost and enables students to matriculate to a Ph.D. program or enter the job market after only a single year of study.

We have structured the program to meet the needs of and engage students with diverse backgrounds and interests. The core economic theory and statistical methods courses are analytically rigorous but do not require extensive training in mathematics and do not focus on mathematical derivations or proofs. However, students with the requisite training in mathematics may substitute courses from our Ph.D. program in place of the corresponding Applied MA course. This enables these students to engage the material at a more mathematically sophisticated level and demonstrate their knowledge to Ph.D. programs and employers.

The UIC Economics Department has historically been strong in applied research and econometric analysis, particularly in the areas of health and education economics and policy. Applied MA students have the opportunity to take elective courses with leading young scholars in these areas. Students also have the opportunity to take courses outside of the Economics Department or in other areas that fit with their interests, or to take additional mathematics coursework that may be needed as preparation for a future Ph.D. program. Finally, all students have the choice to write an MA thesis or to complete additional coursework.

An MPA degree can provide you with an opportunity to influence the communities you live in – the cities, states, and nations around the world. Employment demand for professionals with leadership, financial management, policy analysis, and other skills imparted by the MPA degree has never been stronger.

Recognizing the multidisciplinary nature of the field, the UIC MPA program faculty represent mastery of many disciplines. Their academic training and research interests cover a broad range of relevant areas including law, management, political science, statistics and research methods, survey research, sociology, economics, business, organizational theory and decision making, human resources, budgeting and finance, and information technology. The program’s full-time faculty is complemented by several distinguished adjunct professors who are recognized practitioners in the areas of public policy, law, and administration.

The Department of Communication highlights the role of communication, media, and technology in creating relationships within human societies. Courses range from the personal through the international level and build responsible citizenship.

A degree in communication focuses on social science research, leading to several career paths, including market research, corporate relations, human resources, event planning, advertising, media writing, teaching, and government.

The core courses introduce fundamental concepts, theories, issues, and statistical methods in a variety of settings and build skills in reasoned argument, research, and critical thinking.

Subsequent courses integrate analysis and research, emphasizing observation, production, and consumption as critical processes in which students continually engage, while also emphasizing systematic inquiry that involves students in research activities. The courses foster critical understanding of the ways that individuals, groups, and societies create meanings about their worlds through communication.

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.

Political science is the systematic study of politics and its connection to human life as a whole. It focuses on the way people are governed and govern themselves in a wide variety of settings—including the state, the workplace, schools, and the family—and the way in which governance in those settings affects their life chances and shapes their sense of self. Students who elect this major examine, among other things, the relationships between law and political institutions, economic and political power, and culture and political identity. They develop the analytical, interpretive, and critical methods necessary to understand these relationships at local, national, regional, or international levels, and thus, to act as responsible citizens at those levels. They also learn to write well. In short, political science is central to a well-rounded liberal arts education.

Political science also provides excellent preparation for careers in law, government, teaching, journalism, business, and the nonprofit sector.

In addition to the BA with a Major in Political Science program, the department offers two concentrations: the Concentration in Law and Courts and the Concentration in Urban Politics.