Bachelor of Science, Major in Computer Science

at University of St. Francis USA

Biochemistry is the study of the molecules present and chemical processes that take place in living things. Inside a living cell, an astounding number of very carefully-regulated chemical reactions are occurring all the time. Biochemists are the individuals who work to bridge the gap between pure chemistry and biology.

The biochemistry degree is a common degree obtained by those interested in pre-health professions, especially those studying pre-dental, pre-med, pre-pharmacy and pre-physician assistant programs. It builds on the strong interdisciplinary approach in educating students, a distinctive feature of the Natural and Health Sciences Department at the University of St. Francis. Biochemists plan and conduct complex projects in basic and applied research; they manage laboratory teams and monitor the quality of their work; they research the effects of substances such as drugs, hormones, and nutrients on tissues and biological processes; they prepare technical reports, research papers, and recommendations based on their research findings and they present those findings to scientists, engineers, and other colleagues.

The computer science field is one that’s continuously growing and evolving. Technology skills are necessary for operations in just about every professional field: business, education, medicine, law enforcement, communication, science, engineering, manufacturing, service industries, the gaming industry and more. You name it, and computer science is right there– making things work in every imaginable way.

The University of St. Francis Computer Science program guides students, and prepares them for a variety of technical and computer related careers. At USF, you will learn skills such as web design, infrastructure support, C++, Java, Visual Basic and more. You’ll attend seminars on topics from bioinformatics to human computer interaction to game programming. Completion of a minor in information technology, mathematics, accounting, or finance is highly recommended for Computer Science majors, to complement their learning. But most importantly, Computer Science majors will get hands-on experience with projects that will give them a wealth of experience, preparing them for successful careers in the field.

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 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.

USF’s Supply Chain Management degree prepares students to solve problems and meet organizational goals in settings including business logistics, distribution, supply chain management and domestic and international transportation management.

Supply Chain Managers are responsible for the entire chain of supply for a business, creating and delivering the products and services to the customer. This strategic and tactical functional area is critical to business success, working with marketing to meet customer needs and expectations. Supply Chain Management includes demand planning, supplier management, manufacturing, operations, logistics, transportation and distribution. This degree prepares students to solve problems and meet organizational goals in settings including supply chain management, business logistics, and domestic and international transportation management.

Best yet, USF’s Joliet location in Will County is home of North America’s largest inland port. This transportation hub area has eight major rail lines, important truck freight distribution routes, and extensive warehouse and distribution facilities. Logistics and related businesses are the county’s third largest employer, with continuing growth expected. In the U.S., supply chain jobs encompass over one third of all employment (HBR 2018).

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.

The ability to communicate ideas and information is one of the most valuable skills you can have. The English language is a powerful tool, and those who master it are well-prepared for the multiple career changes most college graduates experience in their lives.

English majors develop sophisticated abilities in communicating, listening, speaking, reading, writing, critical thinking, information gathering and understanding a broad spectrum of human cultures.

USF’s goal is to heighten and intensify student reading experiences, and help students reflect upon the ways in which written and spoken words deliver meaning. Through this discovery, students can develop the ability to recognize authoritative analysis and question authority. They can even become authoritative critics themselves.

Skilled writing begins with skilled listening and speaking. Through spontaneous and focused exchanges that entertain wide-ranging ideas in a respectful way, USF English majors become confident speakers and can present their ideas in formal and informal settings. Critical thinking skills are honed in every class and assignment, enriched by discovery, originality, humor, creativity, and the pleasure of reading.

The Finance degree is designed for students who intend to assume professional roles as financial managers. USF will prepare you with the knowledge, skills and tools you’ll need to be an effective manager of financial resources. A student may choose one of four concentrations that combine a traditional and certification-ready curriculum, experiential learning and practitioner-based instruction.

Finance students will learn to weigh benefits and costs by applying fundamental and advanced financial concepts in the decision making process. They will design financial spreadsheet models to solve real-world financial management problems, and will help advance the study of finance and its impact, both locally and globally, to make the world a better place.

An added benefit, seniors who feel inspired to keep studying to obtain an MBA or M.S. degree may take graduate-level courses during their last two semesters for dual undergraduate and graduate credit. That means students can take nine graduate-level credit hours during senior year, and can complete their MBA or M.S. one year after graduating if they attend full time. See course catalog for additional details about the “3 to Degree” program.

The function of marketing is to create interest, value, and satisfaction for customers of for-profit and not-for-profit firms. It is the mechanism that matches buyers and sellers through product development, pricing, logistics and integrated marketing communications.

Marketing professionals are dynamic people with creative strengths who interact with customers to interpret their needs.

As a Marketing major, you’ll be inspired by research and development, translating products and services into terms of benefits and features that consumers will really understand. Marketing is a crucial strategic business function. USF’s Marketing degree will help you develop the tools, skills, and confidence you need to enjoy a successful and rewarding career in the field.

An added benefit, seniors who feel inspired to keep studying to obtain an MBA or M.S. degree may take graduate-level courses during their last two semesters for dual undergraduate and graduate credit. That means students can take nine graduate-level credit hours during senior year, and can complete their MBA or M.S. one year after graduating if they attend full time. See course catalog for additional details about the “3 to Degree” program.

Mathematics permeates virtually every intellectual discipline. Carl Friedrich Gauss called mathematics the “queen of the sciences” and indeed, it forms an integral part of scientific thought and is a necessary component of contemporary advances in all scientific fields. Mathematics majors are analytical, detail-oriented and methodical.

It’s a great time to be a mathematician! The career outlook for mathematicians is favorable and healthy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for mathematicians and statisticians as $84,760 with a projected 33 percent increase in employment by 2026.

The mathematics program at the University of St. exposes students to the various topics in undergraduate mathematics along with analytical skills to continue lifelong learning and application of mathematics. Dedicated faculty members get excited about innovations in technology and education and bring both to their classrooms. They also work closely with their students to cultivate a student’s personal interest.

Concentrations

• Mathematical Science
• Actuarial Science
• Mathematics Secondary Ed. (9-12)