Chicago State University

Chicago State University Summary

Coordinates: 41.717646° N 87.609744° W Chicago State University (CSU) is a state university in Chicago, Illinois. In 1897, the school was renamed Chicago Normal School, which became the Chicago Normal College in 1913. In 1965, the state of Illinois acquired the institution and once again received a name change, this time as Illinois Teachers College: Chicago South (the Chicago South portion was soon dropped). In 1967, the institution became known as Chicago State College and, finally, gained university status and its current name in 1971. Dickens Center (JDC) is home of the Chicago State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. The building was built in 1971 and was formerly known as the CSU Athletics Building until 1995, when it was dedicated to renowned Chicago businessman Jacoby D.

Summary content courtesy of Wikipedia.

Chicago State University History

Chicago State University is located in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago State University was founded in 1867 as a teacher training school, became a state college in 1967, and received university status in 1971. The University now awards bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate degrees. It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The University has retained its emphasis on teaching and general education in the humanities. It emphasizes its record of academic achievement for African-Americans.

During its 138-year history it has changed names, governance, and administrations a number of times. Until 1965, the Chicago Board of Education governed the school until it was put under the control of the State of Illinois.

Chicago State University Academics

The University is composed of a number of different schools and colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Health Science, the Honors College, Education, the Graduate School, the University College, and Continuing Education.

Bachelor’s degrees are awarded in a number of different disciplines, including art and design, African-American studies, music, mathematics and computer science, accounting, finance, education, health information administration, nursing, and occupational therapy. Minors are also awarded in many of these fields.

Master’s degrees are awarded in various different fields, including counseling, English, history, criminal justice, Library science, reading, and occupational therapy. The University awards an MFA in creative writing, an MSW in social work, numerous master’s degrees in education, and certificates in health information administration, school counseling, community development, and geographic information systems.

CSU provides 36 different undergraduate degree programs in the schools of Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Health Sciences, and through the Honors College. Majors such as African-American Studies, Criminal Justice, and Speech are some of the available fields at CSU.

Chicago State University Unique Programs

Chicago State University’s College of Education also offers teacher’s certification courses. The Minority Biomedical Research Program includes two different programs: Research Initiative for Science Enhancement (RISE) and Support of Continuous Research Excellence (SCORE). These programs are designed to expand students’ educations obtained from other disciplines such as biology and chemistry.

Chicago State University Financial Aid

In-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students were $6143 in 2004-2005 Students applying from out of state and graduate students will have different costs.

Financial aid is available with a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. The University participates in the Illinois Department of Human Service’s TANF/low income degree scholarship program, which is for low-income undergraduate students with children.

Students who wish to apply for financial aid must first submit a FAFSA, after which they can be considered for such aid programs as Federal Pell Grants, Federal SEOG, Federal Work Study, Federal Stafford Loans, and Federal PLUS Loans. The State of Illinois also offers several opportunities for aid. Special consideration may be given to student employees or veterans.

Chicago State University Students

The Chicago State University Library offers electronic catalogs and on-line databases, in additional to physical volumes stored on site. A new library was scheduled to open in the spring of 2005, and includes an automated retrieval system, faculty and staff work areas, classrooms, and exhibit areas.

The University radio station, WCSU, broadcasts Cougar home games and provides other programming in music, fine arts, public affairs, and news. The station is operated by students and alumni.

The campus also has various research centers, including the Center for Urban Mental-health Research, the Minority Biomedical Research Program, the Research Development office, the Neighborhood Assistance Center, and the Calumet Environmental Resource Center.

The CSU campus is home to a variety of student organizations, including a Chess Club, Chicago Broadcast club, Models Club, Tempo student newspaper, and a number of fraternities and sororities. Campus events include student debates, lectures, and charitable fundraisers for the local community.

Chicago State University Local Community

The city of Chicago is a major metropolitan area, giving students access to world-class arts and entertainment, museums, and recreation. Chicago is one of the nation’s largest cities and a paradise for any urban-minded individual. Professional sports teams like the Bulls, Bears, and the tradition-rich Chicago Cubs offer a great opportunity for entertainment. Chicago also has a vast amount of shopping and sightseeing opportunities, including the massive Sears Tower. For the food lover, Chicago is home to its own versions of hot dogs and pizzas that will provide more than enough leftovers for any bargain-seeking college student.