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College of Arts & Sciences

Chicago Area Studies

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Why choose Chicago area studies at North Central College?

Welcome to Chicago! As the third most populated city in the United States, Chicago offers North Central students a proximal and unique opportunity to explore the issues that face a full-scale urban community. A minor in Chicago Area Studies is the perfect accompaniment to any major, offering enhanced writing, research and critical thinking skills.

At North Central, you’ll work with faculty to enhance your minor. This could include taking field trips with faculty experts, taking part in our Chicago Term with an internship, or partaking in suburban research right here in Naperville. Chicago Area Studies is a great minor for students looking to stay within the Chicago-area after graduation and learn more about our dynamic city.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Mastering Chicago history, media, sports, jazz, architecture and art history
  • Traveling Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods
  • Evaluating unique solutions to problems that face urban and suburban communities

then a minor in CHICAGO AREA STUDIES might be for you.

Why study art history at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

  • Chicago Art and Architecture
  • Chicago Encounters
  • Chicago History
  • Community and City Life
  • Community Psychology
  • Immigration and U.S. Ethnic Identity
  • Place and Travel Writing
  • Special Topics in Chicago Area Studies
  • Sport in Society
  • Urban Anthropology
  • Urban Ethics and Religion
  • Urban/Suburban/Rural Environmental Nexus

Campus Virtual Tour

Beyond the Classroom

As a Chicago Area Studies minor, you can:

  • Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
  • Take a 30-minute train ride to explore downtown Chicago.
  • Apply for a Richter Grant and explore your own research interests from anywhere.
  • Conduct research and present findings at local, regional and national conferences.
  • Learn more about the Chicago through community engaged learning projects and volunteer opportunities with organizations like World Relief, Circle K and North Central’s Cardinals in Action.
  • Hear presentations by visiting lecturers and attend on-campus film screenings about urban and suburban topics.
  • Work directly with professors on their research, helping write papers, create presentations and present results in the media

More Department information

Chicago Area Studies Minor

An interdisciplinary study of cities, suburbs, and rural areas as they impact issues of culture, sports, politics, community and inequality in the larger Chicago metropolitan area. Students will undertake a substantive and practical examination of issues related to careers in fields such as urban planning, community services, public policy, environmental management, and museum studies.

For additional information about this program, see Chicago Area Studies.

A minimum 20 credit hours, including:

Gateway

One of the following:

Electives

A minimum 12 credit hours from the following:

Capstone

Chicago Area Studies Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

Internships

  • City of Naperville Plan Commission
  • Streetwise Newspaper, Chicago
  • RedEye (Chicago’s free daily newspaper)
  • The Field Museum
  • Museums at Lisle Station, Lisle, Ill.

Careers

Recent student participants in Chicago Area Studies have pursued careers as:

  • Urban planners
  • Architects
  • Social workers
  • Youth workers
  • Public administrators
  • Social Service Providers
  • Youth Advocates
  • Criminal Justice Professionals
  • Museum Directors
  • Higher Education Administrators
  • Research Associates
  • Community Organizers
  • School Counselors
  • Teachers
  • Community Relations

 

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Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

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