North Central College

Why pursue an actuarial science degree at North Central College?

North Central is recognized on the Society of Actuaries listing of Universities and Colleges with Actuarial Programs (UCAP), and we’re also one of the few schools with a full-fledged actuarial science major offered jointly by two departments—mathematics and finance.

This exposure to “both sides of the house” will vastly expand your job options after graduation. And because we keep our classes small, you’ll receive all the personal attention you need to prepare for the probability and financial mathematics exams you’ll need to pass before working in the field. In the last three years, the pass rates for actuarial exams for our students is between 75 and 90 percent. In addition, students who have passed two exams and have a summer internship by their senior year have 100 percent job placement in the actuary industry.... [-]

Why pursue a biology degree at North Central College?

You’ll delve into scientific research from day one as a biology major at North Central. Our research-rich curriculum and opportunities for collaboration with faculty on real-world research projects will help you develop the skills of a scientist. You can present your findings at North Central’s own Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research and summer colloquium or at a national conference. You can even publish your work. You’ll gain broad experience with everything from molecules and cells to organisms and ecological systems and prepare yourself for a career in research, medicine, education, environment or biotechnology.

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Why pursue a chemistry degree at North Central College?

Our chemistry major provides undergraduates with exceptional academic opportunities, prepares students for employment or graduate school and allows students to perform research under the guidance of the faculty. As early as your first year, you’ll have the chance to conduct original research using advanced scientific instruments right here on campus. That kind of hands-on lab experience is often reserved for graduate students at larger institutions. And, thanks to Naperville’s proximity to Chicago, you’ll have easy access to BP, Ecolabs, Baxter Healthcare, PerkinElmer and other companies that value chemistry expertise. After completing our American Chemical Society-approved major, you will be prepared to pursue graduate studies with top-tier institutions.... [-]

Why pursue a computer science degree at North Central College?

The field of computer science offers students many exciting and rewarding career options. Graduates with a computer science degree from North Central College are in demand from employers familiar with the high quality of our program and our graduates. Not only are our graduates thoroughly grounded in both the theory and practice of the field, but they possess a broad set of skills that stem from a well-rounded education from North Central College.

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Engage in prestigious, paid internships or co-ops, working side-by-side with professionals for while you complete your degree. Participate in co-curricular activities related to computing and engineering, where you can work on various projects related to area of your interest. Study abroad for periods ranging from a few weeks to a year and still graduate in just four years. Work with faculty members on research projects. Be a part of North Central’s Summer Undergraduate Research Colloquium or Rall Symposium and present your findings at local, regional or national undergraduate research conferences. ... [-]

Why pursue an electrical engineering degree at North Central College?

Our focus is on automation and robotics. Our themes are sustainability, access and enhancing the quality of life for all. Technology has the potential to address many societal issues. Engineers influence how new technology is created and applied. Electrical engineering students get hands-on learning in the engineering method, the latest engineering design and simulation software, making parts on 3D printers, programming in Python, computer circuits and architecture, FPGA design, sensors, actuators, embedded processors, power electronics and motors. If it’s electronic, you’ll know how it gets its information, how it’s programmed and what makes it respond. You’ll practice the same skills that you’ll use in your career: solving problems, working in teams, writing reports and making presentations. Activities include intercollegiate competitions, community engagement or independent studies.... [-]

Why pursue an Exercise Science degree at North Central College?

An exercise science degree will prepare you for a career as an exercise professional in the rapidly growing world of health, fitness, and human performance. Its broad-based curriculum balances the applied art of fitness programming with the scientific fundamentals of anatomy and physiology.

North Central’s exercise science program is also recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Students in the major are prepared for careers in strength and conditioning, medical fitness, corporate fitness and wellness, personal training and human performance. Many students choose to use the exercise science major to prepare for graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, medicine, exercise physiology, chiropractic or others.... [-]

Why pursue a finance degree at North Central College?

We’ve carefully balanced finance courses that develop practical career knowledge with a business core that creates a broad set of skills that employers value. With this degree under your belt, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running whether you find yourself in the field of corporate finance, investments, wealth management, financial services, law or government.

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Simulate trades and access thousands of proprietary reports and data screens in the Bloomberg Finance Lab, where 10 workstations are equipped with the Bloomberg Terminal software, the iconic dual monitors and Bloomberg’s unique keyboards. You can also choose to become “Bloomberg certified” by completing a series of modules that cover economic theory, economic indicators, currencies, fixed income vehicles, options, equities and more. Join the Finance Club and participate in networking events, attend guest speaker and panel presentations, and visit the Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago Board of Options, and the Federal Reserve. Participate in the Student-Managed Investment Fund to research investments, recommend investment options, and manage a real portfolio’s risk and returns. Prepare to sit for CFA Level 1 exam as North Central curriculum meets requirement to be a CFA Program Affiliated University Compete for internships and job opportunities arranged through faculty, alumni and our Career Development office. Learn about personal finance and work with local high schools through the Center for Financial Literacy ... [-]

Why choose graphic design at North Central College?

Graphic design majors plan and execute the design of visual communication according to the needs of audiences and contexts. Students master a broad range of conceptual, formal and technological skills to create effective visual solutions to communication problems. Students can enhance their studies with an additional major or minor, a study abroad or Chicago term, and internships.

Graduates are employed in digital marketing, design services, publishing, advertising, public relations or related services industries.

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Utilize a full-scale lab equipped with the cutting-edge, industrystandard hardware and software required for high-intensity graphic creation. Access Mac and PC graphics labs dedicated exclusively to declared Graphic Design majors and minors. Enroll in community-engaged, cross-disciplinary and team-taught courses. Compete for Art and Design scholarships. Gain hands-on experience by working at our student run Design Agency creating designs for on and off campus organizations. North Central College is part of the University Partner Program offered by the Art Institute of Chicago. As part of this arrangement, all North Central students can gain admittance to the AIC free of charge with their North Central students identification cards, and have access to lectures, educational programs, and other special events. ... [-]

Why pursue an international business degree at North Central College?

Here you’ll cultivate the “sixth sense” required to do business abroad—and that will make all the difference to your professional success. Of course, you’ll master core business practices, identify market trends, explore financial markets and so on. But you’ll also develop an instinct for what’s appropriate in a given situation, for what’s being left unsaid and for the ways different communication styles and customs can affect business transactions abroad.

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Travel, study and work internationally through our study abroad and international internship programs. Learn about the fair-trade coffee import business through work in Guatemala. Identify job opportunities through faculty and alumni networks and our Career Development Center. Apply what you’ve learned to international entrepreneurial projects through student organizations like the Entrepreneurship and International Business Organization (EIBO) and Enactus. Simulate trades and access thousands of proprietary reports and data screens in the Bloomberg Finance Lab, where 10 workstations are equipped with the Bloomberg Terminal software, the iconic dual monitors and Bloomberg’s unique keyboards. You can also choose to become “Bloomberg certified” by completing a series of modules that cover economic theory, economic indicators, currencies, fixed income vehicles, options, equities and more. ... [-]

Why pursue a mechanical engineering degree at North Central College?

Our focus is on automation and robotics. Our themes are sustainability, access and enhancing the quality of life for all. Technology has the potential to address many societal issues.

Engineers influence how new technology is created and applied. Mechanical engineering students get hands-on learning from day one in the engineering method, using the latest engineering design and simulation software, making parts on 3D printers and programming in Python. You’ll dive into the details of materials, manufacturing processes, sensors and actuators, embedded processors, and robot control systems.

Rather than concentrating on textbook examples and memorization, you’ll practice the same skills that you’ll use in your career: solving problems, working in teams, writing reports and making presentations. Activities include intercollegiate competitions, community engagement or independent studies.... [-]

Why pursue a psychology degree at North Central College?

You’ll explore your interests while gaining valuable hands-on experience when our dedicated faculty work with you on individualized projects. You’ll collect on-campus data at our Schwab Psychology Research Center or in our treadmill or sleep labs. You’re bound to find the perfect off-campus internship—or two or three—among the hundreds of social service agencies and businesses nearby.

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Present findings of your original research at regional and national psychology conferences. Apply for a Richter Grant which equips you to travel anywhere in the world your studies take you. Use your senior seminar to explore topics such as eating disorders, bullying, illusions, memory disorders, persuasion and humor. Join Psi Chi—the international honor society in psychology. Join Psychology Club—open to all majors and minors in psychology. ... [-]

Why pursue a sport management degree at North Central College?

Most observers don’t realize that a career in sports can require an extremely broad knowledge base. Our sport management program will provide you with both the broad-based curriculum and the practical experience you’ll need to succeed. In fact, this combination is what sets North Central sport management graduates apart from the competition.

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Learn from faculty, administrators and professionals with firsthand experience in sports. • Interact with industry experts on topics such as sport entrepreneurship; running youth sports clubs and leagues; identifying risk management and liability issues in athletics venues; rules and governance changes in the NCAA; and so many more. Join the SportxNC, an organization for students interested in networking, increasing their marketability, discussing current sport topics, organizing events and taking on leadership roles on special projects and committees. Take advantage of North Central College’s location in one of the most vibrant sport communities in the country. Professional experiences include volunteering, internships, job shadowing, gameday experiences and networking in a variety of settings. Additional opportunities include learning tools of the trade in hospitality and fan services with the Chicago Bears or Chicago Fire; sales with the Chicago Dogs, the Windy City Bulls or Kane County Cougars; sport and event management with Game Day USA, the Chicago Marathon, or Spikeball; tourism and marketing with Premier Sport Tourism and the city of Naperville, golf course and country club management from venues like Cress Creek or Cog Hill; sports and... [-]