North Central College

Why pursue an actuarial science degree at North Central College?

Not only is North Central recognized on the Society of Actuaries’ listing of Universities and Colleges with Actuarial Programs (UCAP), but 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 2 years, the pass rates for actuarial exams for our students is between 75-90%. In the last 3 years, students that have passed 2 exams and have a summer internship by the senior year have 100% job placement in the actuary industry. Graduates in actuarial science have been employed at the American Association of Insurance Services (AAIS) Lauterbach & Amen, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.... [-]

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 collaboration with faculty on real-world research projects will help you develop the skills of a scientist. You may present your findings at North Central’s own Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research or at a national conference, and you may even publish your work. You’ll gain broad experience—from molecules and cells to organisms and ecological systems—and prepare for a career in research, medicine, education, environment or biotechnology.

You can also:

Apply for our funded summer research program. Attend on-campus seminar presentations by students, alumni, and professionals in your field. Perform fieldwork in Costa Rica, Arizona or other locations. Work with a dedicated Pre-Health Advisor and the Pre-Health Organization for students. Join the Beta Beta Beta (βββ) biological honor society. Minor in environmental studies, neuroscience or bioinformatics. Study at the Shedd Aquarium or Morton Arboretum. Be a student lab assistant. ... [-]

Do you like to work with your hands, create things or solve puzzles? If so, chemistry may be the major for you. Chemists study the structure and transformation of matter and create entirely new substances, such as pharmaceuticals, conducting polymers and synthetic fibers.

At North Central College, you can experience a chemistry curriculum approved by the American Chemical Society as you earn your bachelor's degree in either chemistry or biochemistry. All coursework in the major is taught by full-time Ph.D. faculty members and covers all the major areas of chemistry (analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, and physical) with hands-on laboratory experience an important part of each course.... [-]

Why pursue a computer science degree at North Central College?

The field of computer science offers students many exciting and intellectually challenging 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 have the opportunity to take elective courses in a wide range of cutting-edge areas such as web design and development, networking, security, and the creation of mobile device applications.

You can also:

Engage in prestigious, paid internships, working side-by-side with professionals for a term, a year or more, while you complete your degree. Study abroad for periods ranging from a few weeks to a year and still graduate in just four years. Be a part of North Central’s Summer Undergraduate Research Colloquium 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 a computer science degree at North Central College?

A bachelor's degree in exercise science will prepare you for a career as an exercise professional in the rapidly growing world of 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 a career in strength and conditioning, 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, 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 economics courses that promote abstract thinking, creating a broad set of skills that employers value. You'll track the latest market news and analytics and learn the tools financial services use in our Bloomberg Finance Lab. With this major under your belt, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running whether you find yourself in the field of corporate finance, investments, financial services, law or government.

You can also:

Visit the Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago Board Options Exchange and Federal Reserve. Compete for internships and job opportunities arranged through faculty, alumni and our Career Development office. Join student organizations like the Bulls and Bears finance club, which arranges networking events and guest speakers. Add an economics major by including two additional courses in your schedule. ... [-]

Why choose a graphic design at North Central College?

In our graphic design program, you’ll dedicate yourself to digital multimedia design. Between projects in and out of the classroom and internships, you’ll learn to communicate visually through digital media; and you’ll produce a portfolio you'll be proud to show employers, graduate school recruiters and freelance clients.

You can also:

Use a full-scale lab equipped with the cutting-edge, industry-standard hardware and software required for high-intensity graphics creation. Access Mac and PC graphics labs dedicated exclusively to declared interactive media studies majors. Enroll in cross-disciplinary and team-taught courses with art, computer science, English and communications faculty. Compete for graphic arts scholarships. Gain hands-on experience by submitting work to the online magazine, Viewfinder. ... [-]

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 more. 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.

You may also:

Travel, study and work internationally through our study abroad and international internship programs. Learn about the fair-trade coffee import business through D-Term 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 such as the Entrepreneurship and International Business Organization and Enactus. ... [-]

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 state-of-the-art laboratories in the Wentz Science Center, including the Schwab Psychology Research Center for families and children, our sleep lab, treadmill lab, and two small group testing rooms. And you’re bound to find the perfect off-campus internship—or two or three—among the hundreds of social service agencies and businesses nearby.

You can also:

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 sports management degree at North Central College?

Most observers don’t realize that a career in the sports industry can require an extremely broad knowledge base. Our sport management major 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.

What you can expect to experience in the Sport Management program:

Being engaged by faculty, administrators, and professionals with firsthand experience in sports business, athletic administration, and event management and more. Listening to and learning from experts in the field talk about everything from the sport as a global enterprise to running a local health club; from creating your own sports business to working for the largest sports marketing agency in the world; from negotiating professional athlete contracts to high school sport administration. The opportunities at North Central are endless. Gaining professional experience through internships, job shadowing, and volunteering with one of the numerous Chicago area organizations connected with the North Central community. Joining the Sport Management Association, an organization for students aiming to network and increase your marketability. Traveling abroad to learn more about the global aspects of sports. ... [-]