Elmhurst University Degree Programs: A Comprehensive Overview

Elmhurst University, with over 150 years of experience in preparing students for successful careers and lives, prides itself on its rigorous yet flexible degree programs. Offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate options, Elmhurst caters to diverse academic and professional aspirations. This article provides a detailed look into the various degree programs available at Elmhurst University, highlighting the unique features and benefits of each.

A Student-Centered Approach to Education

Elmhurst University believes that your educational experience must be built around you at every stage. This commitment is evident from the moment you apply, ensuring a personalized and supportive learning environment. The university equips students with the skills necessary for success in today’s world, including academic knowledge, collaboration, time management, communication, and critical thinking. Faculty and program directors offer support throughout each student’s journey, celebrating successes and guiding students through challenges.

Undergraduate Degree Programs

Elmhurst University awards several bachelor's degrees, including the Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Bachelor of Music (BM), and Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS). Each degree program has specific requirements and caters to different academic and career interests.

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree must complete all Integrated Curriculum, major, and minor courses for a letter grade. They must also fulfill all elective course requirements as outlined in the Majors and Academic Programs section of the university catalog. The BA program is designed to provide a broad liberal arts education, fostering critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is offered in the Department of Art and requires students to complete all Integrated Curriculum, major, and minor courses for a letter grade. In addition, BFA students must complete two areas of concentration, consisting of eight studio courses at the 300 or 400 level. These areas of concentration are determined by the Department of Art, allowing students to specialize in their chosen artistic field.

Read also: Navigating the Elmhurst Portal

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Students seeking a Bachelor of Science degree must complete all Integrated Curriculum, major, and minor courses for a letter grade and fulfill all elective course requirements. Additionally, BS students must complete two college-level mathematics courses (PSY 355 may count as one). This program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a professional program that prepares students for practice as a generalist registered professional nurse (RN). The BSN program provides the foundation for advanced education and practice in nursing. It is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, ensuring that graduates meet the standards required for licensure as registered nurses.

Bachelor of Music (BM)

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree must complete all Integrated Curriculum, major, and minor courses for a letter grade and fulfill all elective course requirements. They must also complete at least 16 units of credit (64 semester hours) in music. Specific courses are determined by the Department of Music, allowing students to tailor their studies to their musical interests and career goals.

Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS)

The Bachelor of Liberal Studies is designed for adult students seeking a flexible and personalized degree program. Students must complete all Integrated Curriculum and program requirements. Instead of a traditional major, BLS students complete 8 to 12 credits (32 to 48 semester hours) for letter grades in two areas of concentration. This program is ideal for students with diverse academic interests and professional goals.

Graduate Degree Programs

For almost 25 years, Elmhurst University has awarded graduate degrees and certificates. Elmhurst University offers 18 graduate programs at the master’s degree level, providing opportunities for advanced study and professional development. These programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their chosen fields. A graduate certificate, master’s degree or doctoral program brings with it a great sense of achievement-and a potentially higher salary. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that earnings increase as you attain higher levels of degrees.

Read also: Elmhurst Roots at Carthage

Popular Majors and Academic Strengths

Elmhurst University offers a variety of popular majors, reflecting the diverse interests and career aspirations of its students. The most popular majors include:

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Health Professions and Related Programs
Psychology
Education
Social Sciences
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
English Language and Literature/Letters
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology

The university's strengths lie in its commitment to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in a rapidly changing world.

Special Programs and Opportunities

Engineering Physics Program

This unique program combines a physics degree with practical engineering and fabrication skills. The small, collaborative classroom environment helps students develop problem-solving skills, preparing them for careers building the next generation of algorithms, devices, and infrastructure.

Degree Completion Programs for Adults

Elmhurst University offers degree completion programs designed for adult students with previous college experience. These flexible programs are tailored to fit the schedules of working adults, allowing them to balance work, family, and education. Students tackle real-world problems and support each other through effective communication and teamwork.

The Elmhurst University Advantage

Several factors contribute to the unique educational experience at Elmhurst University:

Small Class Sizes: The student-faculty ratio at Elmhurst University is 15:1, and 53.2% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering a close-knit learning environment and personalized attention from faculty.
High Retention Rate: The average freshman retention rate is 78%, indicating a high level of student satisfaction and a supportive campus community.
Career Advancement: Elmhurst University prepares students for prosperous careers and lives by equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen fields. Graduates hold positions in diverse businesses and organizations across the country.
International Student Support: Elmhurst University offers several graduate programs to international students that satisfy the requirements for F-1 visas or can be completed online from their home country.

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