Chicago State University: Popular Programs & Ranking

Chicago State University (CSU) was established as the Cook County Normal School in 1867 owing to the visionary efforts of John F. Eberhart. Initially, it used to be a teacher's college at Blue Island. The institute was moved to Englewood in 1869. Eventually, it came under the control of the Chicago Board of Education and became Chicago Normal School in 1897. The institution was renamed as Chicago Normal College in 1913 and many new buildings were built on the campus. In 1938, it was renamed as Chicago Teachers College (CTC). In 1950, Northeastern Illinois University was established as a branch of CTC and in the next year, the State of Illinois started funding CTC. In 1967, it became Chicago State College and was given its existing name in 1971.

Located in Chicago, Illinois, the CSU campus consists of numerous world-class buildings that are equipped with first-rate amenities. The Emil and Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center is a multi-purpose arena that can accommodate 7,000 people. The arena is used to host sports events, conferences, concerts, and other citywide events. The on-campus Jacoby Dickens Center features a gym with a seating capacity of 2,500, a fitness center, three swimming pools, eight locker rooms, a dance studio, three classrooms, and an auxiliary gymnasium. Also, the building houses the university's athletic department and its department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER). The campus also has a huge library that has an automated retrieval and storage system. It also provides excellent housing and dining facilities.

CSU offers 56-degree programs in various fields of education including business, education, health science, pharmacy, arts, sciences, design, psychology, computer science, mathematics, social work, languages, engineering, communication, and philosophy. The university's student population is very diverse including students from 20 Illinois countries, 38 U.S. states, and 12 countries across the world. The impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 makes the learning process even more efficient. It houses more than 80 student organizations. The institution's placement cell strives to present the students with excellent employment opportunities. On average, a CSU graduate earns $44,000 annually. Well-reputed companies like Walgreens, AT&T and Advocate Health Care are regular recruiters of the university's students.

CSU has produced numerous notable and distinguished graduates. Martin Ridge was a distinguished historian known for co-authoring ‘Westward expansion: a history of the American frontier’ 5^th edition. Margaret Taylor-Burroughs was a visual artist, poet, educator, writer, and arts organizer, best known for co-founding the DuSable Museum of African American History. Mamie Till was a Civil Rights Movement activist. William D. Alexander was a popular film producer. RM Johnson is a successful author and was listed in the bestselling books list by Essence magazine. Many other prominent people have graduated from the university.