Department of Geography, Sociology, History, Africana Studies, & Anthropology

Department Chairperson: Daniel Block

Email: dblock@csu.edu

Phone: 773-995-2310

Location: Williams Science Center 321

Department Overview

The Department of Geography, Sociology, History, Africana Studies, and Anthropology offers undergraduate degrees in History and Africana Studies, and in Sociology as well as programs leading to Graduate Certificate in Community Development, Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Master of Arts in Geography, and Master of Arts in Geography with Geographic Information Systems GI Science Concentration.

Geography, Environment & Urban Studies

The Geography, Environment & Urban Studies Program offers programs leading to Graduate Certificate in Community Development, Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and a Master of Arts in Geography, Environment & Urban Studies, Urban and Environmental Studies, with concentrations in GISceince, Urban Studies, and Environmental Studies. Students seeking admission into any of these programs must possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and must fulfill the general requirements for admission to graduate programs at Chicago State University, which includes attainment of a 2.75 GPA or better in the last 60 hours at the undergraduate level. The Department reaches out to surrounding communities through the Neighborhood Assistance Center. The Neighborhood Assistance Center provides technical assistance to neighborhood-based community and economic development. Students participate in research that addresses socioeconomic issues in the community and they have the opportunity to intern with local community organizations.

History & Africana Studies

Chicago State University’s Master of Arts in History focuses on the development of historical analysis and research skills, and the interdisciplinary nature of the Program provides knowledge and skills that have applicability to careers in the public or private sector, including government, corporate, and non-profit and meets the needs in increasingly culturally diverse workplaces. The program features Africana and United States History within an interdisciplinary approach. History degree graduates from Chicago State University acquire competencies to teach courses in History, Africana Studies, Ethnic Studies, and other social sciences in secondary schools and community colleges. A significant number of Master of Arts in History awardees graduates pursues their path to a Ph.D. degree as well as careers in legal service, justice, and public order.

The History and Africana Studies Program offers the post-baccalaureate non-degree secondary education social studies teaching licensure program (TCHI) for the candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in an area other than education the opportunity to earn a professional educator license and the post-baccalaureate certificate in Archives and Records Management (ARM) for the students who wish to pursue careers in archives, records management, and in libraries with special collections units that include archives and records management divisions.

Mission, Vision, Values

The Department of Geography, Sociology, History, African American Studies, and Anthropology (GSHAA) at Chicago State University is a multi-disciplinary academic unit which is committed to providing a rigorous, positive, and transformative educational experience for both undergraduate and graduate students. The department fosters an inclusive, collegial environment which promotes scholarly achievement, research productivity, and service to its diverse student, faculty, and staff population. GSHAA is focused on extending the educational experience outside the walls of the university through teacher training, the promotion of social justice, and community involvement in Chicago and the region.

Program Specific Admissions

Requirements

Students seeking admission into any of the graduate programs must possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and must fulfill the general requirements for admission to graduate programs at Chicago State University, which includes attainment of a 2.75 GPA or better in the last 60 hours at the undergraduate level. The Department reaches out to surrounding communities through the Neighborhood Assistance Center. The Neighborhood Assistance Center provides technical assistance to neighborhood-based community and economic development. Students participate in research that addresses socioeconomic issues in the community and they have the opportunity to intern with local community organizations.

Programs

Master of Arts

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate