Welcome to the College of Arts & Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences brings together the humanities, sciences, social sciences, technology, and creative arts to help students understand the world and shape what comes next. Through rigorous academic study, hands-on learning, research, creative practice, and community engagement, CAS students develop the knowledge and adaptable skills needed to solve problems, communicate effectively, pursue meaningful careers, and contribute to public life.
Understand. Create. Discover. Lead.
Whether you want to investigate the natural world, build new technologies, examine society, create art, tell important stories, prepare for public service, or teach the next generation, the College of Arts and Sciences offers a place to begin and room to grow.
Choose from programs in the arts, humanities, sciences, mathematics, technology, social sciences, public service, and interdisciplinary study.
Anthropology and Sociology, Bachelor of Arts
Art, Bachelor of Fine Art
Biology Teacher Education, Bachelor of Science
Biology, Bachelor of Science
Chemistry Teacher Education, Bachelor of Science
Chemistry, Bachelor of Science
Communication, Bachelor of Arts
Computer Science, Bachelor of Science
Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Arts
English Teacher Education, Bachelor of Arts
English, Bachelor of Arts
Gender and Sexuality Studies, Bachelor of Arts
History, Bachelor of Arts
Information Technology, Bachelor of Science
Interdisciplinary Studies, Bachelor of Arts
Mathematics Teacher Education, Bachelor of Arts
Mathematics, Bachelor of Arts
Media Studies, Bachelor of Arts
Political Science, Bachelor of Arts
Social Sciences Teacher Education, Bachelor of Arts
Theatre and Performance Studies, Bachelor of Arts
Add a new area of expertise, complement your major, or explore an academic interest through an undergraduate minor.
3-D Animation
American Studies
Anthropology
Art
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Creative Writing
Criminal Justice
Dance
English
Film
Game Design
Gender and Sexuality Studies
Global Studies
History
Human Communication
Latin American, Caribbean, and Latina/o Studies
Mathematics
Media Studies
Philosophy
Practical and Professional Ethics
Pre-Law
Religious Studies
Sociology
Theatre and Performance Studies
Develop specialized knowledge through certificate programs designed for educators, professionals, and graduate-level learners.
Graduate Students Only
Biology Education
Chemistry Education
Data Analytics
English Education
Mathematics Education
Social Sciences Education
*When applying for Education certificates, use the Undergraduate Application. Follow the process here.
Digital Forensics
Restorative Justice
*Use the Graduate Application to apply for non-Education certificates. Follow the process here.
Advance your knowledge through focused graduate study, professional preparation, research, and creative practice.
Analytical Chemistry, Master of Science
Art, Master of Fine Arts
Biology, Master of Science
Communication, Master of Arts
Computer Science, Master of Science
Criminal Justice, Master of Arts
English, Master of Arts
Independent Film and Digital Imaging, Master of Fine Arts
Information Technology, Master of Science
Mathematics, Master of Science
Mathematics, Master of Science - Actuarial Science
Mathematics Teacher Education, Master of Science
Political and Social Justice Studies, Master of Arts
Public Administration, Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Divisions and Academic Areas
The Division of Arts and Letters
Arts and Letters brings together programs centered on creative expression, communication, interpretation, performance, media, culture, and the power of language and ideas. Students learn in classrooms, studios, galleries, performance spaces, and production environments while developing work that informs, challenges, and engages audiences.
The Division of Science Mathematics and Technology
Science, Mathematics and Technology prepares students to investigate questions, interpret evidence, use emerging tools, and apply scientific, quantitative, and computational knowledge. Students gain experience through laboratories, research, technical projects, fieldwork, and collaborative problem-solving.
Secondary Education
Secondary Education prepares students to translate disciplinary knowledge into meaningful instruction for elementary, middle and high school learners. Students gain experience through education coursework, classroom observation, field placements, supervised teaching practice, and instructional design.
Featured CAS Experiences
Center for Community Media
The Center for Community Media supports storytelling, media production, and public communication that connects campus learning with community life. Students gain experience through collaborative media projects, digital production, community-based storytelling, interviews, and engagement with local issues and audiences.
Center for Performing Arts
The Center for Performing Arts connects campus and community through theatre, music, dance, comedy, family programming, and arts education. Founded in 1995 after a decade-long effort to bring a world-class performing arts facility to the Chicago Southland, The Center supports creative learning, cultural engagement, and shared artistic experiences across the region.
Visual Arts Gallery
The Visual Arts Gallery connects campus and community through exhibitions, artist talks, student showcases, and contemporary visual culture. With a history of presenting work by students, faculty, regional artists, and visiting artists, the Gallery supports creative learning, cultural engagement, and shared conversations about art and ideas.
Theatre and Performance
Theatre and Performance connects campus and community through live productions, staged readings, student performances, and collaborative creative work. Through public performances and production experiences, students engage audiences while building skills in interpretation, storytelling, collaboration, design, performance, and the shared practice of bringing ideas to the stage.
Biological Field Station at Governors State University
The Biological Field Station at Governors State University connects campus learning with field research, ecological observation, and direct engagement with natural systems. Listed by the Organization of Biological Field Stations, the 144-acre station supports student learning, faculty research, environmental study, and place-based scientific inquiry in the Chicago Southland.
Accreditation
Governors State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The university is also a member of the Illinois Council of Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs.
Several of the programs in the College of Arts and Sciences have specialized accreditation. The programs are as follows:
- The Bachelor of Science in Biology with Teacher Education Concentration is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education, the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
- The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society. The American Chemical Society approves professional programs designed to meet guidelines that define high-quality undergraduate education.
- The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Teacher Education Concentration is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education, the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
- The Bachelor of Arts in English with Teacher Education Concentration is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education, the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
- The Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with Teacher Education Concentration has received national recognition with no conditions through the Illinois State Board of Education, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
- The Master of Arts in Public Administration has received national recognition with no conditions through the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).
Welcome to the CAS, the academic hub and cultural heart of GovState!
Welcome to the College of Arts and Sciences, the largest and most diverse college at Governors State University. We are the academic hub and cultural heart of GovState, and we’re driven and inspired by the service we provide and the responsibility we hold to the GovState community. CAS is comprised of the Division of Arts and Letters; the Division of Science, Mathematics, and Technology; the Visual Arts Gallery; the Center for Community Media; and the Center for Performing Arts. The staff of CAS are experienced, energetic, and talented. We are always happy to help. (cont.)
A Message from the Dean of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences is the academic and cultural heart of Governors State University—and a place where ideas, creativity, and community meet.
As the largest and most diverse college at GovState, we are home to more than 1,800 students exploring over 80 programs across the arts, humanities, sciences, and emerging interdisciplinary fields. Whether you are studying biology, communication, digital media, or social justice, you will find faculty who are deeply invested in your success and recognized for excellence in their fields.
But what defines CAS is not just what we teach—it’s how we prepare you to engage with the world.
An education in the arts and sciences builds more than a career pathway. It develops the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, adapt to change, and approach complex problems with creativity and confidence. These are the skills that allow our graduates not only to succeed in their professions, but to lead meaningful, informed lives.
Our work extends far beyond the classroom. Through centers, programs, and partnerships across the region, CAS plays a vital role in shaping the cultural, intellectual, and civic life of the Southland. From media production and public storytelling to performances, exhibitions, and environmental research, our students and faculty are actively contributing to the communities we serve.
For me, this college has been home for almost twenty years. I came to Governors State because of its extraordinary diversity and its commitment to access, equity, and impact. That commitment continues to guide everything we do.
We are proud to support students at every stage of their academic journey, from their first semester through graduation, and to celebrate their accomplishments through honors such as the Dean’s List.
Whether you are a prospective student, a current member of our community, or one of our valued alumni, I invite you to explore, connect, and discover what makes the College of Arts and Sciences such a powerful place to learn and grow.
Yours in Service,
Jason Zingsheim,
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
Student Resources
Prospective students are encouraged to visit the Office of Admission's page for assistance with common questions about GovState.
Our Faculty
Our faculty and staff reflect the diversity of our student body and bring deep experience in research, creative practice and service. They’re dedicated to your success and ready to mentor you every step of the way.
Apply Now and Achieve Your Goals
Apply to Governors State University’s College of Arts and Sciences to explore your passions, expand your skills, and shape a meaningful future through innovative, hands-on learning.
College of Arts and Sciences
- 1 University Parkway University Park, IL 60484
- 708.524.5000