Loyola University Chicago

BA in Strategic Digital Communication

The B.A. in Strategic Digital Communication offers training in public relations, digital communications, web design, online branding and positioning, content generation, content management, and digital ethics. This program will focus on providing practical, timely applications of communications principles to work in the digital, professional realm. Students will be prepared for professional advancement in digital PR, social media management, and online advocacy work.

• Grow new skills in digital PR and social media management.
• Develop familiarity with web design and other digital tools.
• Curriculum

Enrollment Options

• Can be completed full-time, part-time, online

Classroom Type

• Classes are primarily online, with some blended courses (face-to-face courses are weekday evenings or Saturday mornings)

“I have absolutely been able to form a connection with my instructors and classmates in my online program. The software we use is excellent and has the same engagement as the actual classroom environment. In addition, I’ve had some instructors arrange for optional “meet ups” which allowed for some in-person facetime.  Taking classes online allowed me to maintain my personal life which would normally endure some sacrifices when taking classes in person. The flexibility of online allowed me to maintain my personal commitments while achieving the goal of earning a degree.” — Cory Bright, Alumnus

Certificate in New Media Communication

This three-course certificate will provide students with a foundation in communication and marketing principles, with an emphasis on social media and new digital media principles and tools. It is designed to introduce students to the principles and tools of communicating in the digital space. It includes coursework in communication theory and history, communication literacy, digital media production, digital media ethics, social media communication, online content production, and social media literacy.

• Students can begin this program without a prior background in digital PR or social media communications, and finish with valuable skills and knowledge that can be applied to their current job or towards career advancement. 
• The certificate will benefit those who are seeking to remain current and competitive within careers that are becoming increasingly digital, as well as those seeking to pivot into positions involving digital strategy or social media account management
• Students can begin this certificate in either Fall I (August) or Spring I(January) only. 

Once started, you will take 1 course each 8‐week session for 3 sessions and complete within 6‐8 months.

Enrollment Options

• Courses offered in 8-week sessions in a fully online format with evening synchronous meetings.

Classroom Type

• Certificate courses are offered entirely online.

BA in Applied Criminal Justice Leadership

Students in the B.A. in Applied Criminal Justice Leadership program will develop capacities in: problem solving; critical and creative thinking; career development; technical skills; oral, written, and electronic communication; ethical reasoning; civic and global engagement; skills for lifelong-learning and leadership; and, teamwork and collaboration.

• Relevant comprehensive curriculum designed to advance your effective leadership skills and increase your knowledge of criminal justice practice and theory.
• Convenient schedule of classes online, evening, and weekends allow you to complete the degree on a schedule that works for your personal and professional life.
• A program grounded in the University Core Curriculum, students will be challenged to develop skills crucial to facing the challenges of contemporary society.

The next opportunity to begin this program is in Fall II 2019 (October). Students may only be admitted to this program once each academic year.

• Curriculum
• Career outcomes

Enrollment Options

• Can be completed full-time, part-time, online

Classroom Type

• Classes are primarily online, with some blended courses (face-to-face courses are weekday evenings or Saturday mornings. Major courses offered in 8‐week sessions in a fully online asynchronous format.

BA in Applied Studies

The B.A. in Applied Studies degree provides a strong foundation in communication and business. The required certificate allows each student to focus on a complimentary discipline preparing them to excel in the professional world. SCPS understands that adult students often wish to take a wide range of courses to meet their professional and personal interests, so we have designed this degree to enhance your current career or establish a new one.

• Customized format gives you the flexibility to gain new applied and theoretical skills and hone the business skills you already have
• Honoring the knowledge you’ve gained in your previous experiences, students can work on earning non-traditional credit to up to half the major courses.
• Curriculum

Enrollment Options

• Can be completed full-time, part-time, online

Classroom Type

• Classes are primarily online, with some blended courses (face-to-face courses are weekday evenings or Saturday mornings.

BA in Paralegal Studies

The B.A. in Paralegal Studies allows students with a minimum of 15-semester credits in paralegal studies to improve their skills and career opportunities by earning a bachelor’s degree. Students who have earned associate degrees in paralegal studies will likely find this degree program to be their most expeditious route to a bachelor’s degree. Students select one of the practice tracks and develop skills in that practice area as well as legal research, analysis, and writing, legal ethics and law office technology.

• Acquire a credential from Loyola’s well-regarded Institute for Paralegal Studies that will open doors to your career success in the legal community.
• Earn a specialized certificate in Litigation that will refine your paralegal skills to meet the demands of the modern legal workplace.
• Maximize the number of credits you may transfer from your two-year paralegal program, and complete your degree on a schedule that works with your personal and professional obligations.
• Enhance your general knowledge and improve your ability to respond to the challenges of contemporary society through courses in the University’s Core Curriculum.
• Curriculum
• Career outcomes

BA in Applied Psychology

The BA in Applied Psychology program offers adult learners training in the scientific study of human behavior, emotion, cognition and motivation. Individual, organizational, and global problems require innovative solutions based on psychological research on what motivates people to change. Moreover, robotics and increased automation will place increased demand for employees who are adept at systems thinking to address the complexity of human behavior. The Applied Psychology Program is designed for those seeking occupations that focus on the application of psychological theory and methods to promote creative, evidence-based problem solving, critical systems thinking, cultural agility, and persuasive communication. Career Pathways for the psychology major include the helping professions such as counseling, human resource management, industrial-organizational psychology, the persuasion sciences and psychometric and statistical analysis.

• Curriculum
• Career outcomes

Enrollment Options

• Can be completed full-time, part-time, online

Classroom Type

• Classes are primarily online, with some blended courses (face-to-face courses are weekday evenings or Saturday mornings)

BA in Information Technology

The B.A. in Information Technology is designed for those interested in acquiring advanced knowledge and skills such as Java programming, object-oriented software development, web development, and IT management. You can begin the program with a minimal understanding of computers and finish with skills to an effective practitioner in the IT and Software Development fields or to pursue graduate study in Computer Science. It is ideal both for students who plan to begin new careers or reinvent current ones.

• Designed for those interested in leadership roles in a growing IT job market
• Learn from Loyola Department of Computer Science professors at the top of their fields
• Students completing the BA in Information Technology have the option to pursue admission into the dual BA/MS Information Technology program once they’ve completed 90 credit hours toward their undergraduate degree.
• Curriculum
• Career outcomes

Enrollment Options

• Can be completed full-time, part-time, online

Classroom Type

• Classes are primarily online, with some blended courses (face-to-face courses are weekday evenings or Saturday mornings)

“Loyola provided me with a community that not only encouraged my curiosity for learning, but also provided support for personal development and growth. My teachers were not just mentors in class, but also gave me a counseling network outside of class to fall back on.” — LeRoy Chalmers, Alumnus

Certificate in Computer Science

This three-course concise certificate program focuses directly on what is needed to enable students to begin a career in the field or to prepare them to complete a Master’s Degree in Information Technology or Software Engineering.

• Students will develop a thorough understanding of the principles of object-orientation: abstraction, delegation, inheritance, and polymorphism; exposure to basic design patterns; and programming experience in mainstream object-oriented languages such as C++ and Java.
• Although students do not need a background in computer science or programming to complete this certificate, the courses are rigorous and intensive.
• Students can begin this certificate in either Fall I (August) or Spring I (January).

Once started, you will take 1 course each 8‐week session for 3 sessions and complete within 6‐8 months.

• Students starting in Fall I have the option to finish in one semester (starting in August finishing in December).

Classroom Type

• Online with weekly synchronous meetings held in the evening

“Loyola’s SCPS Fellows program allows for generous financial support toward my tuition expenses.  It is through Loyola’s partnership with my employer that I have been awarded substantial support in tuition assistance.  Without Loyola’s alliance with Caterpillar, my pursuit for a higher education would probably have been delayed and more burdensome.” — Michelle Cygan, Alumnae

Certificate in Data Science

This three- course certificate introduces students to the key elements of Data Science: Python programming, SQL & database design, data processing, and analysis & visualization. This certificate will add a valuable skillset to any professional and the skills and training that a student can develop by completing this certificate are widely applicable and transferrable.

Coursework explores the topics of data ethics and digital ethics, helping to prepare the student for a challenging, dynamic career in data analytic work. Students may be interested in this certificate if they are seeking to grow in their existing careers, switch to a career within the data science realm, or explore data science as a field before committing to a degree program or advanced study in the topic.

Enrollment Options

• Courses are offered in an online, 8-week format.

Classroom Type

• Online with weekly synchronous meetings held in the evening.