The groundwork for what would become the University of Chicago was laid in 1890 when a group gathered to create articles of incorporation for an institute of higher learning. They wanted rigorous academic programs that would provide opportunities to persons of both sexes on equal terms. The articles of incorporation were approved by the State if Illinois in September of that year, formally starting the school.

Oil magnate John D. Rockefeller made an initial pledge of $600,000, a contribution that would be $16 million in today’s dollars, as well as contributions from the American Baptist Education Society, were the funds used to start the school. Marshall Field, owner of the historic Chicago department store, donated the land for the campus. The campus was modeled after English Gothic architecture, similar to that found at Oxford University with many towers, spikes and cloisters.

From the beginning, women were admitted to all programs at the university and the curriculum was nonsectarian, despite the initial intention to create a Baptist institution. In 1902, President William Rainey declared that freedom of speech on all subjects was fundamental at the university, something that exists today on and off campus.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, more modern buildings were added to the campus and, in 1994, the Gleacher Center, the downtown campus of the university, opened, housing the College of Business.

University of Chicago Accreditation Details

The University of Chicago has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association since 1913. Accreditation indicates that the school meets or exceeds criteria set forth by the agency that demonstrate excellence in education while improving any aspect of the university that is deemed necessary. Programs throughout the university are accredited by industry-specific organizations and agencies as well.

University of Chicago Application Requirements

Applicants who have not earned college credit after high school graduation are accepted as incoming freshman at the University of Chicago. Applicants must complete the application for admission through the Coalition Application, Common Application or Universal College. There is an application fee but there are waivers available for qualified applicants. Applicants must provide a Secondary school Report and official high school transcript, two teacher evaluations and official standardized test scores.

Applicants who have completed at least one term as a freshman at a different college or university are considered transfer students. Transfer students must complete an application for admission through the Coalition Application, Common Application or Universal College. Students must provide an official high school transcript, two teacher evaluations and official standardized test scores. If it has been some time since a student has attended high school, they will need to contact an admissions counselor to see what is required to transfer to the University of Chicago.

Graduate programs have specific requirements for admittance. Students must contact an admissions counselor to learn what is necessary to apply for graduate programs at the university.

University of Chicago Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time tuition at the University of Chicago is $21,926 per quarter and part-time tuition is $7,142 per course. Departments also charge different tuition rates for certain programs. Graduate tuition ranges from $16,666 per quarter to $26,260 per quarter.

The University of Chicago offers the No Barriers program for students with need-based financial aid. There is no application fee for students who qualify and financial packages do not include loans. All aid is offered through grants and scholarships. Students are also provided funding for summer and school-year involvement, including internships, research positions and career exploration treks.

The University of Chicago has pledged to provide meet 100 percent of the need for students who demonstrate they need financial assistance to attend. Of families with a median income of $80,000 or below, 92 percent received financial aid in some form from the university. For families earning between $80,000 and $120,000, 92 percent receive aid.

University of Chicago Degree Program(s) Available

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The University of Chicago Bachelor of Science in Computer Science provides students with current information on operating systems, artificial intelligence, information theory, coding and more. Students who earn the Bachelor of Science degree have substantial depth in a field outside of computer science as they are required to complete approved areas related to the major. The program also prepares students for employment in mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, public administration and the arts. Students must complete a two-quarter calculus series as well as a two-quarter series in chemistry physics or other physical science course. Students take at least 14 computer science courses as well as three courses in their approved related field.

Students are encouraged to register for an introductory sequence that includes Introduction to Computer Science I and II as well as Introduction to Computer Systems. Students must also complete three courses in programming languages and system sequences. The program consists of general education, major requirements and electives.

Students may choose to complete a join Bachelor of Science/Master of Science program as well. Upon completion, they will hold a graduate degree in Computer Science. Students must contact an admissions counselor to learn what is required for the dual degree program.

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science

The University of Chicago also offers a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science that prepares students either for work in the computer field or for advanced education at the graduate level. The program has similar requirements as the Bachelor of Science program except that students are not required to take three courses in a required related field that is outside computer science. The program has a stronger liberal arts requirement as well. Students may also complete a joint Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts in Computer Science degree, allowing them to earn their graduate degree in less time. Students must contact an admissions counselor to learn what is required for the dual degree program.

The University of Chicago has been offering rigorous programs to a diverse enrollment since it opened its doors over 120 years ago. The university now offers many of its programs in an online format that allow flexibility for students who may have obligations that prevent them from attending traditional classrooms. The course offerings at the University of Chicago make it easier for individuals to achieve their higher education goals through flexible scheduling and programs that remove some of the financial barriers many people face.

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