Welcome to the College of Graduate Studies!
Welcome to Graduate Studies at GovState, where students pursue knowledge at an advanced level and graduate as professionals prepared to become effective leaders and meet demands of an ever-changing global society. The College of Graduate Studies was established in 2023 to continue and advance GovState’s tradition of transformative education at the graduate level. In addition to attaining advanced knowledge in your chosen discipline, your graduate study may include mastering of competencies needed for a specific profession, independent research, or other scholarly, creative, or discipline-specific work. The College of Graduate Studies will work to support, advise, and mentor you as you progress toward your degree. We also will help to prepare you for the next stage in your life, whether it be entering or advancing in the workforce, starting a new professional path, or continuing your education.
Dr. Mary Carrington
Dean of the College of Graduate Studies
E-mail: mcarrington@govst.edu
Phone: 708-534-4532
Our Graduate Programs
We offer more than 50 graduate and post-baccalaureate programs and certificates. Whether you’re seeking a master’s degree, doctoral degree, specialist degree, certification, or licensure, our programs will meet your needs. Our small class sizes, state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories, online and hybrid course availability, and passionate and engaging faculty contribute to an excellent graduate experience.
Graduate programs are housed in GovState’s four academic colleges:
- • The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) offers 13 master’s degrees and 9 graduate certificates in humanities, fine arts, public administration, and science and technology disciplines. CAS graduate programs prepare students both for professions and further education, and play a leadership role in identification, investigation, and working toward solutions for current societal issues.
- • The College of Business (COB) offers 4 master’s degrees and 2 graduate certificates in disciplines including accounting, business analytics, and business administration. All programs are fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
- • The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) offers 5 master’s degrees in education and psychology and counseling disciplines, a School Psychology Educational Specialist degree, doctoral degrees in Interdisciplinary Leadership and Counselor Education and Supervision, and 11 graduate certificates. Graduate programs in School Counseling, School Psychology, and Educational Administration (Principal Leadership at master’s level and Superintendent in the Ed.D. for Interdisciplinary Leadership) are fully approved by the Illinois State Board of Education to offer related Illinois licenses.
- • The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) offers 7 master’s degrees, 3 doctoral degrees (Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, and Doctor of Physical Therapy), and 3 graduate certificates. All programs provide extensive field experiences and exposure to, or participation in, research and service activities through a large network of hospitals, medical centers, ambulatory-care facilities, long-term care facilities, private practices, schools, and social services agencies in the northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana region.
View GovState Graduate Programs
Financial Aid, Funding Opportunities
The College of Graduate Studies and the Financial Aid Office will help you to find and apply for funding that works for you. The most common types of funding for graduate students are federal student loans, scholarships, and graduate assistantships. Graduate assistantships can be found on Jobs for Jaguars.
Learn more
Contact Graduate Admissions and Retention
For any questions regarding the admissions process or specific program information, please email Jason Vignone, Director of Graduate Admissions and Retention.
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Student Stories
“I was always passionate about the intersection of healthcare and technology, and I wanted my work to have a meaningful impact on patient care and healthcare systems. As I searched for universities that aligned with my vision, I discovered Governors State University, a place known for its strong focus on health informatics. GSU’s collaborative environment and ongoing projects in healthcare technology immediately stood out to me. My experience here has been transformative; the supportive community and enriching academic environment have provided me with countless opportunities to gain experience both personally and professionally.
Serving as the student representative for the College of Health and Human Services in the Student Senate has allowed me to advocate for my peers and contribute to campus-wide initiatives that support student success. Through my role as a Graduate Assistant and by contributing to impactful projects at GSU, I have been able to apply my learning in real-world settings. The university's commitment to innovation and community impact has made it the perfect place to pursue my goals and contribute to ventures that make a difference.”
— Zuha Sha, Graduate student in College of Health and Human Services (Master of Science in Health Informatics)
“Choosing Governors State University to pursue my business degree was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From day one, GSU welcomed me into a supportive, innovative environment that has not only prepared me academically but also fostered my growth as a leader. Serving as a Board of Trustees (Student Senate representative) and leading the GovState Indian Student Club have allowed me to grow as a student and a leader within our diverse campus community. These roles have taught me invaluable lessons about collaboration, cultural understanding, and the importance of giving back to our community.
GSU has been the ideal environment to achieve my goals, and I am grateful for the impactful experience it has given me. It’s a place where students are encouraged to lead, innovate, and impact the world around them. I am proud to be part of this dynamic community and look forward to making a difference, both on and off campus.”
— Harish Rayalapati, Graduate student in College of Business (Master of Science in Business Analytics)
“My time at Governors State University has been truly transformative. Coming from India with experience in the software industry, I was both excited and a bit anxious about stepping into a new academic environment. However, from the moment I arrived, the warm support of professors and the collaborative spirit of my peers made me feel at home.
The fellowship I received has been an incredible opportunity, allowing me to dive into meaningful research and actively contribute to campus life. GSU’s approach to teaching has been thorough and engaging, with professors guiding me every step of the way. Through various projects and classroom discussions, I’ve gained hands-on experience and honed my technical skills.I am deeply grateful to be part of such a supportive and dynamic community. My journey here has prepared me not just for the fast-paced tech world but also for making a meaningful impact on society, both on and beyond the campus.”
— Muneeza Sultana, Graduate Student in the College of Arts and Sciences (Master of Science in Computer Science)