3+1 Undergraduate Program
Entering your field with hands-on experience gives you a distinct advantage. Microscopy majors at North Central College and Concordia University Chicago study for three years at their home university or college to gain a solid liberal arts education and the required degree prerequisites in general, organic, and analytical chemistry, biology, instrumental analysis, calculus, and physics.
During the fourth year of study, students work alongside expert faculty at the Hooke College of Applied Sciences and industry professionals learning techniques and applications of state-of-the-art microscopes and instruments. Students graduate with a bachelor’s degree in either Applied Microscopy or Chemical Microscopy, giving them the education and experience needed to pursue a career in materials sciences, forensic sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, environmental science, government and military fields, among others. Entering the job market with real-world experience gives our graduates a distinct advantage over traditional science majors.
What to Expect
- Hands-on experience using state-of-the-art microscopes and techniques
- Learn to apply the necessary skills and analytical judgment to a wide variety of microanalytical problems including: pharmaceutical contamination, forensic trace evidence, white powder identification, failure analysis of plastics and polymers, and cleanroom techniques including particle isolation and specialized sample preparation
- Immersion with industry professionals attending the same professional development courses
- Working with real-world samples
- Learn how light and electron microscopy along with infrared and Raman spectroscopy can be used to solve a wide variety of materials analysis and particle identification problems
- Gain a competitive edge over other recent college graduates
Microscopy Majors at North Central College and Concordia University Chicago
North Central College Chemical Microscopy Major
Start your career on solid footing in fields as diverse as forensic, pharmaceutical, and environmental sciences with a degree in Chemical Microscopy. This unique qualification combines American Chemical Society-accredited curriculum at North Central College (NCC), Naperville, IL, with practical instruction by materials sciences industry experts at Hooke College of Applied Sciences.
Concordia University Chicago Applied Microscopy Major
A major or minor in Applied Microscopy provides exciting new career opportunities for today’s students. Microscopy degrees are in demand for areas such as homeland security, criminalistics, food contamination, coating and packaging and polymer research and development. Learn the latest skills and techiques from the world leaders in microscopy while earning a degree in microscopy.
The Program
All Chemical Microscopy and Applied Microscopy majors complete their fourth year at Hooke College of Applied Sciences, attending one-week intensive courses followed by a week-long practicum project that reinforces all of the skills learned in class.
- Modern Polarized Light Microscopy
- Scanning Electron Microscopy
- Sample Preparation Techniques
- Infrared Microscopy
- Raman Microspectroscopy
- Digital Photomicrography
- Optical Crystallography
- Advanced Scanning Electron Microscope
- Four Electives
Applicants must apply for admission into the program through North Central College or Concordia University Chicago.
Concordia University Chicago Applied Microscopy Minor
Concordia University offers students the opportunity to earn a minor in Applied Microscopy.
The Program
All Microscopy minors complete one semester at Hooke College of Applied Sciences (18 credit hours) taking one-week intensive courses and completing a week-long practicum that reinforces all of the skills learned in class.
Courses include:
- Modern Polarized Light Microscopy
- Scanning Electron Microscopy
- Sample Preparation Techniques
- Infrared Microscopy
- Raman Microspectroscopy
ACCA Courses
The Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area (ACCA) is a consortium of 15 private liberal arts universities and colleges. ACCA’s primary objective is to promote collegiate education through cooperative arrangements between the member colleges and universities and other educational and research institutions in the use of staff and facilities. Learn more about ACCA.
The Program
Through a cooperative agreement, students of member colleges and universities attend one-week intensive courses and receive credit at their home institution. Students learn how to apply the necessary skills and analytical judgment to a wide variety of microanalytical problems including: pharmaceutical contamination, forensic trace evidence, white powder identification, failure analysis of plastics and other polymers, and cleanroom techniques including particle isolation and specialized sample preparation. ACCA courses include polarized light microscopy, electron microscopy, infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Students learn how each of these microanalytical tools can be used to solve a wide variety of materials analysis and particle identification problems—skills sought in today’s job market.
ACCA Courses Available
- Modern Polarized Light Microscopy
- Scanning Electron Microscopy
- Sample Preparation Techniques
- Infrared Microscopy
- Raman Microspectroscopy
Why ACCA Students Should Take These Courses
- One-week intensive courses to receive two credits at your home college or university
- Hands-on experience using state-of-the-art microscopes and techniques
- Professional networking opportunities—students are commingled with industry professionals attending the same professional development courses
- With real-world training, students gain a competitive edge over other recent college graduates in today’s job market
ACCA Institutions
- Aurora University
- Benedictine University
- Concordia University Chicago
- Dominican University
- Elmhurst College
- Judson University
- Lewis University
- North Central College
- North Park University
- Olivet Nazarene University
- Saint Xavier University
- Trinity Christian College
- Trinity International University
- University of Saint Francis
- Wheaton College