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Carthage College is a private, four year college of the liberal arts and sciences located in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Though affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Carthage College welcomes students of all faiths, religions, and walks of life. Carthage College was established in Hillsboro, Illinois by Lutheran pioneers in 1847 as The Literary and Theological Institute of the Lutheran Church in the Far West. This name was quickly shorted to Hillsboro College. In 1852 the institution moved to Springfield, Illinois and adopted the new name of Illinois State University. During this period of the school’s history, future president Abraham Lincoln briefly served on the Board of Trustees from 1860 until 1861. In 1870, following the Civil War, the college moved again, this time Carthage, Illinois where the school was given its current name. It was not until 1957 that the school’s campus in Kenosha, Wisconsin was opened.
Academic Programs
Carthage College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and has been so since 1916. The College’s mission is simple and straight forward and serves as the school’s motto: “Seeking Truth, Building Strength, Inspiring Service – Together.” Carthage College offers majors, minors and concentrations in more than 50 areas of study, including biology, finance, international political economy, education, theatre, neuroscience and more. Strong emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary study as well as undergraduate research, hands-on learning, individual attention, and lively discussions and debate in the classroom.At the undergraduate level, Carthage College offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in more than 40 subject areas as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. A Master of Education degree is also offered and Carthage College is host to Loyola University Chicago’s Master of Social Work graduate degree program. Carthage College ranks very high in the nation among baccalaureate institutions for its student participation in short-term study abroad. Many students who would not otherwise be able to do so participate in Carthage College’s faculty-led tours during the College’s January Term. Countries visited include Germany, Sweden, Cuba, China, and Nicaragua.
Student Life
Carthage College has a total enrollment figure of nearly 3,000 – the vast majority of which are undergraduate students. 70% of Carthage College’s students live on campus and on-campus housing is guaranteed for all four years. Located in Kenosha, a vibrant area full of art galleries, museums, theatres, shopping, and restaurants, Carthage College sits on a beautiful 80 acre arboretum on the shores of Lake Michigan. Breathtaking views of Lake Michigan can be seen from nearly every building on campus, including the College’s residence halls. Carthage College’s campus is situated midway between Chicago and Milwaukee, providing easy access to both major metropolitan areas where students can find an abundance of opportunities for real-world experiences.More than 120 student organizations exist at Carthage College, catering to a wide range of interests and passions. The campus is always abuzz with activities and events, such as plays, lectures, movies, visiting performers, or 5K runs. An NCAA Division III school, Carthage College boasts at least two dozen athletic teams which compete in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. Approximately one-third of students participate in Carthage College’s varsity intercollegiate athletics, while another third remain active in the many intramural and club sports offered.