Start your Engines! MAPPING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE MAJORS

Transcription

1 Start your Engines! MAPPING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE MAJORS Read the descriptions of each major to find out whether the major is really a good match for your interests, abilities, values, personality, and motivations. Try not to let the names of the majors influence you; you might miss a great choice. Check those that could be a match for you. Then, look in the IU catalog for the majors of most interest to you. Pay special attention to the required courses in each major and ask yourself these questions: Does the major require many science and math courses? Does the major require a special talent, like music or art? Do you have that talent? Is a foreign language required? If so, how much? Is a lot of writing involved in the required courses? Do the required courses sound interesting to you? Challenging but manageable? Too difficult? Boring? Are there multiple options in the major? If so, how are the options different? Are there different degrees (B.A., B.S., etc.) available in the major? If so, how are the degrees different? Is the major a realistic one for you? As you consider your answers to the questions for each major, cross off the majors that no longer interest you. Highlight those that you definitely want to learn more about. Keep in mind that you may also be able to combine courses from two or more majors through minors and double-majors.

2 ACCOUNTING The field of accounting can be "numbers oriented. But it s broader than that. Typical career areas are in public accounting and corporate accounting, and much of that involves work with people (especially auditing) and problem-solving. ALLIED HEALTH Healthcare services is one of the nation s largest employers that means that Allied Health majors will always be in need! Many of the Allied Health majors require students to attend their last year or two at either Thomas Jefferson University or Lancaster General College of Nursing and Health Sciences. IU offers seven areas of specialization in the Allied Health fields: Bioscience Technologies (laboratory science, practice, and research as it relates to diagnostics tests to treat and prevent disease) Cadiovascular Invasive Specialty (works with health care team on issues relating to the heart and heart disease) Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Radiography dealing with different types of images used in health care such as x-ray, ultrasound, CAT scans) Medical Laboratory Science (scientists perform tests to diagnose and treat disease) Nuclear Medicine Technology (perform imaging procedures that utilize certain pharmaceuticals that emit radiology to help physicians diagnose and treat illness) Radiologic Science (students learn about medical imaging and methods of interpretation) Surgical Technology (critical part of the surgical team that prepares operating rooms, prepares patients for procedures in hospitals and outpatient treatment centers) Athletic Training Interested in physical activity and healthcare? In Athletic Training, students learn to prevent, diagnose and treat injuries in physically active individuals. Students take classes in kinesiology, emergency response, exercise assessment and programming. In a growing industry, Athletic Trainers find employment in a variety of settings such as schools, colleges, hospitals, doctor s offices, and fitness and recreation centers.

3 BIOLOGY Students who major in Biology are required to take at least 39 credits in biology as well as courses in chemistry, math, physics, and psychology. Although many biology majors are working toward admission to medical, dental, veterinary, or occupational therapy schools, the biology major can also lead to teaching licensure and field work in such areas as environmental science and laboratory testing. The major can also be combined with Secondary Education Certification. BIOLOGY CHEMISTRY Students can double major in Biology and Chemistry. If you re thinking of going to medical school or veterinary school, this major is the good choice for you! It satisfies all pre-medicine and pre-veterinary requirements for graduate school. BIOLOGY - PSYCHOLOGY Students majoring in Biology-Psychology take classes across many disciplines math, chemistry, biology, and psychology. Some career fields in psychology require a strong foundation in biology and the sciences, such as health psychologist, physiological psychologist, animal behaviorist, substance abuse counseling, nursing, fisheries biology, environmental law just to name a few! BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Business Administration majors take classes that cover a broad range of subjects: economics, marketing, finance, math, accounting, psychology, and communication. It is a field that requires effective communication and problem solving skills as well as managerial/people skills. This preparation can lead to careers such as a business analyst, sales manager, customer service representation, or human resource specialist. The major can also be combined with Business, Computers and Information Technology with K-12 Teacher Certification. CHEMISTRY The Chemistry program emphasizes laboratory-based instruction. Areas of study include physical, organic, inorganic, analytical, and biochemistry. Careers for Chemistry majors include science industry, government research, graduate school, or medical school. The major can be combined with Secondary Education Certification as well as a minor in Information Technology or Business.

4 COMMUNICATION Students who major in Communication choose one of three tracks for study: Digital Communication, Organizational Communication, and Public Relations and Journalism. This field can be applied in a wide range of work environments. It is especially important to focus on a particular area and to gain experience through internships. Digital Communication majors utilize their knowledge of communication, business and computer science in their work and find jobs creating web sites, advertising, brand marketing to name a few. Organizational Communication professionals are employed by a wide range of industries from government/nonprofit to large corporations to independent consulting companies and their main focus is communication issues and problem solving for business. Public Relations (PR) professionals and journalists work for magazines, newspapers, and even independent PR firms. They may also get involved in marketing or broadcast writing/production. CRIMINOLOGY Criminology is a multidisciplinary program that integrates study from the fields of sociology, criminology, and psychology. Criminology majors study the causes and consequences of crime, and society s options for dealing with crime. Graduates pursue work in a wide range of law enforcement, crime prevention and social services. EDUCATION The main options for majors in education are: PreK Grade 4 Certification PreK Grade 4 Certification/Special Education Grades 4-8 Certification (choose concentration in either English, Math, Science or Social Studies) The education program includes a substantial experiential component: field experience during sophomore and junior year, and student teaching during senior year. Students who complete the major are prepared to teach at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels.

5 ENGLISH Immaculata s English program emphasizes literature and writing. Because good writing skills are in demand in virtually every organization, a wide range of careers is possible. During college, students should pursue internships related to their specific areas of interest in order to gain relevant experience. The English major can also be combined with Secondary Education Certification. EXERCISE SCIENCE: Movement Science Thinking about a health related profession but not interested in being a nurse or a doctor? Movement Science might be a good fit! Students take classes to understand how the body moves, current trends and issues in sports and fitness and how to teach fitness and wellness. We see these professionals in the following types of jobs: health and fitness, corporate fitness expert, personal trainer, or laboratory technician. EXERCISE SCIENCE: Pre-Occupational Therapy Occupational therapists work with patients, whose ability to function may have been compromised, to maintain daily living or working skills. Students take classes from many departments on campus: biology, math, exercise science, foods and nutrition, psychology and sociology. Many students go on to graduate school. EXERCISE SCIENCE: Pre-Physical Therapy There are two tracks in pre-physical therapy: one leading to a bachelor s degree and one leading to a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree at Thomas Jefferson University. Both require coursework in biology, physics, math, chemistry, psychology, and foods and nutrition. Physical Therapists work with individuals recovering from injuries to relieve pain or restore movement. EXERCISE SCIENCE: Sport Management Exercise science is a major with specific emphasis on applications to fitness and health. This is a good fit for students who are passionate about their own physical fitness and health. Some typical careers for this major are: recreation program director, athletic sales representative, health and fitness club director, strength coach, and personal trainer.

6 FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES N-12 Students in this major learn about the relationship among individuals, families, child development, and nutrition and food preparation. The official name of the major is Family and Consumer Sciences Education (N-12) leading to teaching certification. FASHION MERCHANDISING Fashion merchandising majors not only learn about fashion and technical skills required for the industry they also learn about business concepts needed to be successful in the retail industry. The job market includes retail and wholesale sales. Many students in the major combine their studies with a minor such as Buying, Communication, Entrepreneurship, Graphic Arts for Fashion, Marketing, Product Development, Public Relations/Journalism, Visual Merchandising. FINANCE This major prepares students to apply principles of economics and financial analysis. The job markets for this major include financial institutions (banks, insurance companies and mutual funds), corporate finance, brokerage and financial consulting firms, and government agencies. FOREIGN LANGUAGES: FRENCH OR SPANISH Students in both majors take courses in language, literature, and culture for their specific language. These majors can also be combined with Secondary Education Certification leading to jobs as language teachers in high schools. Study abroad can be a wonderful complement to these majors! GENERAL SCIENCE The General Science major works well for students interested in a wide variety of science-oriented careers requiring a strong foundation in biology or continuing on to graduate school in the sciences or health professions. The General Science major can also be combined with Secondary Education Certification for those who would like to become high school science teachers.

7 Math INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Students who major in information technology learn about web design, networking, and integrating systems into an organization. Information Technology graduates are employed in many different types of organizations and settings from corporate to government to non-profit organizations to independent consulting firms. GLOBAL STUDIES with MINOR in INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS For students interested in business with a multinational perspective certainly useful in today s world! Students take classes in economics, accounting, business, computer science, political science, marketing, and theology. Students also choose a language to focus on for the major: either Spanish or French. HISTORY Many career options exist for students who graduate with a major in history, and this is guided by the student s specific interests. Still, there are some focused options. If you want to enter a specific career with a history major (e.g., historic preservation or museum studies), it is important to obtain internship experience prior to graduation. Students can also combine the major with Secondary Education Certification in Social Studies if they intend to teach. Many students go on to graduate school or law school. MATHEMATICS Math majors should enjoy understanding complex systems and exploring theory. Some career possibilities include actuarial science (focusing on probability), statistics, research, information systems and engineering. Students can also combine the major with Secondary Education Certification if they are interested in teaching. Many students also go on to graduate school. MATH COMPUTER SCIENCE The Computer Science major courses address a range of topics with the goal of exposing students to the important issues in software (including software design) and hardware. Students are prepared for immediate employment and for the rapidly changing nature of this field. They are also prepared for entry into graduate programs.

8 MARKETING MANAGEMENT Marketing is often considered to be the creative side of business, but it is broader than that. The purpose of marketing is to create something customers will want and to communicate why they should want it. This includes sales, market research, brand management, advertising and customer service. MUSIC Students may pursue the Bachelor of Arts degree in music. Participation in large and small ensembles is required. By the end of senior year, students must complete and pass a Piano Proficiency Exam. MUSIC PERFORMANCE Students majoring in performance choose a focus area: vocal or instrumental. Participation in large and small ensembles is required. By the end of senior year, students must complete and pass a Piano Proficiency Exam. MUSIC EDUCATION Majors in music education must pass proficiency exams in piano, voice, and guitar before student teaching begins. Participation in large and small ensembles is also required. MUSIC THERAPY A music therapist explores individuals psychological processes and communications through musical expressions. Upon completing the program, students are prepared to work in varied clinical settings with all ages (children through senior adults). Training includes musical, clinical, and theoretical components of music therapy. Participation in large and small ensembles is also required. In addition to piano proficiency, students must also pass guitar proficiency to graduate. NURSING The Nursing program is taught through a variety of settings: classroom work, laboratory, and clinical settings. Students take courses from many different departments on campus including english, sociology, psychology, biology, chemistry, and nutrition. Students receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree when they complete the program.

9 NUTRITION Interested in the role that nutrition plays in our lives and healthy living? Take a look at the Nutrition program. When students complete the program and receive a B- or better in all their nutrition classes, they receive a Verification of Completion on the Didactic Program in Dietetics which is required to apply for a dietetic internship or to be eligible to take the exam to be a Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR). POLITICAL SCIENCE/INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Political Science majors study such areas as political theory, government, and international relations. The major can lead to a variety of careers, including those in city, state, or federal government or graduate study. PSYCHOLOGY Students learn concepts relating to the principles and theories of behavior, and understand the scientific approach to the study of behavior. The program is designed to prepare students for graduate study. Most professional specialties (counselor, therapist) require a Master s or Ph.D., but psychology majors obtain valuable skills at the Bachelor s level that are useful in a wide range of careers. SOCIAL WORK This program includes courses in sociology, psychology, and economics. Some examples of career fields include psychiatric hospitals, child welfare agencies, teen pregnancy clinics, and legal aid programs. SOCIOLOGY Students study the society they live in and how it relates to the world. They examine questions about such issues as population growth, change in the family institution, survival needs for the poor and homeless, and justice for victims of crime. Employment options are in the social services field, law enforcement, or crime prevention. Graduate study is also an option.

10 SPANISH-PSYCHOLOGY This major is for students who are interested in combining a fluency in Spanish with training in mental health in order to serve Spanish speaking people. The job market includes careers in non-profit organizations, counseling centers, or government agencies. Graduate school might be required for certain jobs. SPANISH-SOCIAL WORK This program includes courses in sociology, psychology, and economics. Some examples of career fields include psychiatric hospitals, child welfare agencies, teen pregnancy clinics, and legal aid programs. The major is designed to prepare students as social workers in the Spanish speaking community. THEOLOGY A minimum of 33 Theology credits are required for the major. Theology graduates pursue careers working directly in churches or other religious organizations as an administrator, publishing or writing for religious magazines/newspapers, or even creating religious education materials. For more information, review the Major Maps available through the academic departments. Current students log in to Moodle for Major Maps and activities.