Category Archives: Majors

Career Exploration, Majors, Plan B, Student Organizations, Web Resources

Careers for Biology Majors

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We know that pre-healthcare students flock to the Biology major, but what career options exist for students who are fascinated with life science and do not want to work in the healthcare field?  Too often, I hear the remark made, “All you can do with a biology degree is teach.”  Teaching is a noble and worthy profession, but aside from that, prospective and current biology majors should investigate the wide variety of options available to them post-graduation.  Here are some places to begin your research:

Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta)– an organization for Baylor students who are interested in biology

Career Resources on the Department of Biology website

Biological Sciences WebLinks from Northern Illinois University Career Services

Majors

Child and Family Studies Major

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Students who are fascinated with human development and family relationships might find a home in the Child and Family Studies major.  The program offers students opportunities to gain insight into healthy development and what factors can impede healthy development.  What happens to us in childhood can have lasting effects on how we handle relationships and life situations as adults.  By learning about these processes, Child and Family Studies majors can learn about ways to have a positive impact on others.

The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences keeps track of the types of positions that students accept after graduation, as well as where they are employed.  This includes information for Child and Family Studies majors.  Click here for more career opportunities.

Reading course descriptions might help you to evaluate if this is a major you would enjoy.  If you like working with children, you will probably be excited to hear that some of the classes involve observation at a child development center.  If you like learning about people and working with people, this just might be the major for you!

Click here for our Child and Family Studies podcast.

Creativity, Majors

Majors for Creative Types

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Maybe you march to beat of your own drummer.  Maybe you notice yourself spending more time on your creative hobbies than your homework.  Maybe you know you get bored with the same old routine.  Any of these reasons might be cause for exploring a major that allows you to practice and refine your creative talents.  Here are some ideas to consider: 

Fine Arts and Applied Art Majors

Let’s start with the obvious.  Fine arts majors offer very direct ways of honing your craft, whether it involves visual art, music, or theatre.  Related majors at Baylor include:

  • Apparel Design and Product Development
  • Apparel Merchandising
  • Interior Design
  • Art History
  • Studio Art
  • Music
  • Theatre

Communication and Creative Business Majors

Many students have a gift for written expression.  Others are able to apply creative business strategies to help increase profit for an organization or use their business savvy for an employer in the arts and entertainment industry.  Here are some related majors to consider:

  • Communication Specialist
  • Film and Digital Media
  • Communication Studies
  • English
  • Professional Writing
  • Journalism
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Marketing
  • Media Business

Majors for Innovators

Some creative problem solvers might not describe themselves as creative in the artistic sense of the word.  However, the mind for approaching dilemmas from new and varied perspectives is definitely a creative asset.  Though this type of thinking can apply in any industry, it is often found in those with interests in some of the following areas:

  • Science majors
  • Engineering majors

It is important to remember that each of us is equipped with creative potential, and any discipline has opportunities to explore and develop.  Take a look at the list of Baylor majors.  What ignites a creative spark in you?

Majors, Minors

Majors for Physics Enthusiasts

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Did you know that the Department of Physics at Baylor offers a wide array of options for undergraduate students?  With majors, secondary majors, and minors available in physics, astronomy, and astrophysics, students can select academic plans with their specific career goals in mind.  For ideas on possible career pursuits with a background in physics, check out the following websites:

Office of Career and Professional Development

Job Prospects for Physicists (American Physical Society)

Business, Majors, Occupations

Financial Planning Major

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Are you interested in helping clients build up a nest egg?  If so, the Financial Planning major might be a great fit for you.  The program is offered as a major on the Bachelor of Business Administration degree plan, and it provides the educational requirements for students who want to sit for the Certified Financial Planner exam.  More information on some of the careers related to this major can be found on the Occupational Outlook Handbook website (links below).

Personal Financial Advisors

Insurance Sales Agents

Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

Campus Resources, Majors, Web Resources

Majors in Arts and Sciences

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The College of Arts and Sciences houses more academic majors than any other school at Baylor University.  Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of Science degree have numerous options, and the College has a fantastic online resource for obtaining more information on each of their programs.  Students who visit the Majors in Arts and Sciences website will find sections on major descriptions, sample classes, and career possibilities.  For a quick comparison of your options, this site is excellent.

Business, Government, Majors, Occupations, Web Resources

Career Spotlight: Accountant

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Known for its good salaries and stability, the field of accounting seems to be more popular than ever.  Accountants are responsible for preparing financial statements, handling tax payments, and being able to explain their work.  This means that their work requires much precision and attention to detail.  Accountants also need to be able to communicate effectively in person and in writing.  Baylor University offers three ways for an undergraduate student to complete an accounting major:

1) Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting

2) Five-Year Joint Degree Program:  Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting/Master of Accountancy

3)Five-Year Joint Degree Program: Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting/Master of Taxation

Interested students can visit the Baylor Business website for more information on these programs.  For more information on accounting careers, the following links may be helpful:

Accountants and Auditors (Occupational Outlook Handbook)

This Way to CPA (AICPA)

 

Majors

Political Science Major

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Political Science has long been a popular major for pre-law students and budding politicians.  Did you know that a background in political science can lead to a diverse array of career paths, even outside of politics and law?  The following websites can give you more information on career possibilities with a Political Science major.

What Can I Do with a Major In? (University of North Carolina Wilmington)

Major WebLinks (Northern Illinois University)

Additional information about the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science can be found online, including information on the Pre-Law Track.  The Department of Political Science also helps students connect to internships, as well as other beneficial experiences, such as Moot Court, Model United Nations, and research.

Majors

Pathways to Teacher Certification

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Future educators, and those exploring teaching as a career possibility, have numerous pathways at Baylor for preparing for teacher certification.  Here are some options to consider:

Family and Consumer Sciences: Teacher Certification (Major)

Music Education (Major)

  • Vocal/Keyboard
  • String
  • Wind/Percussion

Business for Secondary Education (Major)

Elementary Education (Major)

  • English as a Second Language (Supplemental Certificate)
  • Gifted and Talented (Supplemental Certificate)
  • Special Education (Supplemental Certificate)

Middle Grades English, Language Arts, and Reading (Major)

Middle Grades Mathematics (Major)

Middle Grades Science (Major)

Middle Grades Social Studies (Major)

Secondary English, Language Arts, and Reading (Major)

Secondary Life Science (Major)

Secondary Mathematics (Major)

Secondary Physical Science (Major)

Secondary Social Studies (Major)

All-Level Physical Education (Major)

All-Level Special Education (Major)

All-Level Spanish (Major)

Health Science Studies- Secondary Science Education (Major)

Communication Sciences and Disorders-Deaf Education Track (Major)

Biology Major with Science Education Minor

Mathematics Major with an Education Minor

Most of the programs listed above have courses that follow a sequence, so the earlier you declare one of these majors, the better your chances of graduating on time.  For those who discover later in the college career (or even after college) that they want to pursue teaching, a postbaccalaureate program is available.  Visit the Strickland Scholars web page for more information on this program.

Questions about any of these major?  Contact an academic advisor or career counselor.