Indiana University Bloomington
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Majors and Career Preparation

Choosing a Major

Whether you have an area of study in mind or you want to take time to explore, you'll have many choices in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Exploring Options

Can't decide on a major? The best ways to do that are to visit the advisors in the departments which interest you and to sample some of their courses. Most of these courses will also count as general education requirements for your degree. Also, check out the Arts and Sciences Career Services to see about careers in various majors and determine what areas are best suited for your strengths and interests. There's great value in exploring - both in terms of completing your degree and in terms of finding a career that is really right for you. If you still can't decide, you can declare "Exploratory" as a temporary major while you investigate opportunities.

Expanding Your Education

The College offers a number of opportunities such as the Liberal Arts and Management Program, which allows you to combine business study with arts and sciences courses, and the IU STARS program for outstanding science students. In addition, you can pursue an internship in your area of study or choose to study abroad through IU's Overseas Study Program.

Preparing for a Career

Whatever career choice you’re considering, you’ll find that an arts and sciences degree provides you the communication, analytical, and quantitative skills necessary for success. Academic programs in the College are excellent preparation for positions in both the public and private sectors, as well as for graduate study or medical or law school. You’ll also find internship opportunities as you pursue your degree. And when you’re ready to graduate, the Arts and Sciences Career Services can help you in your job search or plans for advanced study.

 
Jeremy Brown
   Senior, Indianapolis, IN
   Biology major and
   IU STARS student
Jeremy Brown "There are so many academic opportunities at IU. I was able to study in Australia my junior year, with my credits transferring back to the College. I also gained independent research experiences in the biology department through the IU STARS Program. I’ve studied with world-renowned faculty, and I’ve had the opportunity to co-author a paper that was recently published in the research journal, Science."