UIC Majors with Unique Jobs

Ever wondered about the unique majors on campus? After four years as a UIC student, I’m still amazed at the variety of degrees available and what can be done with them. Here are some majors you may or may not know about, interesting classes within the major, and a unique job to consider!

Bachelor of Art in Human Development and Learning
This major allows students to explore how people develop cognitively and understand new information. Students learn theory and conduct research on learning and processing information in educational environments. If you are interested in teaching or helping your community, a B.A. in Human Development and Learning might be for you.

Interesting classes:
EPSY 210 – Principles of Learning and Instruction Across the Lifespan focuses on how people learn, and ways of structuring class instruction to fit any environment or population.

ED 258 – Language Development and Learning in a Diverse Society looks at the impact of language on the way people learn in a diverse setting.

Unique job:
Speech-language pathologist
Speech pathologists can work in many environments including schools, the military, hospitals, and community centers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for speech pathologists is expected to grow 21% which is much faster than the national average of 5%.

Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies
Classical studies can cover languages, literatures, material culture, and history of the ancient world. You can learn Arabic, Modern Greek, or Latin. According to UIC Admissions, “the field of Classics and Mediterranean Studies encompasses the cultures of Ancient and Modern Greece, Rome, and the Arab world - their languages, literatures, histories, philosophies, religions, arts, and archaeology.” All major work is completed in the first two years and the last two years are spent completing gen-eds and electives.

Interesting class:
CL 103 – Intro to Classical and Mediterranean Archaeology. Look at excavations from Ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, and the Near East. Additional classes are location specific.

Unique job:
Archaeologist
Digging up bones and cool artifacts like Indiana Jones or Laura Croft is something I’m sure many of us have dreamed about as kids. Archaeologists have technology to help them identify objects before they begin digging. Your job might be in the field, in a lab, or even with government. The archaeology industry is expected to grow 6% in the next 10 years.

Bachelor of Science in Human Information Management (HIM)
Combine your passion for information technology (IT) and healthcare administration. Learn how to code, process, and protect patient information. The program also prepares students for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam.

Interesting classes:
HIM 329 - Legal Aspects of Health Info Management. With HIPPA and patient privacy being a growing concern, this class explores health records privacy laws, confidentiality, and ethics.

HIM 319 – Alternative Health Records. Whether you work in a big or small hospital, a clinic, or even a pop-up healthcare setting, one has to know the potential systems being used. Expand your skills and knowledge as a HIM graduate!

Unique job:
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars
Want to work in the healthcare industry, but not as a doctor or nurse? This job is perfect for tech savvy individuals in the healthcare industry. The job is projected to grow by 17% in the next 10 years, more than 3x the national average.

Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Education in the Arts
Many jobs require some creative ability. Interdisciplinary Education in the Arts combines traditional art with new technology. From “visual arts, design, architecture, theater, music, exhibition studies, and the history and theory of the arts,” students will learn many different art mediums. Seniors choose a capstone project that brings everything together in a medium of your choice.

Interesting classes:
DES 430/431 – Interdisciplinary Product Development I/II. This year-long class will let you work with other students in different majors to create an innovative product for real life sponsors!

IDEA 130 – Intro to Game Studies: Play and Praxis centers around game creation, its history, and the impact on culture, society, and technology. If you are interested in designing games, this unique course is for you.

Unique job:
Curator
This job exists in music, fashion, art, and more. For instance, a music curator is in charge of selecting artists for a show. A fashion curator may help come up with the next collection to influence consumers. This job is projected to grow 12% in the next decade.

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
I think this is the coolest major on campus. You can customize your own course work! Some common liberal studies programs include Marketing and Human Behavior, Sustainability Studies, Philosophy and Religion, and more. While you are not able to apply to UIC as a Liberal studies major, you can do so once you are admitted.

Unique job:
Urban planner
Ever wonder about city construction or what the people with the surveying tripods do? I certainly have! The people behind how our city is built are urban planners. They examine landscapes to construct or renovate areas and upgrade the city. This job is expected to grow 4%.

---

What truly makes a major unique is when you find one that aligns with and enriches your interests. Talk to admissions, your advisors, and other people in your community to find your best fit. Contact specific colleges to learn more about the majors in their area. For additional ideas, check out our blog on How to Choose a Major!