Direct Paths to Education
Inspire the next generation. From classroom teaching to systemic policy work, prepare for leadership roles in schools, nonprofits, or government agencies. Explore Direct Paths below, search Indirect Paths, or view the full Career Paths directory.
Key
M = Minor available, which is an optional specialization alongside your major
✦ = Accelerated program available
* = A career path that often requires extra schooling or certification beyond a Bachelor's degree (e.g., law, medicine, education)
Anthropology (M)
Anthropology leads to careers in educational policy, program development, or institutional research.
Career Paths: Cultural resource manager, international development worker, public health educator, social science researcher
Discover all majors in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.
Black Study
Black Study takes a global, interdisciplinary look at the history, culture, and politics of the African diaspora.
Career Paths: Academic advisor, college professor*, curriculum developer, education policy analyst*, K–12 teacher*, school administrator*
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Creative Writing (M)
Creative Writing is a strong choice for teaching English, literature, or writing.
Career Paths: Copywriter, editor, marketing coordinator, publishing assistant, teacher/professor*, screenwriter, technical writer, UX writer
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Earth and Planetary Sciences (M)
Earth and Planetary Sciences is well suited for teaching earth sciences or managing related programs.
Career Paths: Curriculum developer, educational program manager, museum/science center educator, outreach coordinator, researcher, teacher/professor*
Check out other majors in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
Education, Society, and Human Development (✦)
Education, Society, and Human Development opens the door for teaching, educational research, or administration.
Options: Choose the 4-year Bachelor's degree or the 4-year accelerated program to earn both a Bachelor's degree and a Teaching Credential (the state-issued license required to teach in public schools). Once admitted, customize your major with one of two concentrations:
- Education for Social Justice Concentration
- Learning and Behavioral Studies Concentration
Career Paths: Education administrator, education policy administrator, school counselor, special education professional, speech pathologist, teacher/professor*
See success resources in the School of Education.
English (M)
English works well for teaching English and literature with diverse perspectives.
Career Paths: Curriculum developer, educational content writer, literacy coach, literary arts program coordinator, teacher/professor*, youth writing program director
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Environmental Sciences (M)
Environmental Sciences integrates physical, biological, and mathematical sciences to study the environment and solve ecological problems.
Career Paths: Curriculum developer, field education instructor, nature center environmental educator, public health educator, STEM education specialist, teacher/professor*
Check out other majors in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
Ethnic Studies
Ethnic Studies opens doors to careers in education policy, curriculum, and student support.
Choose from: African American Studies (M), Asian American Studies (M), Chicano Studies (M), Ethnic Studies (M), Native American Studies (M)
Career Paths: Academic advisor, culturally responsive curriculum developer, multicultural education specialist, teacher/professor*, youth program director
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Gender and Sexuality Studies (M)
Gender and Sexuality Studies applies to careers in teaching, counseling, nonprofit leadership, and social research.
Career Paths: Domestic violence program advocate, outreach coordinator, social worker*, Title IX coordinator
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Global Studies (M)
Global Studies is a gateway for careers in global education initiatives.
Career Paths: Foreign service officer*, human rights advocate, intelligence journalist/correspondent
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History (M)
History explores how societal changes shape the future.
Career Paths: Academic advisor, curriculum developer, education administrator*, historic preservation educator, museum educator, public historian, teacher/professor*, tutoring center coordinator
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History/Administrative Studies
History/Administrative Studies is a strong choice for teaching history or social studies at various levels.
Career Paths: Archivist, corporate communications specialist, education administrator, grant writer, historical consultant, teacher/professor*
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Languages and Literatures
Languages and Literatures prepares for teaching languages, literatures, and linguistics at multiple levels.
Choose from: Chinese (M), Classical Studies (M), Comparative Ancient Civilizations, Comparative Literature, French (M), Germanic Studies (M), Japanese (M), Languages, Russian Studies (M)
Career Paths: Communications specialist, ESL teacher, foreign service officer*, international program coordinator, publisher
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Liberal Studies
Liberal Studies is a traditional pathway into teaching, with broad preparation across multiple subject areas.
Career Paths: Community program educator, teacher/professor*, youth development worker
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Mathematics (M)
Mathematics provides a foundation for teaching math across all education levels.
Career Paths: Academic researcher, cryptography specialist, cybersecurity specialist, data analyst, industrial researcher, operations research analyst, quantitative finance analyst, quantitative finance specialist, teacher/professor*
Check out other majors in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
Mathematics for Secondary School Teachers
Mathematics for Secondary School Teachers is essential for teaching math in high school.
Career Paths: Curriculum developer, education technology specialist, school administrator*, teacher/professor*
Check out other majors in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
Middle East and Islamic Studies (M)
Middle East and Islamic Studies provides a broad understanding of Middle Eastern and Islamic societies and cultures.
Career Paths: Academic researcher, cultural affairs consultant, foreign service specialist, intelligence analyst
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Music (M)
Music opens doors to careers in education, entertainment, music tech, and the performing arts.
Career Paths: Accompanist, audio engineer, composer, conductor*, ethnomusicologist*, music director, music librarian*, music producer, music therapist*, performer, recording technician, songwriter, sound designer, teacher/professor*
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Music and Culture
Music and Culture examines how music shapes human experience and cultural identity.
Career Paths: Archivist, arts administrator, community arts coordinator, composer, cultural researcher, ethnomusicologist*, museum curator*, music historian*, music journalist, music librarian*, nonprofit program manager, performer, radio producer, sound archivist
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Philosophy (M)
Philosophy prepares for careers in educational theory or ethics education.
Career Paths: Academic advisor, curriculum developer, educational consultant, ethics coordinator, higher education administrator, researcher*, teacher/professor*, technical writer
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Psychology (M)
Psychology is well suited for careers in school counseling, child development, and educational psychology.
Career Paths: Child life specialist, educational psychologist*, school counselor*, school psychologist*, special education coordinator, youth program coordinator
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Indirect Paths to Education
While some of these majors aren’t direct education programs, they could be paired with a double major, minor, or internship to shape your career path. An academic advisor can help you create a plan that aligns with your goals. If you’re looking for something different, visit Career Paths for more possibilities.
Key
M = Minor available, which is an optional specialization alongside your major
✦ = Accelerated program available
* = A career path that often requires extra schooling or certification beyond a Bachelor's degree (e.g., law, medicine, education)
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Global and Community Health (M)
Global and Community Health (M)
Global and Community Health addresses health disparities and advancing health equity.
Career Paths: Environmental health analyst, medical services manager, NGO health coordinator
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Media and Cultural Studies (M)
Media and Cultural Studies (M)
Media and Cultural Studies builds a foundation for careers in education, communication, advocacy, and community engagement.
Career Paths: Academic advisor, college instructor*, community outreach coordinator, curriculum developer*, media literacy educator, public information officer, teacher/professor*, training and development specialist*
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Political Science (M)
Political Science (M)
Political Science applies political and administrative knowledge to educational systems and institutions.
Career Paths: Academic advisor, educational nonprofit program manager, educational outreach coordinator, public affairs officer, school administrator*, teacher/professor*
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Political Science/Administrative Studies
Political Science/Administrative Studies
Political Science/Administrative Studies enhances leadership in education, public service, and institutional governance.
Career Paths: Civics teacher/professor*, education policy analyst, educational consultant, government teacher/professor*, higher education administrator, university admissions counselor
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Political Science/International Affairs
Political Science/International Affairs
Political Science/International Affairs prepares you for careers in government, business, and academia.
Career Paths: Academic researcher, diplomat*, international education/exchange program coordinator, nonprofit program manager, teacher/professor*, think tank staffer
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Political Science/Public Service
Political Science/Public Service
Political Science/Public Service combines political knowledge with liberal arts and practical skills.
Career Paths: Community outreach coordinator, curriculum policy advisor, education grant administrator, education policy analyst, education program manager, school district administrator
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Public Policy (M ✦)
Public Policy (M ✦)
Public Policy focuses on public policy with emphasis on education and leadership.
Option: Choose a 4-year Bachelor's degree or get your Bachelor's and Master's degrees through a 5-year plan of study.
Career Paths: Community outreach coordinator, education equity advocate, education grant administrator, higher education administrator*, school district administrator*, training and development coordinator
View success resources in the School of Policy.
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Sociology (M)
Sociology (M)
Sociology equips for careers in influencing student wellbeing and academic success.
Career Paths: Epidemiologist*, health communications specialist, healthcare administrator*, medical social worker*, mental health counselor*, violence prevention expert
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