how to choose the perfect major for you (ran)

7/31/2019 How to Choose the Perfect Major for You (Ran)

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I am aware of the fact that this book is far cry from being complete because there are

literally hundreds (if not thousands) of majors out there, waiting to be unraveled. Therefore,

I hope youll find it as useful as it can be, with all its flaws, nooks and crannies. Who knows it

might initiate interest in one, two, or even numerous fields of studies and helping you cope

in this harsh decision-making phase. Word of advice? Get your lazy ass moving and find

yourself a nice major because really, you have to stand up for yourself and your future. Like

dude, youre a year away from university. Im not scaring you off, in contrary; Im preparing

you for the years to come. Give it a try, read it through. If you find it boring, you know

theres the internet, right? If you found yourself interested in a particular career path, try

the Occupational Outlook Handbook (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/).

Happy Searching
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How to Choose the Perfect Major

By Susan Davis-Ali (http://usat.ly/mkFtUO)

Just when the pressure to get into university subsides, the pressure to declare amajor begins...

Here are three simple steps to help you choose a major that will inspire, guide and propel you.

Step #1: Use your goals as your guide

What are your goals after university? Do you want to land a great job or join the Peace Corp?

Knowing what you want to do next is an important step in choosing your university major.

Stacking the deck in your favor is always a smart way to begin the process of picking your

perfect major.

Step #2: Play to your academic strengths

Choosing a major that plays to your academic strength is an essential, but not sufficient part of

the process. Ive met many successful professionals who let their academic ability dictate their

career paths. They picked a major based solely on their abilities. Their abilities propelled them to

graduate school, and graduate school propelled them into a career they hated.

Play to your academic strengths but never at the exclusion of your interests.

Step #3: Factor your interests into the equation

Your interests are what give you energy. They are what fuel your passion for your work. They are

what get you out of bed at 6 a.m. to attend a class you love.

Picking your major without factoring your interests into the equation is a surefire recipe for post-

college disaster. Its true, you can still have a successful career, but you surely wont have a very

satisfying one.

The happiest professionals I know found the right combination between their interests and their

abilities. The same is true for choosing a major.

Your perfect major lies at the intersection of what you love doing and what you do well. Keep

looking until you find it.
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Picking a Major: Passion or a Possible

Profession?

Aaron Johnson, University of North Texas (http://usat.ly/aa3tgG)

With classes well underway, many, myself included, look to the ever-daunting decision of picking

a major. Do I want business? Engineering? Journalism? Art? A foreign language? What does this

do for me, anyway? What if I hate it?

Academic advisors kept asking me what I liked to do, and my reply continued to be: everything.

While there were a few obvious things (most involving too much math) I knew I didnt want to do,

there were very few things I couldnt see myself doing on the long list of majors they displayed for

us.

As I continued to go to these advising sessions, I slowly began to narrow my choices down to a

few. I dont want to do something just because Id make money; I want to do something I enjoy,

or at least tolerate. I want to learn about it before I choose something. Thus, I continued to take

exploratory classes.

As you look for what youd like to choose in a major, dont settle for something simply because

you could see yourself doing it, or you think youd make bank doing it. All too often you see

people returning to college because their first go-round left them getting lots of money, but

miserable, as they couldnt stand the career path they had chosen.

So, whats my advice forupcoming and undecided students? Take your time. You dont have to

decide right away. If youre not completely assured in a decision for your major, do what I like to

call major-shopping. Experiment with things you think you could see yourself doing, and even

those that you arent so sure about, to get a well-rounded viewpoint. Find what youre passionate

about and strive towards it.

Some may come into college already knowing that they are passionate about something that

may not necessarily yield a high-success rate, and are discouraged from it by the people and

advisers that these students have come to respect. Go for it! When you know what youre

passionate about, stick with it, hone in your skills and work hard! Nothing says you cant be what

you want to be just because those telling you not to decided to discard their passions.

In the meantime, dont stress. This is the time to enjoy the little things and your first experience of

freedom. Find out what works for you and chase it! Theres little else to it than that.
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Engineering


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Aerospace EngineeringAerospace engineers create machines, from airplanes that weigh over a half a million

pounds to spacecraft that travel over 17,000 miles an hour. They design, develop, and test

aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles and supervise the manufacture of these products.

Architectural EngineeringArchitectural engineers apply engineering principles to the construction, planning, and

design of buildings and other structures. They often work with other engineers and with

architects, who focus on function layout or aesthetics of building projects.

BioengineeringBioengineering or Biomedical Engineering is a discipline that advances knowledge in

engineering, biology, and medicine and improves human health through cross-

disciplinary activities that integrate the engineering sciences with the biomedical sciences

and clinical practice.

Chemical EngineeringChemical engineers work in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, design and

construction, pulp and paper, petrochemicals, food processing, specialty chemicals,

polymers, biotechnology, and environmental health and safety industries, among others.

Civil EngineeringToday, civil engineers are in the forefront of technology. They are the leading users of

sophisticated high-tech products - applying the very latest concepts in computer-aided

design (CAD) during design, construction, project scheduling, and cost control.

Computer Engineering

Computer engineers analyze and evaluate computer systems, both hardware and software.

They might work on system such as a flexible manufacturing system or a "smart" device or

instrument.

Computer Science

Design of next generation computer systems, computer networking, biomedical

information systems, gaming systems, search engines, web browsers, and computerized

package distribution systems are all examples of projects a computer scientists projects.

Electrical EngineeringElectrical engineers have made remarkable contributions to our world. Electrical Engineers

helped invent the computer, DSL, cellular phones, microchips, and solar panels.

Environmental EngineeringUsing the principles of biology and chemistry, environmental engineers develop solutions

to environmental problems. They are involved in water and air pollution control, recycling,

waste disposal, and public health issues.

Industrial EngineeringIndustrial engineers determine the most effective ways to use the basic factors of

production people, machines, materials, information, and energy to make a product or

to provide a service. They are the bridge between management goals and operational

performance.
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Manufacturing EngineeringManufacturing engineers are involved with the process of manufacturing from planning to

packaging of the finished product. They work with tools such as robots, programmable and

numerical controllers, and vision system to fine tune assembly, packaging, and shipping

facilities.

Materials Engineering

Materials Engineering is a field of engineering that encompasses the spectrum of materials

types and how to use them in manufacturing. Materials span the range: metals, ceramics,

polymers (plastics), semiconductors, and combinations of materials called composites.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is one of the largest, broadest, and oldest engineering disciplines.

Mechanical engineers use the principles of energy, materials, and mechanics to design and

manufacture machines and devices of all types. They create the processes and systems

that drive technology and industry.

Nuclear Engineering

Nuclear engineers research and develop the processes, instruments, and systems for

national laboratories, private industry, and universities that derive benefits from nuclear

energy and radiation for society.

Software Engineering

Computer software engineers apply the principles and techniques of computer science,

engineering, and mathematical analysis to the design, development, testing, and

evaluation of the software & systems that enable computers to perform their applications.

Agricultural EngineeringAgricultural engineers apply knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to

agriculture. They design agricultural machinery and equipment and agricultural structures.

Some specialties include power systems and machinery design; structures and

environment; and food and bioprocess engineering.

Construction EngineeringConstruction engineers are responsible for overseeing the construction of airports, schools,

manufacturing facilities, highways, high rise structures, water treatment plants, etc.

Engineering Management

Graduates with an accredited degree in engineering management have gained a strong

understanding of the engineering relationships between the management tasks of

planning, organization, leadership, control, and the human element in production,

research, and service organizations.

Engineering Mechanics

Mechanics is the study of forces that act on bodies and the resultant motion that those

bodies experience. With roots in physics and mathematics, Engineering Mechanics is the

basis of all the mechanical sciences: civil engineering, materials science and engineering,

mechanical engineering, aeronautical and aerospace and engineering.
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Engineering Physics/Engineering ScienceGraduates with an accredited degree in engineering physics or engineering science have

very broad knowledge that can apply to most industries. The degree often leads to

technical positions in most major industries and also to research positions in laboratories.

Geological EngineeringGeological engineers solve engineering problems and design engineering systems with, on,

and in geological materials, while, at the same time, protecting the environment. They

might design structures in soil and rock for dams or tunnel construction.

Metallurgical EngineeringMetallurgical engineers extract, refine, and recycle metals. They solve problems like

reducing corrosion, maintaining heat levels, and increasing the strength of a product. They

help develop or improve metals used in healthcare, in defense, and other industries.

Microelectronic

Microelectronic Engineering is the area of engineering that focuses on the design andfabrication of electronic devices/systems or subsystems using integrated circuits.

Microelectronic Engineers are employed in the rapidly changing industry of

microelectronics and microelectronic packaging.

Mining EngineeringMining engineers, including mining safety engineers, find, extract, and prepare coal,

metals, and minerals for use by manufacturing industries and utilities. They design open-

pit and underground mines, supervise the construction of mine shafts and tunnels, and

devise methods for transporting minerals to processing plants.

Naval Architecture and Marine EngineeringMarine engineers and naval architects are involved in the design, construction, and

maintenance of ships, boats, and related equipment. They design and supervise the

construction of everything from aircraft carriers to submarines to sailboats and tankers.

Ocean Engineering

Ocean Engineers study the world's ocean environment and apply their knowledge of to

analyze its effects on vessels and structures. Ocean engineers are also involved with deep

sea exploration, may work to design or operate ocean platforms or sub-surface vehicles.

Petroleum Engineering

Petroleum engineers search the world for reservoirs containing oil or natural gas. Once

these resources are discovered, petroleum engineers work with geologists and other

specialists to understand the geologic formation and properties of the rock containing the

reservoir, determine the drilling methods and monitor drilling & production operations.

Surveying and Geomatics

Surveying Engineers or Geomatics Engineers manage the global spatial infrastructure.

They develop systems and equipment for gathering, analyzing, and using information

about the earth. They work with digital mapping and global positioning systems,

photogrammetry, remote sensing, as well as more traditional surveying tools.


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Engineering Tech Aeronautical Engineering Technology

Aeronautical engineering technologists operate and maintain equipment used to testaircraft and spacecraft. New aircraft designs are subjected to years of testing before they

are put into service, since failure of key components during flight can be fatal. Techniciansmay calibrate test equipment, such as wind tunnels, and determine causes of equipmentmalfunctions. They may also program and run computer simulations that test new designsvirtually. Using computer and communications systems, aerospace engineering andoperations technicians often record and interpret test data.

Automotive Engineering Technology

Automotive engineering technologists are involved in the design, development, testing,application, modification, and maintenance of a wide range of vehicles or components usedin vehicle systems. Those with degrees follow careers in many different functions includingresearch, technical service, sales, manufacturing, or operations. While certainly passengercars are a primary area of focus, automotive engineering technologists may work on safetyissues, fuels or lubricants, agricultural equipment, recreational vehicles, or off-roadequipment and trucks.

Construction Engineering Technology

Construction engineering technologists take on the responsibility of managing orsupervising a wide range of activities to converting engineering plans and specifications

into finished structures. Some construction engineering technologists focus on home andother building structures, while others work on highway, bridge, or undergroundconstruction projects. They apply their knowledge and and experiences to many aspects ofconstruction, including labor management, materials specification and estimating, costestimating, overall planning, and phased construction plans. They hold many different jobtitles, including contractors, supervisors, project managers, job superintendents,estimators, safety specialists, schedulers, and examiners.

Drafting and Design Engineering Technology

Drafting and design engineering technologists prepare detailed drawings based oninformation, rough sketches, specifications, calculations and estimates prepared by otherindividuals or teams. They may also be involved in recommending required strength, type,

and quantity of materials needed for a project. Design engineering technicians maychoose to specialize in the design of tools, machines or products for structural, electrical,civil or mechanical systems. They typically represent their proposals and recommendationin a graphic format, either through manual drawings or computer-aided design (CAD)systems. Some drafting and design technologists also create engineering and architecturaldrawings and models, including technical manuals and illustrations.

Electromechanical Engineering Technology

Electromechanical engineering technologists apply their knowledge of methods andtechnology to the development, design, operation, and management of electro-mechanicalsystems. Those with an accredited degree in electromechanical engineering technologyhave a broad knowledge of electrical, electronic, and mechanical devices. They also

understand the instrumentation, computers, robotics, machine technology, and state-of-the-art control equipment important to electro-mechanical systems.
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Engineering Technology (General)

Most engineering technologists specialize in certain areas, learning skills and working inthe same disciplines as engineers. However, there are a few general engineeringtechnology programs that are accredited in the United States. Because this is a general

category, graduates may work in a variety of working environments exploring a range of

projects and materials.

Instrumentation and Control Systems Engineering Technology

Industrial engineering technologists study process control using electronic instrumentation,control simulation, and distributed control system applications. They work in a wide varietyof industries and fields, including manufacturing, and have an understanding of electricalcontrol systems, and programmable logic controllers. Their work impacts efficiency, safety,and productivity.

Marine Engineering Technology

Marine engineering technologists apply their knowledge and experience to solving technicalproblems related to marine equipment, systems, and vehicles. Graduates may findemployment in many areas of the maritime industry -- at sea and ashore. They also areemployed in non-maritime industries such as public utilities and manufacturing. Studentsentering this major are interested in working at sea with the option of becominga shore-based technologist.

Nuclear and Radiological Engineering Technology

Nuclear engineering technologists help offer practical applications of engineering principlesto the nuclear industry. They apply their knowledge of math and science to the safeapplication of nuclear principles for a variety of industries including power, health, andinstrumentation and control technology. They may be involved in developing waste

disposal systems, new medical techniques or equipment, and advanced manufacturingsystems. They can be involved in reactor operations, health physics, or quality control.

Surveying and Geomatics Engineering Technology

Surveying and geomatics engineering technologists collect data in the field and using it tocalculate mapmaking information for use in performing computations and computer-aided

drafting. They usually work an 8-hour day, 5 days a week, and may spend a lot of timeoutdoors. Sometimes they work longer hours during the summer, when weather and lightconditions are most suitable for fieldwork. Seasonal demands for longer hours are relatedto demand for specific surveying services. For example, construction-related work may belimited during times of inclement weather and aerial photography is most effective whenthe leaves are off the trees. They work for national government agencies such as the U.S.Forest Service or the U.S. Bureau of Land Management; for national, city, state, or countyhighway departments; and for large and small engineering and surveying firms.

Telecommunications Engineering Technology

Telecommunications engineering technologists apply engineering expertise and knowledgeto all aspects of telecommunications, including computer, networking, radio, and cellularsystems. Telecommunications service providers and equipment manufacturers are allemployers of telecommunications engineering technologists. Because this is a rapidlychanging field, those with degrees in telecommunications engineering technology will needto keep current with advances in the field to remain competitive in this area where theyare responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining computer-networking

systems of all types.
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Visual and

Performing Arts


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3D Design3D Design is the designing of three-dimensional space. People visualize mentally in 3D,

which can be demonstrated by thinking of any object: You think of it as a single object, not

in three projection views. 3D design works much the same way, with the designer creating

a model on screen as if it were in his mind. Having changed and added elements to

complete the design, the model can be oriented to in plan, side or front views which

become 2D projection drawings - exactly the same drawings that would be created with

traditional 2D methods. 3D Designs are often used to simulate objects or situations prior

to production in order to reduce the overall cost.

AdvertisingAdvertising is a means of communicating to deliver a message to a specific audience, most

often associated with business. Creating the desired appearance and value for the

advertiser and/or its products usually makes the difference between success and failure.

AnimationAnimation is the illusion of movement. All films are created by joining together a sequence

of still photographs with very small changes in-between. These photographic sequences

appear to move because our eyes can't keep up with the speed of change. Animated filmsare created by filming drawings instead of photographs. Each single drawing is called a

frame. When twenty four frames per second - each one slightly different - move in front of

our eyes, it enables us to see the picture moving. This movement brings the drawings to

life giving us the characters and the stories of the cartoon or animated series.

Apparel DesignApparel Design students study the visualization, design, and pre-production of products for

apparel-related industries, learning to turn creative ideas into reality. Education in the field

may include significant overlap with Fashion Design, Fibers/Textiles/Weaving and Footwear

Design. Career possibilities include apparel designer, design development coordinators,

and computer-aided design (CAD) system managers. Using both computer technology

(including CAD) and traditional methods, apparel design professionals develop everything

from marketing themes, color direction, fabrics, graphics and packaging to sketches andspecifications.

ArchitectureArchitecture is an art, a technology and a business. Architects guide clients through the

entire design and construction process; they must consider materials, technology, cost,

structural stability, as well as aesthetic, artistic, and practical qualities; they provide an

environment of space, light and climate, changing its context by its location and form and

conveying artistic meaning.

Art AdministrationThe field of Art Administration bridges the balance between Art and Business, combining

aspects of the visual arts related to management, marketing and finance. Educational

programs often provide for students to choose a primary arts emphasis, while also taking

courses in business & economics, art history, communications, information studies,

communications, public relations, marketing, law, and fundraising. Professionals often

work in arts management for museums, galleries, advocacy or professional organizations,

foundations, art management companies, and schools.

Art CriticismArt Critics analyze, evaluate, interpret, and study of works of art, then translate them by

articulating the intangible into the tangible. Ideally, the profession emphasizes

development of an appreciation for and the use of art, including elements and principles of

design, aesthetics, art terminology, art history, style of expressions, and the function of

past and modern art concepts. Students can expect to focus on developing their writing

skills to express interpretations of art through structured exercises that emphasize thethree basic structural elements: form, content, and context.


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Art EducationThe most effective art teachers are sociable and have the ability to motivate others. Like

all teachers, they must be able to communicate their work to students, they must be

knowledgeable in the arts, and they must be able to transfer that knowledge to students.

Personal characteristics might include creativity, independence, patience, persistence, and

caring for people.

Art HistoryAn art history program or concentration provides students with a knowledge of the

contributions that artists and art make to our society. This, of course, is a huge

undertaking given the spectacular history of art from prehistoric art to 20th century art

and everything in-between. Education in the field involves the study of visual images and

objects in various media, in particular, painting, drawing and sculpture, architecture,

photography, video and the decorative arts.

Art TherapyAccording to the American Art Therapy Association, "Art Therapy is a human service

profession that utilizes art media, images, the creative art process and patient/client

responses to the created products as reflections of an individual's development, abilities,personality, interests, concerns and conflicts. Art Therapy practice is based on knowledge

of human developmental and psychological theories which are implemented in the full

spectrum of models of assessment and treatment including educational, psychodynamic,

cognitive, transpersonal and other therapeutic means of reconciling emotional conflicts,

fostering self-awareness, developing social skills, managing behavior, solving problems,

reducing anxiety, aiding reality orientation and increasing self-esteem.

Art-GeneralA general degree in Art prepares students for careers in design, illustration, and fine arts,

and it often requires studio art, art history, and electives outside of art. It strives to create

a foundation for good communication, knowledge and social interaction.

BlacksmithingBlacksmithing is the art of heating and shaping metal. The traditional craft has been an art

form since primitive men began making tools and weapons, and today, forged iron

commonly takes a variety of forms from artistic sculptures and jewelery to decorative

household items such as rails, gates and furniture. Blacksmithing students learn the

equipment, the forge, building and maintaining fire, basic metallurgy, history, and the

types and qualities of coal, iron, and steel. Blacksmithing is primarily an art form today, as

welding and machines have largely replaced the blacksmith's ability to create affordable,

practical items.

CalligraphyCalligraphy is the art of handwriting and lettering which uses fonts, pens, inks, paper and

other writing tools to create artistic text and is commonly used in announcements ofspecial events, where a hand-crafted piece of text is desired. Today, the hand-craft is

often overshadowed by computer-generated texts and fonts, but it is still commonly taught

in schools and used by artists throughout the world, particularly in historic and cultural

contexts. Calligraphers are often referred to as scribes, which also includes the art of

illumination or page decoration, and its study is often included in curricula as a division of

the Book Arts.

CartooningCartooning is the support art of story telling, found in both animation and comic art. It

used in light comical context of the funny papers to illustrated novels. It typically involves

figures, characiture drawings, inkings and digital computer creation. It ranges from hand

drawn comic strips to computer-generated cartoons found in feature films. It is common

for cartoonists to also study or graduate with degrees in animation, illustration, graphic

design and drawing.


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CeramicsCeramics is one of the oldest mediums of art, predating civilized societies. According to

Encyclopedia Britannica, ceramics is the "art or process of making useful or ornamental

articles from clay by shaping and then firing them at high temperatures." In typical artistic

mediums, clay is molded to any infinite number of shapes for an almost infinite number of

industrial and domestic uses.

CinematographyCinematography is defined as the art and process of making movies - however, it involves

much more than simply recording an event with a video camera. Cinematography

encompasses the artistic vision of filmaking, including considerations of lighting,

photography, camera movement and angle, producing and final presentation. The

cinematographer, cometimes referred to as the Director of Photography, works closely

with the film director to determine the best way for each scene to be shot and lit.

Commercial ArtThe field of commercial art is broad and varied, involving print advertising and promotional

material, television, signs, packaging, web pages and almost any other form of visual

communication for the purpose of attracting attention and interest in products, services orideas. Because most businesses need to sell products or promote themselves in some way,

commercial artists can be found in almost any workplace.

Computer-Aided DesignComputer-aided design (CAD) programs are used by architects, engineers, graphic artists,

and many others to create anything from artwork to fashion design patterns to technical

blueprints and maps to genetic modeling. It is most often used to create images in two

and three dimensions. Students of CAD can expect to gain experience in a wide array of

computer programs and applications related to their own specialized field of interest. CAD's

many applications have made it an integral part of a great many industries, particularly

technical and precision-oriented fields of work, such as drafting and engineering - its

widespread use makes skilled graduates very marketable.

Computer Art/DesignComputer art combines traditional art and technology to create any type of artwork using

computer programs. In practice, computer art is used in infinite ways in every industry,

from the simplest of graphics to the retouching of photographs to three-dimensional

animations for the movie screen to genetic modeling in scientific research. The artistic

potential that computers have is ever-expanding.

CraftsCrafts include, but are not limited to, art forms such as quilting, candlemaking, carving,

beadwork, stitching, needlepoint and sewing, jewelry making, and woodworking. These art

forms are not always associated with fine arts, but the detail of the work is often even

more intricate. Art students will find classes and workshops in any number of crafts, and

BFAs and MFAs in Crafts are available at some visual arts schools. The National Association

of Schools of Art and Design reports more than 500 "Crafts" majors in accredited BFA and

MFA programs in the US.

DesignDesign is the art of representing or communicating an idea. It is a broad term which

encompasses many fields of study and occupation, combining art, engineering, and

conceptualization. The principles of design have been applied to all man-made things.

Academically, the study of design often requires a specialty, which could be Apparel

Design, Architectural Design, Environmental Design, Exhibit Design, Fashion Design, Floral

Design, Furniture Design, Game Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Product Design,

Transportation Design, etc. In any case, a design-related education should balance artistic

talent and with a sense of consumer preferences. Professionally, designers are both artistsand engineers, working in every sector of the economy.


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Desktop PublishingDesktop Publishing is the creating of documents with computers and printers, rather than

through traditional mechanical methods, such as the printing press. The popularity of

desktop publishing has revolutionized the printing industry in recent decades, as many

businesses now rely on their own in-house expertise to produce simple documents such as

flyers, reports, and newsletters. In the past, these projects went to a print shop.

DraftingDrafting refers to the creation of technical drawings to be used as visual guidelines leading

to an object's production, also including details such as dimensions, materials and process.

Traditionally, this work has been done by hand on drawing boards using precision tools for

exact measurements, but today, most drafting is done through computer-aided design

(CAD). It is used in many fields of specialty, including (but not at all limited to) medicine,

architecture, fashion, sports, and manufacturing.

DrawingDrawing is a basic technique that very often is the first artistic skill to be developed by

people in their lifetimes. As such, it is often considered to be the foundation of an artist's

ability, and those who choose to further develop their talent may end up in any number ofartistic or technical fields. The most common mediums can include pencil, charcoal, ink,

etching and pastels.

EnamelingEnameling is the art of fusing glass to metal. The oldest known enameled artifacts date

back to the 13 century BC, and, today, 20th century artists use enameling to create

murals and sculptures, as well as a myriad of practical and decorative items, such as

jewelry, cookware and vases. The art of enameling is commonly taught in craft-oriented

classes and workshops, and it is often offered as a course in art schools and programs -

particularly as a sub-discipline of Glass Arts, Metal Arts or Jewelery. However, degrees and

certificates in enameling itself are not common.

Environmental DesignEnvironmental Design is a broad field that includes landscape architecture, environmental

planning, architecture, city and regional planning, industrial design, interior design and

construction management. Environmental Design applies environmental science to the

efficient and healthy design and operation of buildings and cities. From feng shui to golf

course design to large-scale city planning, these are the people working toward

conservation and safety in our environment.

Exhibit DesignExhibit Designers design and build exhibits for museums, trade shows, theater sets, visual

merchandising, and interior design. From table-top designs to large scale show rooms,

they translate ideas into 3-D marketing and/or educational structures. The field combines

a knowledge of three-dimensional and graphic design with computer and marketing skills.

The Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA) states that communicating a

product, service or corporate message through an interactive environment is the goal of

exhibition design. Close to $4.8 billion is spent annually on trade-show exhibits in North

America alone, so it is a sizable professional field.

Fashion DesignFashion designers design clothing and accessories, creating original clothes according to

market demands. Most fashion designers, however, work for apparel manufacturers,

creating designs of men's, women's, and children's fashions for the mass market. People in

the fashion industry work for magazines, television shows, public relations firms and

salons; as stylists, wardrobe consultants, or photographers; for textile, apparel, and

pattern manufacturers; for distributors of clothing, furnishings, and accessories; and for

department stores and other business that market clothing and accessories. Long hoursand extensive travel to production sites are considered par for the profession.


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Fibers/Textiles/WeavingTextiles, fabrics, spinning, and weaving have been a part of our culture for ages. This

ancient art dates back to thousands of years B.C., and although some of the equipment

has changed, the process has remained the same. All fabrics are made through the

process of knitting, weaving, netting or braiding. Textile manufacturing is the second

largest money-making industry in the United States (second only to the aerospace

industry).

Film/VideoOpportunities for visual artists in Film and Video are many and varied, ranging from make-

up and storyboard artists to 3D animation creators to directors and producers.

Professionals in the field create everything from the shortest television commercial to the

longest feature-length movie, and visual artists play a major role in a great many aspects

their production. Given the size of the entertainment industry and the explosion of cable

and satellite programming worldwide, jobs should be in high demand in all sectors of the

industry for the foreseeable future.

Fine Arts

Fine Art is a broad career field representing many disciplines which could includespecialization in almost any artistic specialty in both the visual and performing arts. Career

opportunities for Fine Artists specializing in visual arts include gallery artists, commission

portrait artist, publicly and privately commissioned sculptor or printmaker, fine jewelry

making and ceramics designer, background painter for animated films, scenic artist for film

or theater, muralist, or artisan/craftsperson. The opportunities are really as wide and

varied as the interests of the fine artist.

Furniture DesignFurniture Designers design furniture for manufacture based on design trends, production

costs and capabilities, and characteristics of the market. Furniture designers may design

and prepare detailed drawings of fixtures, forms, or tools required to be used in

production. Professionals may also be required to design custom pieces or styles and must

be strongly involved with the fashion industry in order to stay aware of current trends.

Game DesignThe convergence of education and the entertainment industry has resulted in the field of

"Game Design," which can include everything from computer programming, graphic art

and illustration to user interface, marketing, and packaging design. Game Design

professionals may handle it all, or specialize in different pieces of the final product.

Graphic DesignGraphic designers prepare visual designs for print, electronic, and film media. This includes

everything from the layout of magazines, newspapers and web pages, to brochures and

newsletters, to company logos, book and CD covers, billboards, movie credits and labels.

Their visual designs and images are often used to inform, persuade, and/or move specific

audiences to act, and their work is seen in every kind of visual communication imaginable.

IllustrationIllustration is the art of creating images for the sake of visual communication. It is the

process of being able to get across an idea, concept or emotion through an illustration, and

it has been a part of human existence since the drawings on cave walls of the first

nomadic people. Illustration has evolved with every passing era of belief, and is now even

incorporated into the new computer age, with the advent of technical illustration. This

aspect of illustration used various forms of computer software, such as CAD, Photoshop,

and Illustrator to make illustration less time consuming. Illustrators are often trying to

solve a visual problems for their clients.


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Industrial DesignMost people probably don't give much thought to the impact of industrial design on their

everyday life - but hundreds of new and innovative products are being released into the

marketplace every day and, when seen on the morning news, people do take notice of

that. Industrial Design involves the design of these consumer and capital products, from

telephones and cars to toothbrushes and computers. What drives the work for

professionals is often the concept or "big idea" that elevates a project into something

unexpected. Industrial designers often work as part of a team, combining art with research

on product use, customer needs, and production capabilities.

Interior DesignInterior Design refers to the decoration and functionality of any interior space. Interior

Designers act as consultants to ensure that their clients get what they want and need.

Interior Designers must be good with color, fabric, and furniture; they must have

knowledge of materials and possess good communication skills; their work includes

creating lay outs, and even purchasing, ordering, supervising contractors, and overseeing

budgets. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that "most salaried interior designers work

for furniture and home furnishings stores, interior designing services, and architectural

firms. Others are self-employed and do freelance workfull time or part timein additionto a salaried job in another occupation."

JewelryProfessionals in the field of jewelery may be buyers, sellers, appraisers, designers, mold

and model makers, assemblers, engravers or polishers; often, jewelers specialize in a

number of these areas for large manufacturing companies or small businesses. The work

entails cutting, setting, and polishing stones and/or the repair and adjustment of jewelry,

either of which requires precision work and attention to detail. According to the Bureau of

Labor Statistics (Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers), about 30 percent of all

jewelers are self-employed, and they most often earn their education at trade schools,

through correspondence courses, or on the job.

Landscape DesignLandscaping combines elements of art and science to create a functional, aesthetically

pleasing extension of indoor living to the outdoors. To work toward a desirable landscape

design, the Landscape Designer must have knowledge of art elements and design

principles. Landscape Designers design an environmental landscape for their customers by

using landscape software, some of which combines a design program along with plant

encyclopedias to aid in your work.

Layout and ProductionLayout and Production has a broad range of educational and career choices. Included

under layout and production is print production, pre-press, graphic design, and

typesetting. Layout and production can be designing and producing magazines and

newspapers, or it can also be video or television production. No matter what the specificarea, the basic philosophy is to be able to design a layout including text, type, and images

for any circumstance and to assist in its production.

LetteringLettering refers to the art of symbols used in writing, covering Typography, Printing,

Calligraphy, and Typeset. As a profession, lettering refers to the use of art and design

principles and techniques to design quality signs, decals, banners, and much more. A

knowledge of letter is required for nearly any type of graphic design work, and careers are

often with graphic designers or businesses that create window splashes, custom signs,

lighted signs, and do graphic other work. Jobs include logotypes, calligraphy and lettering

for graphic designs projects, and even calligraphy work to be shown in gallery shows.
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Liberal ArtsA liberal arts education provides the foundation to define and pursue career goals as

changes occur. Liberal arts students focus on a broad base of subjects within their first two

years, and then move into classes that help them develop specialized skills. A liberal arts

curriculum is designed to facilitate a lifetime of continuous learning by providing the skills,

tools, and encouragement needed to succeed. Students will sharpen their skills of inquiry,

research, analysis, and communication. Most liberal arts colleges are four years and

combine traditional, interdisciplinary, and experiential modes of learning with the use of

advanced technology. Graduates develop a well-rounded, general background that opens

them to a wide variety of jobs in the arts, depending on their interests and academic

emphasis.

Media ArtsMedia Arts are all about learning how the media operates in the world to shape the public

mind. Media Arts can include working with media production experiences such as

journalism, video production, and desktop publishing. In order to be successful in this

field, one needs to have well-developed fundamental skills and be a creative person who

can produce media messages.

MultimediaMedia is a way of conveying information, and mutimedia is the full range of methods in

which such information is transferred. The most common are text, audio, video, and

Internet, and professionals frequently combine media mediums in their work. A successful

Internet and booming technology has caused the making and exchanging of information to

be more profitable then ever before, and Multimedia professionals work to create

compelling presentations and sales pieces, drive traffic to websites, put catalogs on CDs,

or develop novelty business cards.

Museum StudiesMuseum Studies is a broad interdisciplinary field which explores the role of museums in

shaping society's knowledge about art, culture, history, and the natural world. Careers

opportunities in this field can be found in museums, cultural arts centers, historical sitesand houses, science centers, environmental education centers, exhibit design firms,

planetariums, zoos, and botanical gardens.

PaintingPainters render drawings, illustrations, and sketches of buildings, products, or models,

working from sketches, blueprints, memory, or reference materials. Painters paint scenic

backgrounds, murals, and other renderings for motion-picture and television sets, glass

artworks, and exhibits. Painters develop paintings, drawings, diagrams, and models of

medical or biological subjects for use in publications, exhibits, research, and teaching.

PhotographyPhotography is an infant in the world of visual arts. It has only been in existence for a few

hundred years. However, it has made a name for itself within the expanding world of the

visual arts. Originally, photography was limited by the boundaries of visual reality. With

time, professionals in the field have tested the rules of reality. This is becoming even more

evident with the advent of computer technology. Now the skies are no limit.

PrintmakingPrintmaking is an art which involves the transferring of an image from one surface (such

as an inked plate) to another (such as paper, fabric, metal or wood). The art finds its

strength in its artistic value and its ability to be replicated, contributing greatly to the

definition of world cultures. One will find alternative printmaking techniques as diverse as

Indian, Asian, European, and American cultures. With each, a style has manifested itself

over time, becoming a sort of artistic tradition for the people.


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Product DesignProduct design incorporates fine art skills with technical understanding. Those who work in

this field design just about any manufactured product that you see in any store, from the

simplest household appliances and tools to the most complex computers and medical

supplies. The profession provides the opportunity to take ideas from prototype to mass

production, including attention to the way a product looks, feels and works.

RestorationRestoration is the repairing of damages concurred to the art material, the filling of gaps in

the canvas support and paint layer, so as to maintain integrity and continuity. Art

restoration refers to the restoring and conserving of paintings, murals, sculptures, textiles,

manuscripts and so on. A restorer/conservator cleans, mends and protects artifacts from

the past, working with a variety of materials, including paint and ceramics.

SculptureSculpture is an art form in three dimensions, involving crafted works of almostany material, including clay, glass, metal, plaster, stone, wood, pulp, or anythingelse that can be manipulated, molded or attached. Sculptures range from tiny

models and collectibles to very larger-than-life monuments. In today's society,sculptors may work in foundries, galleries, museums, personal studios or moviestudios, making anything from ornaments to exhibits. Sculptors have a basicunderstanding of the construction of objects and, therefore, they sometimes workprofessionally in architectural and industrial design.

Toy DesignFor those of us who refuse to grow up there's toy design. Those of us who grew up with

toys realize that there is a simple, innocent quality to playing with an inanimate object.

Toys provide children with a positive outlet to explore dreams, fantasies, and the

imagination. Toys also help children to form social relationships. Toy designers incorporate

product design, engineering, and computer capabilities to help an idea take form.

Professionals should also have a basic understanding of marketing to have an idea of

whether their toy concepts are sellable - but perhaps, most importantly the toy designer

must have an understanding of the consumer: kids of all ages.

Transportation DesignThe field of Transportation Design involves the application of aesthetics to business and

industrial settings. Vehichle designers bridge the gap between art and technology by

coupling artistic principles with science to improve aerodynamics, and effeciency,

performance, and safety. They work to improve airline, train, and bus transportation. They

visualize finished designs, objects in pictorial or graphic material, and two-dimensional

representations of objects; to make visual comparisons and to see slight differences in

shapes. They design roads, and bridges that increase terrestrial travel while preserving the

environment through which these roads and bridges exist.

Website DesignFor those out there that belong in the world of the technologically elite, but can't quite

seem to find your creative niche, here's an idea: website design. It is now widely accepted

that computers and the internet are permanent fixtures in technology. It seems that the

general appeal to computers is that they provide the world at your fingertips, with a simple

click of a button. The world is conveniently compacted into a new existence within

cyberspace. Communication of information was positively impacted with the advent of the

World Wide Web. With this newfound communication comes a desire to expand especially

with various businesses. It is necessary to locate qualified individuals who are adequately

acquainted with the inter-workings of these intricate systems. Businesses need artists who

can advertise over the Internet.


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Music

o Broadcasting

Broadcasting is often used to refer to shows produced on television or radio.Professions in this field may be onscreen or behind-the-scenes and includebroadcast technicians, camera operators, announcers, directors, actors andreporters. Bachelor's degrees in this field are commonly integrated into larger

fields of study. For example, one might find a degree in broadcasting andjournalism or broadcasting and mass communication. Students in these degreeprograms learn about communication formats like television, radio, film,multimedia and the Internet.

o Composition

The student majoring in composition will study tonal harmony, counterpoint andfugue, tonal composition, twentieth-century compositional techniques,

instrumentation, and orchestration. Music literature studied will emphasize theconcert music repertoire of the twentieth century, but also will include principalcomposers and styles from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century. The studentwill demonstrate mastery of these skills and concepts as well as the developmentof an individual compositional personality and voice, by completing a portfolio of

scores that will include (but not be limited to) a number of pieces in smaller forms,a tonal four-part fugue, a composition for solo voice or mixed chorus, a sonata inthree movements, and a composition for full orchestra.

o Conducting

Through study within the conducting minor, students will develop strong technical

and experiential conducting training in preparation for the concert stage, recording

studio, scoring stage (film), orchestra pit (Broadway shows) and/or educationprofession. They will acquire specific baton/hand expression and vocalcommunication skills and techniques relevant to instrumental ensembles, vocalensembles, or music educators while also gaining a podium presence of assured,confident poise that inspires efficient cooperation among instrumental and vocalperformers. The minor includes increased score reading and preparation skills inaddition to enhanced orchestration study. Effective and efficient rehearsaltechniques will prepare the student to successfully present public and/or recordedperformances of a composer's work. Vocal and music education tracks will teacheffective vocal warm-up.

o Contemporary Writing and Production

The student majoring in contemporary writing and production will studycomposition, arranging, scoring, and production techniques and approaches, andwill be able to apply those skills and concepts by writing for and overseeing theproduction of a wide variety of instrumental, vocal, acoustic, and electroniccombinations, ranging from small workshop groups to a studio orchestra in liveperformance situations and recording studio environments. The student will

explore contemporary concepts and techniques of arranging and sound productionin both the analog and digital domains and will gain valuable experience by beingable to create, arrange, and produce projects using MIDI workstations and theBerklee recording studios. Interpersonal and other situational skills will bedeveloped as the student works with performers, "clients" (i.e., instructors andother students), and studio personnel in a variety of creative settings as musicwriter, conductor, and/or producer.


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o Electronic Production and Design

The student majoring in Electronic Production and Design will master the musicaland creative use of electronic production and sound design tools and technologies.Working in professional-level 5.1-equipped studios, classroom/labs, andperformance spaces, students will study electronic composition/production,

synthesizer programming, sound design techniques, interactive performancesystems, digital signal processing, audio programming, alternate controllers, musicwith integrated visuals, and more.

o Jazz Composition

The student majoring in jazz composition will develop the creative application ofthe basic musical elements of melody, harmony, and rhythm in the contexts andpractices associated with jazz music. Theoretical and compositional study will

emphasize the development of contrapuntal skills, melodic and formaldevelopment, and techniques of instrumentation and orchestration. The studentwill demonstrate understanding of these skills and concepts with the completion ofa portfolio of jazz compositions for ensembles of varying sizes and types, togetherwith recordings that include public performances of selected pieces.

o Music Business Management

The student majoring in music business/management will learn the skills,concepts, and methodologies necessary to manage the legal, financial, artistic, andethical issues that face the contemporary music business professional. The studentmay choose one of three available tracks within the major: self-directed orentrepreneurial activity, music products industry, or management in corporate

environments. The student will demonstrate functional mastery of necessary skillsand concepts by completing a final project, a capstone experience with portfoliodocumentation, depending upon the major track chosen. This experience will be an

industry internship, leadership participation in an ongoing college model musicindustry project, or both.

o Music Education

The student majoring in music education will develop skills, concepts, andmethodologies in the following areas: music, including music theory andcomposition, musicianship, history, arranging, orchestration, improvisation, andconducting; teaching with technology; solo performance techniques acquiredthrough private instrumental or vocal study; vocal and instrumental techniques,pedagogy, and literature related to solo and ensemble performance; and therelationship of music to other fields of knowledge. The student will demonstratethese competencies through an actual field experience, a student teaching

practicum for one semester in a public school environment.o Music History, Literature& Theory

What did the earliest stringed instruments sound like? How did World War II affect

the musical world? What is twelve-tone music? If you are fascinated by questionslike these, then a program combining study in music history, literature, and theorymight be for you.

In this broad-ranging field, youll be exposed to musical traditions from around theworld and throughout human history. Youll study such topics as the history ofmusical notation and the development of music theory as well as specific musicalperiods and cultural traditions.


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o Music Production & Engineering

The student majoring in music production and engineering (MP&E) will learn aboutthe creation and production of recordings of music and how to successfullycomplete recording projects that are typical of those found in contemporaryprofessional recording and production environments. The student's mastery of the

discipline will be shown through the completion of recording and productionprojects of professional quality.

o Music

The study of music is as varied as the kinds of music that exist throughout theworld, from Renaissance to rap. Music majors study everything from producing popalbums to staging performances as they were staged in Mozarts time. Thebachelor of arts (B.A.) in music is usually offered at liberal arts colleges. Generally,

the B.A. requires a lot of course work outside the area of music. At a musicconservatory, on the other hand, you can earn a bachelor of music (B.M.) degree,which will prepare you for a career as a professional musician.

o Music Therapy

The student majoring in music therapy will learn skills necessary to practice as a

professional music therapist. These include a foundation in music theory, history,composition, arranging, keyboard, guitar, voice, improvisation, and conducting, aswell as clinical skills including principles of therapy, exceptionality, and thetherapeutic relationship. After course work is completed, the student will engage in1,040 hours of clinical internship at an approved site and will be evaluated on theskills and competencies listed above. This prepares the student to sit for the Board

Certification Examination to earn the MT-BC (Music Therapist - Board Certified)credential. The student will learn to apply critical problem-solving techniques indeveloping music therapy interventions for a wide variety of clients and patients.

o Performance

The student majoring in performance will learn skills, concepts, and methodologysufficient to demonstrate a level of proficiency on his/her principal instrumenttypical of that generally required in professional performance. This is achievedthrough private lessons, which include proficiency-based final exams, instrumentalor vocal labs, and performance studies classes. To demonstrate mastery of theseskills, the student will complete a performance portfolio, including a senior recital,that typifies current professional performance standards. This is supported by fourrecital preparation lessons, the jury, and extracurricular and cocurricular concertperformances.

o Professional Music

The student majoring in professional music will, upon declaration of the major,enter into an advising relationship with departmental staff resulting in thedesignation of an area of concentration for major study and an individual

educational plan for course work leading to mastery in that area. Through thiscourse work, the student will learn the skills, concepts, and methodologiesnecessary to develop proficiency in the designated area of concentration typical ofthat found in the professional music industry. The student will complete a majorfinal project in the designated area of concentration whose content and/orenactment is equal in quality and extent to the demands of the currentprofessional music environment.


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o Songwriting

The student majoring in composition will study tonal harmony, counterpoint andfugue, tonal composition, twentieth-century compositional techniques,instrumentation, and orchestration. Music literature studied will emphasize theconcert music repertoire of the twentieth century, but also will include principal

composers and styles from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century. The studentwill demonstrate mastery of these skills and concepts as well as the developmentof an individual compositional personality and voice, by completing a portfolio ofscores that will include (but not be limited to) a number of pieces in smaller forms,a tonal four-part fugue, a composition for solo voice or mixed chorus, a sonata inthree movements, and a composition for full orchestra.

o Stringed Instruments

One can't get a degree in stringed instruments per se, but a degree in music with aconcentration in stringed instruments is available at just about any college with adepartment of music. Students intending to study stringed instruments at thecollege level should have experience performing at least one of these instrumentsin an organized music program such as a high school orchestra. Usually, a studentwill be required to audition before being allowed to enroll in a string instrumentprogram. At an audition, students may be expected to play a major and minorscale and at least two octaves. They may also be expected to demonstrateproficiency in sight reading.

o Voice and Opera

In preparation for professional careers, voice students learn, practice, and perform

a variety of vocal pieces, from baroque arias to great nineteenth-century operaticroles. If you are a singer at heart but also love acting, an opera program may be agreat fit. But get ready to add some real drama to the typical music students fare

of weekly private lessons, nightly rehearsals, and theory classes. Opera singers-in-training also take classes in acting, movement, stagecraft, and even make-up.

Theater

o Acting

The student will receive a solid foundation in all aspects of theatre as part of awell-rounded liberal arts education. Working as part of a team, the student learnsto collaborate artistically toward the realization of a theatrical production. Eachstudent may choose to focus in any given area. The Acting Program seeks toexpand the young actors range of knowledge and expression through the

performance of drama. The actor is a channel for the truth in the play and mustpossess the ability to comprehend the playwrights message and communicate it asa character.

o Cinematography and Film/Video Production

For starters, youll study the technical aspects of film production-lighting, editing,

camera techniques, and sound equipment. Youll learn all the elements that go intomaking a film and how those elements affect each other. Eventually youll be ableto develop an idea from start to finish and make it come alive. A cinematographyand film/video production major wouldnt be complete without an overview of thehistory of cinema: the advancements and innovations that got us where we aretoday and a look at the landmark films we hold sacred as classics. Film theory

and criticism will be studied as well. Taking a more sociological perspective, youllexamine the role film plays in our culture and how it has shaped the world.


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o Costume Design

Play a leading role on set and behind the scenes. Costume Designers learn to readbetween the lines, searching the script for clues that will inspire them as theyresearch, create, and source costumes. Whether the action takes place in VictorianEngland or 21st Century Los Angeles, the right wardrobe helps bring the character

to live for the actor (and the audience) before the first word is spoken.

o Theater Design and Stagecraft

If your main interest in theater is not performing onstage but working behind thescenes, theater design and stagecraft may be for you. Majors in this field learn tomake the world of a play complete through scenery, costumes, lights, and sound.As a theater design and stagecraft major, youll tackle such challenges as paintinga wall to look like a stormy sky or lighting a stage as if the sun is setting. Your

classes will cover such topics as set design, lighting, sound, scene painting,and costume design. Students of theater design and stagecraft learn how to makesets, costumes, lights, and sound all work together in a theatrical production.

o Directing

Students in the Directing track receive specialized training in directing, as well as

grounding in the elements (technical theatre, playwriting, acting, stage

management, dramaturgy) comprising a production. Coursework and practical

application teach Directing majors how to explore their own vision of a particular

piece and then bring it to fruition.

Sample classes: Beginning and Advanced Directing; Musical Theatre Directing

Workshop; Voice and Diction; Movement for the Stage; Intermediate Acting;

Jobs in this area: Director, casting director, dramaturge, stage manager,playwright, director of high school theatre program, teacher, theatre manager.

o Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism

Students in the Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism department receive intensivetraining to prepare for careers in three areas: to work in theatres as dramaturgs,artistic producers, literary managers, and in related positions; to work in theatrepublishing as critics and editors as well as in other capacities; to teach theatre aspractitioners, critics, and scholars.

o Film Studies

If movies mean more to you than just an evening out with your friends, this couldbe the major for you. Youll learn how to discuss and write about films critically.Youll also learn about the connections movies have to history and nationalidentities. Youll even learn what all those people listed in the credits actually do.P.S. A gaffer is a lighting technician.

As a film studies major, youll study film history, theory, and criticism, as well asthe basics of film production. Youll also examine related arts such as televisionand video.


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o Film Scoring

The student will study acknowledged masterpieces of film scoring and through thisexposure will develop an aesthetic vision and the ability to recognize and discussquality work in film scoring. Interpersonal and other situational skills will bedeveloped through the cooperation necessary to realize finished projects: working

with performers, studio personnel, and technical assistants, and participating inother students' projects. The film scoring major will develop sufficient skills andknowledge to function as a composer, orchestrator, music supervisor, and musiceditor or technical production worker in the film and television industry, and willhave sufficient knowledge of basic concepts to adapt with success to the changingconditions that are typical of the entertainment industry.

o Lighting Design

Lighting Design provides a carefully balanced curriculum including both highly

practical hands-on experience and intensive focus on artistic development. From

the first week of the first year, students find themselves engaged in the practice of

production, building costumes, settings, and properties, working on production

lighting and sound crews, building and running Theater, Dance and Music

department shows. While Lighting Design students will work in many different

capacities on productions in their first year, their work will be increasingly focused

in Lighting as they progress, so that the successful student will be working as

primary Lighting Designer on main stage productions in their final years.

o Musical Theater

Students in the Musical Theatre track receive specialized training in acting,

choreography, singing and other elements of musical theatre. Coursework, voice

classes, dance training, and performance in directing scenes, Mainstage and Studio

musical roles all combine to provide confidence and proficiency.

Sample classes: Musical Theatre Performance Workshop; Theatrical

Choreography: Jazz/Tap/Ballet/Modern; Private Voice; Voice and Diction;

Jobs in this area: Stage or film actor, acting/voice/dance teacher (secondary,

college and graduate level), vocal director, dancer, singer, choreographer,

stage combat.

o Playwriting

Dramas Playwriting department is designed to guide the writer in finding honestand vivid strategies that articulate the personal and cultural impulses for writingand making theatre. Playwrights work alongside their fellow theatre artists as theywrite plays for production. The playwright creatively and critically employscharacter recipes, narrative strategies, organizing principles, poetic images,political and aesthetic manifestos, sinewy language, and the plasticity of the stageto convey and challenge our private and public dreams. The goal of the departmentis to encourage the widest range of work possible, in a variety of mediums, and tomentor each playwrights evolving understanding and translation of their voice.


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o Scene Design

Scenic Design provides a carefully balanced curriculum including both highlypractical hands-on experience and intensive focus on artistic development. Fromthe first week of the first year, students find themselves engaged in the practice ofproduction, building costumes, settings, and properties, working on production

lighting and sound crews, building and running Theater, Dance and Musicdepartment shows. While Scenic Design students will work in many differentcapacities on productions in their first year, their work will be increasingly focusedin the area of scenery, props and paint as they progress, so that the successfulstudentwill be working as primary Scenic Designer on main stage productions intheir final years.

o Screenwriting

Screenwriting majors gain a solid foundation in the liberal arts, taking classes inthe University core in order to deepen and broaden their capacity to communicateto audiences their world perspective.Majors move into more specific coursework, delving deep into their imaginationsand personal lives to come up with stories that will entertain, amuse, uplift, andchallenge audiences. In order to actualize these stories, students are introduced tothe basic elements of screenwriting.Students learn about character, dialogue, plotting, visual writing, and classic andalternative structures. In intermediate and advanced courses, students write andrewrite feature length screenplays, study genres, take classes in sitcom anddramatic television writing, and learn how to adapt stories to different mediums.

o Sound Design

The Sound Design concentration attempts to exercise and develop the conceptual,compositional, and technical skills of a sound designer through substantial

academic offerings and a set of practical design opportunities that together providea solid professional training experience. This rigorous preparation readies studentsfor a variety of design and engineering jobs related to music and sound inperformance. It is also directly applicable to teaching the art and craft of sounddesign.

o Stage Management

The Stage Management department is designed to prepare the qualified student forprofessional stage management employment, with the intended goal of assistingthe student to recognize and fulfill his or her role as an artistic collaborator and asan effective organizational manager throughout the entire production process. Therole of the Production Stage Manager requires a deep commitment to the artistic

process and a fundamental desire to serve the work through the creation of anenvironment in which artistic risks can be taken. The department seeksexperienced, well-educated, and highly motivated students who are able to use theresources of their responding university to expand their professional abilities anddeepen their artistic experiences.

o Theater Management

The Theater Management department prepares aspiring leaders to createorganizational environments increasingly favorable to the creation of theatre artand its presentation to appreciative audiences. The department provides studentswith the knowledge, skills, experience, and values to enter the field at high levelsof responsibility, to move quickly to leadership positions, and ultimately to advancethe state of management practice and the art form itself.


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Computer and

Information Sciences


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Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

Do you like to take things apart to see how they work? Have you been fascinated with

robots ever since you first saw R2D2 and C3PO steal the stage in Star Wars? If so, artificial

intelligence and robotics could be the major for you. For years, robots have been used in

many fields, from manufacturing, to transportation, to medicine. In this exciting program,youll gain computer, engineering, and scientific know-how to design your own robots.

Computer Engineering

Of the 14 branches of engineering tracked by the United States Department of

Labor,computer engineering has grown the fastest over the past two decades.

Once confined to university laboratories and big companies, computers have permeated our

everyday lives over the last two decades. Computer engineers create objects and services

that today's consumers often take for granted. Specifically, they design, construct, and test

the computer systems that keep us going. It's not unusual to find a computer engineerinvolved in everything from cars to toasters.

Computer engineering was originally a branch of the larger specialty ofelectrical

engineering, since early computers required engineers to physically install tubes and solder

connections. In the past few decades, however, as electrical engineers focused on the skills

of building actual computing devices, computer engineering emerged as a unique specialty.

Computer engineers now focus more of their skills on designing useful software applications

that take advantage of widely available hardware tools.

Computer Forensics

Computer forensics is a new and fast growing form of investigative technique in which a

forensic specialist gathers data that has been electronically stored or encrypted on digital

media. Typically, this digital media resides in a personal or work computer, but it could also

include flash memory cards or portable media players. The data retrieved often is used as

evidence in a court case or as information to help law enforcement further an investigation.

Computer forensics has a wide range of applications. Law enforcement agencies, both local

and federal, use computer forensics to gather evidence and obtain more information about

a suspect or known criminal. Large corporations may employ a computer forensics

professional to monitor employees' computer activities. Computer forensics specialists can

help prevent rogue employees or contractors from leaking critical information, such as

company plans or sensitive customer data.

Computer and Information Sciences, General

Computer and Information Sciences is a branch of the more general field of Computer

Science. If you major in CIS you'll be learning about computers and computer technology,

with an emphasis on the applications of such knowledge. This means you'll focus on how

computer technology can be applied to all fields of business. You'll learn how to develop

business applications and perform system analysis; you'll study the process of developing

software, from designing to programming to testing. You'll be exposed to areas such as

robotics, natural language recognition programs, artificial intelligence, programming

languages, and numerical analysis.
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Computer and Information Systems Security

As technology has continued to evolve and progress, more emphasis is placed on

safeguarding an organization's or a company's information.

With the innovations of hacking attacks and identity theft schemes, the sophistication of

criminal activity evolves as quickly as technology. Systems security, a branch of technologythat was generated in response to this concern, has become increasingly important for

national and international business, and this emphasis is predicted to grow in the future.

Computer Graphics and Multimedia

Most professions are becoming increasingly computer-oriented. Graphics, or graphic design,

is certainly no exception. As the world advances technologically, even the traditional

working materials of the graphic designer such as rulers, pencils, and lettering stencils are

being replaced by highly efficient computer programs. This new technology has not

rendered the graphic designer obsolete, but only serves as a new tool for the designer to

employ in his or her craft.

As new technology is developed, the opportunities for graphics and multimedia

professionals will continue to fan out with more and more variations. When we think of

advertisement today we think not only of a static printed image with text that we see in a

magazine or on a billboard. We now think of web ads with animation, text, scrolling banners,

and sound. As this sort of multimedia technology finds new niches in society, more skilled

and talented professionals will be required to utilize this new technology.

Computer Networking

As computer networking becomes an increasingly routine part of our daily lives, the jobs of

computer networking specialists and administrators become more important. It is the job of

the computer-networking specialist to keep the networks working. Once a network goes

down, many businesses cease to function until it returns to normal. Computer networks

have become the communications backbone of large and small businesses.

Computer networking specialists are being c

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