Explore Majors and Minors by Area of Interest

Agriculture is a complex field that requires the highest levels of science to research crops that can withstand pests and environmental impacts for food production, to enhance soil for growing plants, to produce healthy animals, and develop nutritional food products for consumers. It is a discipline that needs professionals to work in research and development, production, business, and education.

MAJORS

(See: Life Sciences, Environment/Natural Resources, Physical Sciences)

Original, creative, and independent are often words used to describe students who are interested in design. From architecture to industrial design, textile, and graphic design, there are majors for students to pursue that can lead to some very creative careers.

MAJORS

(See: Arts and Culture)

Are you interested in learning about the history, theory, analysis, and development of the arts? Do you want the opportunity to have some hands-on production or performing experience? Majors and minors are offered where you can pursue your interests.

MAJORS

(See: Architecture & Design)

From planning marketing campaigns to crunching numbers and analyzing data, opportunities in the business world are varied and numerous. The knowledge and skills that you will acquire can result in careers that include: accountant, loan office, real estate appraiser, bank manager, tax assessor, marketing manager, credit examiner, actuary, sales representative, and more.

MAJORS

Communication is a broad field that can encompass oral and written communication, graphic communications and technical writing. The ability to communicate orally and in writing are skills that are important in life and in careers that include: editor, public relations professional, advertising, marketing, technical writer, and more.

MAJORS

(See: Humanities: Foreign Languages and Literature)

Working in a helping profession where having a positive impact on the lives of others is what motivates those who want to pursue a career in education and teaching. Teachers are in demand and have opportunities throughout this state, country and abroad.

MAJORS

Are you interested in analyzing, evaluating and finding solutions to problems? Do you have a strong attention to detail and logical thinking? Are your strengths in math and science? If so, a discipline in engineering may be a major and career for you.

MAJORS

(See: Technology)

Passionate about preserving our environment and finding solutions to problems with water quality, ecosystem enhancement, sustainable products, air quality, and energy resources? We have multiple and diverse majors that can prepare you for a career as a biologist, environmental monitor, consultant, advocate for a non-profit agency, and technical writer.

MAJORS

(See: Agricultural Sciences for more environmental majors & minors)

History, foreign language, philosophy, religion, literature…these are all disciplines that make up the humanities. Why are the humanities important? They help us explore human history and expose us to new ideas and beliefs. They encourage us to think “outside of the box”. Graduate of humanities programs can be found in careers in all areas of business, government, education, public and private organizations in the U.S. and abroad.

MAJORS

(See: Social Sciences)

Interested in working with people in a “helping” profession? These majors and minors can provide you with the educational background and skills for careers that can satisfy the need to make a difference in the lives of others.

MAJORS

(See: Education/Teaching, Humanities, Social Sciences)

The life sciences are concerned with the study of living organisms (past and present) and life processes.  Some disciplines within the life sciences focus on specific organisms, ranging from microorganisms to plants to animals (including humans). Other life science disciplines focus on aspects of life that span different organisms, including molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, cellular biology, physiology, neurobiology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and paleontology. Life science students find careers in a wide range of areas in private industry, education, government, and the non-profit sector.  Life science students are also well prepared for graduate and professional programs, with many students pursuing careers in health care and public health.

MAJORS

(See: Physical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences)

Analytical? Logical? Excel at numerical computations and enjoy problem-solving? Mathematics or statistics could be a major for you. These subjects provide a great background for those who want to use their interests and talent for numbers in ways to solve problems in diverse fields from engineering, medical sciences, environmental issues, and more. Employment can be found in quantitative careers in business, government, research, teaching and other fields.

MAJORS

(See: Business: Accounting, Economics

From chemistry to meteorology, physics to geology and marine sciences. The physical sciences encompass a broad range of disciplines that focus on understanding more about the earth, water systems, nature, and seeking solutions to problems related to these systems. Careers can include research in private industry and higher education, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations.

MAJORS

(See: Life Sciences, Agricultural Sciences)

If you are interested in attending professional school including medical, dental, optometry, veterinary, law and other programs, you can pursue any undergraduate major as long as you take the appropriate pre-requisite courses for admission. In other words, NC State (like most universities) does not have a pre-health, pre-law, or pre-vet major. You should choose the undergraduate major that you enjoy, can excel in the courses, and offers you the best career alternatives should you decide not to go to professional school.

HealthPAC – The Health Professions Advising Center: This website and advising center is available to all NC State students who are interested in pursuing health programs including medical, dental, optometry, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc. Students are strongly encouraged to begin using this service early in their college career. Be sure to look under “Program Prerequisites” for courses that are required for admission to the programs. Advising appointments are available on the HealthPAC website.

For more information on Health Professions Advising, visit the Health Professions Advising website

Resources:

Explore Health Careers
American Medical Association
American Medical Student Association
American Dental Association
American Student Dental Association
American Optometric Association

Pre-Law Services – Students who are interested in pursuing law school after graduating from NC State can pursue any major as an undergraduate. There are some law-related courses that you may want to take and some experiences that you will want to take advantage of while an undergrad. Pre-Law Services is a wonderful resource for students who want to learn about law school admissions requirements, get involved in volunteer/service opportunities, attend the annual law school fair, and more!

For more information on Pre-Law Advising, visit the Pre-Professional Programs website

Resources:

Law School Admission Council
American Bar Association
American Bar Association-Law Student Division
“Preparing for a Career in Law in the 21st. Century”

Vet-PAC – Some of the “popular” majors for pre-vet students include: Animal Science, Zoology, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Poultry Science. Use the resources of Vet-PAC to learn about admission to veterinary programs, get practical experience, and be advised by Dr. Trivedi, a veterinarian in the Department of Animal Science.

Pre-Vet Advisor: Dr. Shweta Trivedi, Department of Animal Science:

Resources:

NC State Pre-Veterinary Club
NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine
American Veterinary Medical Association

Interesting article about former NC State grad who is a Veterinarian with the London Zoo.

Students who are interested in managing programs/facilities or coordinating activities related to sports, parks, recreational programs and tourism should consider these majors and minors. Sport, recreation, and tourism are multi-million dollar industries in North Carolina, throughout the U.S., and abroad. Those who have strong backgrounds in business, finance, marketing, program/event planning, are poised for careers with private organizations, the hospitality industry, sports teams, parks, and tourism attractions.

MAJORS

Interested in how people interact as individuals, in groups, and in society? Do you want to learn more about cultural norms and social change? Are you intrigued by politics and political parties? The social sciences provide students with the opportunity to explore these and other areas. Graduates find employment in government, business/industry, non-profits, social service agencies and international organizations.

MAJORS

(See: Humanities)

Do you enjoy problem-solving and hands-on work such as modifying machines or working with tools? Are you interested in improving computer or manufacturing systems to make them more efficient? There are numerous majors and minors that might meet your interests and develop your skills and lead to careers in industries including technology, agriculture, and textiles, as well as government agencies and education.

MAJORS

(See: Engineering)