We’re just about to start a new school year, and for many colleges and universities across the US, that means the start of new departments.
This year there are several exciting majors, programs, and concentrations newly available to undergraduates. Some put a modern twist on a classic major while others reflect a whole new world. Let’s take a look!
Climate Change
Undergraduate programs in Environmental Studies and Sustainability have become increasingly popular over the past decade. But there’s a change coming! Several universities are designing bachelor’s degree programs that will prepare students to specifically address some of the world’s most pressing climate issues, from water shortages to soil depletion to natural disasters. Climate Change departments are so new, though, that many are still in the process of being approved. But from what we can tell already, this new major is taking an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating scientific studies and lab work with social problem solving and advocacy.
If you’re interested in learning more, take a sneak peak at Vanderbilt’s Climate Studies major, Iowa’s developing plans for their Climate Science program, and Northern Vermont University’s unique problem-based approach to the new major.
Robotics
Once upon a time, robotics was just an extracurricular activity for middle and high school kids who loved tinkering. However, with the rise of technology, especially AI, robotics has shifted from an after-school club to a viable career path.
Typically, the study of robotics has been integrated into undergraduate mechanical and electrical engineering programs. But not this year! University of Connecticut, University of Michigan, and UC Riverside have all announced new undergraduate programs in the field.
So what exactly can you do with a degree in robotics? Well, just about anything, really, from computing to software development to engineering. And with the increasing demand for technology in all industries, robotics professionals can cross over into a range of fields, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and education.
Data Science
It’s no secret that data science has become one of the trendiest picks for undergraduate study. Last year, UChicago, Boston University, and Pitt added data science to their list of majors, and several other schools are following suit this fall. UC Davis is now accepting students into their inaugural program, and Hamilton College is offering a newly designed interdisciplinary concentration in the subject.
If you’re a recent college grad who wants in on the data science trend, don’t worry! Master’s degrees in this field are on the rise as well. UConn is just about to welcome its inaugural Master’s cohort this fall. The program promises to be multidisciplinary, with an emphasis on ethics, design, and analysis. And for those looking to complete their studies virtually, there are plenty of options. Johns Hopkins and Northwestern are just two major universities now offering online graduate programs in data science.
Sports Analytics
Who knew that Brad Pitt would incite an entirely new major? After the success of the film Moneyball in 2011, many academic enrichment programs began teaching young students the fundamentals of statistics and analysis through sports.
Over the past few years, undergrads have been able to take sports analytics electives through data analytics and business programs. And more recently, schools like Roanoke University have added concentrations in sports analytics to round out their computer science and math departments.
However, only a few schools have created stand-alone majors dedicated to the field, namely Syracuse University and Rice University, who just announced their new program in May. Although there is an obvious sports emphasis to this course of study, students will learn a variety of mathematical and data-related skills that could be applied to many careers of the future.