Want to see how your major relates to possible careers? Filter by major or Career Cluster to learn about possible job titles, internships obtained by NIU students and employers who have hired NIU graduates from the major. To view salaries for graduates from different majors, visit Illinois College 2 Career or the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Login to Steppingblocks to explore career paths and NIU graduate outcomes.
Choose a major and/or a Career Cluster to find relevant information.
With an art degree from NIU, you’ll learn the art technique, history and design essential to your development as a visual art professional.
With a communication studies degree from NIU, you’ll learn effective communication strategies to prepare for a variety of careers in advocacy, media and organizational/corporate communication.
Overview of communication studies major
With an English degree from NIU, you’ll gain the communication and critical-thinking abilities to excel in a variety of career paths, ranging from government to start-up businesses.
Overview of the major in English
With a journalism degree from NIU, you’ll learn the skills, strategies and standards to succeed in industries, including broadcasting, multimedia journalism and public relations.
Overview of the major in journalism
With a music degree from NIU, you’ll develop the artistic, intellectual and practical foundation to excel in careers, including music performance, education and composition.
With a theatre arts – acting degree from NIU, you’ll gain intensive artistic and academic training to prepare for careers in theatre and theatre-related areas.
Overview of Theatre Arts major specializing in Acting
With a theatre arts – design and technology degree from NIU, you’ll gain an understanding of the artistic, social and cultural importance of theatre arts while developing creative and technical skills.
Read more about the Design and Technology major.
With a dance performance degree from NIU, you’ll learn from faculty with expertise in ballet, jazz, modern dance and tap, as well as composition and dance history.
With a world languages and cultures degree from NIU, you’ll prepare for a career in areas like translation, business, tourism, service industries, banking and education.
Overview of major in world languages
With an accountancy degree from NIU, you’ll gain general business and accounting knowledge and learn forensic accounting, internal auditing, and government and nonprofit accounting.
Read about the major in Accountancy.
With a business administration degree from NIU, you’ll learn marketing, accounting and data analytics, while developing your communication and technical skills.
Overview of Business Administration major.
With an economics degree from NIU, you’ll prepare for employment in business, government, or foreign services, for law school, or for graduate studies in business administration or public policy.
With a fashion merchandising degree from NIU, you’ll gain knowledge of textile and apparel products as well as an understanding of the various industry processes involved in their successful merchandising, including fashion forecasting, product development, sourcing, buying and visual merchandising.
Overview of Fashion Merchandising major.
With a finance degree from NIU, you’ll be prepared for careers in financial management, financial institutions and investments.
As a business administration major with an emphasis in hospitality and tourism management at NIU, you’ll learn skills in finance, people and processes to prepare for careers in settings like convention centers and cruise lines.
Overview of Hospitality and Tourism Management major.
With a management degree from NIU, you’ll learn communication, problem-solving and relationship-building skills to prepare for a career in a variety of business settings.
Jobs in human resource management:
Jobs in leadership and management:
With a marketing degree from NIU, you’ll be prepared for a career in advertising, marketing research, sales or a related area in an ad agency or company in a range of industries.
With an operations and information management degree from NIU, you’ll gain experience in implementing strategic processes, technology and analytics.
Overview of Operations Management and Information Systems major
With an elementary education degree from NIU, your study of educational philosophy and assessment will prepare you to teach students in first through sixth grades.
Overview of undergraduate education programs
Because of the curriculum of teacher licensure programs which include required clinical experiences and student teaching, few teaching students complete internships.
With an anthropology degree from NIU, you’ll be prepared for careers in areas like teaching, research and nonprofit management.
Overview of Anthropology major
With a history degree from NIU, you’ll gain new knowledge and new perspectives on life, and you’ll develop the critical reading, analytical, writing and speaking skills that will prepare you for a wide variety of careers.
With a human development and family sciences degree from NIU, you’ll be prepared for careers such as teaching in early childhood development programs, coordinating social services for children and families and working in a variety of human service systems.
Overview of Human Development and Family Sciences major
With a nonprofit and NGO studies degree from NIU, you’ll be prepared for careers with nonprofit organizations or in the fields of philanthropy, public service or community engagement.
Overview of Nonprofit and NGO Studies major
With a philosophy degree from NIU, you’ll be prepared for careers in government, education, health services and business.
With a political science degree from NIU, you’ll develop the communication, writing, critical thinking and research skills that can be applied to a wide range of careers.
Overview of Political Science major
With a psychology degree from NIU, you’ll be prepared for a variety of careers including education, business, government, research and mental health organizations.
Academic/Scientific:
Social Service:
Criminology and Law Enforcement:
Business and Industry:
Criminal justice agencies:
With a sociology degree from NIU, you’ll be prepared for a wide range of careers such as research, community development, criminal justice, health services, policy development, public relations and social services.
Social Service:
Criminology:
Social Service:
Criminology:
With a kinesiology degree from NIU, you’ll learn physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition to prepare for graduate study in athletic training
Read more about athletic training.With a communicative disorders degree from NIU, you’ll gain the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in a variety of education and health-related positions.
Overview of Communicative Disorders major
Jobs requiring an undergraduate degree:
Jobs requiring additional education or certifications:
With a health sciences degree from NIU, you’ll learn the knowledge and skills to prepare for professional health care careers in a global market.
Overview of Health Sciences major
With a kinesiology degree from NIU, you’ll prepare for a career in a variety of health, wellness and sport performance settings where you’ll use exercise as a form of medicine.
Jobs requiring advanced degrees:
With a nursing degree from NIU, you’ll prepare for a career as a nursing generalist – focused on being a provider and manager/coordinator of care.
Clinical:
Non-clinical:
With a nutrition, dietetics and wellness degree from NIU, you’ll be prepared to be part of a health care team to use nutrition to treat and prevent disease.
Overview of Nutrition, Dietetics and Wellness major
With a public health degree from NIU, you’ll be prepared for a variety of roles in government, education, nonprofits and private corporations.
Overview of Public Health major
Jobs that require additional education:
Jobs that require additional education:
Jobs that require additional education:
With a rehabilitation and disability services degree from NIU, you’ll learn the skills to pursue careers including services for independent living, supported employment, advocacy, recreation and group homes.
Overview of Rehabilitation and Disability Services major
Jobs that require additional education:
Rehabilitation:
Social services/mental health:
With a biological sciences degree from NIU, you’ll be prepared for careers in government, education, industry, and entrance into graduate and professional schools.
Overview of Biological Sciences major
With a biological sciences degree from NIU, you’ll be prepared for careers in government, education, industry, and entrance into graduate and professional schools.
Overview of Biological Sciences major
Laboratory research-oriented job titles:
Non-laboratory research oriented job titles:
With a biological sciences degree from NIU, you’ll be prepared for careers in government, education, industry, and entrance into graduate and professional schools.
Overview of Biological Sciences major
With a biological sciences degree from NIU, you’ll be prepared for careers in government, education, industry, and entrance into graduate and professional schools.
Overview of Biological Sciences major
With a biological sciences degree – pre-professional emphasis, you’ll take courses in chemistry, math and physics to prepare for medical or another professional school.
Overview of Biological Sciences major
With a chemistry and biochemistry degree, you’ll be prepared for a research career in settings such as manufacturing, agriculture, education and government/nonprofit organizations.
Overview of Chemistry and Biochemistry major
With a computer science degree, you’ll be prepared for careers in a variety of industries, including business, high-tech and research.
Overview of Computer Science major
With a degree in electrical engineering, engineering technology, industrial and systems engineering, mechanical engineering, as well as biomedical engineering or mechatronics engineering from NIU, you’ll find success in the public and private sectors.
Overview of Engineering and Engineering Technology majors
With a degree in environmental studies from NIU, you’ll learn how to meet environmental and energy challenges in a variety of careers and settings.
Overview of Environmental Studies major
With a degree in earth, atmosphere and environment, you’ll find professional success in industry, the government, education and consulting sectors, as well as in transportation, real estate and non-profit organizations.
Overview of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment major
NIU students have obtained internships with local city governments, state and federal agencies, and private sector companies in the areas of insurance and risk management, hazardous waste and natural resource management. Please meet with the undergraduate geography advisor to learn about specific internship opportunities.
Graduates with degrees in geography can work for:
With a degree in earth, atmosphere and environment, you’ll find professional success in industry, the government, education and consulting sectors, as well as in transportation, real estate and non-profit organizations.
Overview of Geology and Earth, Atmosphere and Environment major
Employers Who Have Hired M.S. and Ph.D. Graduates
Education: K-12, Community Colleges, Universities, Museums
Environmental/Engineering/Public Health/Water Resources
Government: Municipal/State/Federal
Mining/Minerals/Precious Metals/Materials Science
Petroleum/Energy/Petroleum Service
Research: Federal/State/Public/Private
With a degree in mathematical sciences from NIU, you’ll be prepared for advanced study or to begin a career in business, finance, market research or another field.
Overview of Mathematical Sciences major
With a degree in medical laboratory sciences from NIU, you’ll be prepared for careers critical to health maintenance as well as disease diagnosis, treatment and monitoring.
Overview of Medical Laboratory Sciences major
With a degree in meteorology from NIU, you’ll be prepared for careers as a broadcast, forensic or research meteorologist, as well as a weather forecaster, climate impact analyst, environmental risk assessor and environmental engineer.
NIU students have obtained internships is the areas of broadcasting, transportation, energy, weather modification, applied research, weather services and environmental firms. Please meet with the undergraduate meteorology advisor to learn about specific internship opportunities.
With a degree in physics from NIU, you’ll gain problem solving, analytical and laboratory skills to be prepared for careers in research, education and other fields.
The Arts, Media and Communications cluster is all about creativity and human expression. Careers in this cluster typically involve designing, producing, creating, writing, performing, exhibiting, persuading, informing and publishing. Opportunities exist behind the scenes and in front of an audience, as well as producing all types of content for public consumption.
NIU offers a variety of academic pathways, activities and access to organizations to help you get started on your journey toward a career in art, media and communications. In addition to the majors, you should experiment with your creative expression (e.g., writing, music, thinking, dance, public speaking), develop a portfolio to show to prospective employers, expand your cultural experiences, join professional organizations and related student organizations, and gain practical experience through internships and volunteer opportunities.
Skills needed in this cluster:
Get more information about occupations and skills related to career clusters.
The Business and Entrepreneurship cluster focuses on the organization, operation, management, financing and ownership of businesses. Careers in these fields typically involve planning, organizing, directing and evaluating business functions essential to efficient and productive business operations. Opportunities exist in practically every sector of the economy from the creation of new businesses, moving a company’s goals forward and developing sustainable systems that allow organizations to achieve desired outcomes.
NIU offers a variety of academic pathways, activities and access to organizations to help you get started on your journey toward a career in business and entrepreneurship. In addition to the majors, you should read business publications that are relevant to your interests, take inventory of your strengths and weaknesses to assess how your strengths give you a competitive edge, network extensively with your peers, and join and participate in business and entrepreneurship-related student organizations.
Skills needed in this cluster
Get more information about occupations and skills related to career clusters.
The Education cluster is a group of industries associated with teaching and improving learning. Careers in these fields typically involve communicating, inspiring, motivating, understanding, planning, managing, and providing education and related learning support services. Opportunities exist in public, private, religiously-affiliated schools and educational-support organizations.
NIU offers a variety of academic pathways, activities and access to organizations to help you get started on your journey toward a career in education. In addition to the majors, you should volunteer or work in an educational setting to help you identify the age group and subjects you’re interested in, network, join related student organizations and participate in activities early in your time at NIU and progress to leadership roles by graduation.
Skills needed for this cluster:
Get more information about occupations and skills related to career clusters.
The Government, Nonprofit and Social Services cluster is a broad group of industries associated with serving society in a variety of ways. From helping someone with a personal crisis to non-profit management to international diplomacy, careers in this cluster can impact an individual’s quality of life or address global issues. Careers in these fields typically involve planning and performing government functions, policy-making, managing, advocating, counseling, researching, enforcing, protecting, helping, problem-solving, leading and mentoring. Opportunities exist in federal employment (the largest industry in the United States), as well as local and state government, national, international, community, for-profit and non-profit organizations and associations, and religious organizations working with constituencies directly and indirectly.
NIU offers a variety of academic pathways, activities and access to organizations to help you get started on your journey toward a career in government, public and social services. In addition to the majors, you can volunteer at a related organization, follow news, issues and trends related to your cause, network with others who share your passion to solve social, community, national and international issues. Maintain a strong grade point average as internships, fellowships and research opportunities are competitive. And lastly, don’t do anything that will negatively impact your record. Many job opportunities in this cluster will require a background check.
Skills needed in this cluster:
Get more information about occupations and skills related to career clusters.
The Health and Wellness cluster is a group of industries associated with the promotion of wellness and healthy lifestyles, the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disorders, and supporting others to achieve their potential. Careers in these fields typically involve serving or helping others by educating, training, researching, planning, and providing therapeutic and diagnostic services. Opportunities exist in hands-on care, administration, advocacy, support services, research and development and community enhancement.
NIU offers a variety of academic pathways, activities and access to organizations to help you get started on your journey toward a career in health and wellness. In addition to the majors, you should develop relationships with your faculty, advisors, and Career Services counselor for information about shadowing, internships, graduate/professional school and career planning. Seek out shadowing/observation and hands-on experience in your health and wellness interest area early on. These opportunities will help determine if a particular health profession is the right fit for you, strengthen your communication and interpersonal skills, and demonstrate your commitment and ability to work with people.
Skills needed for this cluster:
Get more information about occupations and skills related to career clusters.
The Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) cluster comprises industries that focus on research, planning and managing, solving abstract problems, providing technical services, and designing products and systems.
NIU offers a variety of academic pathways, activities and access to organizations to help you get started on your journey toward a career inSTEM. In addition to the majors, NIU offers a wide-range of activities, research and volunteer opportunities. There are monthly informational STEMCafes, workshops and clubs available. STEM is a fast-moving field, so staying updated with your career advisor, reading professional resources and identifying a faculty mentor early-on in your academic career is important. First, choose a major, then get involved!
Skills needed for this cluster:
Get more information about occupations and skills related to career clusters.
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