COLLEGE OF
LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES UNDERGRADUATE VIEWBOOK
MAJORS WITH SO MANY
YOUR OPTIONS ARE
UNLIMITED As the largest school on campus, the College offers more than 100 major and minor options from astronomy to visual art.
majorsmarketplace.ku.edu
“When I came to KU, I had a hard time deciding between a science degree and a more creative degree. I started as strictly a biology major, but added English when I found that I really missed having a creative component to school. After graduation I plan to go into science writing/journalism. Think National Geographic or The New Yorker.� PAIGE HANSEN, double majoring in biology and English
GET ON THE FAST TRACK
FIELDS OF STUDY
Earn a bachelor’s degree and an advanced degree or certificate in less time with accelerated programs.
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES
4 plus 1 Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees Combine four years as an undergraduate with one year as a graduate student and walk down the Hill with two degrees. • • • •
• •
Classics (BA & MA) English (BA & MA) Environmental Assessment (BA & PSM) Global & International Studies, Concentration in Middle East and North Africa (BA & MA) Philosophy (BA & MA) Russian, Eastern European & Eurasian Studies, Concentration in Foreign Area Studies (BA & MA)
Legal Education Accelerated Degree (LEAD) Earn a B.A. in liberal arts and sciences and a J.D. in six years. law.ku.edu/lead UKanTeach Earn a bachelor’s degree in science or math and a teaching license in four years. ukanteach.ku.edu
African & African-American studies* African Studies; African-American Studies; Arabic & Islamic studies American studies* Race/ethnicity. American cultural studies; Local & global; Popular culture; Jazz studies; Gender & sexuality; Religion Anthropology* Applied behavioral science* Early childhood; Youth development & juvenile justice; Adults with disabilities; Community health & development; Basic research & conceptual foundations Astrobiology+ Astronomy* Atmospheric science* Air pollution meteorology; General meteorology; Hydrometeorology; News media forecasting Behavioral neuroscience Biological Sciences Biochemistry; Biology; Human biology; Microbiology; Molecular biosciences (EC) Biotechnology (EC) Chemistry* Biochemistry; Biological chemistry; Chemical physics; Environmental chemistry Classical antiquity* Classical languages* Classics+ Communication studies* Economics* English* Creative writing; Language, rhetoric & writing; Traditional English Environmental studies* European studies co-major* Geography* Geographical information & analysis Geology* Earth & space science licensure; Engineering geology; Environmental geology; General geology; Geophysics Global & international studies* Africa; Asia; Latin America & the Caribbean; The Middle East; Russia, East Europe & Central Asia; Western Europe History* History of art* Humanities* Human sexuality* Indigenous studies+ Jewish Studies* Latin American & Caribbean studies* Latino/a studies+ Leadership studies+ Liberal arts & sciences Linguistics* Literature, language & writing* (EC) Mathematics* Microbiology Middle East studies+ Molecular biosciences (EC) Peace & conflict studies+ Philosophy* Physics* Computational physics; Interdisciplinary; Preprofessional
Political science Prelaw (no degree offered) Premedical professions (no degree offered) Psychology* Behavioral neuroscience (Lawrence & Edwards Campus) Public policy in the United States+ Religious studies* Russian, East European & Eurasian studies* Social & behavioral sciences methodology+ Sociology* Speech-language-hearing: sciences & disorders* Women’s studies*
SCHOOL OF THE ARTS Dance* Film & media studies* Theatre* Performance; Theatre, culture & society Theatre design Visual art* Ceramics; General; Metalsmithing/ jewelry; Textile/fibers Visual art education
SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES, LITERATURES & CULTURES Brazilian studies+ East Asian languages & cultures* Double language; East Asian studies (Chinese, Japanese, or Korean language) French* French & Italian; Italian German studies* Italian+ Slavic languages & literatures* Polish studies; Russian; South Slavic studies Spanish*
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS & ADMINISTRATION Law & society (EC) Public administration* (EC)
Guide to the fields of study list MAJORS: Regular type * Major and Minor + Minor only Concentrations: Noted in italics (EC): Taught at Edwards Campus. A co-major must accompany a major. Prelaw and premed are undergraduate tracks, not majors. Talk with an advisor to learn about the course work and majors that prepare you for a law or medicine degree.
FOLLOW YOUR
INTERESTS
PATH TO DISCOVER YOUR
I knew all along as an undergraduate that two things I loved were psychology and philosophy. Those interests prompted a lot of questions from my parents about the value of a liberal arts education. I wasn’t sure at that time how to explain that skills I was learning—like critical thinking, problem solving and communication—would be valuable in my everyday life as well as in a number of future careers. What I wish I knew to tell my parents then is that liberal arts and sciences majors are quite successful in the workplace. You might be surprised to know that the college salary report from PayScale shows that mid-career philosophy majors earn just as much if not more than mid-career accounting majors. My parents would have been, but it’s true. And dozens of reports show that the skills employers value most are the same as the core skills of a liberal arts and sciences education. Your four years in college will drag on if you choose a major based on earnings potential alone. There’s evidence to show that studying what fascinates you can pay off in the long run, so choose your major (or a couple of majors or a minor) based on what interests you. Enhance your skills through internships, study abroad, service learning and numerous other opportunities at KU. As a student you’ll be pushed outside your comfort zone, discover new passions and learn from others. Now is the time to set yourself on a path that you’ll look back on with fond memories of life-changing experiences at KU.
Carl Lejuez DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES
CHOOSE YOUR OWN
ADVENTURE
Liberal arts and sciences students carry on an ancient tradition that’s still relevant in modern times, designed to educate citizens in the skills and broad knowledge necessary to become contributing members of society.
FIND YOUR FIT
Take a variety of classes to discover subjects you want to study further in a major or minor. Liberal arts and sciences has more than 100 to choose from.
APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Learning doesn’t stop once you leave the classroom. Internships, service learning, undergraduate research and study abroad are essential opportunities to apply what you’re learning and build skills that will enhance your employability.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Graduation is just the beginning. A liberal arts and sciences degree is broad and flexible, which prepares students to find jobs in a variety of fields, or go on to graduate school to specialize in a variety of professions.
CAREER PATHS
Business, Economy & Data Children, Family & Human Services Creative & Performing Arts Global Cultures & Languages Government, Law & Politics
Health & Wellness Media & Communications Science, Energy & Technology Social Justice & Community Outreach Sustainability, Nature & Conservation
GRADUATE SCHOOL
Arts Business Humanities Law Medicine Natural Sciences Social & Behavioral Sciences
Explore degrees and career options at
career.ku.edu/clas
FOLLOW THIS ROADMAP,
FIND SUCCESS Take advantage of all the opportunities and resources to make the most out of your four years as a liberal arts and sciences major. FRESHMAN Take a small class your first semester: UNIV 101 or a First-Year Seminar are good options. FirstYear Seminars help you meet KU Core Goal 1.
JUNIOR This is a good year to meet KU Core Goals 4 and 5—check out study abroad and service learning opportunities.
Enroll in classes to fulfill KU Core Goals 1 and 2. They’ll help you strengthen your skills in written and oral communication, quantitative literacy, and critical thinking.
Work closely with your advisor and faculty mentors to choose courses and activities that reflect your own intellectual interests. If you’re interested in research, get involved through the Center for Undergraduate Research: ugresearch.ku.edu.
Check out resources to keep on track academically: study with peers in tutor groups through the Academic Achievement and Access Center and polish that paper with the KU Writing Center.
Go to a Study Abroad Fair and make plans to explore another part of the world: studyabroad.ku.edu
Study a language – KU offers more than anywhere else in the Big 12. Start meeting with your academic advisor every semester.
SOPHOMORE Enroll in classes to fulfill Goal 3 of the KU Core. Courses will allow you to develop a background of knowledge across fundamental areas of study. Declare your major by the end of sophomore year! (Or why not a double major or a minor?) Visit majorsmarketplace.ku.edu to explore majors and minors in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. Explore certificate options in Global Awareness, Service Learning, Research Experience, and other areas: certifications.ku.edu Apply for internships to start using what you’ve learned in class in the workplace. Visit the University Career Center to learn more. career.ku.edu
SENIOR Explore your options for meeting KU Core Goal 6. Your department may have a capstone course for seniors. Departmental honors may be available in your department; you can complete an honors thesis or project. What comes next after graduation? Start thinking about graduate school applications or attending the University Career Center Career Fair. Did you know, they have a closet full of interview clothes?
ADVISORS SHARE SECRETS TO SUCCESS Advisors are your advocates and coaches. They can be especially helpful for choosing a major or minor, finding internship or job opportunities, and overall making the most of your time in college. Seek out their advice early and often.
STUDENTS OUTLINE KEYS TO BALANCING TIME It might be easier than you think to pursue more than one major or minor. You can still graduate on time and, bonus, your diverse studies can help you stand out in the job market.
LISA HAMBLEN
2. HAVE A PLAN.
Academic Advisor for Environmental Studies, Geology, Geography and UKanTeach My best advice for college students: Meet with your faculty! They want to help and meet you. They hold the key for knowledge and opportunities to help you be successful.
JOSH DEBOER, Academic Advisor for History of Art, Philosophy, Religious Studies and UKanTeach My best advice for college students: First, capitalize on as many opportunities as you are able to. Whether it is exploring new fields of study, studying abroad, getting involved in a club or organization, doing research or going to an SUA event—they are all great. Second, a Crunchy Chicken Cheddar Wrap with chipotle ranch is a game changer.
1. DON’T BE AFRAID TO EXPLORE. “I spent a lot of time exploring different courses and majors, and I’m still going to graduate in a reasonable amount of time. It’s probably not advisable to change as often as I did, but there is a lot of wiggle room for those who are a little more indecisive than most.” —Kassandra Knoff, majoring in English and minoring in Korean language
“Tell your advisors what you are interested in and figure out a plan to achieve different goals. It is really easy to balance multiple majors if you start early and have a solid plan.” —Liam Murphy, double majoring in communication studies and political science
3. MEET WITH YOUR ADVISORS EARLY. “I meet with my advisors at least a month before I enroll so that I have enough time to meet with both advisors for my majors and adjust my schedule.” —Lauren Davidson, double majoring in Spanish and journalism and minoring in business
4. ASK QUESTIONS. “Whenever I have a question I talk to one of my advisors. They have great insight and their doors are always open. They helped a lot and I feel very confident that I can obtain both degrees, not be super stressed by my course load and graduate on time.” —Emma Easom, double majoring in philosophy and Spanish
5. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE KU CORE. “KU makes it easy for students to double major within CLAS. With the (relatively) new KU Core, there are less general education requirements and some classes count for multiple requirements between the two majors. With the KU Core and the AP credits I brought in from high school, I’ve never found myself too overwhelmed by classes.” —Cody Christensen, double majoring in economics and political science
SO MANY
SUBJECTS TO EXPAND YOUR
INTERESTS Social studies, language and creative arts, science and history were just the beginning. You can dive deeper into favorite topics with more than 50 departments to choose from.
majorsmarketplace.ku.edu
KU STUDENTS WHO HELD INTERNSHIPS OR WORKED IN SCHOOL MADE $6,000 MORE AFTER GRADUATION THAN STUDENTS WHO DIDN’T.
HERE WHAT YOU EXPERIENCE
CAN TAKE YOU
ANYWHERE The curriculum for liberal arts and sciences students encourages hands-on learning outside the classroom. Apply what you’ve learned in class, add to your skillset and give back through experiences such as service learning, undergraduate research and internships.
90% OF 2014–15 GRADUATES FROM THE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES WERE PLACED IN JOBS OR GRADUATE SCHOOL.
EMPLOYERS VALUE
THE FLEXIBILITY AND CREATIVITY OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES GRADUATES, ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM FORBES, THE NEW YORK TIMES, NPR AND OTHERS.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
SERVICE LEARNING
INTERNSHIPS AND CAREER SERVICES
Participating in undergraduate research is a great way to enhance your KU education while contributing to your field and developing your professional opportunities. Professors in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences work with undergraduate researchers in nearly every discipline.
Service learning recognizes students’ curricular and cocurricular experiences in utilizing their classroom skills to meet community-identified needs. Students can earn a Certificate in Service through service learning courses, volunteer work, and reflecting on your service learning experiences. Service learning is open to all university students, with the majority of course offerings coming from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.
The University Career Center (UCC) offers a wide range of quality services designed to support and challenge KU students at all points on the career development and implementation path. The UCC offers career fairs, career coaching and assessments, job search tools, resume help and more. The UCC is the number-one career resource for students in the College. Students can also find opportunities through their major department.
Darra Stuart, majoring in global & international studies and environmental studies, spent part of her summer uncovering old homes and artifacts in Israel. She was part of a team that uncovered the entrance gate and fortification wall to the ancient city of Gath, best known for its role in the Bible as home of giant Goliath and site of his famous showdown with David.
“If you want to get into research, take any opportunity you are given. I started archaeology on a whim, it was never something I seriously considered. After going to Israel and experiencing archaeology, I now realize that this is something I could do for the rest of my life. If I didn’t give myself the chance, I never would have discovered it.”
Jordyn Gunville, an applied behavioral science major, solidified her passion for community health through her service learning experience.
“I plan to practice medicine in the future with a focus on community. Because of service learning, I got to experience how a community can influence one’s overall health. Treating the whole person requires understanding the larger issues that impact health, which can only be understood by knowing the conditions that caused the health issue, and treating the community.”
Garrett Farlow, majoring in slavic language & literature, political science and journalism, spent a summer halfway around the world in Kazakhstan as an intern with the Kazakhstan Press Club & PG Communications. He worked to help journalists break away from government censorship and played sports with the National Special Olympics team.
“Having an internship is the best thing you can do to complement your education. You gain a lot from putting the skills you learn in the classroom directly into projects in the industry. An even better way to stand out is to intern overseas!”
WORLD AROUND THE
IN DOZENS OF
LANGUAGES
The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences is the hub of international study at KU. All foreign languages and international area studies programs are based in the College. You can study cultures and languages from all over the world. Better yet, you can study, work or research abroad to experience different cultures firsthand. The KU Office of Study Abroad administers more than 160 international study, internship and research programs in 70 countries. Programs are offered year-round to all majors. For more information, visit studyabroad.ku.edu.
FIND YOUR FLUENCY You can study languages spoken by millions or specialize in critical, less common languages. Here are languages students have studied in the past year:
A FEW STUDY ABROAD OPTIONS:
QQ QQ QQ QQ QQ QQ QQ
Brazil Costa Rica Israel Japan Morocco Spain United Kingdom
Amharic Arabic Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian Cherokee Chinese Dutch French German Greek Haitian Creole Hebrew Hindi Italian Japanese KiSwahili Korean Latin Persian Polish Portuguese Quichua Russian Slavic Slovene Spanish Tibetan Turkish Ukrainian Uyghur Wolof
sllc.ku.edu
STUDY WITH
PROFESSORS AT THE HEAD OF THE
CLASS
Our professors do so much more than teach. KU is a research university, which means you’ll study with leading experts in a variety of fields. Our faculty are also great mentors, eager to share knowledge and opportunities to help students succeed.
Shannon Portillo teaches in the School of Public Affairs & Administration. She’s interested in how social, cultural and legal factors influence the day-to-day operations in organizations such as the military, courts, police and city administrators. She conducted research as a KU undergraduate and now helps her students do the same.
Students participating in the KU ODYSSEY project had the opportunity to dig up ancient history with a distinguished professor. Rolfe Mandel, University Distinguished Professor of anthropology, led students on an archaeological dig, searching for artifacts from early inhabitants of the Central Great Plains.
Study jazz, blues, funk, hip-hop and more with Tony Bolden in the Department of African & African-American Studies. He’s brought award-winning poets and nationally known scholars to KU for the annual community lecture series, “Make It Funky.” Recent topics include artists Kendrick Lamar and Lauryn Hill.
STUDENT ACADEMIC SERVICES 785-864-3500 clas109@ku.edu
college.ku.edu/ undergrad
UNDERGRADUATE ADVISING Students who major in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences receive advising help at many levels. Our team of advisors works with current and prospective undergraduate students to develop the most effective path from declaring your major to finishing your degree. Faculty and staff are key advisors, too, who help students explore options for interesting courses and careers for particular majors. Student Academic Services brings these two pieces together to ensure great advising and opportunities for College of Liberal Arts & Sciences majors.
Explore your options
at
majors marketplace.
ku.edu
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES 785-864-3661 collegeinfo@ku.edu college.ku.edu
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and are the Title IX coordinators for their respective campuses: Executive Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity & Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 West Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY (for the Lawrence, Edwards, Parsons, Yoder, and Topeka campuses); Director, Equal Opportunity Office, Mail Stop 7004, 4330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205, 913-588-8011, 711 TTY (forthe Wichita, Salina, and Kansas City, Kansas, medical center campuses). Photo credit: Special thanks to KU Marketing Communications for the majority of photos used in this publication.