WHAT’S
RIGHT FOR
YOU? EXPLORING OUR MAJORS TO PREPARE YOU FOR THE FUTURE
More Than a Major. Major Opportunities. So, you are interested in a degree in engineering or have a passion for math or science. Maybe you want to work in the helping professions or take on the business world. Or perhaps you want to fight for social justice with a law degree. Whatever your end goal, there is a unique path for you at Western New England University. Part of that journey is choosing a major, and we’ll be here for you as you figure it all out. In this guide, you’ll find practical tips on that important process as well as valuable information about our exciting academic programs and life-changing learning opportunities.
Prepare for Your Future Career. Start Here. There’s more to a college education than simply choosing a major. At Western New England University, it’s a journey of exploration and discovery to find the right path that will lead to a rewarding career and fulfilling life. At WNE, you’ll be immersed in the Agile Mind Education, which will prepare you to adapt and thrive in the Future of Work. You’ll unlearn, learn, and re-learn skills that help you navigate a world that is constantly changing, so that you can create value anywhere you go. When you graduate, not only will you be prepared to launch your career, but you’ll also be ready to adapt to future careers that have yet to be imagined.
1
It’s a Major Decision, But You’ve Got This. Think of the process of choosing a major as just that—a process. Studies suggest that up to 80% of college students change their declared major at least once. Our academic decision-making process gives you the freedom to consider all of your options and that’s a smart way to maximize your investment in your education.
Do the Honors. Honors programs are the cherry on top of an impressive academic transcript, inspiring and challenging you with fascinating courses and research opportunities. The Honors program distinction on your academic record is an ideal way to show graduate schools and potential employers that you are ambitious, goal-oriented, and driven to excel.
See the World Through the Eyes of a Global Scholar. Make the world your classroom as a member of the Global Scholars Program. This fascinating program offers the advantages of internationally focused coursework combined with global cultural exposure through networking and international travel and study. Through this lens you will see opportunities to make a positive impact in your field.
Relax, Enjoy the Journey, and Let Us Be Your Guide. EXPLORE. The First Year Seminar is designed to help you develop core skills and begin to explore disciplines of academic interest. PLAN. At WNE, you will have your own four-person team of advisors to guide you every step of the way: your faculty advisor, peer advisor, career advisor, and general university advisor. It’s all a part of what we call the 4U Comprehensive Advising Program which is dedicated to providing you with a network of support. FOCUS. Once you have narrowed your focus, you can map out experiential opportunities to support your academics—from campus leadership positions to study abroad, internships, and networking. SUCCEED. We have designed the curriculum for each major to enable you to earn your bachelor’s degree in four years of full-time study and be well prepared for the future of work.
Ready to Explore? 2
Business and Economics If you’re interested in the world of business from finance and accounting to marketing and economics, these majors will give you a solid general business foundation along with program-specific knowledge and best practices in your chosen industry. You’ll have access to and learn how to use industry grade tools including analytic software SAP and SAS; Morningstar Direct; and the Frances and Norman Cohen Trading Room and Financial Center, which allows students to manage a real $100,000 trading fund. If being an entrepreneur is more your style, our Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship offers a MakerSpace with cutting-edge tools and space to collaborate with your peers. MAJORS OFFERED INCLUDE: Accounting Business Analytics and Information Management Economics Finance General Business Human Resource Management Management and Leadership Marketing Marketing Communication/Advertising Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Business Sport Management
3
Engineering Our Engineering majors will teach you to be innovative and entrepreneurial from day one—you’ll be thinking like an engineer and solving real-world problems in your first semester. Your first year will be a critical introduction to engineering and will give you a feel for the various disciplines, while building your skills in teamwork and innovation design through BOT battles and smart projects. Whether you want to pursue Biomedical Engineering to design medical products to improve patient quality of life, be on the forefront of building our nation’s infrastructure through Civil Engineering, learn how to keep the operations and oversight moving smoothly for the construction of the nations buildings and homes through our Construction Management major, or streamline processes to be more efficient and cost effective in Industrial Engineering, you’ll be prepared to solve the world’s problems and design the future of engineering.
MAJORS OFFERED INCLUDE: Biomedical Engineering Civil Engineering Computer Engineering Construction Management Electrical Engineering Industrial Engineering Mechanical Engineering Concentrations: Mechanical, Mechatronics
4
Sciences The science majors at Western New England span the medical fields, forensics, and various scientific research disciplines. These majors are housed in our Center for the Sciences and Pharmacy, where you will have access to 19 state of the art labs and equipment to conduct research, as well as plenty of quiet study areas. Whether you want to move on to our 0-6 PharmD program to become a pharmacist, work with evidence related to criminal investigations, pursue behavioral analysis, or develop scientific research, WNE will support you through meeting your academic and professional goals.
MAJORS OFFERED INCLUDE: Biology Chemistry Forensic Biology Forensic Chemistry Health Sciences Health Studies Neuroscience Pharmacy (0-6 Program) Pre-optometry Pre-physician assistant Psychology
5
Math, Computer Sciences, & Technology Are you interested in studying to become an actuary and solve problems related to managing financial risk? Or maybe you want to use your mathematical reasoning to work in physics, statistics, or even operations management? Perhaps you are an expert when it comes to IT issues or want to design your own software? Graduates with knowledge in mathematics and computers are in high demand in technology and business careers, and these majors will give you a valuable foundation to work in analytics, development, cybersecurity, or teaching roles.
MAJORS OFFERED INCLUDE: Actuarial Science Computer Sciences Information Technology Mathematical Sciences
Humanities and Justice Knowledge of our past, cultures, laws, politics, and society is critical to informing our future decisions. Our Humanities and Justice majors are fascinating programs that can lead to jobs in government, nonprofits, or the private sector where your degree can make a difference in the world. Whether you are preparing for a career in politics, law, or criminal justice you’ll be well-rounded in critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to communicate clearly and make sound decisions in your future field.
MAJORS OFFERED INCLUDE: Criminal Justice Concentrations: Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security and Terrorism, Victim Studies, and Administration of Justice History International Studies Law and Society Political Science 6
Education, Communication, & Literature Clear communication and strong writing skills are the hallmark of success in any field. Majors in Education, Communication, & Literature will help you build those skills and apply them through internships and practical experiences. From there, your career options are broad. From journalism and public relations, to copywriting and marketing, elementary to secondary school teaching, and beyond, you will be ready to take on the challenges and needs of an ever-changing world.
MAJORS OFFERED INCLUDE: American Studies Communication Concentrations: Health Communication, Media and Journalism, and Public Relations Creative Writing Education—Elementary Education—Secondary English
7
Exploratory Undecided on a major? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Our Exploratory program gives you the freedom and support to consider all of your options. With nearly 50 majors to choose from, you’ll enroll in the Exploratory program in one of our Colleges where you will gain the skills in written and oral communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork that are vital to any career. Taking the time to explore and research the ideal major for you is a smart way to maximize your investment in a college degree.
Minors If you are interested in further specializing your skills and knowledge, choosing a minor will help you tailor your education and pursue another area of study that will complement your major and career goals. From African American Studies to Media, Economics to Art, we have over 50 minors for you to explore. Visit wne.edu/programs for the list of our minor offerings.
Combined Degree Programs Do you want to earn your master’s degree, but don’t want to wait too long to get started on your career? Our accelerated Combined Degree Programs allow students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in just five years, saving time and tuition in the process. Visit wne.edu/programs for the list of our combined degree offerings.
8
Explore Tools for Success Brush Up Your Skills at the Writing, Math, and Science Centers. Free tutoring at the Writing, Math, and Science Centers will help you strengthen your research, writing, and analytical skills that are critical for success.
Start Building Your Résumé with Relevant Work Experience. One of the best ways to test your expanding knowledge of your major is through an internship. Our students have landed desirable internship placements at a variety of prestigious companies, organizations, or agencies, such as MassMutual, General Dynamics, the American Red Cross, and the Springfield Thunderbirds, among many others.
Expand Your Horizons as You Study Our World. Study abroad has long been central to WNE’s focus on preparing students for today’s global workspace and we look forward to returning to an active study abroad travel itinerary. In recent years our popular faculty-led summer seminar abroad programs have taken students to Australia, Spain, Italy, France, and Southern Africa to study topics from an international perspective. Students also have participated in semester or year-long study at universities around the globe.
Don’t Be Afraid to Dream Big. Your Professors Are Right Behind You. Your professors will know you by name and be valued mentors in supporting your biggest aspirations. With open doors and open dialogue, their mentorship and guidance can help connect you to courses and internships that can prepare you for graduate school or to land that first job.
Here’s an Easy Decision: Choose a Top Ranked “Best Value” University. Last year, 96% of our graduating class were employed or offered employment within six months of graduation. A recent report from Zippia finds Western New England University #5 in the nation and #1 in Massachusetts when it comes to preparing graduates for the job market! The analysis by the career-focused site utilized data from the federal government’s College Scorecard, looking at employment rates 10 years after students graduated. WNE’s employment rate is 95.56%, placing it ahead of all but four institutions in the country— including both public and private colleges and universities. We have also been ranked in the Top 3% as a best value by The Economist magazine, as a U.S. News and World Report’s 2019 Best Value, and we are now classified among Doctoral/Professional Universities by Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
9
Sticker Price Isn’t Actual Price: WNE Gives You Bottom Line Affordability. We know it’s hard to make apples to apples comparisons, especially when some schools toss in some oranges, such as lower tuition figures but higher fees. So don’t get stuck on sticker price. Look for the bottom line. When your personalized financial aid package factors in scholarships, grants, and other aid, our bottom line costs of attendance makes WNE competitive with many institutions you may be considering.
Up to $24,000 in Renewable Merit Aid. Our merit-based aid rewards your previous academic performance by giving scholarships up to $24,000 annually (each year you maintain good grades), as well as need-based grants. This means if you maintain our GPA standards each year, you could receive up to $96,000 in Merit Scholarships over the course of four years.
Learn More
wne.edu/programs Take the next step and talk to our admissions counselors about creating an academic path that is right for you at Western New England University!
10
9.21
Western New England University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, genetics, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.
@WNEUNIVERSITY #WNE
facebook twitter Instagram YOUTUBE
Connect with us
For more information call 800-325-1122 or 413-782-1321 or email learn@wne.edu.
OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS 1215 Wilbraham Road Springfield, MA 01119-2684
Springfield, MA PERMIT NO. 896
PAID
Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE