Explore IU Indianapolis degrees and career opportunities
As a University College student, you’re preparing for entry into a degree-granting program.
Whether you're a pre-major or Exploratory student, you'll benefit from advising and career guidance from our specialized support teams. The broad range of IU Indy's academic offerings paired wtih this support ensure that, when you start in University College, you'll succeed everywhere.
Search and filter the majors tool below to discover the available opportunities and to understand your program's admission requirements.
Mix it up
Explore minors and certificates, additional credentials you can add to your degree. Ready to declare, add to, or change your major?
Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
Biomedical Informatics
Discover how you can use information technologies to improve health care. Learn biomedical data analytical skills and their applications, gain valuable knowledge and research experiences, and prepare for a variety of careers. This major has three tracks: bioinformatics, health informatics, and premedical informatics.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
(STEM)
Investigative
Realistic
Conventional
The field of biomedical informatics drives innovations in information technologies for biological and medical data management, analysis and visualization, and their applications to biological systems and medicine. In this program, you will learn biomedical data analytical skills and their applications and will gain valuable knowledge and research experiences that will prepare you for a variety of careers as well as for graduate and professional school. The biomedical informatics major has three tracks: bioinformatics, health informatics, and premedical informatics. There are also opportunities for accelerated graduate degree programs in bioinformatics and health informatics.
Employment of health information technologists is projected to grow 17% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,400 openings for health information technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement ( Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022).
According to the IU Indianapolis First Destination Survey in 2021, the average starting salary reported for School of Informatics and Computing graduates was $60,205, and the median was $55,000.
The national median annual salary for health information technologists was $55,560 in 2021 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Technological advances come rapidly in the informatics field, so graduates often choose to pursue further education in a variety of fields, such as:
Luddy Indianapolis has many student organizations, which are a great way to build your skills, network, and grow as a professional.
Your specialized support team
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
The STEM cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in the sciences, technology, engineering, informatics, and computing. The STEM cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.
This program has been developed in collaboration with several local biotechnology industries to ensure relevance and appropriateness of the educational training program content.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
(STEM)
The program includes an extensive industrial internship that, along with the basic and applied courses in biotechnology, meet industrial objectives for preparation for positions in the biotechnology industry.
This major is only available to students who have earned an associate degree in Biotechnology from Ivy Tech Community College.
Your specialized support team
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
The STEM cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in the sciences, technology, engineering, informatics, and computing. The STEM cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.
Learn about ceramics throughout history and in today’s day and age. Gain experience not only in making ceramic vessels, but also in glasswork, screen printing, prototyping, and 3D printing. Students in this program have access to the space and equipment to create at the 16 Tech corridor of Indianapolis.
Arts, Humanities, and Human Services
(AHHS)
Artistic
Enterprising
Realistic
Herron’s ceramics curriculum develops your understanding of the medium in the context of contemporary society and historical tradition. The ceramics program is supported by lavish space and equipment in the heart of the 16 Tech corridor of Indianapolis.
Employment of craft and fine artists is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 5,900 openings for craft and fine artists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement ( Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022).
According to the IU Indianapolis First Destination Survey in 2021, the average starting salary reported for Herron graduates was $34,677, and the median was $35,000.
The national median annual salary for craft and fine artists was $49,960 in 2021 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Ceramics majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
Art education
Art history
Art therapy
Arts administration
Fine arts
Museum studies
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Art history
Drawing
Hand building
Studio
Understanding contemporary art
Visual communications
Wheel throwing
Possible careers
Art teacher*
Freelance artist
Gallerist
Nonprofit program coordinator
Production designer
Visual artist
*This career requires additional training or education.
Herron's study abroad programs are a powerful way to discover the historical impact of art and design in the world and over time while making memorable friendships.
Guidance from Herron Career Services is tailored to your needs at all levels throughout your journey—including internship and networking with alumni.
Your specialized support team
Arts, Humanities, and Human Services
The AHHS cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in art and design, education, general studies, journalism, liberal arts, and social work. The AHHS cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.
Study the basic structural units of matter—what things are made of, what their properties are, and how they act and interact. This area of study plays an integral role in today’s scientific endeavors. Students pursuing this degree can earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
(STEM)
Investigative
Realistic
Conventional
Chemistry is the study of the basic structural units of matter—what things are made of, what their properties are, and how they act and interact. Chemical biology applies logic and methods from chemistry to the study of complex and challenging questions in biology. To a significant extent, interest in chemical biology has been inspired by the growth of the biotechnology industry. Chemistry plays an integral role in today's scientific endeavors. As science has become increasingly interdisciplinary, fundamental scientific problems focus on the chemical nature of matter.
Overall, employment of chemists and materials scientists is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 8,200 openings for chemists and materials scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement ( Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022).
According to the IU Indianapolis First Destination Survey in 2021, the average starting salary for graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry was $43,169, and the median was $43,306.
The national mean starting salary for graduates who majored in chemistry was $44,981 for the class of May 2020, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
A degree in chemistry can also provide an educational foundation for admission to professional schools or to advanced degrees in fields such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, business, engineering, etc. Graduates with a master’s degree, and particularly those with a Ph.D., will enjoy better opportunities than those with a bachelor’s degree ( Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016–2017).
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Analytical chemistry
Calculus 1, 2, and 3
Introduction to instrumental analysis
Organic chemistry 1 and 2
Physics 1 and 2
Principles of chemistry 1 and 2
Possible careers
Analytical chemist
Associate analytical chemist
Chemist
Quality control technician
Research scientist
Senior research scientist*
*This career requires further education or training.
The IU Indianapolis Center for Service and Learning has many service-oriented programs that allow you to work with and impact your community in endless ways.
Grow your skills through internships or part-time jobs. Join the School of Science Career and Internship site in Canvas for additional information and resources.
Your specialized support team
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
The STEM cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in the sciences, technology, engineering, informatics, and computing. The STEM cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.
Join one of the largest departments in the School of Liberal Arts and gain access to rigorous collaborative learning environments, internationally recognized teaching and research faculty, and engaged students. When you study communications, you learn a key skill necessary for success in any workplace.
Arts, Humanities, and Human Services
(AHHS)
Social
Enterprising
Artistic
The Department of Communication Studies is one of the largest departments in the School of Liberal Arts. In the department, you will find rigorous collaborative learning environments, internationally recognized teaching and research faculty, and engaged students. Courses and degree programs range from the study of health, media, political, organizational, and intercultural communication to the pursuit of democratic citizenship and civic engagement. Choosing communication studies as your major will open doors to a rich and exciting area of study that will help you develop intellectually and professionally. The more engaged you are in the department, the better your educational experience at IU Indianapolis will be.
Employment of public relations and communications managers is projected to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. About 9,100 openings for public relations and communications managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement ( Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022).
According to the IU Indianapolis First Destination Survey in 2021, the average starting salary reported for communication studies graduates with a bachelor's degree was $49,091, and the median was $42,000.
The national median annual salary for public relations and communications managers was $119,860 in 2021 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
We believe in our power and responsibility to help others. Each year, our students, faculty, and staff work to improve neighborhoods in Indianapolis and beyond through service learning courses, community-based research and service projects, and partnerships with local organizations. Join us if you want to make a difference.
Choose among programs in over 50 countries and nearly 20 languages, including English. Both shorter and longer immersion programs are also available.
Your specialized support team
Arts, Humanities, and Human Services
The AHHS cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in art and design, education, general studies, journalism, liberal arts, and social work. The AHHS cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.
O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
Community and Organizational Leadership
If you’re looking to be the change you wish to see in the world, this major is one way you can do that. This field of study will teach you what there is to know about leadership, vision, good communication, conflict resolution, and organizational change. You’ll also gain knowledge of the inner workings of public, private, nonprofit, and community organizations.
Enterprise, Policy, and Planning
(EPP)
Enterprising
Realistic
Social
A degree in Community and Organizational Leadership Studies (COLS) provides you with the skills to lead teams, motivate people, articulate a compelling vision, foster positive communication, make strategic decisions, resolve conflicts, and create the positive work climate and culture needed to thrive through continuous organization change.
The organizational leadership major equips you with leadership knowledge and skills needed to work in a wide spectrum of careers, including frontline supervision, human resources, project management, training and development, manufacturing and production, and human service organizations. The blended, hands-on curriculum provides the flexibility to prepare you for leadership roles no matter where you are in your career. The program incorporates group dynamics, global leadership perspectives, theory, and practice. Many organizational leadership courses are offered in a variety of formats to accommodate busy students and professionals.
Employment of human resources managers is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. About 15,500 openings for human resources managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement ( Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023).
According to the IUPUI (now called IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2021, the average starting salary reported for graduates with a B.S. in Organizational Leadership was $46,149, and the median salary was $47,000 .
The national median annual salary for human resources managers was $136,350 in 2023 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Organizational leadership graduates often pursue advanced degrees in areas such as:
Business administration
Human resources management
Industry-specific areas
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Ethical decision in leadership
Global workforce leadership
Human resource management
Organizational behavior
Project management
Possible careers
General manager
Human resource generalist
Production supervisor
Project management leader
Quality control coordinator
Training and development specialist
Where could I work?
Ascension Health
Covance
Cummins
Duke Energy
IET, Inc.
John Wiley & Sons
TRIMEDX
Admission requirements
Admission by certification
Declare an O'Neill major
Be in good academic standing, which requires the following:
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above
Prior term GPA of 2.0 or above
Note: If a student has completed 12 hours toward the O'Neill major, they also need a C+ average in those courses.
O’Neill’s career services office is designed to help you build your job-search skills and find full-time employment or an internship. They can also help you connect with alumni!
Enrich your academic experience by studying important public policy and criminal justice issues at a global level.
Your specialized support team
Enterprise, Policy, and Planning
The EPP cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing or interested in business; economics; labor studies; organizational leadership; public and environmental affairs; sport management; and tourism, conventions, and event management.
Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
Computer Science
Because the use of computer systems is pervasive in society, students with this degree are in high demand. Students in the computer science program gain the technical proficiency, project management skills, communication expertise, and high-level expertise needed to develop working solutions for all kinds of computing challenges.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
(STEM)
Investigative
Realistic
Conventional
The use of computer systems is pervasive in society, creating an ongoing demand for people who can provide the technical knowledge to support an array of systems and applications. Sophisticated and complex technology is being implemented across all organizations, and maintaining the computer network is essential to almost every organization. Our graduates enter the workplace armed with the technical proficiency, project management skills, communication expertise, and high-level skills needed to develop working solutions for computing challenges into the future.
Employment of computer network architects is projected to grow 5% from 2020 to 2030, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 11,000 openings for computer network architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement ( Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022).
According to the IU Indianapolis First Destination Survey in 2021, the average starting salary reported for School of Science graduates was $45,303, and the median was $40,000.
The national mean starting salary for computer science graduates was $85,766 for the class of May 2020, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (2022).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Computer and information science graduates often pursue degrees in areas such as:
Business administration
Computer science
Technology
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Architecture of computers
Computing I and II
Data structures
Discrete computational structures
Explorations in applied computing
Introduction to operating systems
Server side web development
Possible careers
Business intelligence analyst
Computer programmer
Full stack web developer
Network engineer
Operations/data systems analyst
Software engineer
Where could I work?
Blackink IT
Eli Lilly and Company
KPMG
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Mobi Wireless Management
Navient
Admission requirements
Admission by certification
Be a declared Computer Science (B.A. or B.S.) major
The IU Indianapolis Center for Service and Learning has many service-oriented programs that allow you to work with and impact your community in endless ways.
Grow your skills through internships or part-time jobs. Join the School of Science Career and Internship site in Canvas for additional information and resources.
Undergraduate research experiences enable you to develop important problem-solving skills and experience for your future career.
Your specialized support team
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
The STEM cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in the sciences, technology, engineering, informatics, and computing. The STEM cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.
O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
Criminal Justice
Explore the history, operations, and implications of criminal justice in America. Learn to address pressing societal needs related to law enforcement, the judicial system, corrections, and national security. In this program, you’ll take classes in research methods, criminological theory and policy, criminal law, courts, corrections, and policing
Arts, Humanities, and Human Services
(AHHS)
Investigative
Enterprising
Social
As a criminal justice major, you'll get a broad and layered understanding of the history, operations, and implications of criminal justice in America. You'll be trained to address pressing societal needs related to law enforcement, the judicial system, corrections, and national security. You'll also be prepared to pursue a graduate degree in law or criminal justice. Classes cover research methods, criminological theory and policy, criminal law, courts, corrections, and policing. You can also choose to study topics such as homicide, terrorism, juvenile justice, and cybercrime.
Employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 3% from 2021 to 2031, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 68,500 openings for police and detectives are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement ( Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022).
According to the IU Indianapolis First Destination Survey in 2021, the average starting salary reported for graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice was $45,072, and the median was $38,750.
The national median annual salary for police and detectives was $66,020 in 2021 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Criminal justice graduates often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
Business
Education
Law
Quick facts
Sample coursework
American criminal justice system
American policing
Crime and public policy
Criminal courts
Criminal law
Possible careers
Court administrator
Detective*
Federal law officer
Investigator*
Police officer*
Private security officer
Probation officer
*These careers require additional training or education.
Where could I work?
Federal law enforcement agencies
Indiana Department of Corrections
Indiana State Police
Local law enforcement
Re-entry facilities
Admission requirements
Admission by certification
Declare an O'Neill major
Be in good academic standing, which requires the following:
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above
Prior term GPA of 2.0 or above
Note: If a student has completed 12 hours toward the O'Neill major, they also need a C+ average in those courses.
O’Neill’s career services office is designed to help you build your job-search skills and find full-time employment or an internship. They can also help you connect with alumni!
Your specialized support team
Arts, Humanities, and Human Services
The AHHS cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in art and design, education, general studies, journalism, liberal arts, and social work. The AHHS cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.
Prepare for life in a lab and as part of a medical team by studying cells from the human body. Detect cellular changes indicative of cancer, infectious diseases, benign disease processes, endocrine disorders, and pathogenic organisms.
Health and Life Sciences
(HLS)
Investigative
Realistic
Conventional
Cytotechnologists study exfoliated, abraded, and aspirated cells from the human body to detect cellular changes indicative of cancer. Early detection makes for an early diagnosis and, therefore, increases the chances of a cure. The work of a cytotechnologist can influence the kind of cancer treatment programs the patient will undergo. In addition, it aids in establishing the diagnosis of benign disease processes, such as endocrine disorders, and in detecting some pathogenic microorganisms. The Cytotechnology Program at IU Indianapolis offers a science-based curriculum that prepares students for a life in the lab and to be a part of the medical team.
Employment of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 25,600 openings for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement ( _Occupational _ Outlook Handbook, 2022).
According to the IU Indianapolis First Destination Survey in 2020, the average starting salary reported for School of Medicine graduates with a bachelor's degree was $57,035, and the median was $56,673.
The national median annual salary for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians was $57,800 in 2021 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Criminal justice graduates often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
Business
Education
Law
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Cytology of body fluids
Cytology of fine needle aspiration
Human physiology
Investigation in cytopathology
Pulmonary cytology
Possible careers
Cytotechnologist
Laboratory supervisor
Pharmaceutical or medical equipment sales
Researcher*
*This career requires additional training or education.
Undergraduate research experiences help you develop important problem-solving skills and experience for your future career. Gaining research experience can be particularly helpful if you’re interested in clinical laboratory science or cytotechnology.
Your specialized support team
Health and Life Sciences
The Health and Life Sciences (HLS) cluster prepares students to pursue majors and careers in the diverse and exciting world of health care. HLS majors can explore careers in patient care, laboratory work, health care administration, and health education.
Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
Data Science
Data are created all over the world, every day, in various areas like social media, search engines, and health care organizations. Learn how to navigate, manage, and harness the power of all this data.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
(STEM)
Investigative
Conventional
In the Information Age, enormous amounts of data are generated every day in a range of areas, including social media, search engines, insurance companies, healthcare organizations, hospitals, defense, and retail. Data science is now a rapidly growing, high-paying field.
The STEM cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in the sciences, technology, engineering, informatics, and computing. The STEM cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.
