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?
Learn to provide preventive oral care by assessing the state of patients’ oral and overall health, diagnosing abnormalities, creating and carrying out treatment plans, and educating patients about disease prevention and maintaining healthy teeth, gums, and mouths.
Health and Life Sciences
(HLS)
Social
Realistic
Conventional
Dental hygienists provide preventive oral care by assessing the state of patients' oral and overall health, diagnosing any abnormalities, creating a treatment plan for them and carrying out that plan, and educating the patients about prevention of disease and maintenance of healthy teeth, gums, and mouths. Dental hygienists clean and polish teeth and perform fluoride or other treatments to prevent cavities, and they sometimes administer X-rays or anesthesia, depending on need.
The bachelor of science degree completion program in public health dental hygiene provides an opportunity for graduate dental hygienists to develop further expertise in public health methods or dental hygiene education and includes application of practical experience. It prepares hygienists for leadership roles in education, public health, commercial ventures, professional associations, and health advocacy. It can enhance career opportunities available to dental hygienists in a variety of areas, including but not limited to state and county health departments, academia, sales and marketing, educational software development, pharmaceuticals, dental education consulting, dental insurance companies, research, and clinical dental hygiene. The bachelor of science degree completion program allows students to develop the leadership skills needed for today’s dental hygiene professional and prepares them for entry into graduate programs.
Employment of dental hygienists is projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. About 15,600 openings for dental hygienists 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 Dentistry graduates with a bachelor's degree was $61,500, and the median was $60,000.
The median annual salary for dental hygienists was $77,810 in May 2021 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Dental hygiene students often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
The Pre-Dental Hygiene Club at IU Indianapolis is a great way to meet other students interested in the field and to prepare for applying to the program.
The School of Dentistry offers several opportunities to get involved in community service related to oral health care, allowing you to both gain experience and give back to others.
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.
A diagnostic sonographer is an individual who uses ultrasound equipment to form images of various parts of the body.
Health and Life Sciences
(HLS)
Sonographers are trained to perform procedures, record anatomical, pathological and/or physiological data, analyze images for quality, and integrate pertinent patient history to support interpretation by a physician. Diagnostic sonographers play an integral role in patient education related to sonographic services. This 18-month, Bachelor of Science (BS) program offered by Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis is designed to prepare students for an entry-level position as a diagnostic sonographer in either the medical sonography or echocardiography concentrations. This program is intended for students who have completed the AS Radiography program or have other health care credentials or health care majors who have a minimum of 1,000 hours of verifiable patient care experience.
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.
As a student in IU Online’s Bachelor of Science in Digital Media and Storytelling, you’ll learn how you can use digital tools to create artistic and professional messages and stories.
Arts, Humanities, and Human Services
(AHHS)
Develop a critical understanding of the role and influence of media domestically and globally. Learn to critically evaluate and assess information and its credibility. Acquire career-ready skills in communication, as well as techniques to engage and inform audiences. Tailor your degree to your professional interests by choosing a specialization in public relations or digital storytelling. As a student in the B.S. in Digital Media and Storytelling, you’ll benefit from a career-focused program ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. You’ll graduate with an Indiana University degree respected by employers worldwide—and you can work on yours anytime and anywhere.
And the benefits start long before graduation. More than half of IU Online students advance in their careers before they complete their degree.
Students who meet the admission standards of their home campus (campus of enrollment) will be admitted directly into the B.S. in Digital Media and Storytelling.
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.
This major combines two overlapping disciplines, drawing and illustration, to give you a well-rounded foundation for any career path you choose to follow. Drawing classes encourage you to think abstractly and to experiment with nontraditional media and concept-based work while illustration classes help you focus on visually communicating specific narrative or emotional content.
Arts, Humanities, and Human Services
(AHHS)
Artistic
Enterprising
Social
As a Herron illustration and drawing student, you will be trained to create images that are both visually arresting and rich in content. The combined and overlapping disciplines of drawing and illustration will give you a uniquely well-rounded foundation for any direction you choose to follow. Fine art drawing classes encourage students to think abstractly and to experiment with nontraditional media and concept-based work. Illustration classes focus on visually communicating specific narrative or emotional content. You will ultimately create a body of work that is large in scope and advances a personal vision.
Employment of special effects artists and animators is projected to grow 5% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 6,700 openings for special effects artists and animators 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 Drawing and Illustration was $30,760, and the median was $31,200.
The national median annual salary for special effects artists and animators was $78,790 in 2021 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Fine arts 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
2D media
3D media
Art history
Color concepts
Digital imaging
Drawing
Senior thesis
Studio course
Possible careers
Freelance artist
Gallery curator
Graphic designer
Nonprofit program coordinator
Production artist
Visual arts educator*
*This career requires additional education or training.
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.
This program is for students interested in teaching infant and toddler preschool programs as well as grades P/K–3. Students may choose the non-licensure or the licensure route, with non-licensure designated for students wanting to teach anything before pre-K and the licensure route for students who want to teach pre-K through grade 3.
Arts, Humanities, and Human Services
(AHHS)
Social
Artistic
Enterprising
The IU School of Education at IU Indianapolis prepares exemplary teachers for today's and tomorrow's diverse schools. The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education program is designed for early childhood educators interested in developing the skills necessary to effectively empower, engage, and educate diverse learners in a variety of urban education settings, in both the private and public sectors. In consideration of the full spectrum of early childhood and the professional aspirations of students, there are two options for program completion: non-licensure and licensure. The non-licensure option is for educators interested in working in early childhood settings focused on birth to pre–K. The licensure option is for educators interested in working in early childhood settings focused on pre–K to Grade 3 and results in early childhood education licensure (grades P–3) by the state of Indiana.
Employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 15% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 63,100 openings for preschool teachers 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 Education graduates was $41,859, and the median was $42,830.
The national median annual salary for preschool teachers was $30,210 in 2021 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Education majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
Administration
Bilingual education
English language/literature
Law
School counseling
Special education
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Infant learning environments
Methods for teaching students with special needs
Multicultural education and global awareness
Science for early childhood
Teaching about the arts
Possible careers
Library consultant
Nonprofit program coordinator
Preschool teacher
School counselor*
Social worker*
*These career options require additional training or education.
Where could I work?
Community and social services
Community Health Network
Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS)
Indy Reads
Media and communications
Admission requirements
Admission by certification
Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
Complete 12 credit hours successfully
Note: If you are ready to apply for the TEP/Blocks, complete the application by the designated date each semester (see School of Education website for more information).
Students interested in education tend to be a passionate bunch. We're home to a number of student organizations dedicated to different facets of teaching and education.
Study abroad is much more than a trip—it’s an intellectual and cultural adventure that will change the way you see the world, other people, and yourself.
You can add to your built-in student teaching experience through community engagement. From service projects to conferences, you get a head start on lifelong learning.
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.
Economics is the study of human behavior based on the availability, distribution, and consumption of resources. If you want to understand why society works the way it does, this is a good choice in major for you. Students in this program may choose to pursue either the general or the quantitative track.
Enterprise, Policy, and Planning
(EPP)
Investigative
Enterprising
Social
The economics major has the option of pursuing a general track or a quantitative track. The general track provides a firm grounding in economic theory and exposure to problems and techniques the student is likely to encounter in a business, nonprofit, or governmental agency environment. The quantitative track supplements the general track with extensive training in mathematical and statistical techniques required for graduate coursework. This track is also recommended for those students who prefer a more quantitative approach to problem solving.
Employment of economists is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 1,400 openings for economists 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 Liberal Arts graduates was $44,206, and the median was $38,800.
T he national mean starting salary for liberal arts graduates who majored in economics was $62,875 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.)
Economics majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
Economics
Education
Law
Marketing
Nonprofit management
Philanthropy
Public administration
Statistics
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Current economic issues
International economics
Introduction to statistical theory in economics
Mathematics
Micro and macro economics
Money and banking
Urban economics
Possible careers
Accountant*
Actuary*
Attorney*
Business analyst or consultant
Labor relations specialist
Marketing analyst
*These careers require additional training or education.
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
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.
Become an exemplary teacher who can teach at diverse schools in this program. You’ll learn from experienced faculty and teachers in the community. This major focuses on teaching grades K–6. Each student in the program must complete at least six credits toward a concentration of their choosing.
Arts, Humanities, and Human Services
(AHHS)
Social
Enterprising
Artistic
The IU School of Education at IU Indianapolis prepares exemplary teachers for today's and tomorrow's diverse schools.
Employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to grow 4% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 120,300 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers 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 School of Education graduates with a bachelor's degree was $41,859, and the median was $42,830.
The national median annual salary for elementary school teachers, except special education teachers, was $61,400 in 2021 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Education majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
Administration
Bilingual education
Business
English language and literature
Law
Psychology
Reading
School counseling
Special education
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Diversity and learning: teaching children
Field experience
Methods of teaching reading
Social studies in elementary education
Student teaching
Teaching students with special needs
Possible careers
Career counselor*
Library consultant
Nonprofit program coordinator
School counselor*
Social worker*
*These career options require additional training or education.
Where could I work?
Community Health Network
Community and social services
Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS)
Media and communications
Nonprofits
Admission requirements
Admission by certification
Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
Complete 12 credit hours successfully
Note: If you are ready to apply for the TEP/Blocks, complete the application by the designated date each semester (see School of Education website for more information).
Students interested in education tend to be a passionate bunch. We're home to a number of student organizations dedicated to different facets of teaching and education.
Study abroad is much more than a trip—it’s an intellectual and cultural adventure that will change the way you see the world, other people, and yourself.
You can add to your built-in student teaching experience through community engagement. From service projects to conferences, you get a head start on lifelong learning.
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.
The Department of English at IU Indianapolis is a vibrant, multidimensional arena. Through its courses and other activities in writing, creative writing, literature, linguistics, language instruction, and film, the Department of English seeks to foster students’ abilities to read closely, think deeply and critically, research effectively, and write with clarity and purpose, preparing students for meaningful lives and a variety of careers.
Arts, Humanities, and Human Services
(AHHS)
Artistic
Social
Enterprising
The Department of English at IU Indianapolis is a vibrant, multidimensional arena. Through its courses and other activities in writing, creative writing, literature, linguistics, language instruction, and film, the Department of English seeks to foster students’ abilities to read closely, think deeply and critically, research effectively, and write with clarity and purpose, preparing students for meaningful lives and a variety of careers.
Employment of writers and authors is projected to grow 4% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 15,200 openings for writers and authors are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Employment of communications and public relations managers is projected to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. About 9,100 openings for communications and public relations managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Many of the openings mentioned above 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 from the School of Liberal Arts with a bachelor's degree was $43,722, and the median was $38,900.
The national mean starting salary for liberal arts graduates who majored in English was $38,987 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.)
English majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
Art history
Business management
Communication studies
Counseling/social work
Education
English language/literature
English as a second language
International affairs
Journalism
Law
Library science
Linguistics
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Capstone/experiential learning
Conversations with Shakespeare
Creative writing
Foreign language
Introduction to film studies
Linguistics
Literacy and public life
Possible careers
Advertising executive*
Communications coordinator
Editor
Nonprofit programming specialist
Paralegal*
Public relations specialist
Social media manager
*These careers require additional training or education.
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.
Students in this major are those interested in teaching English to grades 5–12. You’ll learn to teach at diverse schools and will gain 80 days’ worth of student teaching. English-specific coursework will include classes in language, reading for adolescents, literature, and writing.
Arts, Humanities, and Human Services
(AHHS)
Social
Conventional
Artistic
The IU School of Education at IU Indianapolis prepares exemplary teachers for today's and tomorrow's diverse schools.
Employment of high school teachers is projected to grow 5% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 77,900 openings for high school teachers 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 School of Education graduates with a bachelor's degree was $41,859, and the median salary was $42,830.
The national median annual salary for high school t eachers was $78,200 in 2021 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
English secondary education majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
Administration
Business
Educational administration
English language
Higher education
Law
Psychology
Reading
School counseling
Special education
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Diversity and learning
English courses
Examining self as teacher
Field experience
Teaching and learning in high school
Teaching students with special needs
Using computers in education
Windows on education
Possible careers
Academic advisor
Adult literacy teacher
Education administrator*
Guidance counselor*
Instructional coordinator
Nonprofit management
Social worker*
*These careers require additional training or education.
Where could I work?
Carmel Clay Schools
Community Health Network
Community and social services
Human resources
Indianapolis Public Schools
Nonprofits
Admission requirements
Admission by certification
Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
Complete 12 credit hours successfully
Note: If you are ready to apply for the TEP/Blocks, complete the application by the designated date each semester (see School of Education website for more information).
Students interested in education tend to be a passionate bunch. We're home to a number of student organizations dedicated to different facets of teaching and education.
Study abroad is much more than a trip—it’s an intellectual and cultural adventure that will change the way you see the world, other people, and yourself.
You can add to your built-in student teaching experience through community engagement. From service projects to conferences, you get a head start on lifelong learning.
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.
Earn an interdisciplinary degree that is the result of a partnership between the School of Science, the School of Liberal Arts, and the Department of Public Health. Learn how federal and state agencies, industry, and consulting firms investigate the environment. This program offers three concentrations: environmental management, environmental remote sensing and spatial analysis, and earth and water resources.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
(STEM)
Realistic
Investigative
Enterprising
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary degree within the School of Science that is offered in partnership with the Department of Public Health and the School of Liberal Arts. This program prepares students for graduate studies and for a variety of careers with an emphasis on investigation of the environment by federal and state agencies, industry, and consulting firms. The program allows flexibility to accommodate the needs and interests of all students.
Employment of environmental engineers is projected to grow 4% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 3,400 openings for environmental engineers 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 Science graduates was $45,303, and the median salary was $40,000.
The national median annual salary for environmental engineers was $96,820 in 2021 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Environmental science majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
Biology
Chemistry
Environmental science
Geoscience
Physics
Public health
Specialization interest
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Climate change
Earth materials
Environmental geology
Mathematical methods in environmental science
Organic chemistry
Possible careers
Environmental consultant
Environmental engineer
Environmental science and protection technicians
Environmental teacher
Natural sciences manager
Where could I work?
Architectural firms
Environmental firms
Federal and state agencies
Industry and consulting firms
Management, scientific, and technological consulting firms
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.
