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 with 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?
If you love behind-the-scenes work and creating unforgettable experiences, the event management major is your backstage pass to the fast-paced, global world of event planning. Whether it’s staging epic concerts, coordinating international trade shows, or planning the hottest ticket in town, you’ll gain the skills to make it all happen—from corporate events to weddings to mega-events, and everything in between.
Business and Leadership
(BL)
Enterprising
Social
Conventional
Learn in the heart of Indy alongside internationally renowned event pros who blend theory with hands-on practice. Through curated experiences, these leaders will help you master the art of crafting memorable events, perfecting logistics, and handling the unexpected with professionalism and ease. You'll secure a business foundations certificate from the Kelley School of Business along the way, giving you business savvy and positioning you for success. With additional focus on the latest operational trends, you'll be ready to hit the ground running in this dynamic field.
Employment of meeting, convention, and event planners is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 16,500 openings for meeting, convention, and event planners 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 , 2024).
According to the IUPUI (now called IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2023, the average starting salary reported for School of Health and Human Science graduates was $45,350, and the median salary was $43,7500.
The median annual salary for meeting, convention, and event planners was $56,920 in 2023 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Graduates in tourism, conventions, and event management often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
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To prepare you for whatever comes next, our career experts are here to support your career development.
Your specialized support team
Business and Leadership
The BL cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in business, leadership, event management, hospitality, philanthropy, public and environmental policy, sports management, and tourism.
Discover the health, movement, and wellness of the human body through knowledge of kinesiology, fitness, biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, and more. Apply what you learn through research, internships, and other hands-on learning experiences.
Health and Life Sciences
(HLS)
Social
Investigative
Realistic
The field of exercise science involves disciplines ranging from the study of how organ systems work at the cellular level when confronted with disease to improving the biomechanical efficiency of an employee working on an assembly line. Exercise scientists must understand the scientific basis underlying exercise-induced physiological responses. Students pursuing this major gain knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, communication skills, the ability to analyze and problem solve, and knowledge of the principles of scientific research.
Employment of exercise physiologists is projected to grow 9% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,700 openings for exercise physiologists 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 Health and Human Science graduates was $35,968, and the median salary was $34,640.
The median annual salary for exercise physiologists was $47,940 in 2021 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Exercise science graduates often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
Biomechanics
Business
Education
Medicine
Nutrition
Occupational therapy
Physical therapy
Physiology
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Anatomy and physiology
Basic electrocardiogram for exercise sciences
Biomechanics
Fitness testing and interpretation
Nutrition for health
Structural kinesiology
Possible careers
Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
Personal trainer
Physical therapist*
Strength and conditioning coach
Wellness coach
*This career requires additional training or education.
Where could I work?
Ascension Health
Franciscan Health
HealthFitness
Hendricks Regional Health
National Academy for Sports Medicine
National Institute for Fitness and Sport
YMCA
Admission requirements
Admission by certification
Be a declared Exercise Science Major
Have an IU GPA of 2.0 or higher
Earn a grade of C or better in the following courses:
Anatomy: BIOL-N 261 or KINE-P 205 (BIOL-K 101 will be accepted for exercise science pre-med and PA majors only)
The School of Health and Human Sciences hosts a number of initiatives for students to get involved, add to their resume, and give back to the community.
LHSI is a paid internship program that places second- and third-year IU Indianapolis students in a variety of health and science workplaces to gain practical experience and skills.
Working on campus for offices such as Campus Recreation or the Office of Health and Wellness can provide great preparation for a variety of health-related careers.
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.
Choosing a major and planning for a career is a step-by-step process. There is a lot to consider, so get started now!
Major and Career Exploration
(MCE)
Academic and Career Development staff are here to support you throughout the process. We offer the encouragement and resources you need to create an academic plan that prepares you for career success.
Your specialized support team
Major and Career Exploration
The MCE cluster is the academic home of students exploring major and career pathways and for students pursuing a major in general studies.
Finance may start on a spreadsheet, but the art of understanding and interpreting how individuals and corporations allocate their assets over time and under uncertain economic conditions goes well beyond the confines of calculations.
Business and Leadership
(BL)
Investigative
Enterprising
Social
Think of finance as data-driven decision making. Where others just see numbers, financial advisors, brokers, business analysts, and chief financial officers see a blueprint to building a strong bottom line. Finance majors help corporations sort out the complexities of their investment options and align them with their long-term goals. Through this major, you'll learn how to create and maintain wealth, as well as administer and manage money. You'll also study corporate finance, investments, and banking.
Employment of financial managers is projected to grow 16% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 69,600 openings for financial 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 2023, the average starting salary reported for finance B.S.B. graduates was $64,771, and the median salary was $63,000.
The national mean starting salary for business graduates who majored in finance was $59,627 for the class of May 2020, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE, 2022).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Finance majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
Accounting
Business administration (M.B.A.)
Economics
Law
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Banking and financial information
Corporate financial strategy
Economics
Equity and fixed income investment
Financial management
Management decisions and financial reporting
Possible careers
Bank officer
Financial analyst
Insurance agent
Sports manager
Statistician
Stock broker*
Venture capitalist*
*These careers require additional training or education.
Where could I work?
Better Business Bureau
Community Health Network
Cummins, Inc.
Financial institutions
Insurance firms
Nonprofit organizations
Admission requirements
Admission by certification Current IU Indianapolis students no longer have to submit an application to be admitted from University College to the Kelley School of Business Undergraduate Program. You'll be notified when the admission requirements are met. To certify into the Kelley School of Business from University College, you'll need to meet one of the sets of admission criteria. You'll be certified as soon as you meet either set of criteria.
Certification process
Be sure to list your major as pre-business, pre-accounting, pre-finance, pre-management, pre-HR management, pre-marketing, or pre-supply chain management with your University College advisor (international dimension and real estate co-majors may be chosen after certification).
You'll automatically be reviewed for certification each semester after the final grades post.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, the Kelley School of Business admissions team will reach out to you via your IU email account regarding your certification.
Certification must be accepted by the student for certification to be finalized.
Degree planning information Current international dimension offerings may be found in your pre-business student Canvas site.
Your specialized support team
Business and Leadership
The BL cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in business, leadership, event management, hospitality, philanthropy, public and environmental policy, sports management, and tourism.
Studying fine arts at IU Indianapolis in the Herron School of Art and Design is your first step in building a meaningful and influential career in art and design.
Arts, Sciences, and Technology
(AST)
Artistic
Enterprising
Social
You'll study the historical development of art as a social and intellectual phenomenon. You'll also learn about art firsthand with Indianapolis community partners and will find opportunities and resources to bring your artistic concepts to fruition. All majors spend the first year building foundational skills. Fine arts majors include ceramics, drawing and illustration, furniture design, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture.
Employment of craft and fine artists is projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as average for all occupations. About 5,500 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, 2023).
According to the IUPUI (now called IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2023, the average starting salary reported for the art and design graduates was $58,609, and the median salary was $51,000.
The national median annual salary for craft and fine artists $52,910 in 2023 ( 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 history
Art education
Art therapy
Arts administration
Fine arts
Law
Museum studies
Preservation
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 training or education.
The AST cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in education, music, art and design, computing, social work, informatics, liberal arts, math, public safety, science, and technology.
Learn about movement, physical activity programming, and nutrition through research projects, internships, and work with real clients. This degree is great for students who enjoy working out.
Health and Life Sciences
(HLS)
Social
Realistic
Enterprising
Fitness management and personal training students gain an in-depth knowledge of movement, physical activity programming, and nutrition. The program prepares you for a variety of careers and work environments in the fitness industry. In addition, it will provide you with the theory and practical training skills that are needed to be eligible to sit for professional fitness certifications from national organizations like the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Employment of fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow 14% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 69,000 openings for fitness trainers and instructors 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 2023, the average starting salary for School of Health and Human Sciences graduates was $47,329, and the median salary was $45,000.
The median annual salary for fitness trainers and instructors was $46,480 in 2023 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Fitness management and personal training students often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
Athletic training
Biomechanics
Exercise science
Nutrition
Occupational therapy
Recreational therapy
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Exercise leadership and program design
First aid and emergency care
Fitness testing and interpretation
Introduction to sport psychology
Nutrition for health
Structural kinesiology
Theory and practice of cardiovascular fitness
Possible careers
Community activity director
Employee wellness director
Personal trainer
Sports performance trainer
Strength and conditioning coach
Where could I work?
Health and fitness
Hendricks Regional Health
Life Time Fitness
Self-employment
YMCA
Admission requirements
Admission by certification
Be a declared Fitness Management and Personal Training Major
Have an IU GPA of 2.0 or higher
Earn a grade of C or better in the following courses:
Anatomy: BIOL-N 212 and BIOL-N 213 (two-semester sequence) or BIOL-N 261 or KINE-P 205
Math: MATH-I 110 or MATH-I 111 (formerly MATH 11000 or MATH 11100)
The School of Health and Human Sciences hosts a number of initiatives for students to get involved, add to their resume, and give back to the community.
LHSI is a paid internship program that places second- and third-year IU Indianapolis students in a variety of health and science workplaces to gain practical experience and skills.
Working on campus for offices such as Campus Recreation or the Office of Health and Wellness can provide great preparation for a variety of health-related careers.
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.
If you want to learn and study forensic science, IU Indianapolis is the perfect place. We have nationally recognized faculty in forensic chemistry and biology supported by one of the largest medical schools and one of the top law schools in the United States.
Arts, Sciences, and Technology
(AST)
Investigative
Realistic
Conventional
Forensic science is multidisciplinary—it involves fields such as chemistry, biology, math, psychology, physics, criminal justice, and law. Apply scientific methods and processes to criminal investigations and public matters, and learn how to use tools that allow professionals to analyze chemical, biological, and physical evidence. This program is one of 22 accredited forensic science programs in the United States.
Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 13% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,600 openings for forensic science 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, 2023).
According to the IUPUI (now named IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2023, the average starting salary for School of Science graduates with a bachelor's degree was $52,391, and the median salary was $50,000.
The national median annual salary for forensic science technicians was $64,940 in 2023 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Forensic and investigative sciences majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following:
Chemistry
Dentistry
Forensic toxicology
Law
Medicine
Other science-related discipline
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Biological chemistry
Forensic biology
Forensic genetics
Forensic microscopy
Forensic science and the law
Organic chemistry 1 and 2
Possible careers
Crime scene investigator
Criminalist
DNA analyst
Forensic scientist or drug chemist
Medical examiner*
Toxicologist
*This career requires additional training or education.
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.
Your specialized support team
Arts, Sciences, and Technology
The AST cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in education, music, art and design, computing, social work, informatics, liberal arts, math, public safety, science, and technology.
New majors are no longer being accepted.
When you earn a degree in French, you’re learning one of the main languages used in international bodies and in science, engineering, and technology fields. Expand your knowledge of other cultures and earn a degree that can be used across industries.
Arts, Sciences, and Technology
(AST)
Investigative
Social
Enterprising
Welcome to the French program at IU Indianapolis. With instruction at all levels of the undergraduate curriculum, we aim to serve every student’s language needs, regardless of whether you are seeking to fulfill a requirement for a degree program or are inquiring about our classes for the personal enrichment of learning a new language.
Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 7,200 openings for interpreters and translators 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 2023, the average starting salary reported for the School of Liberal Arts graduates was $50,036, and the median salary was $47,840.
The national median annual salary for interpreters and translators was $57,090 in 2023 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
World languages and cultures graduates often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
Business management
Communications
Education
English as a second language
Foreign language
International affairs
Journalism
Linguistics
Literature
Political science
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Immersion abroad experience
Islam, gender, and conflicts
Translation studies
World cultures through language
World language courses
World literature
Possible careers
Communications specialist
International student services
Legal analyst
Nonprofit program coordinator
Paralegal*
Translator/interpreter
*This career requires 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, Sciences, and Technology
The AST cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in education, music, art and design, computing, social work, informatics, liberal arts, math, public safety, science, and technology.
If you are interested or have experience in woodworking, this may be the major for you. Learn to design, build, and make unique pieces of furniture using both traditional and contemporary tools and processes.
Arts, Sciences, and Technology
(AST)
Artistic
Enterprising
Social
Woodworking is the foundation for Herron’s furniture design program. Students in this program will have the chance to participate in furniture design workshops, symposiums, conferences, and national design competitions.
Employment of craft and fine artists is projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, as fast as average for all occupations. About 5,500 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, 2023).
According to the IUPUI (now called IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2023, the average starting salary reported for the art and design graduates was $58,609, and the median salary was $51,000.
The national median annual salary for craft and fine artists $52,910 in 2023 ( 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 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.
Your specialized support team
Arts, Sciences, and Technology
The AST cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in education, music, art and design, computing, social work, informatics, liberal arts, math, public safety, science, and technology.
This program is designed for nontraditional and returning students who want to earn an undergraduate degree in a more convenient way. In this program, students can take advantage of credit for prior learning and creating a plan of study all their own.
Major and Career Exploration
(MCE)
This degree is considered interdisciplinary and prepares you for a wide variety of potential careers or graduate programs. Courses must be taken in arts and humanities, science and mathematics, and social and behavioral sciences to prove competency in written and oral communication, quantitative reasoning, and computer literacy. Many of the credit hours may be filled through electives in your area of interest. You can use any existing certificates and minors you may have to build an individualized curriculum around your interests and career goals.
With a general studies degree, you have several possibilities for graduate and professional school. Many graduates with a degree in general students often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
