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?
Students in this program receive an associate’s degree that prepares them for caring for and transporting the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. Anyone in this program must be a certified emergency medical technician (EMT) in Indiana. Those who aren’t already certified may enroll in EMER-E 201 to earn their certification if they are CPR certified.
Health and Life Sciences
(HLS)
Social
Investigative
Realistic
Paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care provided by these workers. Paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities. Students who complete the A.S. in Paramedic Science are prepared to work as EMT-paramedics to deliver emergency patient care in out-of-hospital settings. The paramedic must be a confident leader who can accept the challenge and high degree of responsibility entailed in the position. The paramedic provides the most extensive pre-hospital care and may work for fire departments, private ambulance services, police departments, or hospitals. Students must be a certified EMT in Indiana to apply to the Paramedic Science Program. Those who are not already certified may enroll in EMER-E 201 to earn their certification; students must be CPR certified to begin EMER-E 201.
Employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. About 18,100 openings for EMTs and paramedics 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 2020, the average starting salary reported for School of Medicine graduates with a bachelor's degree was $57,035, and the median salary was $56,673.
The national median annual salary for EMTs and paramedics was $44,780 in 2023 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Those pursuing the Associate of Science in Paramedic Science degree at IU Indianapolis often complete bachelor’s degrees in the following areas:
General studies
Health sciences
Organizational leadership
Once a bachelor’s degree is complete, students with paramedic science backgrounds might pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
Health administration
Nursing
Nutrition
Physical therapy
Physician assistant
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Human anatomy
The paramedic and cardiology
Paramedic as team leader
Pharmacology for the paramedic
Social problems
Techniques laboratory I and II
Possible careers
EMT-paramedic
Flight paramedic
Health educator*
Physician assistant*
Trauma nurse*
*These careers require additional education or training.
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.
Change lives and change the world at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
Arts, Humanities, and Human Services
(AHHS)
Social
Enterprising
Conventional
Whether you're just beginning your education or want to continuing understanding your full philanthropic potential, the school provides a one-of-a-kind philanthropic academic opportunity.
Employment of fundraisers is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 10,000 openings for fundraisers 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 2019, the average starting salary reported for philanthropy graduates with a bachelor's degree was $39,500, and the median salary was $37,500.
The national median annual salary for fundraisers was $64,160 in 2023 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Philanthropy graduates often pursue advanced degrees in public administration (M.P.A.) or law.
Projects include identifying emerging trends, as well as increasing knowledge and best practices for fund raising and philanthropy.
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.
If you enjoy thinking deeply and analytically, then this may be the major for you. In this field, you’ll work towards gaining a general understanding of the whole of reality. It draws on the insights of the great historical philosophers, on what has been learned in all other major fields of study, and on the rich perspectives embodied in ordinary ways of thinking.
Arts, Humanities, and Human Services
(AHHS)
Artistic
Investigative
Social
Philosophy is the one field of study that aims at a general understanding of the whole of reality. It draws on the insights of the great historical philosophers, on what has been learned in all other major fields of study, and on the rich perspectives embodied in ordinary ways of thinking.
Philosophers address a diverse array of deep, challenging, and profoundly important questions, such as the nature of the self and of personal identity; the existence or nonexistence of God; the nature of time, mind, language, and science; the sources and limits of human knowledge; the nature of the good life; the foundations of state authority; the requirements of social justice; and the nature of art, beauty, and aesthetic experience. Philosophical questions are addressed not by reference to empirical information alone, but by means of analysis, synthesis, argument, and the construction and evaluation of philosophical theories.
About 59% of graduates with a degree in philosophy had careers in management, education, libraries, community and social services, legal services, and business or finance ( Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022).
According to the IUPUI (now called IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2023, the average starting salary reported for School of Liberal Art graduates with a bachelor's degree was $49,890, and the median salary was $47,420.
The national median annual salary for those with a degree in philosophy was $60,000 in 2022 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Philosophy majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
Computer/information technology
Education
Health fields
Law
Philosophy
Public affairs
Social science
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Introduction to philosophy
Ethical theory
Logic
Medical ethics
Personal and social ethics
Philosophy of film
Philosophy of science
Possible careers
Attorney*
Editor
Event coordinator
Financial analyst
Journalist
Policy researcher
Political scientist*
*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.
Learn about the history of photography as well as the technology and techniques behind it. This program offers you an interdisciplinary approach to photography by incorporating time-based and digital media with traditional techniques. Students in this program will participate in an internship during their senior year to expand their portfolio and become an attractive candidate when pursuing a career.
Arts, Humanities, and Human Services
(AHHS)
Artistic
Enterprising
Social
You'll receive a thorough education in the history of this art form as well as instruction in all of the relevant technology and techniques. Traditional wet printing techniques in black-and-white and color photography form a foundation for the department’s introduction to photographic imaging. Time-based and digital media are incorporated in the intermediate and advanced classes, encouraging an interdisciplinary approach to the photographic medium. This methodology is integral to the department’s approach to visual literacy in contemporary photography, placing emphasis on your personal growth and your conceptual and aesthetic development.
Employment of photographers is expected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 13,700 openings for photographers 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 Herron graduates with a bachelor's degree was $58,609, and the median salary was $51,000 .
The national median salary for photographers was $40,7600 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
2-D media
3-D 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.
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.
Join the first national physical education teacher education program to transform the lives of children at the K–12 level. Students in this program will gain the experience to meet Indiana Department of Education standards and will be prepared to take the teacher licensing examination for physical education.
Health and Life Sciences
(HLS)
Social
Enterprising
Realistic
The physical education teacher education track focuses its efforts on those students who would like to teach physical education, wellness, or health at the K–12 level. The curriculum provides content knowledge and practical experiences to prepare students for a career in teaching and youth development. Along with coursework in the School of Education at IU Indianapolis, our curriculum prepares students for the teacher licensing examination in this content area specialty. Finally, students will be afforded opportunities throughout their studies to gain teaching experience in multiple local community or school settings.
Employment of high school teachers is projected to decline 1% from 2023 to 2033. Despite decline employment, about 64,000 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, 2024).
According to the IUPUI (now called IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2021, the average starting salary reported for School of Education graduates was $41,859, and the median salary was $42,830.
The national median annual salary for high school teachers was $65,220 in 2023 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Physical education teacher education majors might pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
Adapted/developmental physical education
Business
Exercise physiology
Journalism
Physical therapy/sports medicine
Sport administration
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Adapted physical education
Fitness and dance education
Growth and motor performance
Methods of institution for K–12
Sport pedagogy
Student teaching and internship
Possible careers
Director of school-based physical activity programs
Health educator
Interscholastic sports coach
Physical education teacher
School principal or administrator*
Youth camp director
*This career requires additional training or education.
Where could I work?
Government agencies
Nonprofit organizations
Primary and secondary education systems
Private for-profit businesses
Self-employed
Admission requirements
Admission by certification
Be a declared Physical Education teacher education Major
Have an IU GPA of 2.0 or higher
Earn a grade of C or better in the following courses:
Anatomy: 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.
Study matter and energy at all scales. Students in this program gain essential knowledge of classical mechanics, classical electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, relativity, statistical physics, and mathematics. Because physics is the foundation of most other sciences, you can pursue jobs in just about any science field.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
(STEM)
Investigative
Realistic
Enterprising
All physics majors study the foundations of the field: classical mechanics, classical electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, relativity, and statistical physics. They also learn a great deal of mathematics (more than is required for a minor) and have a year of chemistry. Depending on individual career goals, physics majors may also take additional courses in chemistry and biology, electrical or mechanical engineering, or physics and mathematics.
Employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,600 openings for physicists and astronomers 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 Science graduates was $52,368, and the median salary was $50,000.
The national median annual salary for physicists and astronomers was $149,530 in 2023 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Physicists and astronomers typically need a Ph.D. for jobs in research and academia, and a master’s degree is expected for some roles.
Typical paths include:
Astronomy
Engineering
Physics
Other natural sciences
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Calculus 1, 2, and 3
Differential equations
Heat electricity, and optics
Mechanics
Modern physics
Physical optics
Quantum mechanics
Thermal and statistical physics
Possible careers
Intelligence analyst
Patent examiner*
Postsecondary teacher*
Quality control and testing
Quantum technology scientist
Scientific programmer
*These careers require 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.
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.
Students who complete this program have all of the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career as a high school physics teacher. After passing the professional exams offered by the state, they will be fully certified to teach.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
(STEM)
Like all physics majors, students in this program learn physics, mathematics, and the habits of mind that make them thorough professionals. Physics teachers are in great demand nationwide. Students earning their teaching certification in physics can easily find jobs almost anywhere in the country, and experienced physics teachers make more than many people think. The national average salary for physics teachers is over $50,000.
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.
Gain insight into how government works at the local, national, and international levels. You’ll train to be critical observers and informed, active participants. With a degree in this field, you’ll be prepared for a variety of careers—from politics to teaching, law, public administration, and business.
Arts, Humanities, and Human Services
(AHHS)
Enterprising
Social
Investigative
IU Indianapolis's political science students gain insight into how government works in Indiana, the United States, and countries all over the world. Students are trained to be critical observers and informed, active participants. They are also prepared for a variety of careers—from politics to teaching, law, public administration, and business.
Employment of political scientists is expected to grow 3% from 2023 to 2033, as fast as the average for all occupations. About 500 openings for political 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, 2024).
According to the IUPUI (now called IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2021, the average starting salary reported by graduates with a bachelor's degree in p olitical science was $34,488, and the median salary was $37,000 .
The national median annual salary for political scientists was $132,350 in May 2023 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
This major can be a key pathway to law school. In addition to law, political science majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
International development
International studies
Political science
Public administration
Public affairs
Public health
Urban planning
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Constitutional law
Elements of political analysis
Indiana state government
Introduction to American politics
Introduction to international relations
Political theory
Voting, elections, and public opinion
Possible careers
Attorney*
Journalist
Labor relations specialist
Lobbyist
State or local politician
Urban planner*
*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.
Learn about both traditional and contemporary tools and processes involved in printmaking. Gain experience with etching and plate and stone lithography. Students have access to facilities well-equipped for traditional approaches and for the investigation of digital and photomechanical processes.
Arts, Humanities, and Human Services
(AHHS)
Artistic
Enterprising
Social
Coursework in lithography and etching is offered at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels every semester. Processes covered include plate and stone lithography and the intaglio processes of etching, engraving, and aquatint. Additional courses include printing in monotype, woodcut, silkscreen, and the book arts with a minor in book arts as an option. Spacious, well-equipped, accessible facilities for the study of these traditional approaches to printmaking are augmented by additional facilities for the investigation of digital and photomechanical processes.
Employment of craft and fine artists is projected to grow 3% from 2023 to 2033, as fast as the average for all occupations. About 4,900 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, 2024).
According to the IUPUI (now called IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2023, the average starting salary reported for art and design graduates with a bachelor's degree was $58,609, and the median salary was $51,000.
The national median annual salary for craft and fine artists was $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.
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.
Learn about human behavior and mental processes. When you pursue a psychology degree, you gain a background in communication skills, critical thinking skills, scientific methodology, ethics, and diversity—skills that are all in high demand. Students pursuing this degree can earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
(STEM)
Social
Investigative
Artistic
The Department of Psychology provides students with a well-balanced and scientifically rigorous curriculum. Students completing an undergraduate degree in psychology will graduate with a strong background in communication skills, critical thinking skills, scientific methodology, ethics, and diversity—skills that are in high demand.
Employment of psychologists is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 13,000 openings for psychologists 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 Science graduates was $52,368, and the median salary was $50,000.
The national median annual salary for psychologists was $92,740 in 2023 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Some psychology graduates pursue graduate or professional school to work in areas such as:
Clinical or counseling psychology
Law
Medicine
Research
Physical therapy
Social work
Others obtain graduate degrees in the following areas:
Industrial/organizational psychology
School counseling
School psychology
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Abnormal psychology
Ethics and diversity
Introduction to counseling
Life span development
Research methods in psychology
Social psychology
Possible careers
ABA therapist
Addictions counselor
Behavior analyst
HR administrator
Life skills specialist
Marriage and family therapist*
Resource coordinator/manager
*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.
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.
