A popular question that we get asked is “What can I study at university in America?” The answer: Pretty much whatever you like!
This article is not so much about the degree format, which you can read more about on our website – Academic System in the USA, but more about the different subjects or “majors” available to you.
That being said, it is important to be aware of one key difference between studying in the US compared to most other countries. As an incoming Freshman, you do not need to know or decide which subject you’ll end up studying. You can choose your university and attend as an “Undecided Major”.
During your first year at College, and for most of your second year, you’ll take ‘General Education’ classes in various topics. For example, you may have classes in Writing, History, Accounting, Spanish and Sociology during one semester (term). Then, the following semester will be 4-5 entirely different subjects. It is during this time that you can begin to decide exactly which area you wish to concentrate on for your third and fourth years at College.
Graduation – The End Goal!
Does Every University Offer the Same Courses?
Nope! Each school is unique and offers a different variety of degree programmes that you can study. It goes without saying, most universities offer popular subjects, such as Business, Sciences, Media, Sport Science and Languages. Smaller Colleges may offer 30-50 different majors, whereas larger schools may be able to offer 100, 200 or even 300 separate degree courses!
As a result, it is very important to think about what you may want to study at an early stage. Whilst you don’t need to make a final decision at this point, it will help us in identifying the most suitable options for you. Put simply, if a College shows interest in your sporting abilities, but doesn’t offer what you want to study, then it’s not the right option for you.
Using Your Degree to Back Home
All US universities are accredited, meaning that a degree from that institution will be recognised internationally. This is very important for your professional career and for when you look to find jobs in future! However, two subject areas do tend to prove difficult to use in another country if you earn a degree in the States. Those subjects are Law and Medicine. If you’re considering either of these majors, speak to us and we can offer guidance. All other subjects are far more transferable to use outside of the US or qualify you for graduate school.
The role that Athleticademix plays is to ensure you find options that match your preferences. We want you to be 100% happy with the university you decide on because we know it’s a big move to make!
Student-athletes are usually required to spend time at a ‘Study Hall’ each week. Here, they get access to tutors and resources, one of the key perks of becoming a College athlete!
Here’s a few examples of degree options and a selection of sub-topics within each department that you can look to concentrate on:
Art and Design
- Art
- Design
- Film Studies
- Music (including Music Production)
- Performance Arts
- Theatre Studies
For the creative talent among us!
Business
- Accounting
- Advertising
- Analytics
- Economics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Human Resources
- International Business
- Management (including Sport Management)
- Marketing
You can also look to combine subjects – for example, you could study Management with a minor in Marketing!
Communications/Media
- Digital Media
- Graphic Design
- Journalism
- Media Studies
- Public Relations
Most departments help students with internships and work experience as part of their course!
International Relations & Political Studies
- Global Development
- Global Studies
- International Studies
- Languages
- Political Science
A great option for those that wish to explore the world and connect with people!
Sciences
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Forensic Science
- Marine Biology
- Physics
Challenging, but a perfect mix of practical and theoretical learning!
Social Sciences
- Criminology
- Geography
- History
- Sociology
- Psychology
For those with an interest in the world around us!
Sports-related Subjects
- Athletic Training (Physiotherapy)
- Exercise Science
- Kinesiology
- Nutrition
- Physical Education (Teaching)
- Sport Management
- Sport Psychology
Where better to study a sport-related degree than at College in the US? Hands-on experience and exposure to some of the world’s best athletes every day!
Summary
As you can see, there’s a lot of choice… and these examples are just the tip of the iceberg!
See something on a list above that interests you? Get in touch! We’d love to hear about your interests and discuss how you can combine the degree subject you want with an incredible sporting experience. As Mark Twain once famously said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
Fill in a Free Assessment and receive more details about the US scholarship process!
Thanks for reading! 🙂
TEAM ATHLETICADEMIX
