Computer Science + Education: Secondary Education

Major Description

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science+ Education with a concentration in Secondary Education is the only program of its kind in the state of Illinois. This program is sponsored by the Department of Curriculum & Instruction and the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science. This program provides computer science and education curriculum, preparing you to obtain a Professional Educator License (PEL) to teach grades 5-12.

More About CS + Education

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Concentration

The Secondary Education concentration provides the coursework and field experience for students to be licensed to teach computer science in grades 5-12, providing them with the knowledge necessary to teach and develop computer science curricula.

Courses That Introduce the Major

EDUC 201—Identity and Difference in Education
EDUC 202—Social Justice, School & Society
EPSY 201—Educational Psychology
CS 124 – Intro to Computer Science I
CS 128 – Intro to Computer Science II
MATH 220/221 – Calculus/Calculus I

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

The CS+ Education program prepares future educators, researchers, leaders, and passionate advocates. Graduates will be prepared for careers in a range of settings, including K-12 education, higher education, technology and software companies, government agencies, and research organizations.

Common Career Skills

Teaching/Pedagogy
Educational Assessment
Classroom Management
Communication
Technology Skills
Analytical Skills
Equity & Inclusion
Critical Thinking
Problem-Solving
Creativity
Adaptability
Teamwork & Collaboration
Organization
Professionalism
Initiative
Leadership

Common Career Titles

Middle School Teacher
High School Teacher
Curriculum Specialist
Game and Simulation Designer
Educational Software Developer
User Interface and Experience Designer
Mobile Application Developer
Educational Technology Consultant
Technology Specialist
Data Analyst
Education Administrator

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Association for Computing Machinery: The university’s largest computer science organization, with
  diverse interests and a strong student and alumni network.
- Epsilon Delta: A professional teaching fraternity for undergraduate students who are preparing for
  careers in education.
- Leaders in Secondary Education: A student-led organization for aspiring high school students with opportunities for professional development, networking, and community building.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Computer Science and Education. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of computer science and education. These organizations include National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, and Association for Computing Machinery.

Statistics & Computer Science

Major Description

Statistics and Computer Science is divided equally between the two areas. The first two years are spent on basic work in mathematics and general education, and an introduction to the fundamental areas of computer science: programming, theory of computation, the architecture of digital computers, and numerical analysis. The third year completes the work in basic computer science and statistics, and requires electives to broaden the background of the student. During the fourth year, each student is encouraged to obtain a deeper understanding of topics in which the student has particular interest.

More About Statistics & CS

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

What is the difference between Statistics & Computer Science and Statistics?

Statistics and Computer Science is sponsored jointly by the Department of Statistics and the Department of Computer Science. The major is designed for students who desire a strong foundation in computer science, coupled with significant advanced coursework in statistics. The major prepares students for professional or graduate work in statistics and computer science, and for applications of computing in which knowledge of statistics is particularly important, such as data mining and machine learning.

Statistics is designed to provide students with an understanding of the concepts of statistical inference and a familiarity with the methods of applied statistical analysis, preparing students for a career in business, industry, or government, and for further graduate study in statistics or in a related area.

Courses That Introduce the Major

CS 124—Intro to Computer Science 1
CS 128—Intro to Computer Science 2
MATH 220 (or 221), 231, 241—Calculus sequence
STAT 100 or 200—Statistics

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

The major prepares students for professional or graduate work in statistics and computer science, and for applications of computing in which knowledge of statistics is particularly important, such as data mining and machine learning.

Common Career Skills

Ability to analyze & interpret data
Advanced quantitative skills
Computer literacy
Critical thinking
Efficient
Logical thinking
Numerical computation
Organizational skills
Problem solving
Systemizing skills
Team skills
Testing skills

Common Career Titles

Actuary Estimator
Bank Examiner
Claims Adjuster
Computer Programmer
Cryptologist
Financial Planner
Information Scientist
Insurance Agent/Broker
Investment Analyst
Investment Researcher
Mathematical Technician
Mathematician
Numerical Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
Purchasing Agent/Buyer
Statistician
Technical Writer
Underwriter

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Illini Statistics Club: promotes students who have interests in statistics and a future career in the field of statistical applications.
- iRobotics: A community of students interested in competing in CARD and other robotics competitions, as well as spreading the word of science and technology to the community.
- Women in Computer Science: Dedicated to creating a comfortable environment for everybody who studies and does research in computer science.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Statistics and Computer Science. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Statistics and Computer Science. These organizations include American Statistical Society, Association for Computing Machinery, Assocation for Women in Computing, IEEE Computer Society and Institute of Mathematical Statisticians.

Statistics

Major Description

Statistics is the science of modeling, summarizing, and analyzing data, and of using mathematics and computing tools to make predictions and decisions in the face of uncertainty. Statistical ideas are applicable in any area involving quantitative measurement and in almost every area of scholarly pursuit.

More About Statistics

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

What is the difference between Statistics and Statistics & Computer Science?

Courses That Introduce the Major

MATH 220 (221), 231, and 241—Calculus sequence
STAT 200—Statistical Analysis

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

The world is becoming more and more quantitative and data focused. Many professions depend on numerical measurements to make decisions in the face of uncertainty. Statisticians use quantitative abilities, statistical knowledge, and communication skills to work on many challenging problems.

Common Career Skills

Ability to analyze and interpret data
Ability to design experiments
Advanced quantitative skills
Advising skills
Computer literacy
Critical thinking
Evaluating theoretical models
Logical thinking
Numerical computation
Organizational skills
Problem Solving
Systemizing skills
Teamwork skills
Verbal and written communication skills

Common Career Titles

Business Analyst
Data Analyst
Economist
Environmental Scientist
Investigator
Manager
Mathematician
Pharmaceutical Engineer
Professor
Project Manager
Quality Analyst
Researcher
Risk Analyst
Software Engineer

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Illini Statistics Club: promotes students who have interests in statistics and a future career in the field of statistical applications.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Statistics. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Statistics. These organizations include American Statistical Society and Institute of Mathematical Statisticians.

Political Science

Major Description

Political Science combines the rigor and logic of natural science and mathematics with the aesthetic grandeur of modes of inquiry more characteristic of the humanities. Students are exposed to different ways of thinking and develop the capacity to reason analytically, as well as the ability to write succinctly. Also, in studying politics, students wrestle with important questions about power and authority in human relations.

More About Political Science

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Concentrations

Political Science helps students acquire a broad understanding of government and politics, political behavior, and public policy, as they develop mastery in one or more of the subfields of the discipline.

General Political Science

Provides students with a broad understanding of government and politics, political behavior, and public policy, both in the US and around the world.

Citizen Politics

Focuses on the study of mass behavior and explores questions regarding how and why citizens form political attitudes and beliefs, how they engage with politics and the issues of identity.

Civic Leadership

Aims to provide students interested in careers in public life with an informed appreciation for American democracy, the values and structures on which it is based, and the challenges and opportunities it faces in the 21st century.

International Relations

The study of interaction across borders of nation-states. Students explore how global, regional and domestic factors influence relations among states as well as non-state actors in the interstate system.

Law and Power

Teaches students about how power, law, and ideas about justice shape political life. Courses cover questions concerning the procedures for social and legal change, the status of citizens in social and political institutions in society, and the ways that ideology and identity categories shape the pursuit of equality and justice.

Public Policy and Democratic Institutions

Explores political institutions and processes and how and why they work as they do. Students study institutions such as the presidency, Congress, courts, the bureaucracy, and political parties, with a focus on their organizing and important patterns of behavior within them.

World Politics

Compares internal political dynamics and patterns of political behavior in the world’s more than 200 countries. Major comparative themes include democracy, dictatorship and regime change; political institutions; voting behavior, attitudes, and the creation and dissemination of political information; religious and ethnic identity politics; political economy of development and developing countries; social change and political violence; and the impact of globalization and transnational forces such as migration.

Courses That Introduce the Major

PS 100—Intro to Political Science
PS 101—Intro to US Gov & Pol

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Political Science can lead to careers in a variety of areas including politics, government agencies, law, and non-profit work.

Common Career Skills

Able to develop & market ideas
Analytical thinking
Computer literate
Decision-making
Interact with diverse populations
Leadership abilities
Oral & written communication
Problem-solving
Research skills
Team worker
Understanding of community needs
Work well under pressure

Common Career Titles

With Bachelors Degree:

Account Service Rep
Activities Specialist
Assistant Buyer
Assistant Consultant
Asst. Account Executive
Campaign Staffer
Congressional Aide
Environmental Policy Analyst
Foreign Service Officer
Historic Preservationist
Historic Site Interpreter
International Trade Specialist
Law Enforcement Officer
Legal Assistant
Legislative Assistant
Lobbyist
Management Analyst
Media Analyst
Paralegal
Peace Corps/Vista Worker
Political Pollster
Politician
Probation/Parole Officer
Public Relations Assistant
Real Estate Agent/Broker
Research Assistant
Social Services Administrator
Social Worker

Additional Education/Experience Required:

Account Executive
Advertising Executive Agent
Archivist
Attorney
Campaign Manager
City Manager
Community Relations Director
Director of Public Policy
Executive Director, Non-Profit/NGO
FBI/CIA
Government Intelligence Analyst
International Relations Manager
Marketing Director
Public Administrator Manager
Sales Manager
Special Interest Group Director

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Interning with a public official with Illinois in Washington
Earning distinction by writing a senior thesis
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Model United Nations: provides opportunity for students to learn about the purpose, structure, and history of the United Nations through open forum discussion of issues pertaining to real world scenarios.
- Political Science Club: informs and fosters interest in politics and current events. Our bipartisan stance allows us to enliven the political climate on campus through informational sessions, debates, guest speakers, etc.
- The Association of Minorities in Political Science (AMPS): aims to provide professional development, academic support and mentorship to historically underrepresented groups in the discipline. The group connects political science students with the resources to pursue research, scholarship and career opportunities.

Further Information

For further information about political science, make an appointment to see an advisor.

Mathematics & Computer Science

Major Description

In Mathematics and Computer Science, the first two years are spent on basic work in mathematics and general education, and an introduction to the fundamental areas of computer science: programming, theory of computation, the architecture of digital computers, and numerical analysis. The third year completes the work in basic computer science and mathematics and requires electives to broaden the background of the student. During the fourth year, each student is encouraged to obtain a deeper understanding of topics in which the student has particular interest.

What is the difference between Mathematics & Computer Science and Mathematics?

Mathematics is designed to enable students to conduct research in fundamental mathematics or to apply mathematical techniques to solve problems within various fields.
Mathematics and Computer Science is sponsored jointly by the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Computer Science. The major is designed for students who desire a strong foundation in computer science, coupled with significant advanced coursework in mathematics. The major prepares students for professional or graduate work in mathematics and computer science.

More About Mathematics & CS

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

CS 124—Intro to Computer Science 1
CS 128—Intro to Computer Science 2
MATH 220 (or 221), 231, 241—Calculus Sequence
MATH 347—Fundamental Mathematics

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Mathematics and Computer Science can lead to many different career options.

Common Career Skills

Ability to analyze & interpret data
Advanced quantitative skills
Computer literacy
Critical thinking
Efficient
Logical thinking
Numerical computation
Organizational skills
Problem solving
Systemizing skills
Team skills
Testing skills

Common Career Titles

Actuary Estimator
Bank Examiner
Budget Analyst
Claims Adjuster
Computer Programmer
Cryptologist
Financial Planner
Information Scientist
Insurance Agent/Broker
Investment Analyst
Investment Researcher
Mathematical Technician
Mathematician
Numerical Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
Purchasing Agent/Buyer
Statistician
Technical Writer
Underwriter

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Mathematical Advancement Through Research and Idea eXchange (MATRIX): fosters student-faculty relationships within the Math Department and educates students on research possibilities in the field of math.
- Women in Computer Science: Dedicated to creating a comfortable environment for everybody who studies and does research in computer science.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Mathematics and Computer Science. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Mathematics and Computer Science. These organizations include American Mathematical Society, Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, Association for Computing Machinery, Association for Women in Computing, Association for Women in Mathematics and IEEE Computer Society.

Linguistics & Teaching English as a Second Language

Major Description

The BA degree in Linguistics + TESL prepares undergraduates to teach English as an additional language in private and boarding schools in the US and in international, public, and private schools outside the US, as well as work in international English language teaching, publishing, and testing companies and organizations. Linguistics + TESL majors interested in seeking a graduate degree will have relevant training and coursework to prepare them for master and PhD degrees in a wide range of disciplines related to linguistics, education, and psychology.

More About Linguistics + TESL

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

LING 100 – Introduction to Language Science
LING 222 – Language in Globalization
LING 250 – American Voices: Linguistic Diversity in the U.S.

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Graduates go on to teach English as an additional language in private and boarding schools in the US and in international, public, and private schools outside the US, as well as work in international English language teaching, publishing, and testing companies and organizations.

Common Career Skills

Critical Thinking
Patience
Communication
Organization
Imaginative Thinking
Leadership
Teamwork
Time Management
Course Planning

Common Career Titles

ESL Teacher
TESOL Teacher
Instructor of Adult English Language Learners

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- League of Linguists: We are the undergraduate linguistics student organization at UIUC. Our mission is to stimulate social interaction and academic enrichment throughout the Department of Linguistics. We hold fundraisers, weekly meetings, and various academic and social events in order to promote the study of language as a science, a hobby, and an academic institution.
- Linguistics Student Organization: We foster academic and social interaction among the undergraduate and graduate students in the Linguistics department and related disciplines, as well as to enrich the discipline through invited speakers and linguist-related events.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Linguistics. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Linguistics. These organizations include Linguistic Society of America and Modern Language Association.

Linguistics

Major Description

Language is central to our being human and represents perhaps the most worthy subject for intellectual investigation. Linguists are interested in many aspects of language: phonology, syntax, semantics, morphology, phonetics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, computational linguistics, and historical linguistics.

Linguistics courses focus on empirical and theoretical issues connected with how languages are structured, how they are used, and how they change through time. These courses are of interest not only to linguistics majors, but to students in any field where the analysis of languages is important: anthropology, speech and hearing science, psychology, philosophy, computer science, foreign languages, and others.

More About Linguistics

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

LING 100 – Introduction to Language Science
LING 210 – Language History
LING 222 – Language in Globalization
LING 225 – Language, Mind and Brain
LING 250 – Language Diversity in the USA

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Linguistics opens the door to careers in diverse industries. Possible career opportunities include working as a linguist, application developer, bilingual engineer, data analyst or as a research technician.

Common Career Skills

Comparing interpretations
Evaluating evidence
Identifying patterns
Reading critically
Applying knowledge about language
Identifying patterns
Presenting information effectively
Understanding historical language change
Adapting to/functioning in other cultures
Emphasizing a global perspective
Identifying relationships between language groups
Relating language to social context

Common Career Titles

Advertising Account Executive
Attorney
Business Manager
Campaign Manager
Claims Examiner
Community Relations Director
Copy Writer
Corporate Trainer
Critic
Customer Relations Rep.
Editor
Education Director
Government Agency
Historian
Human Resources Spec
Information Systems Manager
Insurance Underwriter
Intelligence Systems Designer
Journalist
Legislative Assistant
Lexicographer
Lobbyist
Management Trainee
Marketing or Sales Manager
Market Research Analyst
Media Buyer
Non-profit Administrator
Overseas Trade Representative
Personnel Trainee
Policy Analyst
Production Assistant
Professor
Public Relations Specialist
Public Administrator
Publicity Assistant
Research Assistant
Researcher or Writer
Sales Representative
School Psychologist
Special Events Coordinator
Speech Pathologist
Speech Synthesis Specialist
Speech Writer
Teacher
Technical Writer
Television Producer
Underwriter
Volunteer Coordinator
Writer or Author

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- League of Linguists: We are the undergraduate linguistics student organization at UIUC. Our mission is to stimulate social interaction and academic enrichment throughout the Department of Linguistics. We hold fundraisers, weekly meetings, and various academic and social events in order to promote the study of language as a science, a hobby, and an academic institution.
- Linguistics Student Organization: We foster academic and social interaction among the undergraduate and graduate students in the Linguistics department and related disciplines, as well as to enrich the discipline through invited speakers and linguist-related events.

Further Information

Geology

Major Description

Geology is the scientific study of the Earth, including how it works and its history and evolution over 4.6 billion years. Geologists study important societal problems, such as natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods); energy, mineral, and water resources; and other environmental issues (climate change, pollution, land use). Because it encompasses physical, chemical, and biological sciences, many specializations are available.

More About Geology

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Programs of Study

Within Geology, there are two programs of study available, each with their own set of possible concentrations.

Sciences and Letters Curriculum

Designed for students who want a more flexible course of study than is provided by the Specialized Curriculum in Geology and Geophysics. It may be used by those wishing to obtain a more liberal education and/or background in geology for use in fields such as anthropology, business, mineral economics, regional planning, journalism, law, sales, or library and information science. It is not intended to prepare a student for graduate work in the geological sciences unless the student selects additional courses in mathematics, chemistry, and physics comparable to those required in the Specialized Geology and Geophysics Curriculum.

Geology
Designed for students who want a more flexible course of study than is provided by the specialized curriculum . It may be used by those wishing to obtain a more liberal education and/or a background in geology for use in fields such as anthropology, business, mineral economics, regional planning, journalism, law, sales, or library and information science.

Earth and Environmental Sciences
Designed for students who want a flexible course of study in preparing an interdisciplinary foundation for careers in many different areas including environmental law, business administration, land-use planning, the National Park Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, journalism, and many others. It emphasizes applied aspects of earth and environmental sciences including: natural disasters, earth resources, global change, environmental health, waste disposal, landscape evaluation, and land-use planning. Environmental processes and issues, as well as their implications for public policy, are addressed on a regional to global scale.

Earth Science Teaching
Designed for students preparing to teach earth science or general science as their major area of specialization. Students must complete the Teacher Education Minor in Secondary School Teaching (37 hours).

More information on the degree requirements.

Specialized Curriculum in Geology

Designed for students who plan to pursue graduate study in geology or geophysics or who wish to work professionally in the environmental field upon obtaining the bachelor’s degree. It offers more training in geology and related science than is required in the Sciences and Letters Curriculum. There are three concentrations to choose from:

Geology
Designed for students who plan to pursue graduate study in geology or who wish to work professionally in the geological field upon obtaining the bachelor’s degree.

Geophysics
Designed for students who plan to pursue graduate study in geophysics or who wish to work professionally in the geophysical field upon obtaining the bachelor’s degree.

Environmental Geology
Designed for students who plan to pursue graduate study in environmental geology or who wish to work professionally in the environmental field upon obtaining the bachelor’s degree.

More information on the degree requirements.

Courses That Introduce the Major

GEOL 107—Physical Geology
GEOL 100—Planet Earth
GEOL 117—The Oceans
GEOL 118—Natural Disasters

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Geology provides a number career opportunities for graduates of the major.

Common Career Skills

Ability to conduct/clearly explain scientific research
Ability to make appropriate decisions and solve quantitative problems
Ability to work with people from varied backgrounds
Intellectual capacity to perform well in college
Proficiency in reading, writing and memorization
Thorough knowledge of geological principles and mathematics

Common Career Titles

Aerial Photographer
Agricultural Engineer
Astronomer
Cartographer
Consultant
Economic Geologist
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Geologist
Forest Ranger
Geodynamicist
Geologist
Geomorphologist
Geophysical Exploration
Geophysics Technician
Geo-Technical Engineer
Glacial Geologist
Hydrogeologist
Hydrologist
Industrial Hygienist
Landscape/Nursery Manager
Materials Analyst
Mineralogist
National Park Service Professional
Oceanographer
Paleoceanographer
Paleoclimatologist
Paleontologist
Petroleum Geologist
Petrologist
Planetary Geologist
Prospector
Seismologist
Soil Scientist
Stratigrapher
Structural Geologist
Surveyor
Volcanologist

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Illini Limnologists (ILLimnologists): examines the impact of water on the Champaign area as well as the state of Illinois, specifically Boneyard Creek and other freshwater studies.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Geology. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Geology. These organizations include Geological Society of America, American Geosciences Institute, American Geophysical Union, Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists, and the U.S. Geological Survey.

Geography & Geographic Information Science

Major Description

Geography and Geographic Information Science (GIS) is the study of the where and why of places. Geographers create, manage, and use geospatial data from satellites, GPS, drones, and other sources to understand how places change and the social and environmental challenges they face. Geographers also study how people interact with and affect their environments and how environments in turn affect their lives and well-being.

GGIS is a flexible major. It offers Bachelor of Science concentrations in GIS and physical geography, and Bachelor of Arts concentrations in general and human geography. With their training in mapping, spatial analysis and critical thinking, geographers can help tackle place-based challenges including transportation, public health, natural hazards, housing, and environmental justice.

More About GGIS

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Concentrations

Geography and GIS offers four different concentrations.

General Geography

ntegrate social science, physical science, and technology to study how people use the Earth’s surface and how places change and develop. Students can sample courses from different subfields of geography without having to choose a specialty. Upon completion, students are prepared for careers in planning, environmental analysis, and transportation, or for further graduate studies in geography and GIS. More information on the Degree Requirements.

Geographic Information Science (GIS)

Use cutting-edge geospatial technologies and data to examine environmental and social issues; support business decisions; protect the environment; and manage the massive amounts of spatial data generated from mobile devices and sensor networks. The GIS concentration provides in-depth technical and field training, preparing students for geospatial careers- one of the fastest-growing domestic job sectors. More information on the Degree Requirements.

Human Geography

Explore the social science aspect of modern geography. The curriculum includes the systematic study of human social organization and its environmental consequences. Employment opportunities include urban and regional planning, transportation, marketing, real estate, tourism, and international business. More information on the Degree Requirements.

Physical Geography

The Physical Geography concentration examines the environmental sciences including patterns of climate, landforms, vegetation, soils, and water. Graduates of our physical geography concentration will be equipped for careers in environmental science and consulting, land and water resource management, and remote sensing using drones and satellites. More information on the Degree Requirements.

Courses That Introduce the Major

GEOG 101—Global Development & Environment
GEOG 103—Earth’s Physical Systems
GEOG 104—Social and Cultural Geography
GEOG 105—The Digital Earth

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

A major in Geography and GIS can lead to graduate school or many different possible careers.

Common Career Skills

Communication

Communicate across cultures
Present/defend position
Summarize results
Understand societies
Write clearly

Project Development

Develop project designs
Evaluation
Maintain records
Plan long-term projects
Write grant proposals

Interpersonal

Identify value systems
Interview skills
Recognize similarities
Surveying & sampling
Understand group dynamics

Research/Analysis

Apply non-intrusive methods
Computer modeling
Conduct field studies
Examine data
Gather & organize data
Read/construct maps/graphs
Utilize statistical applications

Common Career Titles

Aerial Photo Interpreter
Cartographer
Community Developer
Computer Mapper
Demographer
Environmental Impact Analyst
Health Services Planner
Land-Use Analyst
Land Developers
Land Economist
Real Estate Agent
Urban or Regional Planner

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Illinois Cartographic Society

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Geography & GIS. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Geography & GIS. These organizations include Association of American Geographers, University Consortium for GIS, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Economics

Major Description

Economics is concerned with the creation, consumption, and transfer of wealth. The study of economics encompasses the major areas of microeconomics, which explores how people and firms produce and consume goods and services, and macroeconomics, which explores mass economic progress and inter-country trade. Economic methods may be used to study all kinds of issues, from land and other natural resource use, to how much people should work, to how to develop human capital through education. Economics can provide insights in areas as diverse as how workers should be rewarded, how government should conduct fiscal and monetary policy, and how health care markets work.

More About Economics

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

ECON 102—Microeconomics
ECON 103—Macroeconomics
MATH 220—Calculus

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Since Economics is both a social science and a business-related field, it provides useful training for a wide variety of careers. Financially oriented firms (e.g., insurance companies, banks, and brokerage houses) hire people with economic degrees for such positions as financial analysts, risk management analysts, and financial advisors. Firms from a wide variety of other businesses also hire economics majors for positions in consulting, sales, or as management trainees. Similarly, in government there are many agencies at the local, state, national and international level that hire graduates with an economics degree. These include the Federal Reserve System, the Treasury Department, the Justice Department, the Commerce Department, the Federal Trade Commission, the International Monetary Fund, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, to mention only a few. Learn more about career paths.

Common Career Skills

Ability to give advice on business
Ability to prepare & write reports
Active learning
Active Listening
Analytical Skills
Computer literacy
Computer Skills (beyond just literacy)
Critical thinking
Different learning strategies
Investigative skills
Mathematics & science
Oral & Written communication
Reading comprehension
Research skills

Common Career Titles

Actuary
Bank Research Analyst
Claims Examiner
Collection Agent
Commodities Analyst
Commodities Trader
Controller
Consulting Analyst
Economic Research Assistant
Economist
Examiner
FBI or CIA Agent
Financial Analyst
Financial Planner
Health Policy Planner
International Trade Specialist
Lawyer
Management Accountant Bank
Market Research Analyst
Marketing or Sales Manager
Mortgage Loan Officer
Public Administrator
Purchasing Agent
Securities Broker
Statistician
Tax Consultant
Technical Writer
Transfer Pricing Analyst
Underwriter

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Economics Club: investigates the role of economics in business, hosts visiting businesses/organizations, and informs people interested in economics.
- Econ Ambassadors: represents the Department of Economics in various capacities and act as a student advisory committee for the Undergraduate Studies Office.
- Illini Women in Economics: The group provides relevant support, resources, and opportunities to encourage more female participation in economics.
- Omicron Delta Epsilon (ODE): is an internationally recognized honor society for economics.
- Illinois Economics Consulting (IEC): is an RSO at the University of Illinois that connects economics students with businesses and government agencies in Champaign-Urbana.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Economics. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Economics. These organizations include National Association for Business Economics and American Economics Association. For more information about the major check out the Department of Economics Website.