Want to see how your major relates to possible careers? Filter by major or Career Cluster to learn about possible job titles, internships obtained by NIU students and employers who have hired NIU graduates from the major. To view salaries for graduates from different majors, visit Illinois College 2 Career or the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Choose a major and/or a Career Cluster to find relevant information.
Visit the departments for each art major:
Overview of communication studies major
Overview of the major in English
Overview of the major in journalism
Overview of Theatre Arts major specializing in Acting
Read more about the Design and Technology major.
Overview of major in world languages
Read about the major in Accountancy.
Overview of Business Administration major.
Overview of Fashion Merchandising major.
Overview of Hospitality and Tourism Management major.
Jobs in human resource management:
Jobs in leadership and management:
Overview of Operations Management and Information Systems major
Overview of undergraduate education programs
Because of the curriculum of teacher licensure programs which include required clinical experiences and student teaching, few teaching students complete internships.
Overview of Anthropology major
Overview of Human Development and Family Sciences major
Overview of Nonprofit and NGO Studies major
Overview of Political Science major
Academic/Scientific:
Social Service:
Criminology and Law Enforcement:
Business and Industry:
Criminal justice agencies:
Social Service:
Criminology:
Social Service:
Criminology:
Overview of Communicative Disorders major
Jobs requiring an undergraduate degree:
Jobs requiring additional education or certifications:
Overview of Health Sciences major
Jobs requiring advanced degrees:
Clinical:
Non-clinical:
Overview of Nutrition, Dietetics and Wellness major
Overview of Public Health major
Jobs that require additional education:
Jobs that require additional education:
Jobs that require additional education:
Overview of Rehabilitation and Disability Services major
Jobs that require additional education:
Rehabilitation:
Social services/mental health:
Overview of Biological Sciences major
Overview of Biological Sciences major
Laboratory research-oriented job titles:
Non-laboratory research oriented job titles:
Overview of Biological Sciences major
Overview of Biological Sciences major
Overview of Biological Sciences major
Overview of Chemistry and Biochemistry major
Overview of Computer Science major
Overview of Engineering and Engineering Technology majors
Overview of Environmental Studies major
Overview of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment major
NIU students have obtained internships with local city governments, state and federal agencies, and private sector companies in the areas of insurance and risk management, hazardous waste and natural resource management. Please meet with the undergraduate geography advisor to learn about specific internship opportunities.
Graduates with degrees in geography can work for:
Overview of Geology and Earth, Atmosphere and Environment major
Employers Who Have Hired M.S. and Ph.D. Graduates
Education: K-12, Community Colleges, Universities, Museums
Environmental/Engineering/Public Health/Water Resources
Government: Municipal/State/Federal
Mining/Minerals/Precious Metals/Materials Science
Petroleum/Energy/Petroleum Service
Research: Federal/State/Public/Private
Overview of Mathematical Sciences major
Overview of Medical Laboratory Sciences major
NIU students have obtained internships is the areas of broadcasting, transportation, energy, weather modification, applied research, weather services and environmental firms. Please meet with the undergraduate meteorology advisor to learn about specific internship opportunities.
The Arts, Media and Communications cluster is all about creativity and human expression. Careers in this cluster typically involve designing, producing, creating, writing, performing, exhibiting, persuading, informing and publishing. Opportunities exist behind the scenes and in front of an audience, as well as producing all types of content for public consumption.
NIU offers a variety of academic pathways, activities and access to organizations to help you get started on your journey toward a career in art, media and communications. In addition to the majors, you should experiment with your creative expression (e.g., writing, music, thinking, dance, public speaking), develop a portfolio to show to prospective employers, expand your cultural experiences, join professional organizations and related student organizations, and gain practical experience through internships and volunteer opportunities.
Skills needed in this cluster:
Get more information about occupations and skills related to career clusters.
The Business and Entrepreneurship cluster focuses on the organization, operation, management, financing and ownership of businesses. Careers in these fields typically involve planning, organizing, directing and evaluating business functions essential to efficient and productive business operations. Opportunities exist in practically every sector of the economy from the creation of new businesses, moving a company’s goals forward and developing sustainable systems that allow organizations to achieve desired outcomes.
NIU offers a variety of academic pathways, activities and access to organizations to help you get started on your journey toward a career in business and entrepreneurship. In addition to the majors, you should read business publications that are relevant to your interests, take inventory of your strengths and weaknesses to assess how your strengths give you a competitive edge, network extensively with your peers, and join and participate in business and entrepreneurship-related student organizations.
Skills needed in this cluster
Get more information about occupations and skills related to career clusters.
The Education cluster is a group of industries associated with teaching and improving learning. Careers in these fields typically involve communicating, inspiring, motivating, understanding, planning, managing, and providing education and related learning support services. Opportunities exist in public, private, religiously-affiliated schools and educational-support organizations.
NIU offers a variety of academic pathways, activities and access to organizations to help you get started on your journey toward a career in education. In addition to the majors, you should volunteer or work in an educational setting to help you identify the age group and subjects you’re interested in, network, join related student organizations and participate in activities early in your time at NIU and progress to leadership roles by graduation.
Skills needed for this cluster:
Get more information about occupations and skills related to career clusters.
The Government, Nonprofit and Social Services cluster is a broad group of industries associated with serving society in a variety of ways. From helping someone with a personal crisis to non-profit management to international diplomacy, careers in this cluster can impact an individual’s quality of life or address global issues. Careers in these fields typically involve planning and performing government functions, policy-making, managing, advocating, counseling, researching, enforcing, protecting, helping, problem-solving, leading and mentoring. Opportunities exist in federal employment (the largest industry in the United States), as well as local and state government, national, international, community, for-profit and non-profit organizations and associations, and religious organizations working with constituencies directly and indirectly.
NIU offers a variety of academic pathways, activities and access to organizations to help you get started on your journey toward a career in government, public and social services. In addition to the majors, you can volunteer at a related organization, follow news, issues and trends related to your cause, network with others who share your passion to solve social, community, national and international issues. Maintain a strong grade point average as internships, fellowships and research opportunities are competitive. And lastly, don’t do anything that will negatively impact your record. Many job opportunities in this cluster will require a background check.
Skills needed in this cluster:
Get more information about occupations and skills related to career clusters.
The Health and Wellness cluster is a group of industries associated with the promotion of wellness and healthy lifestyles, the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disorders, and supporting others to achieve their potential. Careers in these fields typically involve serving or helping others by educating, training, researching, planning, and providing therapeutic and diagnostic services. Opportunities exist in hands-on care, administration, advocacy, support services, research and development and community enhancement.
NIU offers a variety of academic pathways, activities and access to organizations to help you get started on your journey toward a career in health and wellness. In addition to the majors, you should develop relationships with your faculty, advisors, and Career Services counselor for information about shadowing, internships, graduate/professional school and career planning. Seek out shadowing/observation and hands-on experience in your health and wellness interest area early on. These opportunities will help determine if a particular health profession is the right fit for you, strengthen your communication and interpersonal skills, and demonstrate your commitment and ability to work with people.
Skills needed for this cluster:
Get more information about occupations and skills related to career clusters.
The Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) cluster comprises industries that focus on research, planning and managing, solving abstract problems, providing technical services, and designing products and systems.
NIU offers a variety of academic pathways, activities and access to organizations to help you get started on your journey toward a career inSTEM. In addition to the majors, NIU offers a wide-range of activities, research and volunteer opportunities. There are monthly informational STEMCafes, workshops and clubs available. STEM is a fast-moving field, so staying updated with your career advisor, reading professional resources and identifying a faculty mentor early-on in your academic career is important. First, choose a major, then get involved!
Skills needed for this cluster:
Get more information about occupations and skills related to career clusters.
Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
If you're a current student, you can schedule an appointment via Navigate. If you're alumni or faculty/staff, please complete this form and we will get back to you promptly.