5 more lesser-known majors to dazzle you

No matter what college you attend, some majors are always popular. Business, Biology, Psychology, and Engineering often hold the top spots throughout the U.S. as the most-popular college majors. But what about those majors you don’t hear much about? With hundreds of academic programs, CSU certainly offers choices. Here are five more you might not have considered, in addition to our first list.

#1. Restoration Ecology

A student carries a small tree over a mountainous area.

In the Restoration Ecology major, you’ll learn to use environmental repair methods and work to revive natural areas while also examining the science behind biological areas and ecosystems. While the coursework includes everything from the fundamentals of ecology to global cultural awareness to natural resource courses, you’ll also spend a considerable amount of time in the field. The stunning rangelands, forests, and mountains surrounding campus are perfect places to learn, do research and explore, and the CSU Restoration Ecology program is one of the few stand-alone majors of its kind in the nation.

Potential careers for Restoration Ecology majors:

  • Soil conservationist
  • Plant ecologist
  • Riparian ecologist
  • Mine reclamation specialist
  • International restoration specialist

#2. Philosophy with a Philosophy, Science, and Technology concentration

students discuss in a round-table class setting

As a CSU Philosophy major, you’ll use fine-grained distinctions to illuminate big questions about what’s real and what’s valuable. In the Philosophy, Science, and Technology concentration, you’ll focus on applying the concepts of philosophy to the scientific disciplines. For example, what do we mean when we say that science makes “progress,” that it is especially “objective,” or that physics is the most “basic” science? What is meant when we pick out some scientific statements as “laws”? To what extent is there a “method” common to all and only scientific enterprises? In this concentration you’ll acquire philosophical and historical sophistication about science and technology, paired with a keen understanding of the cultural significance of science and technology.

Potential careers for a Philosophy major with a concentration in Philosophy, Technology, and Science:

  • Novelist
  • Data analyst
  • Technical writer
  • Content creator
  • Policy and planning consultant

#3. Computer Science with a Human-Centered Computing concentration

students experiment with a virtual reality device

As a Computer Science major, you’ll study and design complex computational methods that measure, encode, store, track, and transfer digital data. The Human-Centered Computing concentration takes those skills and knowledge a step further to focus on how people specifically interact with computers. You’ll gain an understanding of social sciences, mathematics, psychology, and fine arts, and apply it the creation of products, features, and experiences that solve real human needs.

Potential careers for Computer Science majors with a concentration in Human-Centered Computing:

  • Software game designer
  • VR (virtual reality) developer
  • Mobile app designer
  • UX (user experience) designer
  • Mobile platform developer

#4. Environmental Horticulture with a Landscape Business Concentration

students work in a mountain field doing research

Environmental horticulturists provide solutions necessary to achieve aesthetically pleasing, functional, and environmentally sound outdoor spaces. They also design and manage private and public landscapes, such as golf courses, botanical gardens, and parks. In the Landscape Business concentration of the Environmental Horticulture major, you’ll develop the entrepreneurial skills necessary to successfully operate a nursery, garden center, tree care company, or landscape design firm. You’ll develop skills in estimating project costs, plant selection and care, as well as business-management techniques. When you complete this concentration, you will also earn a minor in Business Administration through the College of Business.

Potential careers for the Environmental Horticulture majors with a concentration in Landscape Business:

  • Owner-operator of landscaping firm
  • Botanic garden manager
  • Large-scale landscape design project manager
  • Green industry account manager
  • Planning and development surveyor

#5. Sociology with an Environmental Sociology concentration

students have class discussion outside on the grass

As a CSU Sociology major, you’ll focus on the study of humans and how they interact with each other, the world around them, and different groups and institutions. You’ll have opportunities to gain insights into social factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, education, and social class that affect work and how organizations operate. In the Environmental Sociology concentration, you’ll shift your focus to the interaction between nature and humans. You’ll study human-affected global issues such as pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, and water and soil degradation, and examine how humans have and can affect the environment around them. The concentration is especially relevant currently as the green movement and conservation become mainstream.

Potential careers for Sociology majors with a concentration in Environmental Sociology:

  • Public administrator
  • Environmental advocate or educator
  • Researcher for public development agencies
  • Nonprofit manager
  • Local, state, or federal government policy maker

Want to see more?

Here are five more lesser-known majors you might want to consider.

EXPLORE MAJORS

Prairie Smallwood

Prairie Smallwood is a writer and content creator for the Office of Admissions at Colorado State University. She is passionate about education and exploration, and knows that going to college can be both an adventure and an overwhelming experience. She aims to create content that helps students through that journey — the wonderful, the scary, and everything in between.