Majors and concentrations

Discover what you’ll learn

At Colorado State, there are two primary methods to explore your passions: majors and concentrations. A major is the degree you will earn at graduation, while a concentration focuses on a specific field of study related to a major, though not every major has a concentration. You also can broaden your studies by adding a minor. With more than 300 academic paths to choose from at CSU, you can explore the majors and concentrations in more detail by reading the descriptions below.

Students also can enter CSU as an Undeclared-Exploring student, meaning you’ll be able to explore your interests without declaring a major.

Major tracks

	Arts, Humanities and Design
	Environmental and Natural Resources
	Global and Social Sciences
	Health, Life and Food Sciences
	Land, Plant and Animal Sciences
	Organization, Management and Enterprise
	Physical Sciences and Engineering

Agricultural Biology

If you love biology and want to make a difference, then Agricultural Biology can help you solve some of the most-critical problems in food and ecosystem sustainability facing the world today. You’ll gain hands-on experience in the lab and the field with plants, microbes, and insects that affect ecosystem health. You’ll learn how to put your love of science into action and will share this experience with a cohort of students who will become your teammates in strengthening the ecosystems that we all depend on for food, fiber, and ecosystem services.

Entomology Concentration

Learn in greater detail how insects affect and can be used to measure ecosystem health. Learn how to manage insects in the environment and about insect biotechnology.

Plant Pathology Concentration

Learn how microbes affect plant and ecosystem health, how they spread through the environment, and how to manage microbes on plants and in the soil with traditional methods and with biotechnology.

Weed Science Concentration

Learn how weeds spread and are managed to help reduce losses, reduce fire danger in rangelands, and to conserve water resources. Learn how biotechnological discoveries are now used to manage weeds.

Agricultural Business

You might be interested in the “boots on the ground” side of agriculture, but you also might be interested in policies that affect it. Maybe you want to work in the government to help support the businesses that grow/develop food. Maybe you’re adept at numbers and economics, ready to help ranchers and farmers stay on top of their operations. Whatever your passion, this major offers a wide variety of career paths along with the hands-on experiences you need to discover and achieve your dreams. This major is also available online for transfer students.

Agricultural Economics Concentration

The Agricultural Economics concentration focuses on the theoretical and analytic tools of applied economics.

Farm and Ranch Management Concentration

The Farm and Ranch Management concentration builds skills in applied decision making that is required in production agriculture.

Agricultural Education

The Agricultural Education major is designed for students who want to learn and teach the science, business, and technology of agriculture, food, and environmental/natural resource systems. Students will develop and refine their communication skills, along with other attributes necessary to serve as educational leaders and managers. Agricultural Education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices within the field.

Teacher Development Concentration

Teacher development in school-based agricultural education is delivered in a three-part model: classroom, experiential learning, and leadership development.

Agricultural Literacy Concentration

Agricultural literacy is the synthesis, instruction, and communication of basic information about agriculture to the public.

Animal Science

You love knowing where your food comes from. You like to understand the science and business behind raising animals. This major focuses on the study of food-producing animals with foundation courses in the sciences. You’ll choose from specialized courses to enhance your technical, practical, and business skills, and have opportunities to participate in hands-on research and experience in the field with industry professionals and animals.

Anthropology

Anthropology students learn to describe, analyze, and interpret the human condition. The program is integrative, drawing from geography, biology, the humanities, and other social and natural sciences. Geography figures prominently in our program and provides an important lens through which human groups are examined over time. Students can engage in four programmatic areas defined by faculty research: humans and the environment, international development and globalization, health and well-being, and professional methods and techniques. The department values and promotes experiential training, primary research, and public engagement and education. This program is available online for transfer students.

Archaeology Concentration

The Archaeology concentration at CSU focuses on the Americas and includes prehistoric and historic archaeology.

Biological Anthropology

Biological anthropologists interact with both the physical and natural sciences, including biology, anatomy, genetics, chemistry, biometry, or endocrinology as well as the social sciences.

Cultural Anthropology Concentration

The Cultural Anthropology concentration focuses on contemporary experiences of culturally distinct communities encountering a rapidly globalizing political economy.

Apparel and Merchandising

Throughout your studies in apparel and merchandising, you’ll gain a broad historical and cultural foundation in the fashion industry, along with opportunities to design and create, analyze consumer behavior, and discover how everything from textile design to product development to brand marketing can help shape cultural understanding and awareness. You’ll begin with hands-on learning, internships, and a student-run shows; you’ll end with a degree that can take you almost anywhere.

Apparel Design and Production Concentration

The Apparel Design and Production concentration focuses on the development of knowledge and skills necessary to engage in the design of textile and apparel goods. Students will complete coursework in aesthetics and design, illustration, pattern development, apparel construction techniques, and computer-aided design.

Merchandising Concentration

The Merchandising concentration prepares students for the assortment, planning, and sale of textile and apparel goods. Students will complete coursework in consumer behavior, merchandising processes, management, merchandise buying, retail store design, and the global industry.

Product Development Concentration

The Product Development concentration focuses on developing and innovating consumer products. Students will learn skills for product development, sourcing, market potential analysis, trend forecasting, line development, product line management, quality assurance, and supply chain management.

Art (B.A.)

When you major in Art (B.A.), you’ll take your passions to new levels of creativity and expression. You’ll start with a foundational year, where you’ll get exposure to every medium from drawing to metalsmithing to ceramics to digital art. In the B.A. program, you’ll become adept at studio arts, and can focus on history or integrated visual studies, which combines art coursework with coursework from another discipline.

Art History Concentration

Art History provides a basic preparation in art history for graduate studies; careers in research and teaching at the college level; for positions in museums, libraries, or private collections; or for writing and criticism in the arts.

Integrated Visual Studies

Integrated Visual Studies provides an opportunity for students to integrate their knowledge from previous visual arts coursework, their study in another discipline, reflect on their experiences, and integrate their learning through an interdisciplinary lens. By participating across disciplines and thus identifying their roles in the larger professional and scholastic communities, students completing this B.A. concentration will be better prepared for their transition into careers or further study.

Art (B.F.A.)

The B.F.A. in Art is considered the professional degree for studio art and art education majors, allowing you to explore various mediums and gain a foundational knowledge base in art history. You’ll get opportunities to learn from masters of their crafts as well as look back upon art throughout the ages, different forms of expression, and their impact on society. Students are admitted into the program in preparation for the required sophomore portfolio review that takes place upon successful completion of foundations coursework.

Art Education Concentration

The Art Education concentration embraces the artist-teacher concept, which allows students to develop a studio concentration while preparing to teach art at the K-12 level.

Drawing Concentration

The program builds on a foundation of basic skills toward advanced drawing as high art form. Students refine their abilities while exploring personal expression and ideas.

Electronic Art Concentration

Electronic Art uses digital mediums to create art. CSU’s program focuses on experimental video and animation techniques, net art, and using software as a medium for creative output.

Fibers Concentration

Our students become adept at creating and transforming fabrics and fiber structures. Coursework provides a foundation in weaving, surface design, and related textile techniques.

Graphic Design Concentration

Students learn through graphic design theory, history and professional practices to create artistic expressions in print and digital media, experimenting with treatments of typography and illustration.

Metalsmithing Concentration

Students explore traditional metalsmithing techniques, while developing their own artistic practice. Projects introduce and strengthen technical skills and explore historical and contemporary practice within the field.

Painting Concentration

Students gain an understanding of the visual language and technical aspects of painting. As proficiency in oils advances, they work with alternative tools, methods and surfaces.

Photo Image Making Concentration

Students learn the fundamentals of photographic practice, gain an understanding of its connections to the contemporary art world, and explore personal applications of the medium.

Pottery Concentration

The comprehensive curriculum exposes students to the range of contemporary ceramic art processes and concepts. Students develop critical, technical, and manual skills.

Printmaking Concentration

Students develop a technical background in a variety of media needed to cultivate a studio practice. Courses are taught workshop-style allowing artists to share diverse creative inquiry.

Sculpture Concentration

Students are encouraged to experiment and innovate while exploring content in the areas of object-making, installation, site-based work, performance, time-based art, and digital processes.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the science that explains how “lifeless” molecules work together to make “living” organisms. The methods of chemistry and molecular biology are used to study complex molecules found in biological materials and the ways these molecules interact to form cells, tissues, and whole organisms. The major provides a strong background in the biological, physical, and mathematical sciences while offering deep, hands-on learning through high-powered research and highly personalized training.

ASBMB Biochemistry Concentration

This concentration is designed to provide a broad education in biochemistry and can be tailored to meet the individual needs of specific students. The ASBMB concentration is recommended for students considering teaching and/or research as a career. Students who graduate from this program can state on their resume that they graduated from an “ASBMB program.”

Health & Medical Sciences Concentration

This concentration augments the major with additional coursework in anatomy and physiology, the biochemistry of disease, and a medical internship.

Pre-Pharmacy Concentration

This concentration adds to the major with additional study in physiology, microbiology, immunology, and public speaking.

Biology

Biology majors study the structure and function of cells, organ systems, and ecology and evolution. In the Bio major, you’ll learn about physiology, behavior, genetics and heredity, toxicology, and laboratory techniques. Underpinning all of this work is a rigorous core of physical science and mathematics courses. You’ll get a solid foundation of understanding in the basic biological sciences, and opportunities to work closely with faculty on research.

Biological Science Concentration

The curriculum for a Biological Science Concentration includes a two-semester introductory biology sequence, cell biology, developmental biology, ecology, evolution, and genetics.

Botany Concentration

The Botany concentration focuses on plants and plant-like organisms from microscopic algae to giant redwoods, and from fungi to flowers.

The study of life

Get an inside look on the Biology major and meet a few current students.

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Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineering is a five-year dual-degree program combining engineering, biology, and medicine. In the first two years, you’ll take introductory biomedical engineering courses, as well as foundational math and science courses. The third and fourth years solidify expertise in traditional engineering while building strength in biomedical engineering and physical sciences courses. Your fifth year culminates in a hands-on project with an interdisciplinary team of peers, and you’ll leave the program with two engineering degrees.

Biomedical Sciences

Whether you dream of being a doctor or developing technological advancements for the medical field, you’ll find your path here. The Biomedical Sciences major centers around physiology, cellular and molecular biology, and human and animal anatomy. Throughout your studies, you’ll be encouraged to select elective courses and laboratory research in specialty areas of endocrinology, pharmacology, neurophysiology, reproductive physiology, and cardiopulmonary physiology in order to tailor your educational experiences to meet your career dreams. The following concentrations will be available within this major beginning Fall 2020:

Anatomy and Physiology Concentration

Students will be prepared for a wide variety of careers that have a basis in cellular and molecular biology and human/animal anatomy and physiology. In addition to enrolling in required courses, students will have opportunities to engage in elective courses and laboratory research in specialty areas of endocrinology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, neurophysiology, reproductive physiology, and cardiopulmonary physiology.

Environmental Public Health Concentration

Students will be prepared for employment by public-sector environmental agencies, private industry, and academic institutions, as well as graduate study in medicine, veterinary medicine, and related biomedical and health fields.

Microbiology and Infectious Disease Concentration

Students will experience wide variety of opportunities that have a basis in cellular/molecular biology and infectious disease. Students will have opportunities to engage in elective courses and laboratory research in specialty areas of bacteriology, immunology, mycobacterial diseases, prion biology, vector borne infectious disease, and virology

Business Administration

The Business major encourages critical thinking while exploring modern management theories, relevant business practices, and current industry trends. You’ll discover your interests along the way and begin to focus your studies based on your interests and talents. Then you can choose from 10 concentrations to merge your academic focus with your career goals. This major includes an accelerated option for students to graduate on a faster schedule.

Accounting Concentration

Students gain an understanding of the theory and practice of financial accounting and reporting, managerial accounting, taxation, accounting information systems, and auditing. This program also is available in a hybrid format (courses taken both online and on campus in Castle Rock, Colorado) for transfer students only; special requirements apply.

Finance Concentration

Finance students study asset valuation, investments, and global finance, and select from three options for more in-depth study: corporate finance, investment analysis, or real estate finance.

Financial Planning Concentration

Students study retirement planning, employee benefits, income tax, estate planning, and risk management and are eligible to sit for the CFP® Exam upon graduation.

Human Resource Management Concentration

Students gain a comprehensive knowledge of human resource management including critical thinking, confidentiality, change management, communication, negotiation and conflict management, business acumen, interpersonal and organizational skills.

Information Systems

Students learn computer fundamentals and programming, systems analysis and design, networking, database design and implementation, project management, Web applications, and systems integration to solve business problems.

International Business Concentration

International Business is offered only as a second concentration – in addition to your primary Business Administration concentration – and will prepare you for a meaningful career with organizations that operate beyond national borders.

Marketing Concentration

Students gain a comprehensive knowledge of marketing activities such as conducting market research, developing new products, establishing pricing approaches, designing communications, and building customer relationships.

Organization and Innovation Management Concentration

This program prepares students to be effective managers of projects, budgets, teams, and processes in diverse, global, and highly competitive business environments.

Real Estate Concentration

Real estate professionals help find, provide, and manage physical spaces and coordinate across industries including architecture, construction, law, finance, marketing, property management, and urban development.

Supply Chain Management Concentration

Students learn practices such as product development, forecasting demand, managing production and operations, purchasing materials, order fulfillment, distribution, returns management, trade compliance, and customer service.

Chemical & Biological Engineering

Chemical and biological engineering is a blend of basic sciences and the skills to describe, predict, and control all changes of matter. You’ll gain the foundation to create cutting-edge materials and products, to design new devices to improve health or the environment, and to design processes for the production of alternative energy sources and waste prevention. The major offers a curriculum based in math, science, and engineering to provide a well-rounded education for the many different engineering opportunities available upon graduation.

Chemistry

In the Chemistry major, you’ll study the atomic and molecular structure of physical matter and analyze how it changes. You’ll develop a foundation in chemistry and mathematics, followed by specialty courses, as well as hands-on research in labs with state-of-the-art instruments. You’ll be encouraged to participate in ground-breaking research with faculty, and have access to state-of-the-art equipment, including fluorescence, mass spectrometers, vacuum lines, x-ray diffractometers and much more.

Civil Engineering

The Civil Engineering major provides a solid base in the physical sciences, mathematics, engineering fundamentals, and design and management concepts. In addition to courses in all subdisciplines of Civil Engineering, students will learn design practices, information technology, technical communications, project management, and engineering ethics. The program culminates in a yearlong senior capstone design experience, along with opportunities for internships and hands-on work.

Communication Studies

A degree in Communication Studies is fiercely relevant. Comm Studies encompasses the study of oral, written, nonverbal, visual, electronic and computer-mediated communication through film, television, popular culture, relating, organizing, public communication, or citizenship. You’ll hone skills in teamwork, problem solving, persuasion, and interpersonal and intercultural communication that reward you financially and serve you for life.

Speech Teacher Licensure Concentration

Students interested in pursuing a teaching license through CSU may refer to the Center for Educator Preparation (CEP) and the College of Health and Human Sciences for general information.

Computer Engineering

Computer engineering blends computer science and electrical engineering to further advancements in digital technology, computer networking, and computer systems. In this major, you’ll focus on how computer systems work and how they integrate into society. You’ll experience the benefits of a smaller department with top-tier faculty, while enjoying the perks of a large university. Research areas span a range of disciplines that include biomedical engineering, communications and signal processing, controls and robotics, electric power and energy systems, electromagnetics and remote sensing, and lasers, optics, and applications.

Computer Science

In this major, you’ll do more than program. You’ll learn about the algorithms, logic, and math behind software systems and then build your own. You’ll learn to develop software solutions for real-world problems using the latest techniques. Then you’ll learn how to enable software and computers to learn and adapt on their own. You’ll leave with a well-rounded tech background that can take you into almost any field.

Computer Science FAQs

Still have questions about what it’s like to be a Computer Science major? This should help.

Computing Systems Concentration

Human-Centered Computing Concentration

This is an interdisciplinary program in the department, which melds cognitive psychology and artificial intelligence, applying them to human-computer interaction, including interface design.

Networks and Security Concentration

Software Engineering Concentration

Construction Management

Construction management is about organization, leadership, and people skills. Through this program, you’ll become an expert at the planning, coordination, and control of a construction project from inception to completion. The major addresses the management of multiple project sites and the applications of resource management, schedule control, cost control, and design. You’ll leave the major with a widely applicable degree, on-site experience, and ready to be a top earner.

Dance, B.A.

The B.A. in Dance is currently undergoing revisions. The following description is for students already enrolled in this degree for Fall 2020 and prior.
The B.A. in Dance offers training in dance technique and performance, choreography, and pedagogy, designed to prepare you for a variety of dance-related careers after college. Technique classes in classical and contemporary forms are aimed at achieving a high level of performance and artistry. You’ll have multiple opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in tangible ways, such as performance of repertoire, supervised teaching, supervised concert direction, and choreography for concerts.

Dance, B.F.A.

The Dance B.F.A. is designed to prepare you for a professional career in dance. In the program, you’ll explore movement expression in a challenging, supportive environment. Curriculum is focused on classical and contemporary dance performance, choreography, and pedagogy. Technique classes in classical and contemporary forms are aimed at achieving an advanced level of performance and artistry. You’ll have multiple opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in tangible ways, such as performance of repertoire, supervised teaching, supervised concert direction, and choreography for concerts.

Data Science

In today’s world, data determines everything from social media feeds to governmental policy. The world of “big data” is a fast-growing field that requires a specialized set of skills rarely found in one place. Passionate problem solvers, innovative thinkers and entrepreneurs will find a home in CSU’s Data Science major, an interdisciplinary degree with foundations in computer science, statistics, communications and mathematics. You’ll learn how to decipher and repurpose huge sets of data to solve real-world problems and, ultimately, reshape the way we interpret information and use it to influence choices made in virtually every industry. Data scientists are in high demand today, and as the only Data Science program in the region, CSU’s Data Science major can take you into almost any field you’re interested in. If boundless opportunity and effecting change feels up your alley, Data Science might be for you. Currently, the Data Science major is available to incoming freshmen only.

Computer Science Concentration

The computer science concentration in the data science major allows students to dive more deeply into the programming behind big data work.

Economics Concentration

The economics concentration in the data science major provides students with the technical and theoretical foundations in data science while also allowing for a focus on economics.

Mathematics Concentration

Data science runs on math. The mathematics concentration in the data science major offers additional upper-level coursework to give students deeper insights into the dynamic world of big data.

Statistics Concentration

The statistics concentration in the data science major provides a strong foundation of applied and theoretical statistical knowledge to empower successful data wranglers.

Early Childhood Education

This major focuses on teaching child development from infancy through age 8, along with early childhood education licensure and director qualifications. It’s unique in that students start out in another major their freshman and sophomore years, complete some prerequisites and then apply for a spot in this major for their junior and senior years. Many enter the program from the Human Development and Family Studies major, and can expect a cohort-like setting of 25-30 students, offering ample face time with faculty and hands-on experience in the field.

Economics

Economics provides a rigorous analysis of a range of real-world problems, such as poverty, inflation, unemployment, pollution, crime, taxes, finance, inequality, economic growth and more. You’ll get an education in economic theory and practical application, as well as a strong liberal arts curriculum that includes arts and humanities, social and natural sciences, advanced composition, and statistics. This well-rounded degree provides the skills needed to analyze problems, generate and test ideas, and develop effective communication and quantitative skills. This major also is available online for transfer students. This major also includes an accelerated option for students to graduate on a faster schedule.

Ecosystem Science & Sustainability

Maybe you’ve always known you wanted to have a career that made an impact. Maybe you’re just now discovering that you can get paid to be a part of the solution to environmental stability. Either way, this major is designed to teach you about the challenges humans face in sustainably managing ecosystem services, as well as the amazing ways in which organisms interact with their environments to form complex ecosystems and cutting-edge solutions for sustainability.

Electrical Engineering

From GPS to electric power, electrical engineers have developed of a wide array of new technologies. They design, test, and supervise the electrical systems and devices for a range of industries. This major allows you to choose between two concentrations: One covers a broad range of electrical engineering subdiscplines and allows you to focus on an interest with electives. The other focuses on optics and waves, electronics, information processing, and communications.

Electrical Engineering Concentration

The Electrical Engineering concentration covers a broad range of electrical engineering subdisciplines and allows a student to focus on their particular area of interest using technical electives.

Lasers & Optical Engineering Concentration

Lasers and Optical Engineering focuses on optics and waves, optical electronics, optical information processing, and communications.

English

There’s a reason why the English degree is so diverse and applicable. English majors at CSU share a passion for exploring the multiple-and-dynamic ways that the English language is used to meet the demands of life in the 21st century. They develop an understanding of cultures, literary traditions, and they learn how to write for diverse audiences. There’s a world of options open to them in almost any field.

Creative Writing Concentration

The Creative Writing concentration gives students the opportunity to strengthen their creative writing and reading skills and their imaginations.

English Education Concentration

The English Education concentration provides students with preparation for teaching in secondary schools.

Language Concentration

The Language concentration focuses on linguistics and TESL/TEFL.

Literature Concentration

The English Department offers a curriculum featuring critical study of literature, ancient through contemporary, in poetry, prose, and drama.

Rhetoric & Literacy Concentration

The Writing, Rhetoric and Literacy Concentration builds on departmental strengths in composition and nonfiction writing, as well as in technology-based writing and writing instruction.

Environmental and Natural Resource Economics

This major prepares you to apply economic tools to evaluate natural resources and the management of our environment. By studying economic theory, you’ll gain an understanding of environmental issues and learn how to predict effects of government policies. You’ll work to explore solutions to pressing economic and environmental problems. In contrast to other natural resource courses, this major focuses on weighing the private and public implications of choices that we make on local and global scales.

Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineers design solutions that prevent future pollution as well as correct existing pollution problems. In the major, you’ll gain a foundation in natural sciences, mathematics, biological sciences, and engineering fundamentals, and progress to engineering applications in air, water, land pollution, and environmental toxicology. Opportunities to focus in areas such as agricultural and environmental measurements, rate-controlled separations, basic hydrology, environmental law, and environmental ethics mean you’ll be even more prepared to enter the workforce after graduation.

Environmental Health

This major has been moved to a concentration under the Biomedical Sciences major.
In this major, you’ll explore the environmental factors that positively or negatively impact human health. You’ll learn to assess and control those environmental factors in our air, water, soil, homes, and workplaces with a goal of preventing disease and creating healthy living environments. You’ll learn how to help prevent injuries and disease by managing environmental hazards and promoting healthier air, water, soil, and communities. Environmental Health majors can go onto graduate school, or work in public health to help make a real difference in the well-being of society.

Internships

See how required environmental health internships shape students’ experiences at CSU.

Environmental Horticulture

When you major in Environmental Horticulture, you’ll be moved by the earth’s rhythms and seasons much more than the 9-5. Environmental horticulturists create aesthetically pleasing, functional, and environmentally sound outdoor spaces. They design landscapes like golf courses, botanical gardens, and parks, and manage landscape design firms. In this major, you’ll round out your passion for plants with science- and business-based courses, and choose a concentration to focus on.

Landscape Business Concentration

Students develop skills in estimating project costs, plant selection and care, and business management techniques. Completing this concentration also earns a minor in Business Administration.

Landscape Design & Contracting Concentration

The Landscape Design and Contracting concentration prepares students for careers in the design-build profession for residential, commercial, and public properties.

Nursery & Landscape Management Concentration

Students gain training in landscape plant culture and use plus skills needed to start and manage a nursery, garden center, arboriculture, or landscape management firm.

Turf Management Concentration

Turf Management trains students for management opportunities ranging from sod production to the establishment and maintenance of private and public grounds.

Equine Science

Equine Science majors have the opportunity to develop a broad understanding of horses in the business, recreational, and production aspects of the horse industry. Currently, CSU has the most-comprehensive equine program in the United States with major efforts in research, teaching, and public service. In the major, you’ll take foundation courses in the areas of equine reproduction, genetics, and nutrition and disease management, as well as over 20 hands-on courses that cover all aspects of the industry.

Ethnic Studies

Ethnic Studies majors examine the roles of gender, class, sexuality, and other social differentiations within society. You’ll learn to identify and understand oppression to gain a deeper and more-complex comprehension of the world we live in. You’ll be empowered to realize your own ability to act upon the world. The major aims to nurture civic-minded and culturally informed students who strive to engage with and strengthen their communities.

Social Studies Teacher Licensure Concentration

The Social Studies Teacher Licensure concentration trains students to teach social studies at middle-school and high-school levels. Students in this program will have an added focus on understanding the histories and experiences of historically marginalized populations. The inclusion of ethnic studies and gender/sexuality studies courses significantly broadens the knowledge base of future social studies teachers.

Family & Consumer Sciences

This major prepares professionals to enhance the well-being of people and the communities they live in. Because the program is interdepartmental and interdisciplinary, you’ll take a broad range of courses to provide you with the breadth of content you’ll use in your future career. Through coursework and field experience, you’ll gain skills in observation, needs assessment, program development and implementation, and social policy information as these relate to diverse populations.

Meet students, explore FCS

The Family and Consumer Sciences major opens a world of educational and career possibilities.

EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES

Family & Consumer Sciences Concentration

This concentration provides students with a focus on consumer and family well-being, growth and development of family members, and the relationship of households to their environment. Students pursue careers in consumer program development, cooperative extension, product design, consumer information, entrepreneurship, government, community, and nonprofit work, among others.

Family & Consumer Sciences Education Concentration

This certification program is for students who plan to teach Family and Consumer Sciences at the middle school, junior high, high school, or postsecondary levels. Students in this concentration will have a desire to teach and help people, the ability to communicate effectively, an understanding of the emotional and educational needs of students, and will enjoy being a role model.

Fermentation Science & Technology

This major blends a strong interdisciplinary science background with courses focused on the safety, culinary, and nutritional attributes of fermented foods and beverages. Students have the opportunity to participate in industry activities to increase their practical understanding of fermented food and beverage production methods, preparing them for employment in product development, processing, quality assurance and control, sensory evaluation, packaging, distribution, and plant management.

Ready for more?

Meet a Fermentation Science student and hear what it’s really like inside the major.

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Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology

Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology focuses on teaching students how to be good stewards of our natural resources and how to solve complex environmental problems. You’ll gain a strong foundation in the biological, physical, and social sciences with an emphasis on conservation and sustainability of wild animals and their habitats. A summer field course at CSU’s mountain campus provides students with hands-on learning about natural resource ecology and measurements.

Conservation Biology Concentration

The Conservation Biology concentration focuses on understanding the ecological processes necessary to conserve biological diversity with an emphasis on fish and wildlife species and their habitats.

Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences Concentration

Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences allow students to focus on a strong background in basic fishery ecology, management, and conservation, which includes an understanding of the linkages between land and water.

Wildlife Biology Concentration

Wildlife Biology focuses primarily on terrestrial vertebrates and their habitats, and builds a strong foundation in basic wildlife ecology, management, and conservation.

Forest and Rangeland Stewardship

Forest landscapes are always changing, sometimes very slowly as a result of long-term processes, followed by rapid changes as a result of fires or harvesting. Sustaining forests in the modern world requires people who understand these changes and how forests connect to global, ecological, and social systems. Colorado’s high-elevation grasslands, forests, and riparian areas provide the perfect backdrop for this area of study, and you’ll get plenty of chances to learn outdoors as you become a steward of the lands.

Forest Biology Concentration

Students who concentrate in Forest Biology will focus on the ecology of forests, the biology and interactions of the elements in forests, as well as economics and policy surrounding forested areas. Courses include physical sciences, rangeland ecogeography, and tree health management, along with writing and communications courses to aid students in the scientific examination and communication of forest biology. This concentration includes hands-on field courses in the summer at the CSU Mountain Campus.

Forest Fire Science Concentration

This concentration focuses on forest management from a fire-science perspective. Students will learn about the balance between fire as a natural ecological process and as a forest management tool. Courses include weather and climate ecology, soil science, tree health and timber harvesting, as well as several writing, policy, and speaking courses. This concentration includes hands-on field courses in the summer at the CSU Mountain Campus.

Forest Management Concentration

This concentration is for students interested in managing forestlands through careers with state and federal land-management agencies, private forestland owners, and conservation organizations. Courses include a mix of forest biology, integrated forest management, and the physical sciences. Students learn about forest productivity, economics, policy, conservation, and the latest in computer-based management tools. This concentration includes hands-on field courses in the summer at the CSU Mountain Campus.

Rangeland Conservation and Management Concentration

Rangeland Conservation and Management is similar to Rangeland and Forest Management, but with an emphasis on conservation of large, wide-open spaces–the world’s largest land-cover type. Students in this concentration will learn new conservation techniques to oversee rangelands that have multiple economic and social uses. Courses range from physical sciences to communications to policy to prepare students for the complex jobs in this field. This concentration includes hands-on field courses in the summer at the CSU Mountain Campus.

Rangeland and Forest Management Concentration

In Rangeland and Forest Management, students prepare for natural resource management careers in both the public and private sectors. With courses in the physical sciences, natural resource ecology and history, as well as writing, communications and policy courses, students will gain the versatility to work in land management and beyond. This concentration includes hands-on field courses in the summer at the CSU Mountain Campus.

Geography

Whether you can pinpoint the capital of Tajikistan on a map, or you’re fascinated by how societies are shaped by location, the Geography major might be for you. You’ll answer big questions about everything from climate change to the geography of commodities. You’ll learn to “think like a geographer,” researching people and the land they live on. You’ll get an overview of land change globally and within mountain systems. Employment of geographers is steadily increasing and listed among the top ten Best Science Jobs today. Geography jobs range from GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to urban planning to science writing. Want to travel the world to understand cultures within environments? Improve land use and transportation? Geography provides the wide range of knowledge and skills to get you there.

Geology

Geology offers both a specialized focus and a broad background in science, allowing for a wide range of career options at completion. Regardless of your concentration area, you’ll participate in labs and classes that largely take place out in the world, giving you hands-on experience that can be directly applied to careers and internships later on. Common careers include water, energy, and mineral jobs, geological hazards management, regulatory management, and education.

Environmental Geology Concentration

Students develop expertise in surface and shallow-subsurface processes that shape the Earth and provide important soil and water resources for human and natural use.

Geology Concentration

A practical and field-oriented approach prepares students for employment opportunities as geologists in the energy and mining industries, government agencies, and consulting firms.

Geophysics Concentration

The Geophysics concentration combines a strong foundation in geology with additional depth in geophysics, physics, and mathematics, and in associated quantitative and computer skills.

Hydrogeology Concentration

The Hydrogeology concentration provides training in water resources and allied disciplines, while ensuring that students are well prepared for a variety of geological fields.

Health and Exercise Science

Health and Exercise Science majors are passionate about the human body, and they’re eager to understand the science behind how it works. Students study ways to impact physical activity, wellness, and disease prevention. Understanding the role of physical activity in preventing and treating disease and maintaining optimal health at any age is critical, and graduates with these skill sets are in high demand.

Health Promotion Concentration

Health promotion is the science and art of helping people evaluate their lifestyle to move toward a state of optimal health. The Health Promotion concentration prepares students for numerous careers in corporate wellness, health clubs, and hospital, university, military, and insurance health promotion settings.

Sports Medicine Concentration

The Sports Medicine concentration is a pre-professional program focusing on human movement in study of health and exercise science. The concentration is for students interested in careers in physical therapy, medical professions, or planning on graduate study in exercise physiology.

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History

The History major is designed for students to expand their knowledge about the past, improve their ability to think logically and critically, and sharpen their powers of written and oral expression. History provides a rich background for learning abroad, studying languages, government, law, medicine, and beyond, and History majors at CSU come out with a well-rounded education that opens doors in almost any career field.

General History Concentration

The General History concentration is an excellent choice for students planning careers in history, government service, and other professional occupations requiring broad intellectual and practical skills.

Language Concentration

The Language concentration is an appropriate choice for students who plan to pursue graduate study or work in national security, diplomacy, or international business.

Digital and Public History Concentration

Discover and use emerging digital research tools and learn how historians inform and engage the public in museums, documentaries, podcasts, and more. This concentration requires an internship.

Social & Behavioral Sciences Concentration

The Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration is intended to facilitate the timely graduation of History majors who decide to transition from the Social Studies Teaching concentration to another concentration in their third or fourth year of study at CSU.

Social Studies Teaching Concentration

The Social Studies Teaching concentration is for students who plan to teach in middle school, junior high, or high school.

Horticulture

You know there’s something miraculous about plants, growing, and being a part of it all. The Horticulture major nourishes that insight, and helps you transform your passion into a thriving career. You’ll use scientific principles in the growing, marketing and utilizing of fruits, vegetables, flowers, trees, and grasses. You’ll gain a strong grounding in botany and chemistry, and come out with skills to surround your life with all things green. This major is also available online for transfer students.

Floriculture Concentration

Floriculture emphasizes greenhouse-grown flower crops. Students study propagation, production, utilization, and improvement of plants, and are prepared to grow quality greenhouse products.

Horticultural Business Management Concentration

The curriculum consists of a core of business, computer, and economics courses. In horticulture, students choose a special emphasis, or take an array of courses that may lead to greater job opportunities.

Horticultural Food Crops Concentration

Specific courses include fruit and vegetable production, irrigation practices, soil fertility, propagation, breeding, and related plant pest management courses. Students must choose either the Production or Seed Science option.

Horticultural Science Concentration

Horticultural Science graduates conduct research to discover new information about plant growth, development, and environmental response.

Horticultural Therapy Concentration

The Horticultural Therapy concentration combines horticulture courses with the study of therapy/human sciences, leading to careers in health care and human services.

Hospitality Management

Hospitality Management provides students with broad, business-focused knowledge and skills that transfer across all segments of the hospitality industry. The major combines courses in food service, lodging, event planning, nutrition, and business. Elective credits allow students to take courses in areas of interest to enhance their education. The curriculum has a strong emphasis on management skills required for success in the hospitality industry.

Human Development and Family Studies

In this major, you’ll learn to identify factors that influence cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development through infancy, childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, later adulthood and aging. Coursework and an internship prepare you to work in a variety of settings including youth services, education programs, healthcare, juvenile and adult corrections, family and community services, and long-term care facilities. This major also is available online. This major also includes an accelerated option for students to graduate on a faster schedule.

Early Childhood Professions Concentration

This concentration prepares students for careers in early childhood education as well as professional work with children in a variety of settings. It is an ideal choice for HDFS majors who plan to apply to the competitive Early Childhood Education Major during their sophomore year.

Human Development and Family Studies Concentration

This concentration is for students interested in the lifespan or more general focus in HDFS and are not seeking the specialized training offered in other concentrations. Students take courses in HDFS, psychology, and social work as well as selected courses from other disciplines for a well-rounded and robust education in human development and family studies.

Leadership and Entrepreneurial Professions Concentration

This concentration guides students preparing for leadership positions in organizations that promote the optimal development of individuals and families. This concentration includes coursework in finance, management, marketing, public policy, professional communication, and leadership.

Pre-Health Professions Concentration

The Pre-Health Professions Concentration prepares students for careers in healthcare and to obtain graduate training. Career opportunities include allied health practitioner, anesthesiologist assistant, child life specialist, chiropractor, doctor, music therapist, nurse, occupational therapist, optometrist, pharmacist, physical therapist, physician’s assistant, podiatrist, and speech and language pathologist.

Prevention and Intervention Sciences Concentration

This concentration is for students planning careers in the helping and human services professions such as counselors, educators, and social service providers. Students in this concentration will learn how to design and implement community-based prevention and intervention programs for youth, adults, and families.

Human Dimensions of Natural Resources

This major focuses on the understanding the social aspect of natural resources, as well as developing the skills to assess, plan and, implement strategies that lead to successful conservation. As an HDNR major, you’ll take science courses and do field work, but you’ll also become trained in thoughtful and professional communication, public speaking, and writing. You’ll come out with career opportunities that stretch from conservation to government policy, exploration to education, and beyond.

Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts

In ILA, you can design your education around the humanities, arts, languages, literature, and social sciences to suit your personal interests. The broad knowledge you gain will foster skills you’ll need for success: core competencies, personal development, professional excellence, interpersonal confidence and expertise, and a deeper understanding of the complex world in which we live. You’ll graduate with strong skills in communication, writing, problem solving, and creative thinking, along with a wide range of career paths open to you. This major also is available online for transfer students. This major also includes an accelerated option for students to graduate on a faster schedule.

Interior Architecture and Design

The Interior Architecture and Design program provides students with broad exposure to aspects of interior design and prepares them to enhance function and quality of life, increase productivity, and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public through design. The program is grounded in research-based problem solving in addition to a variety of cultural, environmental, and historical perspectives. This major is also accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).

International Studies

The International Studies major is an interdisciplinary program designed to help you explore and understand the nature of diverse cultures and peoples. You’ll learn a broad range of subjects, all of which contribute to a wide range of job prospects from government, academics, law and foreign service to communications, media, journalism, and beyond. Within the major, you’ll have multiple opportunities to travel, learn languages, and explore cultures around the world. This major includes an accelerated option for students to graduate on a faster schedule.

Asian Studies Concentration

Students focus on Asian cultures and societies through a combination of history, religions, philosophy, literature, art, and political science, along with three years of language (Chinese, Japanese, or substitution with advisor approval) to help them interpret Asia’s present and past. Geographical study areas include China, Korea, Japan, the Indian Subcontinent, the Pacific Islands, and more.

European Studies Concentration

This interdisciplinary concentration combines European history, religion, philosophy, literature, art, and political science, along with three years of language (French, German, Russian, Spanish, or substitution with advisor approval) to give you the tools to understand and interpret the continent’s rich-and-intriguing past and present.

Latin American Studies Concentration

This concentration aims to trace the similarities and differences among the Latin American countries, recognizing the historical origins of current conditions. Courses in history, economics, literature, sociology, political science, anthropology, art, and three years of Spanish give students a powerful tool for understanding and interpreting Latin America’s past and present.

Middle East and North African Studies Concentration

This concentration emphasizes the interdisciplinary study of Middle East and North Africa cultures and societies. Courses include history, religion/philosophy, literature, art, and three years of Arabic language to give you the tools to understand and interpret this area’s past and present.

Journalism and Media Communication

Perhaps one of the best well-rounded educational backgrounds, Journalism and Media Communication touches on skills that are needed not only for career success but for success in life. The degree features a powerful multimedia curriculum that invites creativity. Courses help students build their communication expertise, critical thinking skills, and conceptual understanding. Advanced courses provide specialized media training including a real-world internship or practicum. The result is unlimited potential, as demonstrated by our graduates. This major is also available online for transfer students.

Landscape Architecture

Studying Landscape Architecture is an adventure. Taking part in a challenging course of study, you’ll prepare for careers in a field whose enormous potential has only begun to be recognized. Landscape Architecture students study design as accomplished landscape architects see it: shaping spaces as well as planning and preserving them. Throughout the program you’ll explore the relationship between design, nature, and society, as well as the impact of humans on the environment, and come out ready for a career with an office under the open skies.

Language, Literatures, and Cultures

It’s no secret that knowing other languages opens doors to a world of opportunities. This major offers undergraduate instruction in 10 languages, concentrations in French, German and Spanish, and opportunities for education abroad. You’ll gain the ability to communicate in another tongue, but also to analyze literary texts and films, to understand the workings of language, to appreciate diversity and to interact successfully across cultures.

French Concentration

CSU French courses include language, linguistics, translation, and French and Francophone literatures and cultures. Opportunities to practice the language include French Club meetings and study abroad.

German Concentration

Students take courses in language, literature, linguistics, culture, and practical applications such as Business German or translation and host cultural events through the German Club.

Spanish Concentration

Courses include language, linguistics, translation, Latin American literatures and cultures, Peninsular literatures and cultures and Transatlantic studies. Students join the Spanish Club, El Centro, and study abroad.

Teaching Endorsement

Students in French, German or Spanish can obtain a teacher license through the School of Education in order to teach their language in Colorado public schools.

Mathematics

Majoring in mathematics allows you to explore numbers, shapes, probabilities, and ideas. Mathematics is valued for its precision and elegance and is also an essential source for scientific endeavors. In this major, you’ll take core courses like calculus, matrices and linear equations, advanced calculus, abstract algebra, linear algebra, computer programming, and statistics, and you’ll be able to choose from six concentrations to focus your studies further. At CSU, the math department is committed to helping students succeed. This major includes an accelerated option for students to graduate on a faster schedule.

Actuarial Science Concentration

The Actuarial Science Concentration trains students to use mathematics, statistics, and economics to analyze and plan for uncertainties and risks. It qualifies students to take the first two credentialing actuarial examinations.

Applied Mathematics Concentration

The Applied Mathematics Concentration focuses on the application of mathematics in other disciplines. In particular, students receive training in numerical analysis, mathematical modeling, statistics, and computing.

General Mathematics Concentration

This concentration is appropriate for students who want to combine mathematics with other academic areas, such as business, law, computer science, or statistics.

Mathematics Education Concentration

The Mathematics Education Concentration is designed to prepare students to teach mathematics through the high school level, including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers are creative problem solvers who design, develop, and manufacture the machines and instrumentation that run energy, building, environmental, and transportation systems. Students take basic science and mathematics courses while beginning their engineering studies in design and computing. The senior year focuses on a year-long design course to help students transition from college to an engineering career. Participation in labs further develops design, modeling, and analysis skills. Mechanical Engineering at CSU is dedicated to graduating ethical mechanical engineers who make an impact on society’s global engineering challenges.

Aerospace Engineering Concentration

Study the design, manufacturing, and operating techniques of machines capable of air flight. Our government research laboratory and faculty experienced the aerospace industry guide students through the subjects of fluid mechanics, chemical propulsion, stability and control, and structures for aircraft and rockets that fly within and above Earth’s atmosphere.

Microbiology

This major has been moved to a concentration under the Biomedical Sciences major.
Microbiology is the study of organisms – many of which are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Much work in this field is directed toward the cure, control, or eradication of disease in humans and animals. CSU offers the only bachelor’s degree program in microbiology in the state of Colorado and the department operates a number of multi-million dollar research programs. As an undergrad, you’ll have unique, rare opportunities to participate in high-level research, working in the labs alongside world-renowned researchers and faculty.

Music (B.A.)

This major allows students to study music within a larger context of a liberal arts education. In lieu of a larger number of music credits, you’ll complete credits in an area outside of music, such as business, history, languages, or any other area offered by the University. You’ll come out with a musical discipline and a broad background to prepare you for almost any career path. An audition is required prior to entrance into the B.A. in Music.

Music (B.M.)

The bachelor of music (B.M.) prepares you to become a highly skilled music educator, music therapist, performer, composer, and/or conductor. In addition to in-depth work with your instrument of choice, you’ll choose from a variety of concentrations and options help you focus your studies and gain valuable career exposure. Throughout your coursework, you’ll develop high standards of teaching, scholarship, performance, and research in music, and enjoy small class sizes, personalized instruction, and a friendly community. A successful audition is required prior to entrance into any B.M. program.

Composition Concentration

The Composition concentration is designed to prepare the student to compose original music for a wide variety of venues including live concerts, music to accompany film, video, dance, and theatre.

Music Education Concentration

Music Education majors pursue an accredited curriculum that develops musical knowledge and skills, and prepares students to become accomplished music educators.

Music Therapy Concentration

The Music Therapy concentration is designed to prepare the student to work in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, assisted living centers, and in special education settings.

Performance Concentration

The Bachelor of Music in Performance degree program features seven distinct options: jazz studies, orchestral instrument, organ, piano, piano pedagogy, string pedagogy, and voice.

Music Performance at CSU

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Natural Resource Tourism

Travel lovers know the value in experiencing the world, and the Natural Resources Tourism major is designed for those who want to pursue this as a career. Two concentrations within the major help you design your dream job, offering courses in tourism management, marketing and planning, natural resources, studies abroad, and social science that will give you the skills for managing recreation and tourism enterprises. This major also is available online for transfer students. This major also includes an accelerated option for students to graduate on a faster schedule.

Global Tourism Concentration

Course work focuses on business and tourism topics providing students with planning, management, marketing, financial, and entrepreneurship skills essential in the tourism industry.

Natural Resource Tourism Concentration

Through courses in tourism management, marketing and planning, natural resources, business, entrepreneurship, and social science, students develop skills for work in recreation and tourism enterprises.

Natural Resources Management

An interdisciplinary approach in this major means you’ll get a science-based foundation along with an understanding of the interconnectedness of social, political, and ecological systems. You’ll discuss issues from individual citizen engagement in conservation all the way up to global climate change. Field experience is key, and you’ll unlock this door with ecological investigation and resource management skills gained at CSU’s Mountain Campus and through internships, study abroad, and more.

Natural Sciences

The Natural Sciences major is geared to students who want to become high school or junior high and middle school science teachers as well as to students who want a broad exposure to mathematics and the physical sciences. Internships and volunteer activities provide practical training and experience. This major allows students to meet the requirements for Colorado teacher licensure upon graduation – including a semester of teaching – which prepares students to meet the demand for secondary science educators in Colorado and across the country.

Biology Education Concentration

Students complete science courses focused on biology, take professional classes in the School of Education, visit classrooms, and complete a semester of student teaching.

Chemistry Education Concentration

Students complete science courses focused on chemistry, take professional classes in the School of Education, visit classrooms, and complete a semester of student teaching.

Geology Education Concentration

Students complete science courses focused on geology, take professional classes in the School of Education, visit classrooms, and complete a semester of student teaching.

Physical Science Concentration

Students complete courses in calculus, chemistry, physics, and biological science and earn two minors selected from Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics, Statistics, or Physics.

Physics Education Concentration

Students complete science courses focused on physics, take professional classes in the School of Education, visit classrooms, and complete a semester of student teaching.

Neuroscience

The Neuroscience major is an interdisciplinary degree with faculty in 10 departments across campus and strong foundations in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biological sciences. Both concentrations require completion of an undergraduate thesis, providing opportunities for experiential learning in research laboratories, where you’ll work closely with faculty and can author original publications. Neuroscience majors have wide career options after graduation, complete with preparation for grad school, if desired.

Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience Concentration

The Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience concentration integrates an understanding of neuroanatomy with the mechanisms of sensation/perception and learning/memory, generally applied to human behavior.

Cell & Molecular Neuroscience Concentration

The Cell and Molecular Neuroscience Concentration integrates neuroanatomy with the cellular and molecular basis of nervous system function.

Nutrition & Food Science

If you are interested in improving quality of life through nutrition, this major might be for you. This major taps into public interest of nutrition to health and fitness, and prepares students for a variety of careers in the field. The Nutrition and Food Science major includes core science-based courses and theoretical and practical training in specific skill areas such as nutrition counseling techniques, food safety, integrative nutrition and metabolism, and nutrition and the life cycle.

Dietetics & Nutrition Management Concentration

This concentration provides students with a broad background in clinical nutrition, health promotion, and food service management. The concentration is for students who would like to become practicing nutritionists or dietitians, and offers three options: dietetics, gerontology nutrition, and childhood nutrition.

Food Safety & Nutrition Concentration

This concentration blends a strong science base with courses in food science, food safety, food microbiology, and nutrition. The curriculum prepares students for the food industry or in government, such as quality assurance, product development, research, food inspection, food plant management, and consumer education.

Nutrition & Fitness Concentration

This concentration taps into the increasing interest of the public in nutrition, fitness, and wellness. Coursework provides a strong foundation in nutritional sciences and a broad array of exercise science and physical activity courses. The concentration prepares students for employment as nutrition and fitness counselors and personal lifestyle coaches.

Nutritional Sciences Concentration

Students gain a strong background in natural and biomedical sciences and nutrition, preparing them for graduate study, medical school, or a career in nutritional research. Supporting courses emphasize the physical and biological sciences and include the social sciences and humanities as well.

Philosophy

Studying philosophy develops critical-thinking skills and cross-cultural understanding to be a more-informed and engaged citizen. Philosophers think about the big questions: Do we have free will? What can we know? How should I live my life? Philosophy allows you to enter into conversations that feature great thinkers and important ideas. Philosophy pairs easily with other majors to give you a broad, highly applicable education.

General Philosophy Concentration

Students take courses in ethics, logic, ancient Greek philosophy, world philosophies, metaphysics, Islam, feminist philosophies, Asian philosophy, philosophy of language and philosophy of mind.

Global Philosophies & Religions Concentration

Course work in this concentration includes ancient Greek philosophy, contemporary western and eastern religious thought, Islam, philosophies of East Asia, mysticism, and meaning and truth in religion.

Philosophy, Science & Technology Concentration

Course work specific to this concentration includes scientific thought, behavioral science philosophy, environmental ethics, and philosophical issues in professions such as business, engineering, animal science, and health care.

Physics

Physics is the study of motion, matter, and energy. It is the most fundamental of the sciences, and it provides the essential underpinnings for chemistry, biology, astronomy, and geology. Physicists probe the structure of atomic nuclei, use lasers to study antimatter at ultra-low temperatures, and develop theories that predict the origin and destiny of the universe. Physics also has applications to a wide variety of tasks, such as creating large-scale circuits, producing high efficiency solar cells, and developing nanomachines. Physics at CSU is a close-knit community in which you will get to work alongside your fellow students and professors.

Applied Physics Concentration

The Applied Physics Concentration combines fundamental course work in physics with a selection of courses in a related discipline, such as optics, computers, chemistry, or medical physics.

Physics Concentration

The Physics Concentration provides a broad background in physics that serves as a base for later specialization, either in graduate school or on the job.

Political Science

The transformative effects of political action are seen virtually everywhere, which is why this major includes coursework in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy and administration. During your time in the major, you’ll be strongly encouraged to complete internships and to study abroad, and required to add a second major or minor in another field to complement their political science training with additional skills and knowledge.

Psychology

Psychology is the study of human behavior and is one of the most-popular and versatile majors at CSU. The major emphasizes a strong background in the sciences (including mathematics, chemistry, biology, statistics, and human physiology) along with writing and laboratory research. Within the major, you can choose between five specialized concentrations to gain even more educational depth in your career path of choice. This program also is available online for transfer students. This major also includes an accelerated option for students to graduate on a faster schedule.

Addictions Counseling Concentration

The Addictions Counseling Concentration provides students with an undergraduate degree in psychology, while completing the required courses for becoming a certified addictions counselor (Level 1) in the state of Colorado.

Clinical/Counseling Psychology Concentration

The Clinical/Counseling Psychology Concentration prepares students to pursue graduate education and careers in clinical and counseling psychology.

General Psychology Concentration

Students who prefer a broad view of the field often choose the General Psychology Concentration.

Industrial/Organizational Concentration

The Industrial/Organizational Concentration prepares students to move into the workforce with a bachelor’s degree or to pursue graduate education in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

Mind, Brain & Behavior Concentration

The Mind, Brain, and Behavior Concentration prepares students to be more competitive candidates for graduate programs in cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, and sensation and perception.

Restoration Ecology

Restore. Rehabilitate. Renew. In the Restoration Ecology major, you’ll learn to use active intervention methods and practice repairing and reviving natural areas while examining the science behind biological areas and ecosystems. While the coursework includes everything from the fundamentals of ecology to global cultural awareness to a wide variety of natural resource classes, 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. In addition to your fieldwork and lab time, you’ll have opportunities to join like-minded students in student restoration groups, where you’ll gain valuable experience, network for future careers, and get paired with a mentor — all while doing meaningful, productive restoration work. Restoration Ecology is the perfect way to transform your passion for protecting our diminishing wildlands into a career.

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Join one of the most high-impact learning environments and discover how your passion and skills can align for a future making positive change. This major focuses on social justice, equality, anti-oppression, and enhancing human health and well-being. You will prepare for a variety of work in fields such as child welfare, mental health, school social work, corrections, or advocacy. Then you’ll be placed in a social work agency or program in a community setting for hands-on learning experiences.

Addictions Counseling Concentration

This concentration provides social work majors the course requirements for becoming a certified addictions counselor (CAC Level 1) in the state of Colorado. Students will be placed in an addictions treatment setting for the required field placement in social work.

Social Work FAQs

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Sociology

The challenges facing our world today are increasingly global. Sociology offers the critical analytical, research, and communication skills sought by employers looking for people who can successfully navigate complex situations, work in teams, and make solid professional contributions to effective solutions. Sociology offers students virtually unlimited opportunities to make a positive difference in a wide range of career fields.

Criminology & Criminal Justice

The Criminology and Criminal Justice concentration supplements general sociological training with course work focused on the social aspects of crime and criminal justice.

Environmental Sociology Concentration

The Environmental Sociology concentration takes sociology’s long established disciplinary orientation to the world and applies it to the study of nature-society relations.

General Sociology Concentration

The General Sociology concentration is designed to provide students with a broad liberal arts education and a greater understanding and insight into the social systems and processes that bear upon everyday lives.

Soil and Crop Sciences

In this major, you’ll focus on field crops and soils, learning the foundation sciences underlying the production and management of food, feed, and energy crops to meet human needs and protect the environment. Special emphasis is placed on production efficiency and the conservation of soil, energy, plants, and water. You’ll get broad-based coverage of natural and social sciences, communication skills, and opportunities to explore interests and leadership potential.

Agronomic Production Management Concentration

Agronomic Production Management focuses on methods to improve the nutritional value of crops and the quality of seed, as well as increase productivity.

Applied Information Technology Concentration

Students learn to make better decisions in crop, soil, and environmental management systems using technology. Courses include computer science, data management, and business.

International Soil & Crop Sciences Concentration

Students interested in developing nations learn technical soil and crop science skills and knowledge about the political, social, and cultural aspects of those countries.

Plant Biotechnology, Genetics & Breeding Concentration

The Plant Biotechnology, Genetics, and Breeding concentration provides expertise in the fundamentals of plant molecular biology and their application to crop improvement.

Soil Ecology Concentration

This concentration emphasizes the study of soil organisms and their interactions with each other as well as the physical and chemical environment of soil.

Soil Restoration & Conservation Concentration

Soil Restoration and Conservation graduates provide technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, governments, and others concerned with the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources.

Statistics

Students who excel in the field of statistics typically have strong quantitative skills, analytical minds, and like to help people solve problems. CSU offers a small department with ample opportunities for internships. With the growing prevalence of big data and the focus on quantitative analysis, there are job opportunities for statisticians in virtually every field from science to medicine to entertainment to politics and beyond.

Theatre

Passion. Innovation. Creative expression. When you major in Theatre at CSU, these words are much more than aspirations; you’ll live in them every single day. You’ll start with two foundational theatre years, then choose from three concentrations — Design and Technology, General Theatre, and Performance — where you’ll get to specialize in your interest areas and get deep experience to prepare you for your career.

Design & Technology Concentration

Students explore scenic design and stage management in class and work as technicians and assistants in live productions, advancing to leadership roles as designers or stage managers.

General Theatre Concentration

Through courses from each concentration and production experiences, students learn to think on their feet, adapting to a rapid-paced, high-energy career in the performing arts.

Performance Concentration

Student actors gain core physical and vocal training and a variety of approaches to the acting process in a program that values ensemble and collaboration.

Watershed Science

Water impacts every aspect of life from environmental stability to global political issues. The Watershed Science major is designed to give you a broad, scientific foundation in the study of water, how it moves across the land, and how different human activities affect water. You’ll come out with an array of job possibilities in the public and private sector, as well as skills to help preserve and protect earth’s most-important resource. The program capitalizes on its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, High Plains, and basins of Colorado to give students unique educational opportunities in outdoor laboratories.

Women’s and Gender Studies

This interdisciplinary program examines the cultural and social construction of gender, explores the history, experiences, and contributions of women to society, and studies the influences of gender on the lives of women and men. Looking at the world through this lens allows us to more directly and effectively address issues of social justice and social change. By studying gender relations, students learn skills that work toward dismantling gender-based inequality and promote gender equity in various arenas of social life.

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Zoology

Zoologists focus on the behavior, health, and life processes of animals. Some study live animals in controlled or natural surroundings, while others study the structure and function of animal cells, tissues, and organ systems. In the Zoology major, you’ll study biology, chemistry, and mathematics, and then immerse yourself in specialized areas, including animal behavior, aquatic biology, ecology, genetics and evolution, and cellular/molecular biology and physiology. Students planning to attend veterinary school often major in zoology.

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Major tracks

Entomology Concentration

Plant Pathology Concentration

Weed Science Concentration

The study of life

Computer Science FAQs

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Concentration

Computing Systems Concentration

Networks and Security Concentration

Software Engineering Concentration

Computer Science Concentration

Economics Concentration

Mathematics Concentration

Statistics Concentration

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Digital and Public History Concentration