When we think of college majors, the classics like business, engineering, and psychology usually come to mind. But if your teen is looking for something different, here are some unique college programs that you may not have known existed.
Where: Plymouth State University, New Hampshire
What It Is: This program prepares students for careers in outdoor leadership, environmental education, and adventure programming. The curriculum includes courses in outdoor skills, risk management, environmental ethics, and leadership.
Why It’s Unique: Adventure Education majors spend a significant amount of time learning outside the traditional classroom setting. They participate in hands-on activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, and wilderness expeditions, developing practical skills that are directly applicable to careers in outdoor and experiential education.
Where: Appalachian State University, North Carolina
What It Is: Fermentation Science combines elements of biology, chemistry, and business to study the production of fermented products, including beer, wine, and cheese. Students learn about the science behind fermentation processes, as well as the business and regulatory aspects of the industry.
Why It’s Unique: With the growing popularity of craft brewing and artisanal food products, graduates of this program are well-positioned to enter a booming industry. The program offers hands-on experience in fermentation labs and opportunities for internships with local breweries and food producers.
Where: California State University, Long Beach
What It Is: This program focuses on the design, construction, and management of theme park attractions. It combines principles of engineering, architecture, and business to train students in the unique challenges of the theme park industry.
Why It’s Unique: Theme Park Engineering is perfect for students who are passionate about amusement parks and want to turn that passion into a career. The program offers courses on ride design, safety standards, and park management, and includes internships with major theme park companies like Disney and Universal Studios.
4. Citrus and Horticultural Science
Where: Florida Southern College, Florida
What It Is: This program is dedicated to the study of citrus fruits and horticultural crops. It covers topics such as plant biology, pest management, soil science, and agricultural business.
Why It’s Unique: Located in the heart of Florida’s citrus-growing region, this program offers students the chance to learn directly from industry experts. Graduates can pursue careers in agriculture, research, and agribusiness, helping to innovate and sustain the citrus industry.
Where: Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minnesota
What It Is: Comic Art is a specialized program that teaches students the skills needed to create graphic novels, comic books, and other sequential art. The curriculum includes courses in drawing, storytelling, character design, and digital illustration.
Why It’s Unique: This program is ideal for aspiring comic book artists and graphic novelists. It provides a comprehensive education in both the artistic and narrative aspects of comics, and students have the opportunity to work with professional comic artists and illustrators.
Where: University of Connecticut, Connecticut
What It Is: The Puppetry program at UConn offers training in the design, construction, and performance of puppets. It includes courses in puppet history, materials and techniques, and performance skills.
Why It’s Unique: Puppetry is a highly specialized art form that combines elements of theater, visual arts, and storytelling. This program is one of the few in the world dedicated to puppetry, providing students with unique skills and opportunities in both traditional and innovative puppet theater.
Where: Northwestern Michigan College, Michigan
What It Is: This program focuses on the technologies used in marine environments, including underwater robotics, remote sensing, and marine survey techniques. Students learn to operate and maintain equipment used in oceanographic research and marine industry.
Why It’s Unique: With the increasing importance of marine conservation and underwater exploration, this program offers practical skills that are in high demand. Graduates can work in fields such as marine research, environmental monitoring, and underwater archaeology.
Where: University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire
What It Is: EcoGastronomy combines the study of sustainable agriculture, food science, and culinary arts. The program emphasizes the relationship between food production, health, and the environment.
Why It’s Unique: Students in this program gain a holistic understanding of the food system, from farm to table. They have opportunities to study abroad, work on sustainable farms, and participate in culinary workshops, preparing them for careers in sustainable food production, nutrition, and food policy.
Conclusion
Choosing a college major is a significant decision, and for students with unique interests, these specialized programs offer exciting and unconventional paths. Whether your teen is passionate about the outdoors, fermentation, or even theme parks, there's a unique program out there that can turn their interests into a fulfilling career. Exploring these programs can lead to discovering new passions and opportunities that go beyond the traditional college experience.
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