Are you struggling to choose a major that aligns with your interests and career goals? At St. John’s University, we offer a wide range of undergraduate degree programs tailored to various passions and ambitions. Whether you’re interested in technology, community service, or risk management, we have a major that will be the perfect fit for you. Here are some of the best majors for undecided students you can pursue and find the right path for your future.
Gaming Development & Emerging Media
Dive headfirst into the world of gaming and digital storytelling at St. John’s University. Our offers hands-on training and cutting-edge technology to turn your passion into a profession. With a focus on practical skills and creative expression, you learn to craft immersive experiences that captivate audiences and push the boundaries of traditional media.
But it’s not just about building games; it’s about exploring the ethical impact of gaming and using play to drive social change. Our interdisciplinary approach allows you to collaborate with students from diverse majors, creating meaningful experiences that transcend traditional boundaries.
St. John’s University’s state-of-the-art facilities. With our newly established Media Art and Design Lab, Technology Commons, Advanced Graphics Lab, and Innovation Lab, students gain access to the latest technologies, fostering an environment ripe for igniting creative and entrepreneurial endeavors. Tailored workstations cater to various roles—whether you’re a 3D modeler, animator, programmer, sound artist, or experience designer—ensuring you’re well-prepared to excel from the outset.
Homeland Security
Our Homeland Security Program is dedicated to preparing students to safeguard our nation from a range of threats, including terrorism, crime, and natural disasters. We offer a comprehensive curriculum covering essential topics such as terrorism studies, asset protection, intelligence analysis, global security dynamics, and border protection strategies.
One distinctive aspect of our program is the opportunity for students to specialize in one of four tracks to align with their career goals and interests. Let’s take a closer look at these tracks:
Organizational Security: Focus on protecting critical infrastructure and assets within organizations. Courses may include Security Risk Management, Cybersecurity Principles, Crisis Management, and Physical Security Measures.
Emergency Management: Learn how to plan for and respond to emergencies and disasters. Courses may include Disaster Preparedness and Response, Emergency Operations Planning, Public Health Preparedness, and Incident Command Systems.
Intelligence: Delve into the field of intelligence analysis and information gathering. Courses may include Intelligence Analysis and Assessment, Counterintelligence Operations, Open Source Intelligence, and Geospatial Intelligence.
National Security: Explore the broader issues of national security policy and strategy. Courses may include Homeland Security Policy and Law, National Security Strategy, Counterterrorism Policy, and International Conflict Resolution.
We prioritize hands-on learning to ensure our students are prepared for the challenges they’ll face in the homeland security field. Through internships with government agencies and corporate partners in the vibrant New York/New Jersey area, students gain invaluable, real-world experience. Whether they’re assisting with emergency response planning, conducting threat assessments, or analyzing intelligence reports, these opportunities provide practical skills and industry connections that are essential for success. Our high-tech classrooms are equipped with the latest technology, whilespecialized labsoffer hands-on experience in areas like cybersecurity analysis and emergency management simulations. Through these hands-on experiences and access to state-of-the-art resources, we empower our students to make a difference in the field of homeland security. With a focus on excellence and innovation, our program ensures you are well-prepared to protect and serve our nation’s security needs.
Cyber Security
With technology advancing rapidly, the need for cybersecurity professionals is skyrocketing. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in computer security are expected to grow by 32% over the next decade. Our program, offered by The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies, prepares you for diverse career opportunities in small, medium, and Fortune 500 corporations, as well as at federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
One of the key features that sets our Cyber Security Systems program apart is our designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the US Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency. This prestigious recognition underscores the quality and rigor of our curriculum, ensuring that you receive a top-notch education that meets the highest standards in the field.
Our comprehensive curriculum covers a wide range of cyber security topics, including:
CYBER SECURITY CENTER OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Cyber Security Systems and Technology
Prepare for roles such as cryptanalysts, security administrators, and web security administrators.
Cyber Security Systems for Business
Learn to manage information security and business security systems, essential for protecting organizations from cyber threats.
Cyber Forensics
Develop skills in digital forensics and technology risk management, crucial for investigating cyber crimes and mitigating security breaches.
You also have the opportunity to customize your education through elective courses and minors, allowing you to specialize in areas such as business, criminalistics, digital forensics, and homeland security.
Beyond coursework, our program emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience. You receive solid foundations in mathematics and programming, as well as specialized training in data security, software security, and system security. Through industry-aligned projects, internships, and extracurricular activities, you gain real-world experience and develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to excel in the field. Our dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art resources and strong industry connections ensure you will be well-prepared to tackle the evolving challenges of cybersecurity and make a meaningful impact in securing our digital future.
Risk Management and Insurance
Risk management and insurance is another exciting career opportunity with expected growth of 17% over the next several years. Our Bachelor of Science program in Risk Management and Insurance covers essential financial, legal, and economic theories crucial to corporate risk management. What makes this program stand out is its practical focus. You learn risk analysis, communication skills, and problem-solving techniques necessary for success in today’s competitive business world. Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, our program ensures high-quality education. Plus, being in New York City, you have access to top financial and insurance firms, mentorship opportunities, and career support services.
With specialized tracks like Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) and Quantitative Risk and Insurance (QRI), you can follow the path that interests you most. Additionally, this program boasts a high placement rate of 99% and internship opportunities that frequently lead to full-time positions. The Ellen Thrower Center for Apprenticeship and Career Services provides additional support through resources, guidance, and networking events, helping you develop both academically and professionally.
Actuarial Science
If you have a knack for numbers and a keen interest in financial strategy, the Bachelor of Science program in Actuarial Science may be an enticing opportunity. Recognized by the Society of Actuaries as a Center of Actuarial Excellence, this undergraduate degree equips you with the mathematical, statistical, and financial acumen needed to analyze uncertain future events, especially those related to insurance.
Actuaries play a pivotal role in various industries, using their expertise to identify, measure, and manage risk, as well as to design innovative solutions to mitigate potential losses. With employment prospects soaring, the demand for actuaries continues to develop, with an expected growth rate of 23% over the next several years.
St. John’s Actuarial Science program stands out for its comprehensive curriculum and industry connections. You not only develop quantitative analysis skills essential for passing professional examinations, but also receive a well-rounded business education covering accounting, finance, management, marketing, and risk management. And, with our location in New York City, you gain access to invaluable networking opportunities with leading firms and alumni in the financial hub.
Hands-on learning experiences, internships, and scholarships offered by the Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science further enhance your practical skills and career prospects. With nearly 96% of graduates securing employment within six months of graduation, and many leveraging their internship experiences into full-time positions, the program provides a clear pathway to success in the dynamic field of actuarial science.
Nursing
If you are undecided and seek a rewarding career path with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, the Nursing program at St. John’s University offers a comprehensive education that prepares you for licensure as a registered professional nurse. This program, housed within the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, offers a transformative educational experience rooted in the Catholic and Vincentian tradition. With a curriculum designed to nurture compassionate and competent nurses, this four-year program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to embark on a fulfilling career in healthcare.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program provides a holistic approach to nursing education, emphasizing critical thinking, cultural competence, and leadership in community service. You benefit from personalized attention from esteemed faculty members and practicing nurses, ensuring a supportive learning environment conducive to academic success.
What makes this program particularly appealing is its focus on experiential learning. Through clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings, including acute, ambulatory, critical care, and community-based settings, you gain invaluable, hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced nursing faculty. The program also boasts a state-of-the-art Simulation Center equipped with high-fidelity simulation manikins, providing you with realistic scenarios to apply classroom knowledge to real-life patient care.
Doctor of Pharmacy
While it might seem surprising to encounter a doctoral program at the undergraduate level, this unique offering is designed to provide aspiring pharmacists with a comprehensive education that seamlessly integrates foundational learning with advanced clinical training. Over the course of six years in our Doctor of Pharmacy program, you delve into the multifaceted world of pharmaceutical care, gaining the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to excel in this dynamic field.
In the first two years, you lay the groundwork for your pharmacy career through a blend of foundational sciences, liberal arts, and introductory pharmacy coursework. Despite its doctoral status, this program caters to undergraduate students, offering a holistic approach to education that prioritizes both academic excellence and practical skill development. As you navigate through these initial years, you are guided by experienced faculty and practicing pharmacists who are dedicated to nurturing your growth and success. With a focus on hands-on learning and real-world application, this program sets the stage for a fulfilling and impactful career in pharmacy.
In the latter four years of the Doctor of Pharmacy program at St. John’s University, you dive deeper into pharmaceutical and clinical sciences. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on training, you master drug therapy, patient care, and medication management across various healthcare settings. With a focus on critical thinking and effective communication, you are well-prepared for real-world clinical rotations in hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. This immersive approach ensures you graduate ready to deliver exceptional patient care from day one of your professional career.
Finding the Right Program for You at St. John’s University.
As you start your undergraduate experience, it’s normal not to have your major figured out yet. The early years are all about exploring different things to see what inspires you. It’s okay if you’re undecided; you’ll find something that piques your interest eventually. And if you need additional help trying to navigate the programs at St. John’s University, you can visit the Center for Student Success. They offer advising, tutoring, and mentoring to guide you.
Majors and Programs of Study
Whether you’re into gaming, security, risk management, nursing, pharmacy or something else entirely, St. John’s has the right program for you.
