10 majors you might not have considered for your arts degree

10 majors you might not have considered for your arts degree 10 majors you might not have considered for your arts degreePosted August 18, 2015, by Vivien LuuArts is a degree that is guaranteed to sharpen your critical thinking skills, inspire your inner-creative and diversify your career options. And The University of Queensland (UQ) has the arts graduates to prove it. From Lachlan Snow, Musica Vivas QLD State Manager to Ann Sherry, the CEO of Carnival Australia its pretty clear that arts is a degree that will take you places.So from criminology and sport studies to mathematics and music, we take a look at 10 majors from The University of Queensland you might not have considered for your arts degree.1. International RelationsKnowing how to navigate the political waters of zwischenstaatlich relations has become particularly important as our world becomes mora integrated, connected and globalised than ever before.From diplomacy and foreign policy development to peacekeeping and mensc henwrdig rights advocacy, this international relations major could be the gateway to your career in this dynamic discipline.Studying international relations will teach you to scrutinise and dissect the complex ways in which countries interact, encouraging you to consider the social, political, economic and cultural ramifications of international affairs.Such skills could lead to the following career pathsInternational policy adviserTrade adviserDiplomatForeign policy consultantHumanitarian affairs adviserConsulate attach2. MusicAs one of the most universally appreciated and evocative forms of art, its no surprise that majoring in music is a fascinating and exciting academic foray.Youll learn how to appreciate music on a critical and analytical level, explore different genres and their cultural importance and historical roots, as well as develop your music literacy and composition skills.This major has two streams, one for musicology and music historians and the other for professiona l music educators. Depending on which stream you choose it will open up a variety of career opportunities for you, which include working as aMusic journalist and reviewerComposerFestival administratorMusic teacherMusicologistLachlan Snow, Musica Vivas QLD State ManagerA BA means you can study your multitude of passions in a meaningful way. You dont find that flexibility in other degrees. It doesnt pigeonhole you into a certain graduate outcome. Instead I finished with a set of graduate outcomes that I wrote.3. EconomicsEconomics might be an unlikely major to consider in an arts degree, but an understanding of how economic factors underpin an individuals, companys or even governments decision-making processes is a powerful thing to have up your sleeve.In short, economics determines much of the global, social and political landscape of today, making this major almost indispensible if youre considering working in government, finance or foreign affairs.It covers topics such as financial markets and institutions, managerial economics, macroeconomics and microeconomics.Seriously consider economics as your major if youre interested in working in the following sectorsBanking, finance and insuranceGovernment (treasury, transport, health)International development or foreign affairsManagementPrivate consultingAnn Sherry AO, Chief Executive Officer of Carnival AustraliaI valued the ability I got from my BA to think laterally about complex issues and the ability to write an argument and a proposition. The BA was the springboard to my professional life and career. It opened up possibilities I did not expect being a CEO of a bank and a cruise company4. Sports StudiesIf youre a sports fanatic that has a keen appreciation for the social, economic and health benefits of competitive sports, majoring in sport studies could be the perfect stepping stone for you.From national competitions like the NRL and A-League to world-stage events like the Tour de France and Olympic Games, stu dying sports as your major could unlock a number of exciting career opportunities thatll have you managing, planning, covering and promoting the sports youre passionate about.Subjects in this major address the sociology of sport and the development of the sports and leisure industries, and will encourage you to critically analyse the historical, economic and physiological dimensions of the professional sports industry.Pick this major if youre interested in working as aSports journalist or broadcasterSports commentatorPR professional, specialising in the sports industryMarketing professional, specialising in the sports industrySports educator5. MathematicsThe seemingly unorthodox choice of including a major in mathematics is certain to give you an edge over other arts students.Currently, demand is at an all-time high for skilled mathematicians and as statistics and big data continue to play a crucial role across a range of sectors, this demand is only going to grow. So if youre looki ng to position yourself in an area that screams growth, mathematics is a safe bet.The major will initially take you through foundational topics such as calculus, linear algebra and differential equations, and in your senior years youll move onto more advanced applications such as coding and cryptology.By picking mathematics as your major, you will be able to work inBankingFinanceInsuranceRisk management6. ChineseChinas astronomical growth over the past decade, combined with Australias geographical proximity to this rising super power, makes Chinese arguably the most versatile and career-savvy major available to arts students.With over a billion Mandarin speakers in the world today, learning how to speak fluently in Chinese languages and dialects is highly advantageous to professionals working across finance, media, business, diplomacy and international affairs.Study this major if youre interested in working as aForeign correspondentInterpreterInternational managerPublic relations ma nagerLogistical managerConsultant official7. CriminologyFascinated by the social dimensions of crime? Major in criminology to explore everything from crime prevention and policing to criminal psychology and the socioeconomic drivers of crime.The major will sharpen your critical thinking skills and encourage you to examine the complex interplay between the criminal justice system, public policies, and criminal activities and trends.From petty theft and vandalism through to organised crime and drug trafficking, youll gain a thorough understanding of the complete cycle of crime.Pick this major if youre interested in working as aProbation, parole and prison officerYouth workerChild kooperation officerPolicy adviserImmigration officerCriminologist8. Public PolicyIf youre passionate about reshaping Australias policies to make us a more progressive, economically stable and innovative nation, this major needs to be at the top of your list.Picking public policy will open your eyes to the com plex interplay between the political, economic and social dimensions of public policy. The major addresses everything from environmental policy and Indigenous rights through to foreign affairs and the principles of social research.Studying this major may qualify you to work as aPolicy adviserPolicy makerLobbyistCommunity development managerBusiness liaison officerHugh Jorgensen, Research Associate, Lowy Institute for International Policy G20 Studies CentreThe UQ BA can be a great way to enrich your university studies. I combined mine with an economics degree, and found the BA invaluable to locating the political and human dimensions to the challenges that face the global economy. These days I regularly produce policy reports that are read by global governance policy-makers throughout the G20 economies. Id like to say it was all me, but I guess all of those essays for the UQ BA paid off in the end.9. Peace and Conflict StudiesWith the renewed threat of insurgency and terrorism in the Middle East, humanitarian crises in central Africa, and the dangers of nuclear exchange in South Asia, its never been more important for government and international agencies to find meaningful ways of promoting peace and regional stability.The major covers conflict resolution, peacekeeping and peace-building strategies for the 21st century, and will open up career opportunities with governments, NGOs and international organisations such as the United Nations.Make peace and conflict studies your major if youre interested in pursuing a career as aPeace practitionerConflict resolution practitionerNegotiatorResearcherInternational development managerDiplomat10. Journalism and Mass CommunicationIf you believe that the pen is indeed mightier than the sword, then majoring in journalism could be a perfect fit.Ever since the birth of social media, and thanks to the ubiquity of broadband internet, the fourth estate has undergone a tremendous change that has seen the news become instantaneou s, digitalised and globally delivered.Now more than ever, journalists need to be inquisitive, and critical thinkers skills that can be honed with a BA majoring in journalism.In this major, you can study in the areas of global journalism, mass communication, digital media. It prepares graduates for jobs where critical understanding, flexibility, research, analytical and communication skills are required (including careers in journalism, digital media strategy, the media and entertainment industry, and mass communication).A major in journalism can help you work as aNews reporterInvestigative journalistPhoto journalistRadio presenterDocumentary producerFeature article writerKristina Olsson, Award-winning writer and journalistBA gave me intellectual freedom at university. It opened my eyes to the world in general. My advice for someone wanting to complete tertiary study is to go to UQ. Your humanities degree will give you what it gave me a solid grounding in the craft of writing, to t hink critically and to look outside the square.Its pretty clear that theres much more to an arts degree than meets the eye. If you dont want to pigeonhole your career options, and want a degree that offers the ultimate in versatility, freedom of choice and razor-sharp analytical skills, look no further than a Bachelor of Arts degree. And with over 40 majors on offer at The University of Queensland, its easier than ever to pursue your passions, get job-ready and do what you loveInterested in more art majors? Check out the 40+ art majors on offer at The University of Queensland.This article was written in partnership with The University of Queensland.Bachelor of ArtsStudy modeOn CampusPayment optionsHECS-HELPUpfront paymentCourse guide+ FREE eBrochureEnquire Online Photography assistant sample resumePhotography assistant sample cover letterCareer Insider StoriesJonathan Treagust - World geistesbild AustraliaInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerManagement ConsultantMarketing OfficerCommunity WorkerCounsellorPopular Career Searchesbachelor of arts online australiaecu art coursesarts course perthfine arts courses sydneyget an entertainment law degreeArts Humanities CoursesBachelor of Arts (Arts Management)Enquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Contemporary ArtsEnquire Online Enquire OnlineGraduate Certificate of Development and Humanitarian ActionEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Health Sciences/Bachelor of ArtsEnquire Online Enquire Online Vivien LuuViv is a writer who enjoys researching and writing about creativity, how the human mind works, and neuro processes. 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