Cover Photo by Abdulhusain Bootwala
Our beloved university is one of the largest in the entire state of Texas. This means more variety and diversity in all aspects for Coogs.
Home to 16 academic colleges, the University of Houston offers a buffet of majors and minors to choose from—some you probably never even heard of.
Let’s explore some of those niche majors.
Sculpture (Katherine G. McGovern College of the Arts)
Though the College of the Arts at UH offers more than 15 academic programs to students, one of the more unique ones that really stands out is Sculpture. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Sculpture at UH.
Through this program, students are first introduced to the basic fundamentals of tools, techniques and art history. As they progress, they are eventually involved in more hands-on experience, including the creation of meaningful work.
Besides an immersive experience, students get to visit curators and artists to gain more personal insights from their stories and craft. They also get the opportunity to work in fully equipped studios. These house the necessary ceramic facilities and resources needed to bring their art to life.
Some interesting courses students take for this program include Art History I and II, Fundamentals of Ceramics and Wood and Metal Fabrication.
If this appeals to you, more information about this program can be found on the school’s website.
Geophysics (College of Natural Science and Mathematics)
For students who are more inclined towards STEM, the College of NSM now offers a Bachelor of Science in Geophysics.
As the name suggests, this course is a combination of geology and physics, allowing students to explore the physics of the earth and how its distinctive features make up its structure and impact its processes and properties.
Besides just coursework, Geophysics majors get the chance to be a part of extended off-campus field trips. These include outdoor activities like field exercise and hiking. Another thrilling part of this program is a two-to-three week Capstone field course in Galveston, aimed at providing a more holistic experience to facilitate studies.
Some interesting courses students take for this program include Earthquakes, Oceanography and Global Seismology.
If this catches your attention, you can find out more information about the program on the school’s website.
American Sign Language Interpreting (College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences)
As unique as the major sounds, unfortunately, the program is set to shut down in May 2028. This is due to the university’s decision to invest its resources into programs that experienced higher student demand.
Stemming from Communication Sciences and Disorders, ASL Interpreting is a unique program offered by CLASS. In this program, students become well-versed with communicating with deaf and hard of hearing individuals and groups in different settings.
While pursuing their Bachelor of Arts in ASL/English Interpreting at UH, students are taught by professors who are experts in preparing them to meet the national certification standards of ASL.
Even though students may no longer enroll in the program, it was worth mentioning due to its niche nature.
Integrated Studies (Undergraduate Student Success Center)
This program is designed for all those students who are either undecided about what they want to study or those who wish to study as many subjects as they can.
The Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies is more of a general degree that combines a range of courses from multiple disciplines, helping students acquire all necessary skills to be competent in any job market.
Students enrolled in this program have to complete a certain requirement of courses in a Concentration Area, with options in Business and Consumer Sciences, Education, Liberal Arts and more.
Another interesting aspect of Integrated Studies is that there is no GPA requirement. Any enrolled student can change into this major at any time.
If this program caught your eye, you can find out more information about it on the school’s website.
Stage Management (Katherine G. McGovern College of the Arts)
Are you really surprised to see another program from the College of the Arts make it onto this list?
Pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Stage Management at UH might be of interest if you are into theatre. Through this program, students get a chance to gain skills and knowledge of new play development, operas, classical and large-stage productions.
Initially, students learn the basics of technical production, graphic communication, play analysis and theatre history. Eventually, practical experience is also acquired through serving as stage managers and assistant stage managers at local theatres.
A noteworthy fact about this program is that it has a 100% job placement rate. Many alumni have left their marks in Broadway and top theatres around the country.
Some unique courses students take for this program include Production, Technical Drawing, Dramatic Structures and Genres and Costume History.
If you wish to further dive into this program, you can find out more information on the school’s website.
Whether it is arts, social science, STEM or even a general program that has a little bit of everything, UH has so many niche majors to choose from. There is something for everyone.
All you have to do is find your niche and own it with a lot of Cougar pride.
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