6 Cool Majors: Awesome Degrees Offered in Arkansas

By NEXT Staff on Monday, September 16, 2013

Turn your passions into paydays with these awesome Arkansas degrees. They’re sure to suit your unique personalities and open doors to exciting job opportunities.

1. Movie Director
(Click here to meet two cool college guys, Cole Lansden and Zac Adams, who are chasing this dream.)

Why it’s so cool: Movie buff? Stop watching and start creating in the exciting, glamorous and high-tech world of filmmaking. Whether you’re indie or more mainstream, learn the techniques for great storylines, perfect lighting and all the digital tricks to bring it all together.
The degree you’ll need: Digital Filmmaking at University of Central Arkansas; Mass Communication: Digital Cinema Media Production at Southern Arkansas University); Digital Cinema at John Brown University (all bachelor’s degrees)
Similar degrees at Arkansas schools: Multimedia Film & Video Production, Radio Broadcasting/TV Production, Film Studies, Drama, Multimedia Technology

2. Fashion Designer
(Click here to meet Hannah Holt, a cool college girl earning this degree.)

Why it’s so cool: If you succeed, models like Heidi Klum will strut the catwalk in your designs during Fashion Week in New York, Paris and Milan—setting trends for the whole world to follow! Love fashion, but don’t want to design? Apparel studies will train you for a career in merchandising (also known as buying) too, which gives you the power to pick the clothes you see in stores. The possibilities in the fashion world are limited only by your imagination.
The degree you’ll need: Apparel Studies
Where it’s offered: University of Arkansas (bachelor's degree)
Similar degrees: Fashion Merchandising, Retail, Graphic Design, Art, Interior Design, Entrepreneurship

3. Music Producer or Talent Manager

Why it’s so cool: Do you dream of producing Billboard 100 records for the latest musical talents or of becoming a manager to stars like Lil Wayne, Katy Perry or Justin Bieber? Then you’ll want to research this degree. It’s meant to train students in music business management, production, recording and engineering.
The degree you’ll need: Music Business
Where it’s offered: Arkansas Baptist College (associate degree)
Similar degrees: Music, Music – Performance, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Church Music, Management, Business Management

4. Video Game Creator

Why it’s so cool: You don’t have to put down your controller to get a job. Besides, you love to play them, so why not create them? Put this love of video games, the latest technology and your imagination to work. Create engaging narratives and stunning visuals in this exciting and fast-paced industry.
The degree you’ll need: Video Game Design
Where it’s offered: University of Arkansas – Little Rock (bachelor’s degree)
Similar degrees: Animation Technology, Three-Dimensional Design, Computer Science, Software Development, Web Design & Interactive Media, Software Engineering

5. Sports Agent or Team Manager

Why it’s so cool: For students who love sports but weren’t born with athletic abilities, this degree can get you in the game! As an agent, manager or publicist for athletes and teams, you’ll get to participate in – and cash in on – the exciting world of sports. Sports managers are crucial to ensuring the players, fans, coaches and financial backers coexist peacefully.
The degree you’ll need: Sports Administration/Management
Where it’s offered: Arkansas State University, Harding University, John Brown University
Similar degrees: Recreation & Sport Management, Management, Business Management, Public Relations, Strategic Communication

6. Crime Scene Investigator

Why it’s so cool: While it may be sometimes exaggerated on TV, the world of crime scene investigation is real. Examine fingerprints. Use forensic imaging techniques. Navigate a crime scene like a pro. These are all important tasks of criminal investigation and law enforcement. It’s rewarding and hands-on, and it makes a real difference in the world.
The degree you’ll need: Crime Scene Investigation (associate degree, technical degree or certificate of proficiency)
Where it’s offered: University of Central Arkansas, University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, Arkansas Tech University, East Arkansas Community College, Arkansas State University – Mountain Home, Arkansas State University, Arkansas State University – Newport, North Arkansas College, University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff, Black River Technical College, University of Arkansas Community College – Morrilton, Cossatot Community College, Southwest Arkansas College, University of Arkansas – Monticello, Phillips Community College, University of Arkansas Community College – Hope, University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, College of the Ouachitas, Arkansas Northeastern College, Pulaski Technical College, Northwest Arkansas Community College, Arkansas State University – Beebe
Similar degrees at Arkansas schools: Forensic Science, Criminal Investigation Science, Criminal Justice, Criminology