The Most Unique Majors and Minors at Marist
A peek at the Marist Registrar’s office, which might be busy with students after reading this article. Photo by Jessi Dworkin.
As registration for spring 2024 courses inches closer, Marist College students may find themselves exploring their options for majors and minors to add or subtract.
In total, the college offers 47 majors and 59 minors, with fashion, communication and business administration typically reigning as popular programs. But when scrolling through the list of academic schools, you may have missed a few standouts.
Read through to discover 10 of the more unfamiliar majors and minors offered at Marist.
Applied Mathematics Major - School of Computer Science & Mathematics
This major is designed in a customizable manner, with four different tracks to fit your career aspirations and interests. Whether you focus on biology, chemistry, computer science or finances, the program works to apply math to your specific interests through courses like Linear Algebra and Probability and Statistics. Career opportunities include business analysis, data science and software development. Contact: James E. Helmreich, James.Helmreich@marist.edu.
Catholic Studies Minor - School of Liberal Arts
In the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, this minor studies how Catholicism has made the world how it is today. Students are encouraged to examine beliefs and Catholic values in a critical and cultivated way. Required courses cover medieval Europe and the Catholic Church in modern times, as well as thought and spirituality. Nine credits in electives, as listed in the course catalog, are also necessary for completion. Contact: John Knight, John.Knight@marist.edu.
Conservation Studies Major - Florence, Italy
Offered only as an abroad program, students in this major can earn their degree in Art Restoration and Conservation Studies. You can work on art materials ranging from paintings to wood sculptures, exclusively from the 14th to 19th centuries while taking courses such as History of Western Art and Historical Painting Lab. Contact: info@ldminstitute.com
Digital Video Production Minor - School of Communication and the Arts
This program is offered to all non-media studies and production majors interested in gaining knowledge and hands-on experience in production for various types of media. The 15-credit minor includes classes that cover all sorts of topics, from Writing for Media to Directing the Narrative Film. Contact: Jeff Bass, Jeff.Bass@marist.edu.
Enterprise Computing Minor - School of Computer Science and Mathematics
This 21-credit minor allows students of any major to enhance their academics and work towards a long-term career in larger-scale computing for finance, insurance and government. The Marist Enterprise Computing Research Lab contains test environments for various software, where students are encouraged to lead research in networking technology. Courses required include Introduction to Programming, Software Development I and Introduction to z/OS and Major Subsystems. Contact: Donald R. Schwartz, Donald.Schwartz@marist.edu.
Hudson River Valley Regional Studies Minor - School of Liberal Arts
With this minor, students are encouraged to cultivate an understanding of the history, culture and environment of the Hudson River Valley area. Although the minor primarily focuses on the local region, knowledge gained can be applied to varying locations. Students take two required courses — History and Culture of the Hudson River Valley and Introduction to Environmental Issues — and four additional electives. Contact: James Johnson, James.Johnson@marist.edu.
Interactive Media Minor - School of Communication and the Arts
This 15-credit minor allows students to gain knowledge and skills in analyzing digital and interactive media. It focuses on the human side of design rather than technical skills, so no prior experience is necessary. Courses include Interactive Media I, Media Theory: Communication Revolution and Concepts in Game Design. Contact: Jeff Bass, Jeff.Bass@marist.edu.
Medical Technology Major - School of Science
This major works to foster an understanding of medical technology and its application in the medical setting. Students can combine an interest in science and healthcare and consider opportunities in microbiology and consultation services technology. Clinical Chemistry, Advanced Hematology and Methods in Medical Technology are just a few of the courses you can look forward to. Contact: Terrance Paskell, Terrance.Paskell@marist.edu.
Medieval and Renaissance Studies Minor - School of Liberal Arts
This 18-credit minor allows students to study the culture, languages, art, history, music, politics and philosophies of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Students choose five electives from three different fields (English, fine arts, history, modern languages and cultures and philosophy and religious studies) and a foreign language course of any level. Contact: Dr. Janine Peterson, Janine.Peterson@marist.edu.
Environmental Science and Policy Major - School of Science
This program focuses on studying the natural environment and the built environment that supports it (or not). Students with a concern for the environment and a curiosity about the function of ecosystems can concentrate on either science or policy. Preparation for professional paths in environmental education, wildlife biology and toxic waste management are just a short list of possible careers. Contact: Richard Feldman, Richard.Feldman@marist.edu.