Great schools for unique careers

Careers and Colleges, Jan-Feb, 2005 by Meghan Dalesandro

Looking for something different? Want to break away from the traditional college majors and career paths? Check out these 20 schools with unique majors. They could be just what you've been looking for and most are in an affordable price range. You might not be ready to lock in a career path just yet, but read over these profiles to get the process started. Note: "R&B" stands for "Room & Board" and "Size" refers to total campus enrollment.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, AUBURN, AL

WWW.AUBURN.EDU

IN-STATE TUITION: $5,020

OUT-OF-STATE: $14,240

R&B: $6,686

SIZE: 23,152

Considered by peer institutions as a premier U.S. warm water fisheries program, the bachelor's degree program in fisheries and allied aquacultures at Auburn University is one of the best. Career paths include farming of aquatic animals, management of aqua flora and fauna, and management of fish populations. For fun, you can join Aubie, the school's tiger mascot, after a football win to toilet paper the area and celebrate the victory!

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY, WACO, TX

WWW.BAYLOR.EDU

TUITION: $17,900

R&B: $6,456

SIZE: 13,937

With the popularity of CSI and other investigative programs on TV, the interest in forensic science has risen significantly. The undergraduate program at Baylor was originally designed to target premedical students, but has grown to be one of the largest programs on campus. With courses like forensic archaeology, death-scene investigation, and hostage negotiation, each day will seem like an adventure. The 735-acre campus offers more than 160 bachelor's degree programs and 300 student groups.

COLLEGE OF THE ATLANTIC, BAR HARBOR, ME

WWW.COA.EDU

TUITION: $27,135

R&B: $9,690

SIZE: 298

In the ecological entrepreneurship program at College of the Atlantic, students are challenged to combine ecological concerns with human studies in order to determine how people, businesses, and nonprofit organizations can contribute to community sustainability. Don't let the small size fool you though--there's still an active campus community and the ocean-side location provides many outdoor activities--like SCUBA diving and swimming.

HEIDLEBERG COLLEGE, TIFFIN, OH

WWW.HEIDLEBERG.EDU

TUITION: $14,575

R&B: $7,630

SIZE: 1,328

With the world population expanding, there's a great need for researchers who can help guarantee water quality and quantity. The college's water research program trains researchers who specialize in water pollution, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Agriculture rely on the school's data. Also, as a 'Berg student, you can participate in any of the 20 NCAA Division III athletic teams for men and women.

HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY, HEMPSTEAD, NY

WWW.HOFSTRA.EDU

TUITION: $19,010

R&B: $9,000

SIZE: 13,221

Education continues to be one of the more popular career paths, and Hofstra University offers more than 25 related options, including earth science education, school health education, foreign language education, and elementary bilingual education. Having these options allows you to focus in the area you enjoy most while pursuing the teaching degree you desire. Plus, with more than 500 cultural events each year, 140 student organizations, and seven theaters, you're bound to find something to entertain you outside the classroom.

MCPHERSON COLLEGE, MCPHERSON, KS

WWW.MCPHERSON.EDU

TUITION: $14,385

R&B: $5,620

SIZE: 436

Fueled by extensive research, the authentic automotive restorations program at McPherson prepares you for a very exciting and rewarding career. Not only is this the only four-year college that offers a degree in automotive restoration technology, but it is also internationally recognized for the quality of its education and graduates. Just recently, the college was the recipient of a $100,000 donation from Car Search, a reality show on the SPEED channel. And, since 1997, Jay Leno (a car enthusiast himself) has supported the program each year.

MOUNT ALOYSIUS, CRESSON, PA

WWW.MTALOY.EDU

TUITION: $13,670

R&B: $5,960

SIZE: 1,473

The medical imaging/ultrasonography program provides both an academic and clinical education. The courses satisfy requirements for the entry level of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. With a 99 percent job placement rate in health studies, you'll feel secure entering the job market. And for a private college, the price is right--especially since it was voted #1 by US News and World Report for students graduating with the least debt!

RINGLING SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGN, SARASOTA, FL

WWW.RINGLING.EDU

TUITION: $19,980

R&B: $9,120

SIZE: 989

If your passion is the visual arts, then Ringling School of Art & Design might be right for you. The graphic and interactive communications program, for example, provides students with the skills to create a range of modern commercial designs, from print materials for CDs and billboards to motion graphics and digital video to Web sites. The latest technology in hardware and software will be at your fingertips in courses leading to a bachelor's in fine arts. And, 60 art galleries, sandy beaches, and baseball spring training camps will keep you entertained.