Major/Minor
Public Health
Public Health teaches you the concepts and principles related to the American public health system. Through active engagement in courses, you will complete opportunities and case studies in health behavior, community assessment, epidemiology, and program development related to a broad array of community issues, public health services, and populations.
Major/Minor
Statistics
The growth and importance of data requires qualified people to collect, analyze, summarize, interpret, and effectively use the data. Statistics majors/minors receive in-depth exposure to the theory, application, and tools of statistics to prepare them for a wide range of careers, including analytics and actuarial science. Learn more here.
Major/Minor
Health and Physical Education
Health and Physical Education (HPE) majors prepare to work with people of all ages and in many movement-related settings. Those who complete a major in HPE with state teaching licensure are typically preparing for work in K-12 educational settings, such as in Physical Education (Phy Ed., P.E.), and coaching. Majors also pursue graduate study in kinesiology-related disciplines. See sample courses and careers here.
Major/Minor
Pre-Actuarial Science
Future actuaries major in Mathematics, Statistics, and/or Economics for careers managing risk in finance, insurance, retirement planning, and economics. You pursue actuarial science at Gustavus with a faculty advisor from the Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics Department who assists you in selecting courses and professional experiences. Sample courses and career paths here.
Major/Minor
Pre-Engineering
Future engineers major in Physics, Chemistry, and/or Math, preparing for careers ranging from civil and mechanical engineering to electrical and biomedical engineering. You'll earn a degree in engineering through Gustavus coursework, plus coursework at a school of engineering. (Gustavus has a dual degree program partnership with Washington University in St. Louis).
Major/Minor
Theatre Performance
As a Gustavus Theatre Performance major/minor, you'll perform, create, and design unique theatrical experiences. You'll gain an understanding of the theatre-making process from different perspectives. You'll work on mainstage productions. And you'll be acting in them, of course, on our multiple stages. You'll also dive into the rich history, literature, and theory of drama and performance.
Major/Minor
Accounting
The Accounting major/minor at Gustavus provides an academic background for students who wish to pursue professional positions in accounting or private businesses. It is a great option for those who plan to complete an MBA before getting a CPA license, or do not plan to become CPAs. (See the Public Accounting major for more.)
Major/Minor
Sociology and Anthropology
Sociology and Anthropology majors/minors explore historic and current issues related to different cultures and analyze the interactions of people and societies. You learn how to convey ideas effectively, develop analytical skills, and gain experience with research methods to recognize trends and produce social statistics. See sample courses and career paths (such as social work, public health, and law) here.
Major/Minor
Theatre Design and Technology
As a Theatre Design and Technology major, you'll work on technique, practical application, and collaboration with actors and directors in multiple drama and musical productions. You'll explore theatre-making from different perspectives, through coursework and creative practice. Our spaces and stages (including a new black box theater) use the latest science and technology to design theatre.
Major/Minor
Geology
Gustavus Geology majors/minors study the history of Earth and its life forms, learn about our changing global systems, and discover and preserve natural resources. Field, laboratory, and analytical research are emphasized, and you'll work with a close-knit community of faculty and students as you study landscapes, climate, natural hazards, mountain building, and the evolution and extinction of life on field trips in Minnesota and beyond. It's rocks and fossils and so much more. You'll graduate with the skills for multiple career paths.
Major/Minor
Pre-Medicine
Students interested in careers in medicine, as medical doctors and other doctoral-level careers in health care sciences, major in Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Gustavus. Our career specialists in the Office of Health Professions guide you from the moment you enter Gustavus through your acceptance to med school. Gustavus has a long legacy of producing doctors across all specialities, who have studied at top universities across the U.S.
Major/Minor
Pre-Physician Assistant
Pre-physician assistant students major in Biology and/or Exercise Physiology on their way to diagnosing and treating illness and providing patient care in clinics and hospitals. You'll get a strong science foundation for PA school, plus the freedom to explore through electives. The Office of Health Professions provides comprehensive support on your journey, from navigating prerequisite requirements to PA grad school applications.