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Career Pathways

Students of the College of Education, Health & Human Services go on to pursue rewarding careers focused on improving the quality of life for individuals and communities. Our graduates serve in health care, the public sector, and a variety of other businesses and industries. Explore popular careers that relate to your area of interest or department/school.

Teacher helping a student in class

EDUCATION

Education graduates have a variety of career opportunities in the field of education, with the chance to make a significant impact on the lives of students and contribute to the future of society. Graduates can pursue various roles within the K-12 education system including, instruction, administration, advising, and more.

  • Education Career Paths

    Classroom Teacher (Preschool, K-12): The most traditional career path for education graduates, classroom teachers work directly with students in various grade levels and subjects, delivering lessons, managing the classroom, and assessing student progress. 

    Special Education Teacher: They work with students with disabilities, providing individualized instruction and support to help them reach their full potential. 

    Subject-Specific Teacher: Graduates may specialize in specific subjects, such as mathematics, science, English, history, art, or physical education, teaching those subjects to different grade levels. 

    ESL/Bilingual Teacher: They work with English language learners, helping them develop their language skills and succeed in the mainstream classroom. 

    School Counselor: Graduates can become school counselors, providing academic, social, and emotional support to students to help them navigate challenges and plan for their future. 

    Curriculum Developer/Instructional Specialist: They design and develop educational materials, curriculum, and lesson plans for schools and districts. 

    Education Administrator: Graduates can pursue leadership roles as principals, vice principals, or school administrators, overseeing school operations and academic programs. 

    Education Consultant: They provide expertise to schools, districts, or educational organizations on various educational matters, including curriculum development, teacher training, and school improvement. 

    Instructional Coach/Mentor: They work with teachers to improve instructional practices, offering guidance and support for professional development. 

    Education Technology Specialist: Graduates can work with schools and districts to integrate technology into the classroom and support teachers in utilizing educational technology effectively. 

    Education Policy Analyst/Advocate: They work in policy organizations and government agencies, advocating for education reforms and influencing educational policies. 

    School Librarian/Media Specialist: They manage school libraries and media centers, providing resources and support for students and teachers. 

    Education Researcher: Graduates can work in academic institutions or research organizations, conducting studies on educational practices and contributing to evidence-based improvements. 

    Community Education Coordinator: They collaborate with community organizations to develop and implement educational programs and initiatives outside of the traditional school setting. 

    Tutor/Teaching Assistant: Graduates can work as tutors or teaching assistants, providing additional support to students in the classroom or through private tutoring sessions. 

    These are just a few examples of the diverse career opportunities available to K-12 education/teacher graduates. The field of education offers a rewarding path for individuals who are passionate about teaching, learning, and shaping the future of students in the K-12 education system. 

  • Education Academic Options

kindergarten teacher and child

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Human development graduates have a wide range of career opportunities that involve understanding human growth, behavior, and relationships across the lifespan. Graduates with a degree in human development can work in various fields that focus on individuals' physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.

  • Human Development Career Paths

    Child Life Specialist: They work in hospitals and healthcare settings to support children and their families during medical procedures and hospitalizations. 

    Early Childhood Educator: Graduates can work as preschool teachers or administrators, providing a nurturing and educational environment for young children. 

    School Counselor: Human development graduates can pursue additional education and become school counselors, helping students with academic, social, and emotional challenges. 

    Social Worker: They work in various settings, such as schools, hospitals, and community organizations, providing support and assistance to individuals and families in need. 

    Family Support Specialist: Graduates can work with community-based organizations to provide resources and support to families facing various challenges. 

    Youth Program Coordinator: They design and manage programs and services for youth in community centers, non-profits, or government agencies. 

    Human Resources Specialist: Graduates can work in human resources departments, focusing on employee development, training, and workplace well-being. 

    Marriage and Family Therapist: Human development graduates can pursue further education and licensure to become marriage and family therapists, helping individuals and families navigate relationship challenges. 

    Gerontology Specialist: They work with older adults, providing support, resources, and services to enhance their quality of life. 

    Public Health Educator: Graduates can work in public health organizations, promoting health and well-being across different age groups. 

    Nonprofit Program Manager: They manage and coordinate programs for nonprofit organizations that focus on child and family development. 

    Research Assistant: Human development graduates can work as research assistants in academic institutions or research organizations, contributing to studies on human behavior and development. 

    Community Outreach Coordinator: They work with community-based organizations to develop and implement outreach programs that address various community needs. 

    Rehabilitation Counselor: Graduates can work with individuals with disabilities, helping them achieve independence and inclusion in society. 

    Developmental Specialist: They provide early intervention services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. 

    These are just a few examples of the diverse career opportunities available to human development graduates. The field of human development offers a rewarding path for individuals who are passionate about understanding and supporting human growth and well-being across various stages of life. 

  • Human Development Academic Options

physical therapist with patient

KINESIOLOGY

Kinesiology graduates have a wide range of career opportunities in various fields that focus on human movement, physical activity, and health. 

 

 

  • Kinesiology Career Paths

    Exercise Physiologist: They work with individuals to develop exercise programs based on their health conditions and fitness goals. They often work in clinical settings, rehabilitation centers, and fitness facilities. 

    Physical Therapist: Kinesiology graduates can pursue further education to become licensed physical therapists, helping patients recover from injuries, improve mobility, and manage pain. 

    Occupational Therapist: They work with individuals to improve their ability to perform daily activities after illness, injury, or disability. 

    Personal Trainer: Kinesiology graduates can become certified personal trainers, helping clients with personalized fitness programs and nutrition advice in gyms, fitness centers, or as independent contractors. 

    Athletic Trainer: They provide preventive and rehabilitative care for athletes and physically active individuals to prevent and manage injuries. 

    Sports Coach: Graduates with a focus on sports science and coaching can pursue careers as sports coaches at various levels, from school teams to professional organizations. 

    Health Educator: Kinesiology graduates can work as health educators, promoting healthy lifestyles and delivering wellness programs in communities, schools, and corporate settings. 

    Recreation Therapist: They plan and implement recreational activities and therapy programs to help individuals with disabilities, illnesses, or injuries improve their physical and mental well-being. 

    Biomechanist: Graduates with a focus on biomechanics can work in research, studying human movement and its impact on performance and injury prevention. 

    Sports Performance Specialist: They work with athletes to enhance their performance through specialized training and conditioning programs. 

    Exercise Scientist/Researcher: Kinesiology graduates can pursue research careers in exercise science, studying topics related to physiology, biomechanics, and physical activity. 

    Public Health Specialist: Graduates can work in public health organizations, developing and implementing programs to promote physical activity and prevent chronic diseases. 

    Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist: They help patients recover from heart-related conditions by designing safe and effective exercise programs. 

    Wellness Coordinator: Graduates can work in corporate settings, developing and managing employee wellness programs to improve overall health and productivity. 

    Health and Fitness Consultant: Graduates can work as consultants for fitness facilities, healthcare organizations, or private businesses, providing expertise in health and fitness management. 

    These are just a few examples of the diverse career opportunities available to kinesiology graduates. The field continues to grow, and with further specialization and advanced education, individuals can explore various rewarding career paths in health, fitness, and sports-related industries. 

  • Kinesiology Academic Options

nurse with patient in wellness check

NURSING

Nursing graduates have a wide range of career opportunities in the healthcare industry. Nursing is a rewarding profession that involves caring for patients, promoting health, and advocating for the well-being of people and the community. Nursing graduates can work in various healthcare settings and specialize in different areas of nursing practice. 

  • Nursing Career Paths

    Registered Nurse (RN): The most common career path for nursing graduates is becoming a registered nurse. RNs work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings, providing direct patient care, administering medications, and collaborating with healthcare teams. 

    Specialty Nurse: Graduates can specialize in various nursing areas, such as pediatric nursing, geriatric nursing, critical care nursing, psychiatric-mental health nursing, and more. 

    Nurse Practitioner (NP): With additional education and certification, nursing graduates can become nurse practitioners, providing advanced nursing care, diagnosing and treating patients, and prescribing medications. 

    Nurse Educator: Nursing graduates can work as nurse educators, teaching and training future nurses in academic institutions, hospitals, and healthcare organizations. 

    Nurse Manager/Administrator: They can work in administrative roles, managing nursing units, coordinating patient care, and overseeing nursing staff. 

    Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): CNSs are specialized nurses who provide expert consultation and education to healthcare teams and patients in specific clinical areas. 

    Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): Graduates can become CNMs, providing care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. 

    Nurse Anesthetist: With further education and certification, nursing graduates can become nurse anesthetists, administering anesthesia during medical procedures. 

    Public Health Nurse: They work in community settings, focusing on preventive healthcare, health promotion, and disease prevention. 

    Home Health Nurse: Graduates can work as home health nurses, providing medical care to patients in their homes. 

    Occupational Health Nurse: They work in occupational settings, promoting employee health and safety and providing healthcare services to workers. 

    Travel Nurse: Nursing graduates can work as travel nurses, providing temporary nursing services in different locations or during emergencies. 

    Hospice Nurse: They provide compassionate care to patients with terminal illnesses and support to their families. 

    Research Nurse: Graduates can work in research settings, assisting in clinical trials and research studies related to healthcare. 

    School Nurse: They work in educational settings, caring for students' health needs and promoting health education in schools. 

    These are just a few examples of the diverse career opportunities available to nursing graduates. Nursing is a dynamic and versatile profession, and graduates can find fulfilling roles in a variety of healthcare settings, making a significant difference in patients' lives and contributing to the healthcare field's advancement. 

  • Nursing Academic Options

doctor talking about global pandemic

PUBLIC HEALTH

Public health graduates have a wide range of career opportunities that involve promoting health and well-being, preventing disease, and addressing health disparities in communities and populations. Public health professionals work to improve the overall health of individuals and populations through research, education, policy development, and community engagement.

  • Public Health Career Paths

    Epidemiologist: They study the patterns and causes of diseases and injuries in populations, conduct research, and analyze data to identify health trends and risk factors.

    Health Educator: Public health graduates can work as health educators, developing and implementing programs to promote healthy behaviors and disease prevention in communities.

    Health Promotion Specialist: They design and coordinate health promotion campaigns and initiatives aimed at raising awareness and encouraging positive health behaviors.

    Community Health Worker: They work directly with community members to provide health education, support, and resources to improve health outcomes.

    Health Policy Analyst: Public health graduates can work in policy organizations and government agencies, analyzing and developing health policies to address public health issues.

    Global Health Specialist: They work on international health issues, addressing global health challenges, and collaborating with organizations to implement health programs worldwide.

    Environmental Health Specialist: They focus on identifying and mitigating environmental factors that may impact public health, such as air and water quality.

    Occupational Health and Safety Specialist: They work to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees, reducing workplace-related injuries and illnesses.

    Public Health Consultant: Graduates can work as consultants, providing expertise to organizations on public health matters and program development.

    Infection Control Specialist: They develop and implement strategies to prevent and control infectious diseases in healthcare settings and communities.

    Maternal and Child Health Specialist: They focus on the health and well-being of mothers and children, working on programs to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

    Health Program Coordinator/Manager: Public health graduates can manage and coordinate public health programs and initiatives, ensuring their effective implementation and evaluation.

    Health Data Analyst: They analyze health data to identify trends and patterns, providing valuable insights for public health decision-making.

    Public Health Researcher: Graduates can work in academic institutions and research organizations, conducting studies on public health issues and contributing to evidence-based interventions.

    Public Health Administrator: They work in healthcare organizations, public health departments, or non-profit agencies, overseeing the management and delivery of public health services. 

    These are just a few examples of the diverse career opportunities available to public health graduates. Public health professionals play a critical role in improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities and are essential in shaping policies and programs that address public health challenges globally. 

  • Public Health Academic Options

group therapy session with counselor reaching out to patient

SOCIAL WORK

Social work graduates have diverse career opportunities that involve helping individuals, families, and communities overcome challenges, improve their well-being, and achieve positive change. Social workers play a vital role in addressing social issues, advocating for vulnerable populations, and providing support and resources to those in need. 

  • Social Work Career Paths

    Clinical Social Worker: They provide counseling and therapy services to individuals, families, and groups dealing with mental health and emotional challenges. 

    Medical Social Worker: They work in hospitals and healthcare settings, helping patients and their families cope with medical conditions, providing support, and coordinating care. 

    School Social Worker: They work in educational settings, supporting students and families with social, emotional, and behavioral issues that may affect academic performance. 

    Child Welfare Case Worker: Social work graduates can work for child welfare agencies, investigating and addressing cases of child abuse and neglect, and ensuring the safety and well-being of children. 

    Substance Abuse Counselor: They work with individuals struggling with addiction, providing counseling and support for recovery. 

    Geriatric Social Worker: They provide services and support to older adults and their families, helping them navigate issues related to aging, healthcare, and long-term care. 

    Hospice and Palliative Care Social Worker: They offer emotional support and resources to individuals and families facing end-of-life care and bereavement. 

    Military Social Worker: Social work graduates can work with military personnel and their families, addressing the unique challenges faced by the military community. 

    Community Organizer: They work with communities to identify needs, develop programs, and advocate for social change and community development. 

    Policy Analyst/Advocate: Graduates can work in policy organizations and government agencies, advocating for social justice and influencing policies that address social issues. 

    International Social Worker: Social work graduates can work with international organizations, providing humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and support to communities in crisis. 

    Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist: They work in community-based organizations, designing and implementing programs to prevent substance abuse and promote healthy behaviors. 

    Adoption Counselor: Social workers in this role help individuals and families navigate the adoption process and provide support throughout the adoption journey. 

    Victim Advocate: They support individuals who have experienced trauma or victimization, helping them access resources and navigate the legal system. 

    Program Manager/Coordinator: Graduates can work in various non-profit and government agencies, managing and coordinating social service programs. 

    These are just a few examples of the many career opportunities available to social work graduates. Social work is a rewarding profession that allows individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of others and contribute to social change and well-being in communities. 

  • Social Work Academic Options

speech-language pathologist in a session with young girl

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

Speech-language pathology graduates have a range of rewarding career opportunities that involve diagnosing and treating individuals with communication and swallowing disorders. Speech-language pathologists play a crucial role in helping people of all ages improve their speech, language, and communication skills. 

  • Speech-Language Pathology Career Paths

    Clinical Speech-Language Pathologist: This is the most common career path for graduates. They work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practices, providing assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for speech and language disorders. 

    School Speech-Language Pathologist: They work in educational settings, helping students with communication difficulties, speech delays, and language disorders that may affect academic performance. 

    Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist: Specializing in working with children, they address speech and language disorders in infants, toddlers, and school-age children. 

    Adult Speech-Language Pathologist: Specializing in working with adults, they address communication and swallowing difficulties caused by strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or other medical conditions. 

    Medical Speech-Language Pathologist: They work in hospitals and medical centers, assisting patients with communication and swallowing difficulties resulting from medical conditions, surgeries, or treatments. 

    Rehabilitation Speech-Language Pathologist: They provide speech and language therapy to patients in rehabilitation centers, assisting with recovery after injuries or medical procedures. 

    Private Practice Speech-Language Pathologist: Some graduates choose to establish their own private practices, offering speech and language services to clients independently. 

    Research Speech-Language Pathologist: Graduates can pursue research careers, contributing to advancements in speech-language pathology and related fields. 

    Accent Modification Specialist: They work with individuals to modify or reduce accents that may interfere with communication. 

    Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Specialist: They specialize in using AAC devices and strategies to help individuals with severe communication impairments. 

    Voice Specialist: They work with individuals with voice disorders, providing therapy to improve vocal quality and function. 

    Fluency Specialist: They assist individuals who stutter, providing therapy to improve fluency and communication. 

    Dysphagia Specialist: They focus on swallowing disorders, helping patients improve their ability to swallow safely. 

    Educational Consultant: Graduates can work as consultants, providing training and support to educators on addressing speech and language needs in the classroom. 

    Telepractice Speech-Language Pathologist: Some graduates may choose to provide services remotely through telepractice, using technology to connect with clients in various locations. 

    These are just a few examples of the many career opportunities available to speech-language pathology graduates. The field offers a diverse range of settings and populations to work with, making it a fulfilling profession for those who are passionate about helping individuals improve their communication and quality of life. 

  • Speech-Language Pathology Academic Options