McDaniel College announces eight new undergraduate majors

McDaniel College is adding eight new undergraduate majors beginning Fall 2020. The new bachelor’s degrees include Actuarial Science, Applied Mathematics, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Criminal Justice, Health Sciences, Marketing and Writing and Publishing.  

“These new majors reflect innovative curricular changes that will further enhance the quality of our academic program,” said McDaniel Provost and Executive Vice President Julia Jasken. “All eight of these new undergraduate degree programs are a direct result of the work done by our faculty to strengthen our academic program by aligning our academic offerings with the interests of current and prospective students. We believe that these new degrees will prepare our students for careers in growing fields.”  

McDaniel College has received approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission to offer the new majors, and the college’s Board of Trustees approved the new majors at their May 2019 meeting.  

More about McDaniel College's new bachelor's degrees:

Actuarial Science  

This interdisciplinary program applies mathematical and economic concepts by combining already existing courses in McDaniel’s Mathematics, Economics and Business Administration programs. In addition, this new major prepares students for certification through the Society of Actuaries.  

Applied Mathematics 

Offered through McDaniel’s Mathematics and Computer Science department, this new undergraduate degree emphasizes mathematics courses used in common applications. A data analysis track within the major also prepares students for McDaniel’s graduate program in data analytics, either by earning a combined five-year bachelor’s degree/master’s degree or by pursuing a master’s degree after completion of a bachelor’s degree.     

Biochemistry  

Combining coursework in both Biology and Chemistry, this new standalone major replaces the existing Biochemistry specialization within McDaniel’s Chemistry major.  

Biomedical Science  

An interdisciplinary major that provides a foundation in both Biology and Chemistry for students interested in careers in the medical field. This structured program meets the needs and requirements for students interested in pursuing medical, dental and veterinary schools.   

Criminal Justice 

This new standalone major replaces the existing criminal justice specialization within McDaniel’s Sociology major and includes additional coursework in Political Science, Religious Studies and Philosophy.   

Health Sciences 

This new undergraduate major combines courses in Kinesiology, Biology, Chemistry and Psychology to create career-focused tracks for students interested in allied health professions as physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists and pharmacists.  

Marketing  

Although McDaniel has offered Marketing courses, as well as a Marketing minor, this new major allows for greater depth of studies for students interested in pursuing marketing careers including in advertising, sales, promotions and market research.  

Writing and Publishing  

This new undergraduate major within the English department supports students who want to work in writing, editing and publishing. The first major of its kind offered in the State of Maryland, it includes professional, digital and creative writing courses.