Major Academic Pathways

There are lots of ways to pick a major or career. At UMKC we want that decision to be based on your unique strengths and interests. Research shows students who make informed and committed decisions are more likely to succeed and graduate college.

Major Academic Pathways

UCollege students will focus their exploration using Major Academic Pathways (MAPs) that group majors with shared interests, skills, and similar career outcomes together.  Students will work with Exploratory Advisors and UCollege Staff to identify relevant MAPs to support their curricular and exploratory choices. See a brief description and exploratory curriculum for the five MAPs below:

Arts and Cultural Studies

This MAP houses the majors at UMKC that have a focus on creative and expressive disciplines.  Individuals with interests in visual and performing arts and/or languages, writing, and literature are encouraged to explore these fields. Explore course information for the Arts and Cultural Studies MAP on the catalog.

Human Behavior, Education and Justice

Students will find areas with an emphasis on people (across the life-span, individually, and in groups) in this MAP.  Those curious to understand and impact human’s thoughts, actions, emotions, learning, relationships, and communication from various perspectives are invited to evaluate these majors. To learn more about courses included in the Human Behavior, Education and Justice MAP, visit the catalog.

Business and Management

The data driven understanding of the business and the financial world drives the majors in this MAP. Students seeking opportunities to engage in areas related to management, marketing, entrepreneurship, and accounting may find interest in these disciplines. Students can explore the courses included in the Business and Management MAP on the catalog.

Numbers, Engineering, Technology and the Cosmos

Majors with an emphasis on physical, structural, and mathematical understanding are housed in this MAP.  Students with a desire to engage in fields related to technology, Earth and the Universe, engineering, and physics may be curious to explore in these areas. Students can explore their first year courses and subsequent exploratory courses for this MAP on the catalog.

Natural and Health Sciences

This MAP has a foundation in physiological, chemical, and biological processes.  People seeking opportunities in health care (patient care, administration, promotion, and prevention), laboratory science, and scientific industries may find a fit in these fields. Visit the catalog to learn about first year and exploratory courses for the Natural and Health Sciences MAP.

Seminar Series Content

The University College Seminar Series will offer to each exploratory student the opportunity for success through the engagement with faculty and advising staff, the development of educational plans, the clarification of career and life goals, and the emphasis of the value of the core skills developed through UMKC's general education. Students enrolled in the series will earn credit for coursework that can be applied to elective hours required for graduation. In addition, seminar courses have a duration of an entire 16-week semester and a low student-to-instructor ratio to assure that productive interactions take place within a cooperative learning environment for each student.