UC Merced Launches Three New Majors to Shape the Future
UC Merced has unveiled three new majors that aim to shape students' understanding of complex information and help them navigate the challenges of the modern world. The majors, which will be available to undergraduate students starting Fall Semester 2025, are centered in the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, with ties to the Schools of Natural Sciences and Engineering.
The three new majors are Communication and Media; Neuroscience; and Science, Technology and Ethics.
Communication and Media Major
Professor Jayson Beaster-Jones, who led the development of the Communication and Media major, stated that "students recognized this was something they wanted. The major allows us to combine faculty expertise in cultural studies, film studies, performance studies, visual studies, sound studies, gender studies, rhetoric, writing studies, cognitive science, and linguistics." This interdisciplinary approach will immerse students in research and practices that form communication in diverse media.
Transfer students will appreciate the lower-division communications and writing courses, which align with those taught at two- and four-year institutions throughout California. Upper-division courses offer a rich menu of specialties, including podcasting, photography, video production, and more.
"With this major, we're bringing in researchers at the top of their fields to teach at an excellent level. We're looking for students who are highly motivated and want to prepare for excellent careers," Beaster-Jones said.
Possible career paths from the Communication and Media major include content creator, marketing manager, journalist, animator, public relations specialists, and editor.
Neuroscience Major
Professor Tony Shahin head of UC Merced's Center for Interdisciplinary Neuroscience emphasized that "neuroscience is at the intersection of all sciences and arts." The neuroscience degree will offer both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts options, diving into topics like neurobiology, psychology, cognitive science, biomedical engineering, chemistry, physics, mathematics, as well as broader subjects.
The B.S. track includes three emphases: Molecular, Systems and Cellular; Computational, Perceptual, and Cognitive; and Neuroscience of Human Health and Development. Students can also earn a neuroscience minor with faculty support.
Possible career paths from the Neuroscience major include natural sciences manager, clinical research coordinator, biological technician, data analyst, medical or biological scientist, and physician.
"A degree in neuroscience allows students to tailor their career to fit their unique interest," Shahin said. "As a long-time neuroscientist, I am thrilled to begin teaching this discipline to our undergraduate student population at UC Merced."
Science, Technology and Ethics Major
Philosophy Professor Dan Hicks stated that "someone needs to understand both the technical details as well as the broader social context" when addressing controversies like climate change, vaccines, or genetically modified food. The Science, Technology and Ethics major combines studies in fields like engineering, biology, Applied Mathematics with courses commonly associated with a philosophy major.
The B.S. degree program requires students to take at least three STEM courses, integrating STEM instruction with social science and humanities coursework. Possible career areas from this degree include information technology, human resources, public relations, project management, intellectual property law, or social science research.
"These new majors will shape our students' understanding of complex issues and prepare them for careers that require a deep understanding of both technical and humanistic perspectives," said UC Merced's Chancellor.