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Majors and Careers

Wherever you’re headed, an NC State education can help you get there. Choose from hundreds of world-class academic programs, each one designed to prepare you for success.

As the largest university in North Carolina — and the flagship STEM campus of the UNC System — NC State is a launchpad for the rest of your life. And because we’re a public university built to serve the people, we’re the best investment you’ll ever make.

Students work in a chemistry lab on main campus.
CALS student April Lamb works with carp (fish) on Lake Matamuskeet near the coast of North Carolina.

Major Opportunities

While we have our roots in agriculture and engineering, we’re home to leading programs in design, education, humanities and social sciences, management, natural resources, sciences, textiles, veterinary medicine and more.

At NC State, you can take your pick from more than 100 majors. Below, you’ll get a glimpse of where we excel.

Agriculture and Life Sciences

Since 1887, we’ve supported crucial agriculture across North Carolina and helped pioneer its future.

Design and the Humanities

As a comprehensive university, we boast world-class programs in the humanities and social sciences — and a world-class design college.

Engineering

NC State is a powerhouse of engineering, ranked among the best universities in the nation for our teaching and research.

Entrepreneurship and Management

There are few better places in the country to turn your bright ideas into thriving business ventures.

STEM

We’re hailed for our strength in science and technology, and we’re also home to one of the top colleges of veterinary medicine on the planet.

Strengthening North Carolina

From next-gen textiles to natural resources to preparing future educators, we do all we can to support our state.

Course Catalog

NC State offers a wealth of academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. See if we have what you need, or explore by college or department.

Students present their finding at a Data Sciences Academy event at the visualization studio at DH Hill Jr Library on main campus.

Follow Your Path

At NC State, your choice of major is just the beginning. We offer a range of minors and other options to help tailor your education to your needs and interests.

Not sure what you want to study? If you haven’t yet narrowed your focus, our first-year Exploratory Studies program will help you find your way.

And if you see yourself attending medical school, law school or veterinary school, we offer dedicated preprofessional support to help you plan for your future.

A graduate studnets works inside of the FREEDM Center on Centennial campus.

Be Ready for Everything

NC State was built to make higher education accessible to all — and to prepare people for successful careers and meaningful lives. We strive to fulfill that mission, which is why we’re routinely ranked among the best values in public higher education for our state and across the nation.

At this university, you’ll learn by doing and gain the insights and experience needed to hit the ground running after college. From day one, we offer dedicated career development, extensive internship and co-op opportunities, and access to one of the strongest alumni networks in the country.

In short, when you start at NC State, you can’t be stopped.

#5 for Value Among Public Universities

We’re among the top 10 in the nation for value, according to U.S. News & World Report.

#1 for Salary Potential

Among North Carolina public universities, an NC State education pays off the most, according to Payscale.