Elon University Degree Programs: A Comprehensive Overview
Elon University, a private institution located in Elon, North Carolina, offers a wide array of academic programs spanning undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. Founded in 1889 by the Christian Connection, now a part of the United Church of Christ, Elon has evolved into a nationally recognized university known for its engaged learning opportunities and commitment to student success. The university is organized into six schools, each contributing to Elon's diverse academic landscape.
Academic Divisions and Schools
Elon University is structured into the following schools:
- Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
- Martha and Spencer Love School of Business
- School of Communications
- Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education
- School of Law
- School of Health Sciences
These schools collectively offer a comprehensive range of programs designed to prepare students for various careers and advanced studies.
Undergraduate Programs
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, forms the academic core of the university, offering 51 undergraduate majors across three divisions:
- The Arts and Humanities: Encompasses disciplines such as art, history, English, music, and languages.
- The Social and Behavioral Sciences: Includes fields like psychology, sociology, political science, and economics.
- The Natural, Mathematical, and Computational Sciences: Features programs in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science.
Martha and Spencer Love School of Business
The Martha and Spencer Love School of Business provides undergraduate programs in various business-related fields, including:
Read also: Experiential Learning at Elon
- Accounting
- Business Analytics
- Economics
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Finance
- International Business
- Management
- Marketing
School of Communications
The Elon School of Communications, accredited by the Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC), offers programs such as:
- Communication Design
- Cinema & Television Arts
- Digital Content Management
- Journalism
- Strategic Communications
Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education
The Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education offers undergraduate programs in:
- Elementary Education
- Elementary Education & Special Education
Graduate Programs
Elon University offers a variety of full-time and part-time graduate programs designed for working professionals and recent graduates. These programs are housed within the various schools and cater to specific career goals.
Martha and Spencer Love School of Business
The Love School of Business offers several graduate programs, including:
- MBA (Master of Business Administration): A part-time program designed for working professionals, allowing customization to meet specific needs. The MBA program aims to develop leadership skills and strategic thinking.
- MSBA (Master of Science in Business Analytics): A full-time, accelerated program focused on the management and analysis of data. It prepares students to be change-makers in business through data-driven decision-making.
- MSA (Master of Science in Accounting): A full-time, accelerated program ideal for recent graduates seeking to become CPA-ready. The program provides an in-depth understanding of accounting principles and practices.
Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education
- M.Ed. (Master of Education) in Innovation: A part-time, distance education program designed for active K-12 educators. It focuses on developing innovative teaching methods and leadership skills.
- MHE (Master of Arts in Higher Education): Designed to prepare professionals for administrative, educational, and mentoring roles in colleges and universities.
School of Health Sciences
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT): A program emphasizing a patient-centered approach to physical therapy.
- Physician Assistant Studies: A master's program preparing students for careers as physician assistants.
- ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing): An accelerated program for students with a bachelor's degree in another field, preparing them for a nursing career.
School of Law
- Elon Law Flex Program: A part-time program designed for career professionals and others unable to commit to full-time legal education.
Specific Degree Programs
Elon University offers a multitude of specific degree programs, catering to a wide range of interests and career aspirations. These programs include:
Read also: Elon's Notable Graduates
- Accounting (B.S., Minor, MSA): Comprehensive programs covering financial accounting, managerial accounting, and auditing.
- Acting (B.F.A.): A program focused on developing acting skills for stage and screen.
- Adventure Based Learning (Minor): An interdisciplinary program combining outdoor education and experiential learning.
- African & African-American Studies (Minor): Explores the history, culture, and social issues related to African and African-American communities.
- American Studies (Minor): An interdisciplinary program examining American culture and society.
- Anthropology (A.B., Minor): Studies human societies, cultures, and their development.
- Applied Mathematics (A.B., B.S.): Focuses on mathematical techniques and their applications in various fields.
- Art (A.B., B.F.A., Minor): Programs covering various art forms, including painting, sculpture, and graphic design.
- Art History (A.B., Minor): Studies the history and theory of art.
- Arts Administration (A.B.): Prepares students for careers in managing and promoting arts organizations.
- Asian Studies (Minor): Explores the cultures, history, and languages of Asia.
- Astronomy (A.B., Minor): Studies celestial objects and phenomena.
- Astrophysics (B.S.): Combines physics and astronomy to study the physical properties of celestial objects.
- Bio-Physics/Biomedical Engineering Dual Degree (B.S.): A joint program combining biology, physics, and engineering.
- Biochemistry (B.S.): Studies the chemical processes in living organisms.
- Biology (A.B., B.S., Minor): Programs covering various aspects of biology, including biotechnology, molecular biology, and integrative biology.
- Business Administration (Minor): A foundational program for students interested in business principles.
- Business Analytics (B.S.B.A., MSBA): Focuses on data analysis and its application in business decision-making.
- Chemistry (A.B., B.S., Minor): Programs covering various aspects of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry.
- Chemistry/Chemical Engineering Dual Degree (B.S.): A joint program combining chemistry and chemical engineering.
- Cinema & Television Arts (A.B.): Studies the art and techniques of filmmaking and television production.
- Classical Studies (A.B., Minor): Explores the languages, literature, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome.
- Coaching (Minor): Focuses on the principles and techniques of coaching in sports and other fields.
- Communication Design (A.B.): Studies visual communication and design principles.
- Communications (Minor): An interdisciplinary program exploring various aspects of communication.
- Computer Science (A.B., B.S., Minor): Programs covering various aspects of computer science, including programming, algorithms, and data structures.
- Computer Science/Engineering Dual Degree (B.S.): A joint program combining computer science and engineering.
- Creative Writing (Minor): Focuses on developing writing skills in various genres.
- Criminal Justice Studies (Minor): An interdisciplinary program exploring the criminal justice system.
- Cybersecurity Management (Minor): Focuses on the management and protection of computer systems and networks.
- Dance (Minor): Explores various dance styles and techniques.
- Dance Performance & Choreography (B.F.A.): A program focused on developing dance performance and choreography skills.
- Dance Science (B.S.): Combines dance with scientific principles to study human movement.
- Data Analytics (A.B.): Focuses on data analysis techniques and their applications.
- Data Science (Minor): An interdisciplinary program exploring data science principles and methods.
- Digital Art (Minor): Explores digital art techniques and tools.
- Digital Content Management (A.B.): Focuses on the creation, management, and distribution of digital content.
- Drama & Theatre Studies (A.B.): Studies the history, theory, and practice of theatre.
- Early Childhood (Minor): Focuses on the development and education of young children.
- Economic Consulting (B.S.B.A.): Applies economic principles to business consulting.
- Economics (A.B., Minor): Studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
- Education (M.Ed.): A graduate program for educators seeking to advance their skills and knowledge.
- Elementary Education (A.B.): Prepares students to teach in elementary schools.
- Elementary Education & Special Education (A.B.): Prepares students to teach both general education and special education in elementary schools.
- Engineering (B.S.): Programs covering various engineering disciplines, including biomedical, civil & environmental, computing, and mechanical.
- Engineering Design (Minor): Focuses on the principles and techniques of engineering design.
- Engineering Dual Degree (5 years) (B.S.): Joint programs combining engineering with other disciplines, such as bio-physics, chemistry, computer science, engineering mathematics, engineering physics, and environmental science.
- English (A.B.): Programs covering various aspects of English literature, creative writing, and rhetoric.
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation (B.S.B.A., Minor): Focuses on the principles and practices of starting and managing a business.
- Environmental & Ecological Science (B.S.): Studies the interactions between organisms and their environment.
- Environmental & Sustainability Studies (A.B., Minor): Explores environmental issues and sustainable practices.
- Environmental Education (Minor): Focuses on teaching about the environment and promoting environmental stewardship.
- Environmental Science/Environmental Engineering Dual Degree (B.S.): A joint program combining environmental science and environmental engineering.
- Environmental Studies (B.S.): Studies the environment and its issues from an interdisciplinary perspective.
- Exercise Science (B.S., Minor): Studies the effects of exercise on the human body.
- Expressive Arts (Minor): An interdisciplinary program combining various art forms for therapeutic purposes.
- Finance (B.S.B.A., Minor): Studies the principles and practices of financial management.
- Financial Technology (B.S.): Focuses on the application of technology in the financial industry.
- Food Studies (Minor): An interdisciplinary program exploring the social, cultural, and economic aspects of food.
- French (A.B., Minor): Studies the French language, literature, and culture.
- Game Design (Minor): Focuses on the principles and techniques of designing video games.
- Gender & LGBTQIA Studies (Minor): Explores issues related to gender and sexual orientation.
- Geographic Information Systems (Minor): Focuses on the use of GIS software for mapping and spatial analysis.
- Geography (A.B., Minor): Studies the Earth's surface and its features, including human and physical geography.
- German Studies (A.B., Minor): Studies the German language, literature, and culture.
- Global Education (Minor): Focuses on global issues and international education.
- Global Studies (A.B.): An interdisciplinary program exploring global issues and cultures.
- History (A.B., Minor): Studies the past and its significance.
- Human Service Studies (A.B.): Prepares students for careers in social work and human services.
- Information Science (Minor): Focuses on the management and use of information.
- Information Systems (B.S.B.A.): Studies the design and management of information systems.
- Innovation (Minor): Focuses on the principles and practices of innovation.
- ** Instrumental Music Education (B.M.):** Prepares students to teach instrumental music in schools.
- Interactive Media (A.B.): Studies the design and development of interactive media.
- International Business (B.S.B.A.): Focuses on international trade and business practices.
- International Studies (Minor): An interdisciplinary program exploring international issues and cultures.
- Italian Studies (Minor): Studies the Italian language, literature, and culture.
- Jazz Studies (Minor): Focuses on the history and performance of jazz music.
- Journalism (A.B.): Studies the principles and practices of journalism.
- Latin American Studies (Minor): Explores the history, culture, and social issues related to Latin America.
- Legal Studies (Minor): An interdisciplinary program exploring the legal system.
- Management (B.S.B.A., Minor): Studies the principles and practices of managing organizations.
- Marketing (B.S.B.A., Minor): Studies the principles and practices of marketing.
- Mathematics (A.B., B.S., Minor): Programs covering various aspects of mathematics, including algebra, calculus, and statistics.
- Mechatronics (Minor): Combines mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.
- Medical Spanish (Minor): Focuses on Spanish language skills for healthcare professionals.
- Middle Grades Education (A.B.): Prepares students to teach in middle schools.
- Music (A.B., Minor): Programs covering various aspects of music, including performance, theory, and history.
- Music Production & Recording Arts (B.S.): Focuses on the techniques of music production and recording.
- Music Theatre (B.F.A.): A program focused on developing skills in singing, acting, and dancing for musical theatre.
- Neuroscience (B.S.): Studies the nervous system and its functions.
- Nonprofit Leadership (Minor): Focuses on the principles and practices of managing nonprofit organizations.
- Philosophy (A.B., Minor): Studies fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics.
- Photography (Minor): Focuses on the art and techniques of photography.
- Physics (A.B., B.S., Minor): Programs covering various aspects of physics, including mechanics, electricity, and magnetism.
- Political Science (A.B., Minor): Studies the theory and practice of politics.
- Professional Writing & Rhetoric (A.B.): Focuses on developing writing skills for professional contexts.
- Psychology (A.B., B.S., Minor): Studies the human mind and behavior.
- Public Health Studies (B.S.): Focuses on the prevention of disease and the promotion of health.
- Public & Professional Writing (Minor): Focuses on developing writing skills for public and professional contexts.
- Religious Studies (A.B., Minor): Studies the history, beliefs, and practices of various religions.
- Robotics (Minor): Focuses on the design, construction, operation, and application of robots.
- Sociology (A.B., Minor): Studies human societies and their structures.
- Software Engineering (B.S.): Focuses on the design, development, and maintenance of software systems.
- Spanish (A.B., Minor): Studies the Spanish language, literature, and culture.
- Special Education (Minor): Focuses on the education of students with disabilities.
- Sport Management (B.S.B.A.): Studies the management and administration of sports organizations.
- Statistics (Minor): Focuses on the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data.
- Strategic Communications (A.B.): Studies the principles and practices of strategic communication.
- Sustainability (Minor): Focuses on sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
- Theatre Arts (Minor): Explores various aspects of theatre, including acting, directing, and design.
- Theatrical Design & Technology (B.F.A.): A program focused on developing skills in designing and implementing technical aspects of theatre productions.
- Vocal Music Education (B.M.): Prepares students to teach vocal music in schools.
- Wellness & Health Promotion (B.S.): Focuses on promoting health and wellness through education and interventions.
- World Languages & Cultures (Minor): Explores various languages and cultures around the world.
- Writing for Film & Television (Minor): Focuses on developing writing skills for film and television.
Admission and Student Life
Elon University received approximately 15,306 applications for the class of 2024, indicating its competitive admission process. The university has a student body of 6,291 undergraduate students and 826 graduate students as of 2019. The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, with nearly half of the classes having fewer than 20 students, allowing for personalized attention. The freshman retention rate is high at 90%, reflecting student satisfaction with the university.
Campus Life and Traditions
Elon University offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, including student government, special interest groups, and service organizations. The university has a rich tradition, symbolized by the New Student Convocation ceremony where each new student receives an acorn to represent their beginning at Elon.
The university's athletic teams, known as the Phoenix, compete in NCAA Division I Colonial Athletic Association. Campus Recreation offers intramural and club sports programs, providing opportunities for students to engage in various athletic activities.
Read also: Elon's Visual Identity
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