By Avia Stoller—
Miami University Regionals hosted their annual Meet the Majors fair at Johnston Hall. Those who attended met with faculty and discovered the various opportunities and resources of the majors, minors, credentials, and support services offered at Miami University Regionals. Additionally, refreshments were served for a fun twist, and students could enter into a raffle to win a Bluetooth speaker. Below are some of the faculty and setups from the various departments.
Pictured here is Professor Alan Cady, speaking on behalf of the Department of Biological Sciences. The department provides two major tracks, environmental biology and human biology and health sciences. The environmental biology major can prepare students for many different careers both in the business and environmental world. For those who are looking to be involved in the medical field, a good option would be to major in human biology and health sciences. Both tracks offer certifications, such as OSHA or CITI, internships, and professional development opportunities.
Speaking for the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences were Chair and Professor Beth Dietz (left) and Assistant Professor Daisy Park (right). The department offers majors in anthropology, geology, political science, psychological science, or sociology for students interested. There are also minors in applied social science and physiological science. Students may work alongside faculty in research or work as student assistants as an independent study. A psychology club is also offered to students, which can be accessed at the HUB.
For students looking into the business field or to start a business, the Department of Commerce provides many pathways. Representing the department was Patrick Lindsay (left), Dr. Thomas Mays (middle), and Dr. Sonseeahray Ross (right). Majors and minors in small business management, sales management, digital commerce, and hospitality management will provide students with a core business understanding and specialized skills that go along with the major. The hospitality management degree also offers a certification for students to get involved in the hospitality field. For students interested in research, Dr. Thomas Mays encourages students to explore research opportunities with faculty. After graduation, students looking to start a business have access to free business consulting by Ohio’s Small Business Development Centers. For more information, email Dr. Thomas at maysta@miamioh.edu.
Dr. Caryn Neuman represented the Department of Interdisciplinary and Communication Studies. The department offers a liberal studies major that can help students with a wide range of career goals. For students who want to grow their public speaking skills, interpersonal communication, and critical thinking, a minor in communication studies is available at Miami Regionals. Students can also self-design a major through the Liberal Studies degree–one that fits their interests–by completing a DAR assessment and talking to Dr. Caryn Neumann. To learn more, reach out to Dr. Neumann at neumance@miamioh.edu.
Peggy Schubert, manning the table for the Department of Justice and Community Studies, highlighted the many career options for students interested in a criminal justice degree. This includes fields in law enforcement, courts, corrections, and advocacy. Students can get involved in internships based on which field they want to go into.
Assistant Professor Meena Narayan from the Engineering Technology Department highlighted the many different engineering programs a student can pursue. For any student interested in an engineering major, the choices include, but are not limited to: robotics, mechanical engineering, electrical mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer engineering. Students will receive hands-on industry experience. Most programs are stackable, meaning students can earn credentials, associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees throughout their education journey. According to Meena Narayan, the department is offering STEM Scholarship that covers tuition up to a Master’s program at Miami University Oxford for mechanical engineering technology majors.
Mathematical and Physical Science (MPS) is a multidisciplinary service department. It offers classes in math, physics, chemistry, geology, and statistics. Students can be mentored and work alongside faculty in research. Dr. Thembinkosi Mkhatshwa represented MPS at the fair.
For students who desire to explore the field of education, the Department of Education and Society offers built-in internship opportunities to work with K-12 students. Miami students can choose to work with students of various ages in prekindergarten and primary education. Chair and Associate Professor Garry Bowyer headed the booth for the department.
Laurel Gilbert of the Office of Academic Advising encourages students to utilize Miami Regionals Advising. Advisors offer generalist knowledge that can assist students in course and career planning. The advising offices located in Johnston Hall, room 001 on Middletown’s campus, and Rentschler Hall, 2nd floor on Hamiton’s campus, also accept walk-ins. Laurel Gilbert also highlighted the Office of Academic Advising has on-call advisors who are available during office hours.
At this booth is Colin Manly, who spotlighted the flexibility that Miami University Regionals E-Campus offers. E-Campus features nearly 400 online classes, with some programs being able to be completed fully online.
Lois Brown was at the event showcasing the TRIO Student Support Services. TRIO helps students graduate with less debt, and offers a wide variety of student support. TRIO services stay with the student throughout the completion of their degree program, including if the students transfer to Miami University Oxford. Lois Brown pointed out that these services are in addition to other resources students may use.
Representing the Regional Office of Student Activities (ROSA) were Julia Pond (right) and Derek Rice (left). Julia Pond and Derek Rice wanted to call attention to the free Regional Leadership Co-Curricular Certificate program. The leadership program is a non-credited, self-paced certification and micro-credential program that all students can join. Participants will complete twelve leadership experiences, which can be anything from volunteering to the Leadership Lunches at Miami University’s Regional campuses.