There are courses that are most popular among students, such as psychology and accountancy. Almost every graduating high school class will probably have a handful taking engineering courses as well.
Choosing which degree to pursue can be quite tricky. Do you just follow what your heart wants? Do you listen to your parents? Or do you go with the latest trend of in-demand jobs?
With many colleges and universities offering different choices, there will always be some courses that are not as popular, a.k.a. the roads less traveled than others. And because only a few schools offer these courses, they are unfamiliar to a majority of students.
Whether you’re a high-school student scouting for future choices or a graduating college student wondering what could have been, here’s a list of courses you probably didn’t know are being offered across the country:
1. Astronomy
A Bachelor of Science in Astronomy is a course that focuses on space, the stars, and all the celestial bodies found in the physical universe. While astronomy has always been offered as a graduate program, it has only been offered as an undergraduate degree in recent years. Students of this course will take subjects such as Astrobiology and Life in the Universe, and Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics.
Schools offering this program include New Era University and Rizal Technological University.
2. Video Game Art and Design
While many universities offer game development programs, De La Salle University in Laguna is one of the few to offer a major in video game art and design. Students will learn the foundations of drawing and design while keeping the principles of gaming, balance, and usability in mind to ensure a worthwhile gaming experience.
They will also study the basics of game design, including game objects, levels, 2D concept art, 3D modeling, texturing, and real-time lighting.
BS in Interactive Entertainment with a major in Video Game Art and Design is a 4-year degree offered by De La Salle University on the Laguna campus in partnership with Ubisoft.
3. Clothing Technology
In this program, students will take on subjects in clothing design that foster imagination and individualism. Aside from the fashion aspect, they will also get to know the industry’s production, merchandising, research, and technology sides.
This course is offered at the University of the Philippines Diliman and at Meridian International Business, Arts and Technology College as Fashion Management and Design.
4. Forensic Science
Do you think you have the guts and courage to solve real-life crimes? If you’re curious about the developments in the methods of scientific crime investigation and vital tools in crime-solving, then you should consider taking a Bachelor of Forensic Science.
Students of the program will get to know the ins and outs of the Philippine Criminal Justice System, study polygraphy, and take Crime Scene Investigation subjects.
Colleges like the University of Baguio, Lyceum Batangas, De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, and Central Ilocandia College of Science and Technology, among others, offer this course.
5. Bachelor of Science in Esports
“Kaka-kompyuter mo ‘yan.” Yes, you can now graduate with a degree in electronic sports, but it doesn’t mean you get to play your favorite video games all day. Lyceum of the Philippines University offers a Bachelor of Science in Esports, which focuses on the business and management side of the industry.
In partnership with Tier One Entertainment — a gaming company co-founded by Alodia Gosengfiao — Lyceum offers the 4-year course that is divided into Esports Management or Game Design and Development tracks.
Students will take on management and organization, business, advertising, and marketing subjects. They will also learn how to develop business plans and organize events using online streaming and other digital technology.
6. Prosthetics and Orthotics
Now a four-year curriculum, Bachelor of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics provides rigid and intensive practice and hands-on training on prosthetics and artificial devices supporting the different body parts. Students in this program will take subjects like Anatomy and Physiology, Technical Engineering, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Only offered at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, BS Prosthetics and Orthotics students are mentored by an international faculty composed of experts in prosthetics and orthotics education from Canada, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia.
7. Cosmetic Science
Dreaming of starting your own makeup or cosmetic line? Then you should look into Centro Escolar University’s BS in Cosmetic Science. Students of the program will learn the principles and develop techniques for formulating cosmetics, toiletries, and fragrances.
The course further provides students with entrepreneurial skills to help them be business-ready after graduation. They will also take numerous chemistry subjects in preparation for the Chemical Technology Examination.
8. Applied Deaf Studies
Created for deaf students, the Bachelor in Applied Deaf Studies program allows the deaf to study their identity, language, culture, and communities. Students will learn Filipino Sign Language (FSL) to express ideas and concepts, empowering the deaf community.
Offered by De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Manila, the program is divided into 3 tracks tailored to prepare the students for employment, namely, entrepreneurship, visual media arts, and business outsourcing services and management. Graduates of the course can also volunteer, lead, mentor, and become advocates for their rights.
Photo Credit: www.ubisoft.com, www.facebook.com/Neu.ph.official, www.mintcollege.com/fashion-management, www.facebook.com/TierOneEntertainment/, www.cjps.ubaguio.edu/, www.facebook.com/UERMOfficial, www.unsplash.com/@joannakosinska, www.instagram.com/benildesdeas
