What Can I Do with this Degree?

So what do you want to be when you grow up?

There are so many career paths you can take, and sometimes it's hard to make decisions.

Do I really want to be a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, a banker, a scientist, a newspaper reporter? Just what exactly can I do with the degree I decide to pursue?

At left are a number of career paths you might decide to go down, but if you're curious about what kind of jobs you might be able to land with a particular degree, just take a look. Each career field gives numerous possible jobs, but there are so many more to choose from that aren't on these lists. This information is provided to give you some idea of what you could possibly do in the future.

When you find something that peaks your interest, be sure to set up a meeting with your academic advisor so you can discuss the best way to realize your professional goals and how Northwestern can help you find your career path.

Good Luck! 

“A degree gets your name in the door. Then it’s a matter of what you do with it. Northwestern gives you a great base for anyone to use to start a career or to take on an advanced degree.”

Robert W. Reeg
Class of 1978, Math
Chief Technology Officer, MasterCard Worldwide

“As a graduate, I fully appreciate what it means to be a student at Northwestern. Becoming a Ranger was a life-changing experience for me, and it can be one for you, too.”

Dr. Janet Cunningham
Class of 1976, (Business Education)
Northwestern president

Some of Northwestern’s successful alumni:

Duane Pierson, Ph.D.
Senior Microbiologist for NASA
Class of 1966
Math degree

Chirold Epp, Ph.D.
Flight Dynamics Officer for NASA and former operations manager for the International Space Station
Class of 1961
Physics degree

Dr. Brock Schnebel
Oklahoma City orthopedic surgeon
chief physician for the 2000 Olympic team
OU clinical professor of orthopedic surgery
OU team physician
Class of 1977
Chemistry degree

Dr. Billie Lou Short
embryonic/pediatric surgeon
faculty member at the Center for Neuroscience Research at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington D.C.
Class of 1969
Biology degree

Mike Rauh
retired vice president and corporate controller for Kerr McGee Corporation
Class of 1971
Accounting degree

Sheldon Russell, Ph.D.
retired university professor and author of four novels, including the latest, “Dreams to Dust: A Tale of the Oklahoma Land Rush,”
Class of 1968
English degree

Stephen Painton, Ph.D.
Chairman, Dept. of Communication Sciences & Disorders at OU Health Sciences Center
Class of 1969
Speech degree

Mike Hargrove
retired manager for the Seattle Mariners
also managed in Cleveland (won pennant in 1995 and 1997) and Baltimore.
He was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 1972 where he was named Rookie of the Year in 1974. He also played briefly for the San Diego Padres and six years with the Cleveland Indians.
Class of 1972
Health and Physical Education degree

Lynn Scott
retired defensive back for the Dallas Cowboys, No. 38
Class of 2001
Health and Physical Education degree

Patrick Crayton
current wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, No. 84
Class of 2004
Health and Physical Education degree

Alek Shrader
opera vocalist
Class of 2004
Vocal Music degree

Gretchen (Barber) van Eeghen
regional program director for Clear Channel Television who works with television stations in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, Utah, Oregon and California
Class of 1996
Mass Communications degree

Nicolle (Rubenstein) Campbell
Owner/Trainer of The Actors Scene, an actor and modeling training school in Buford, Ga., and a regional director for Actors, Models &Talent Competition (AMTC) serving the metropolitan Atlanta and surrounding area
Class of 1993
Speech/Theatre & Mass Communications

Donnita Drain
Grambling State University head women’s basketball coach
Class of 1990
Health and Physical Education degree

Willie Spears
Author/Motivational Speaker/Coach/Teacher
Class of 2000
Mass Communications degree