Explore IU Indianapolis degrees and career opportunities
As a University College student, you're preparing for entry into a degree-granting program.
Whether you're a pre-major or Exploratory student, you'll benefit from advising and career guidance from our specialized support teams. The broad range of IU Indy's academic offerings paired with this support ensure that, when you start in University College, you'll succeed everywhere.
Search and filter the majors tool below to discover the available opportunities and to understand your program's admission requirements.
Mix it up
Explore minors and certificates, additional credentials you can add to your degree. Ready to declare, add to, or change your major?
Join the first national physical education teacher education program to transform the lives of children at the K–12 level. Students in this program will gain the experience to meet Indiana Department of Education standards and will be prepared to take the teacher licensing examination for physical education.
Health and Life Sciences
(HLS)
Social
Enterprising
Realistic
The physical education teacher education track focuses its efforts on those students who would like to teach physical education, wellness, or health at the K–12 level. The curriculum provides content knowledge and practical experiences to prepare students for a career in teaching and youth development. Along with coursework in the School of Education at IU Indianapolis, students will be afforded opportunities throughout their studies to gain teaching experience in multiple local community or school settings.
Employment of high school teachers is projected to decline 2% from 2024 to 2034. Despite declining employment, about 66,200 openings for high school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire ( Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025).
Class of 2024 nationwide bachelor's degree graduates in education (all types) reported the following graduation outcomes to the National Association of Colleges and Employers:
56.9% employed
32.9% enrolled in continuing education (e.g. graduate school)
4.4% seeking employment
According to the IUPUI (now called IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2024, the average starting salary for IU School of Health and Human Sciences graduates was $46,351, and the median salary was $44,500.
Class of 2024 nationwide bachelor's degree graduates in education (all types) reported a mean starting salary of $45,008 (National Association of Colleges and Employers).
The national median annual salary for high school teachers was $64,580 in 2024 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Physical education teacher education majors might pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
Adapted/developmental physical education
Business
Exercise physiology
Journalism
Physical therapy/sports medicine
Sport administration
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Adapted physical education
Fitness and dance education
Growth and motor performance
Methods of institution for K–12
Sport pedagogy
Student teaching and internship
Possible careers
Director of school-based physical activity programs
Health educator
Interscholastic sports coach
Physical education teacher
School principal or administrator*
Youth camp director
*This career requires additional training or education.
Where could I work?
Government agencies
Nonprofit organizations
Primary and secondary education systems
Private for-profit businesses
Self-employed
Admission requirements
Admission by certification
Be a declared Physical Education teacher education Major
Have an IU GPA of 2.0 or higher
Earn a grade of C or better in the following courses:
Anatomy: KINE-P 205
Math: MATH-I 110 or MATH-I 111 (formerly MATH 11000 or MATH 11100)
The School of Health and Human Sciences hosts a number of initiatives for students to get involved, add to their resume, and give back to the community.
LHSI is a paid internship program that places second- and third-year IU Indianapolis students in a variety of health and science workplaces to gain practical experience and skills.
Working on campus for offices such as Campus Recreation or the Office of Health and Wellness can provide great preparation for a variety of health-related careers.
Your specialized support team
Health and Life Sciences
The Health and Life Sciences (HLS) cluster prepares students to pursue majors and careers in the diverse and exciting world of health care. HLS majors can explore careers in patient care, laboratory work, health care administration, and health education.
Study matter and energy at all scales. Students in this program gain essential knowledge of classical mechanics, classical electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, relativity, statistical physics, and mathematics. Because physics is the foundation of most other sciences, you can pursue jobs in just about any science field.
Arts, Sciences, and Technology
(AST)
Investigative
Realistic
Enterprising
As a physics student, you'll solve technical problems by learning to analyze complex relationships in mathematical terms. You'll develop skills in acquisition and analysis, problem solving, laboratory methods, using the computer, understanding theoretical concepts, and technical writing.
At IU Indianapolis, you can choose from these majors and degrees within physics:
Overall employment of physicists and astronomers is projected to grow 4% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 1,800 openings for physicists and astronomers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire ( Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025).
Class of 2024 nationwide bachelor's degree graduates in physics reported the following graduation outcomes to the National Association of Colleges and Employers:
42.6% employed
40.5% enrolled in continuing education (e.g. graduate school)
9.7% seeking employment
According to the IUPUI (now called IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2024, the average starting salary reported for graduates from the IU School of Science was $49,989, and the median salary was $44,512.
Class of 2024 nationwide bachelor's degree graduates in physics reported a mean starting salary of $73,949 (National Association of Colleges and Employers).
The national median annual salary for physicists and astronomers was $166,290 in 2024 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Physicists and astronomers typically need a Ph.D. for jobs in research and academia, and a master’s degree is expected for some roles.
Typical paths include:
Astronomy
Engineering
Physics
Other natural sciences
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Calculus 1, 2, and 3
Differential equations
Heat electricity, and optics
Mechanics
Modern physics
Physical optics
Quantum mechanics
Thermal and statistical physics
Possible careers
Intelligence analyst
Patent examiner*
Postsecondary teacher*
Quality control and testing
Quantum technology scientist
Scientific programmer
*These careers require additional training or education.
The IU Indianapolis Center for Service and Learning has many service-oriented programs that allow you to work with and impact your community in endless ways.
Grow your skills through internships or part-time jobs. Join the School of Science Career and Internship site in Canvas for additional information and resources.
Your specialized support team
Arts, Sciences, and Technology
The AST cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in education, music, art and design, computing, social work, informatics, liberal arts, math, public safety, science, and technology.
Gain insight into how government works at the local, national, and international levels. You’ll train to be critical observers and informed, active participants. With a degree in this field, you’ll be prepared for a variety of careers—from politics to teaching, law, public administration, and business.
Arts, Sciences, and Technology
(AST)
Enterprising
Social
Investigative
As a political science student, you'll learn theories behind different governments, reasons for governmental change, and failure to apply those theories to current political problems. You'll also examine the human element of politics. You'll develop skills in problem solving, public speaking, communication, and research, and gain a better understanding of politics as a whole.
Employment of political scientists is projected to decline 3% from 2024 to 2034. Despite declining employment, about 500 openings for political scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire ( Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025).
Class of 2024 nationwide bachelor's degree graduates in political science and government programs reported the following graduation outcomes to the National Association of Colleges and Employers:
51.0% employed
28.8% enrolled in continuing education (e.g. graduate school)
10.3% seeking employment
According to the IUPUI (now called IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2024, the average starting salary for IU School of Liberal Arts graduates was $50,972, and the median salary was $49,960.
Class of 2024 nationwide bachelor's degree graduates in political science and government programs reported a mean starting salary of $57,657 (National Association of Colleges and Employers).
The national median annual salary for political scientists was $139,380 in 2024 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
This major can be a key pathway to law school. In addition to law, political science majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
International development
International studies
Political science
Public administration
Public affairs
Public health
Urban planning
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Constitutional law
Elements of political analysis
Indiana state government
Introduction to American politics
Introduction to international relations
Political theory
Voting, elections, and public opinion
Possible careers
Attorney*
Journalist
Labor relations specialist
Lobbyist
State or local politician
Urban planner*
*These careers require additional training or education.
We believe in our power and responsibility to help others. Each year, our students, faculty, and staff work to improve neighborhoods in Indianapolis and beyond through service learning courses, community-based research and service projects, and partnerships with local organizations. Join us if you want to make a difference.
Choose among programs in over 50 countries and nearly 20 languages, including English. Both shorter and longer immersion programs are also available.
Your specialized support team
Arts, Sciences, and Technology
The AST cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in education, music, art and design, computing, social work, informatics, liberal arts, math, public safety, science, and technology.
Learn about both traditional and contemporary tools and processes involved in printmaking. Gain experience with etching and plate and stone lithography. Students have access to facilities well-equipped for traditional approaches and for the investigation of digital and photomechanical processes.
Arts, Sciences, and Technology
(AST)
Artistic
Enterprising
Social
Coursework in lithography and etching is offered at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels every semester. Additional courses include printing in monotype, woodcut, silkscreen, and the book arts with a minor in book arts as an option. With this major, you'll gain an understanding of historical contexts, and develo analytical skills, fine arts skills, and cultural competency.
Overall employment of craft and fine artists is projected to show little or no change from 2024 to 2034. Despite limited employment growth, about 4,400 openings for craft and fine artists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire ( Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025).
Insufficient data exist for graduation outcomes from the Class of 2024 for nationwide bachelor's degree graduates in printmaking from the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
According to the IU Indianapolis First Destination Survey in 2024, the average starting salary for graduates from the Herron School of Art and Design was $40,937, and the median was $40,000.
Insufficient salary data exist for from the Class of 2024 for nationwide graduates in printmaking from the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
The national median annual salary for craft and fine artists was $56,260 in 2024 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Fine arts majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
Art education
Art history
Art therapy
Arts administration
Fine arts
Museum studies
Quick facts
Sample coursework
2D media
3D media
Art history
Color concepts
Digital imaging
Drawing
Senior thesis
Studio course
Possible careers
Freelance artist
Gallery curator
Graphic designer
Nonprofit program coordinator
Production artist
Visual arts educator*
*This career requires additional training or education.
Herron's study abroad programs are a powerful way to discover the historical impact of art and design in the world and over time while making memorable friendships.
Guidance from Herron Career Services is tailored to your needs at all levels throughout your journey—including internship and networking with alumni.
Your specialized support team
Arts, Sciences, and Technology
The AST cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in education, music, art and design, computing, social work, informatics, liberal arts, math, public safety, science, and technology.
Learn about human behavior and mental processes. When you pursue a psychology degree, you gain a background in communication skills, critical thinking skills, scientific methodology, and ethics—skills that are all in high demand. Students pursuing this degree can earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science.
Arts, Sciences, and Technology
(AST)
Social
Investigative
Artistic
The goals of psychology are to describe, explain, predict, and change behavior (observable actions) and mental processes (thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and memories) through research and applied knowledge. Overall, the goal of psychology is to improve the quality of life. Specialties of IU Indianapolis psychology faculty include psychobiology of addictions, health psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, severe mental illness, stereotyping, and prejudice. The Department of Psychology provides students with a well-balanced and scientifically rigorous curriculum.
Overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. About 12,900 openings for psychologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire ( Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025).
Class of 2024 nationwide bachelor's degree graduates in psychology reported the following graduation outcomes to the National Association of Colleges and Employers:
45.2% employed
34.4% enrolled in continuing education (e.g. graduate school)
10.1% seeking employment
According to the IUPUI (now called IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2024, the average starting salary reported for graduates from the IU School of Science was $49,989, and the median salary was $44,512.
Class of 2024 nationwide bachelor's degree graduates in psychology reported a mean starting salary of $46,727 (National Association of Colleges and Employers).
The national median annual salary for psychologists was $94,310 in 2024 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Some psychology graduates pursue graduate or professional school to work in areas such as:
Clinical or counseling psychology
Law
Medicine
Research
Physical therapy
Social work
Others obtain graduate degrees in the following areas:
Industrial/organizational psychology
School counseling
School psychology
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Abnormal psychology
Ethics and diversity
Introduction to counseling
Life span development
Research methods in psychology
Social psychology
Possible careers
ABA therapist
Addictions counselor
Behavior analyst
HR administrator
Life skills specialist
Marriage and family therapist*
Resource coordinator/manager
*This career requires additional training or education.
The IU Indianapolis Center for Service and Learning has many service-oriented programs that allow you to work with and impact your community in endless ways.
Grow your skills through internships or part-time jobs. Join the School of Science Career and Internship site in Canvas for additional information and resources.
Your specialized support team
Arts, Sciences, and Technology
The AST cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in education, music, art and design, computing, social work, informatics, liberal arts, math, public safety, science, and technology.
Improve health on a larger scale by learning how to prevent disease, promote health, and address the inequities that keep those in your community from living a long and healthy life. Students in this major can choose to specialize in community health, health policy, epidemiology, biostatistics, and global health.
Health and Life Sciences
(HLS)
The Bachelor of Science in Public Health is a multidisciplinary, flexible degree that provides a strong foundation in public health to address the obstacles to health facing us today. With it, you will have the opportunity to launch your career or pursue graduate studies at the top of your game. You will gain the public health problem solving skills you need to become a leader in Indiana and beyond.
Employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 23% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 62,100 openings for medical and health services managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire ( Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025).
Class of 2024 nationwide bachelor's degree graduates in public health reported the following graduation outcomes to the National Association of Colleges and Employers:
46.2% employed
36.8% enrolled in continuing education (e.g. graduate school)
9.2% seeking employment
According to the IUPUI (now called IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2024, the average starting salary for Fairbanks School of Public Health graduates was $51,398, and the median salary was $49,898.
Class of 2024 nationwide bachelor's degree graduates in public health reported a mean starting salary of $51,279 (National Association of Colleges and Employers).
The national median annual salary for medical and health services managers was $117,960 in 2024 (Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Influencing the public's health
Health care delivery in the U.S.
Zombie apocalypse and other doomsday infections
Environmental health science
Principles of epidemiology
Community organizing for health promotion
Health equity and social determinants of health
Admission requirements
Admission by application
Be declared a Public Health major
2.5 previous term GPA
2.5 cumulative GPA
12 hours completed at IU Indianapolis or IU Fort Wayne
Completion of ENG-W 131 or equivalent with a grade of “C” or better
The Health and Life Sciences (HLS) cluster prepares students to pursue majors and careers in the diverse and exciting world of health care. HLS majors can explore careers in patient care, laboratory work, health care administration, and health education.
O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
Public Policy
Policy studies combines the disciplines of government studies at all levels with leadership, nonprofit management, social science, and community development. You can also choose classes built around your specific interests, such as the environment, city government and planning, metropolitan development, or other areas.
Business and Leadership
(BL)
Enterprising
Social
Investigative
With this major, you’ll study topics of all kinds, including the policymaking process, program evaluation, management, history, communications, and more. Students in this field of study may choose to pursue one of four concentrations: criminal justice, environmental policy, public health, and social equity. Graduates of this program often go on to law school or directly into positions in government or government relations, but many career paths are available with this degree.
Employment of urban and regional planners is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 3,400 openings for urban and regional planners are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire ( Occupational Outlook Handbook , 2025).
Class of 2024 nationwide bachelor's degree graduates in public policy analysis reported the following graduation outcomes to the National Association of Colleges and Employers:
66.7% employed
24.0% enrolled in continuing education (e.g. graduate school)
6.3% seeking employment
According to the IUPUI (now IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2024, the average salary for O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs graduates was $49,440, and the median salary was $43,000.
Class of 2024 nationwide bachelor's degree graduates in public policy analysis reported a mean starting salary of $67,895 (National Association of Colleges and Employers).
The national median annual salary for urban and regional planners was $83,720 in 2024 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Policy studies majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
Business administration (M.B.A.)
Law
Public administration (M.P.A.)
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Law and public policy
Management science
Nonprofit and voluntary sector
Policy processes in the United States
Political action and civic engagement
Public management
Possible careers
Corporate public affairs specialist
Government relations representative
Legislative analyst
Policy analyst
Researcher
Strategic planner
Where could I work?
City government
Government offices
Indiana state legislature
State government
Admission requirements
Admission by certification
Declare an O'Neill major
Be in good academic standing, which requires the following:
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above
Prior term GPA of 2.0 or above
Note: If a student has completed 12 hours toward the O'Neill major, they also need a C+ average in those courses.
O’Neill’s career services office is designed to help you build your job-search skills and find full-time employment or an internship. They can also help you connect with alumni!
Your specialized support team
Business and Leadership
The BL cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in business, leadership, event management, hospitality, philanthropy, public and environmental policy, sports management, and tourism.
O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
Public Safety Management
If the process of protecting the public fascinates you, the public safety management major will give you a well-rounded understanding of public safety theory and the skills and services used to save lives.
Arts, Sciences, and Technology
(AST)
Enterprising
Social
Realistic
This major is for anyone interested in learning about the administration of emergency services and principles of public safety. Students in this program take a wide range of courses, such as public policy, solid and hazardous waste management, criminal justice, and more. You'll learn from faculty who are studying criminal justice issues relevant to the field of public safety and who have real-world experience to match. Through this program, you'll develop skills in strategic planning, project management, communication, and leadership.
Employment of emergency management directors is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 1,000 openings for emergency management directors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire ( Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025).
Class of 2024 nationwide bachelor's degree graduates in security science and technology programs (all types) reported the following graduation outcomes to the National Association of Colleges and Employers:
55.3% employed
13.8% enrolled in continuing education (e.g. graduate school)
24.2% seeking employment
According to the IUPUI (now IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2024, the average salary for O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs graduates was $49,440, and the median salary was $43,000.
Class of 2024 nationwide bachelor's degree graduates in security science and technology programs (all types) reported a mean starting salary of $61,711 (National Association of Colleges and Employers).
The national median annual salary for emergency management directors was $86,130 in 2024 ( Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
O’Neill public safety management graduates often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
Business administration (M.B.A.)
Health administration (M.H.A.)
Law
Public administration (M.P.A.)
Quick facts
Sample coursework
American criminal justice system
Emergency services management
Foundation of homeland security
Mapping and analysis for public safety
Public safety in America
Terrorism and public policy
Possible careers
Emergency management coordinator
Fire service manager*
First responder*
Homeland security planner or director
Public safety director
*These careers require additional training or education.
Where could I work?
Indianapolis EMS
Dept. of Homeland Security (state or federal)
Public health agencies
Research agencies
Transportation Security Administration
Admission requirements
Admission by certification
Declare an O'Neill major
Be in good academic standing, which requires the following:
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above
Prior term GPA of 2.0 or above
Note: If a student has completed 12 hours toward the O'Neill major, they also need a C+ average in those courses.
O’Neill’s career services office is designed to help you build your job-search skills and find full-time employment or an internship. They can also help you connect with alumni!
Your specialized support team
Arts, Sciences, and Technology
The AST cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in education, music, art and design, computing, social work, informatics, liberal arts, math, public safety, science, and technology.
Become an integral part of the essential team that treats cancer. You will not only be a part of the caregiver’s team, but a significant part of the patient’s journey. Radiation Therapists are highly skilled and certified to administer ionizing (high energy) radiation via a sophisticated treatment machine called a linear accelerator, to obliterate or control cancer cells and treat other conditions such as keloids and bone marrow transplant preparation. They work alongside Radiation Oncologists (a physician who specializes in the treatment of cancer), Medical Physicists, and Medical Dosimetrists (persons who specialize in treatment planning) as well as Oncology Nurses.
Health and Life Sciences
(HLS)
Social
Realistic
Conventional
This field is technology-driven with new innovations in treatment machines and techniques constantly being developed. Research allows us to stay abreast of new ways to fight cancer, and hopefully one day find a cure. Dedication is our motivation! Students pursuing this major will receive hands on knowledge and learning experiences through didactic (classroom) and clinical (on site at hospitals and major cancer centers in Indianapolis and surrounding areas) courses, allowing them to be a part of the team.
Students will learn to communicate effectively, implement their critical- thinking and problem-solving skills in a healthcare environment, as well as learn radiation dose calculations and how to assess treatment plans. They will have the opportunity to team with professional faculty and conduct research that is of interest to them.
Employment of radiation therapists is projected to grow 2% from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 900 openings for radiation therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025).
According to the IUPUI (now called IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2024, the average starting salary reported for School of Medicine graduates was $73,457, and the median salary was $72,800.
According to the ASRT Radiologic Wage and Salary Survey in 2024, the average annual wage for radiation therapists was $106,475. The average annual wage in the state of Indiana was $92,833.
The national median annual salary for radiation therapists was $101,990 in 2024 (Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Radiation therapy majors may pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
· Medical Dosimetry · Medical Physics · Medical school · Physician Assistant · Health or Business Administration
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Clinical dosimetry I and II
Human physiology
Physics of radiation oncology
Radiation and cancer biology
Sectional anatomy
Simulation/treatment procedures
Possible careers
Chief radiation therapist
Department manager
Educator*
Medical dosimetrist*
Pharmaceutical sales representative
Staff radiation therapists
*These career options require additional training or education.
Undergraduate research experiences help you develop important problem-solving skills and experience for your future career. Gaining research experience can be particularly helpful if you’re interested in clinical laboratory science or cytotechnology.
Your specialized support team
Health and Life Sciences
The Health and Life Sciences (HLS) cluster prepares students to pursue majors and careers in the diverse and exciting world of health care. HLS majors can explore careers in patient care, laboratory work, health care administration, and health education.
Become part of the largest group of imaging professionals out there by learning to use X-rays to diagnose disease. Students in this program receive an associate’s degree, with the option to earn a bachelor’s degree. Students interested in continuing their education can apply during their second year in the Radiography Program.
Health and Life Sciences
(HLS)
Realistic
Social
Investigative
Radiology is a science involving the medical use of X-rays in the diagnosis of disease. A radiologist is a physician specializing in this science, and a radiographer (or radiologic technologist) produces radiographic images under the direction of the radiologist. Radiographers make up the largest group of imaging professionals.
Their principal duties consist of performing diagnostic X-ray procedures with the lowest amount of radiation exposure possible. They also assist with fluoroscopic examinations, when needed they are a part of the surgical team, and perform mobile exams. Radiographers must be able to handle seriously ill and injured patients to obtain the maximum amount of information without injury to the patient and with the least amount of pain and discomfort from the examination. They may assist the radiologist in some complex procedures, often involving the injection of opaque contrast media through needles or catheters. Radiographers must be well educated and experienced in aseptic techniques, requiring skills comparable to those of nurses in some specialties.
Overall employment of radiologic technologists are projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 15,400 openings for radiologic technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025).
According to the IUPUI (now called IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2024, the average starting salary reported for School of Medicine graduates was $73,457, and the median salary was $72,800.
According to the ASRT Radiologic Wage and Salary Survey in 2024, the average annual wage for radiographers was $73,274. The average annual wage in the state of Indiana was $70,630.
The national median annual salary for radiologic technologists was $78,980 in 2024 (Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Radiography majors often continue their education to complete a bachelor's degree in the following areas:
Medical imaging technology
Nuclear medicine technology
Radiation therapy
Once a bachelor's degree is obtained, some graduates continue to advance their careers through a master's degree in fields like health administration.
Quick facts
Sample coursework
Advanced noncontrast imaging
Human biology and lab
Patient care I and II
Radiographic pathology
Radiographic procedures I, II, III, and lab
Possible careers
Advanced imaging modality technologist
Applications specialist
MRI technologist educator*
Radiologic technologist
Radiology information specialist
*This career requires additional training or education.
For more information about the TEAS Exam and test prep, visit ATI. https://medicine.iu.edu/undergraduate-health-professions/degrees-and-certificates/associate-radiography/admissions
Undergraduate research experiences help you develop important problem-solving skills and experience for your future career. Gaining research experience can be particularly helpful if you’re interested in clinical laboratory science or cytotechnology.
Your specialized support team
Health and Life Sciences
The Health and Life Sciences (HLS) cluster prepares students to pursue majors and careers in the diverse and exciting world of health care. HLS majors can explore careers in patient care, laboratory work, health care administration, and health education.
