Discover Kirkwood’s Program Areas
Choosing a career path can be exciting — and sometimes overwhelming. That’s why Kirkwood offers Program Areas to guide you in finding the path that’s right for you. Program Areas group related fields of study together, helping you explore your interests, build your skills, and connect to rewarding careers. Whether you already have a clear goal or are still exploring, our Program Areas provide a great starting point.
Program Areas are categories that bring together programs with similar skills, interests, and career opportunities. Think of them as clusters of possibilities that help you see how your passion can lead to success. Each Program Area highlights the types of careers and industries you can pursue, along with the skills you’ll gain as a student at Kirkwood.
- Discover Your Interests: Not sure what to study? Program Areas let you explore related fields and find what excites you most.
- Plan Your Path: See the connections between Kirkwood’s programs and real-world careers, helping you make informed decisions.
- Prepare for Success: Each Program Area aligns with in-demand careers, equipping you with the knowledge and skills employers value.
Explore Our Program Areas
Kirkwood’s Program Areas cover a wide range of interests and industries. Click below to dive deeper into each area and discover the programs, opportunities, and potential careers waiting for you:
If you enjoy creating delicious meals, caring for plants, tending to farm animals, or working with the land, Kirkwood has a path for you. Whether your interest lies in animal and crop production, landscaping, culinary arts, or agricultural technology, we’ll set you up for success and get you on the right track to a fulfilling career.
If you have an active imagination and a passion for self-expression, Kirkwood can help you turn your creativity into a career. Explore opportunities in the fine arts and prepare for a future where your ideas come to life.
If you excel at managing projects and deadlines, solving complex problems, or motivating teams, a future in business could be the perfect fit. At Kirkwood, you can develop the skills to thrive in leadership and management roles.
If you’re curious about human behavior, culture, and identity, Kirkwood can help you explore communities, relationships, and the world around you. Start discovering more about the world — and your place in it — today.
If you’re passionate about improving physical and mental health, Kirkwood can help you meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals. Build the skills you need for a rewarding and successful long-term career in healthcare.
If you enjoy working with your hands, solving problems, and building or repairing equipment, Kirkwood can help you turn those skills into an incredibly rewarding career. Develop expertise in operating, repairing, and inventing solutions for industrial and manufacturing equipment.
If you’re passionate about helping others, Kirkwood’s Social Services, Safety, and Education programs can prepare you for a meaningful career. Train to serve people of all ages as a teacher, firefighter, criminal justice professional, and more.
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics shape nearly every part of our lives. Now is your time to explore the natural world and the human body while preparing for a career that makes a lasting impact.
How to Get Started
- Explore Program Areas: Learn more about each area and the programs that fit your interests.
2 Year Degrees1 Year DiplomasShort-Term Programs - Meet with Career Services: Not sure where to begin? Our Career Services Team can help you identify your strengths and guide you toward a Program Area that fits.
Learn More - Take the First Step: Once you’ve found your focus, apply to Kirkwood and start building your future!
Apply
“At Kirkwood, I have been able to study abroad multiple times. I’ve made friends with people from all over the world.”
Jessica McWilliams,
Anamosa, Iowa
Frequently Asked Questions About Program Areas
Program Areas are categories that group related fields of study together. They help students explore their interests and connect with programs that align with their career goals. Each Program Area provides an overview of the skills, courses, and potential careers associated with that category.
Choosing a Program Area helps you:
- Explore your interests and strengths.
- Understand the connection between your studies and career opportunities.
- Narrow down your options if you’re unsure of your exact major/program.
Start by considering your interests, skills, and long-term goals. You can also:
- Meet with Kirkwood’s Career Services to discuss your options.
- Take an interest inventory or career assessment.
- Explore the descriptions of each Program Area to see which resonates with you.
Absolutely! Your choice of Program Area is meant to guide you, not limit you. If your interests or goals change, you can switch to a different Program Area or explore a new program within your current area.
That’s okay! Many students start undecided. Kirkwood offers resources like interest assessments and career advising to help you find your direction. You can start by exploring Program Areas to get a sense of your options.
Each Program Area is designed with career outcomes in mind. By choosing a Program Area, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed for in-demand jobs. You’ll also see how your coursework connects to real-world industries and career paths.
Yes, all of Kirkwood’s programs are organized into Program Areas. This structure helps students see the connections between similar programs and find the right fit for their interests and goals.
Yes! Kirkwood encourages exploration, and students often take courses from multiple Program Areas to meet general education requirements or explore new interests.
Many Program Areas include programs designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution. For example, STEM & IT, Business, and Social Services, Safety & Education offer strong transfer pathways. Your academic advisor can help you choose courses that align with your transfer goals.
To get started:
- Explore the Program Areas to learn about your options.
- Meet with Career Services to discuss your interests and goals.
- Apply and enroll in courses or programs that align with the Program Area you’re interested in.
Career Services
3rd Floor Iowa Hall
319-398-5540
careerservices@kirkwood.edu
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