Why should I get a degree?
Getting a degree is a major life decision that can open the door to many career paths. Your college experience can be a time of personal growth and development, exposing you to diverse perspectives and ideas that help you build critical thinking and communication skills. It’s a time to gain practical, hands-on experience through internships and build a network of peers, professors, and alumni.
Reflect on your goals, research the specific requirements of your chosen career, speak with professionals in the field, and seek guidance from academic advisors or career counselors—it’s a major decision.
Why O’Neill?
A degree from the O’Neill School in Indianapolis will equip you with the skills you need to make a difference and help address the top issues facing society, such as gun violence, climate change, and affordable health care. Our programs provide a unique blend of criminal justice and public and environmental affairs courses that equip our graduates with the skills needed to help create safe and thriving communities.
Our urban location in the heart of the state capital provides direct access to internship opportunities with high-profile businesses, government offices, and nonprofit organizations.
Mission and values
The O’Neill School strives to foster an equitable and inclusive society, promoting democracy and a healthy, sustainable environment to improve the quality of life for individuals and make a positive difference in the world.
Critical subjects
As an O’Neill student, you’ll have opportunities in leadership, management, and government that aren't found in other college programs. You can get real-world experience in the IU Cadet program or spend a semester studying and interning in the nation’s capital in the Washington Leadership Program.
Reputation and recognized experts
You’ll learn from and participate in research with faculty who have expertise in a wide range of topics such as gun violence, climate change, emergency management, policing, environmental policy, urban affairs, public-nonprofit partnerships, and many more.
Value of your degree
A degree from the highly-ranked O’Neill School is incredibly versatile. Our graduates go on to successful careers in nearly every field imaginable, from government service and nonprofit management to public safety and homeland security to environmental justice and sustainability.
Your undergraduate journey
Curriculum
Our curriculum is focused on practical problem-solving, with coursework, internships, and research opportunities that provide real-world experience.
Experiences
Our experiential learning opportunities—from service-learning projects to study abroad programs—allow you to apply your knowledge in diverse settings.
Support
We offer support services and resources to help you thrive, including academic advisors who are committed to your success.
Career
We focus on furthering your career success from day one with career counseling and customized resources to help you develop job search and networking skills.
Further education
With a strong foundation of coursework from the O’Neill School at IU Indianapolis, Indiana's premier urban research university, you will be prepared to pursue further education at top institutions.
Alumni
Our alumni go on to successful careers and our strong network of graduates around the world provides valuable connections and opportunities.
Explore your undergraduate journey by major
Community and Organizational Leadership Studies (COLS)
Let’s talk about your options and career goals!
Phone: 317-274-4656
Email: oneillqa@iu.edu
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