When high schoolers start thinking about college majors, they often imagine the classics: business, psychology, nursing, or engineering. But tucked within Westchester’s universities are innovative, career-focused programs that could excite students if they knew they existed. From designing video games and solving crimes to tackling global human rights, these unique programs blend passion with professional opportunity.
From Player to Creator: Game Development at Pace University
For many teens, video games aren’t just entertainment. They are a way to connect with friends, exercise creativity, and dive into immersive stories. At Pace University, the B.S. in game development gives students the chance to turn that passion into a career.
“Besides working at game companies, there are many other industries that need people with the skills you get from game development,” says Dr. Carmine T. Guida, the program director at Pace. “This includes everything from interactive museum exhibits to augmented reality for sporting events to virtual reality training being used by companies.”
Hands-on learning drives the curriculum. All game courses are project-based, and students get to experiment with VR headsets. Pace recently launched a Game Research Lab, where undergraduates study everything from computer graphics rendering to AI reinforcement learning. Collaboration is an important part of the program. Right now, students are working on an interactive museum kiosk with another university.
“The game industry is larger than the film and music industry combined,” Dr. Guida says. “We’ve seen a big increase in applicants. Game development is interdisciplinary, and anyone from artists to coders can be a part of it.”
Pace will also launch a B.S. in artificial intelligence in fall 2026, adding another cutting-edge option for tech-minded students. Thirty-nine classes incorporate AI at the undergraduate and graduate level at Pace, with more than 14 faculty experts who teach and research in the field of AI.
View this post on Instagram
Solving Crimes: Forensic Investigations at Mercy University
If shows like CSI or Forensic Files spark your interest, Mercy University offers a program that brings investigative science into the classroom. The B.S. in Criminal Justice: Forensic Investigations is built for students who are analytical, detail-oriented, and eager to bridge the gap between law and investigation.
The unique program is designed as an investigation track with casework and the application of forensic concepts in the field, says Zodet Negrón, Mercy’s executive director of public relations.
Courses such as Crime Scene Investigation Practicum, Criminalistics I & II, and Law of Evidence let students explore fingerprint analysis, impression evidence, and even death investigations. Many classes are taught by attorneys, law enforcement officers, or former forensic specialists who weave real-world case scenarios into lessons.
Hands-on learning extends beyond campus through Mercy’s Career and Professional Development services. Students often intern with law enforcement agencies, investigative units, or related criminal justice organizations.
“Graduates pursue positions in crime scene and investigative units, law enforcement, corrections, courts, private security, insurance, and victim advocacy or social service agencies,” Negrón says. “The program also provides a foundation for graduate study in criminal justice or related forensic disciplines.”
Enrollment in the program remains steady at 80 to 100 students every year, reflecting students’ interest in forensics as well as increasing demand for professionals trained in evidence-based approaches to crime and justice.
View this post on Instagram
Tackling Global Challenges: Justice and Human Rights at Manhattanville University
At Manhattanville University, the B.A. in global justice and human rights attracts students eager to make a difference. The interdisciplinary program blends political science, international studies, and law to prepare graduates for careers in advocacy, nonprofits, government, and beyond.
For high schoolers passionate about activism and global awareness, the program offers the chance to study today’s most pressing issues. Students examine topics such as gender, immigration, class, religion, ethnicity, and nationality. Coursework emphasizes media literacy, research, ethics, and applied projects, ensuring graduates gain both practical skills and academic knowledge.
View this post on Instagram
New York is home to many prominent human rights organizations at which students can pursue internships, and the United Nations headquarters is just a short train ride from Manhattanville’s campus.
Graduates of the program have gone on to become community organizers, grant writers, political analysts, campaign managers, and nonprofit program managers.
Whether students are interested in technology, law enforcement, or social justice, Westchester colleges are offering unique majors and programs that align passions with career paths.
Next Steps
Explore these programs and find out how to apply here:
- Pace University, Game Development
- Mercy University, Criminal Justice
- Manhattanville University, Global Justice and Human Rights
Related: Youth Programs Help Westchester High Schoolers Build Skills
