What Would Bert and Ernie Study at College?
It’s the 40th anniversary of “Sesame Street,” but the Muppet residents of the world-famous block don’t seem to have aged a bit. (Hey, can someone tell ME how to get to Sesame Street?)
I admit, I still turn on “Sesame Street” every once in a while to see what’s new in the ‘hood. Today, First Lady Michelle Obama was helping some of her Muppet friends plant a garden, which is a great way to help kids think about the environment. But then again, “Sesame Street” has always been a forward-thinking show despite the Fountain of Youth its fuzzy characters seem to have encountered.
So in honor of one of my all-time favorite television shows, I decided to ponder what some of the Muppets might have studied at college. After all, “Sesame Street” was meant to educate its viewers, so I’m pretty sure that if the Muppets were ever allowed to grow up, they would have gone to college. Did any of your favorites make the list?
Big Bird, Philosophy. As one of the most inquisitive residents of Sesame Street, Big Bird wanted a college major that would allow him to continue asking questions about life. Philosophy was such a natural fit for him that he continued on through to his doctorate. His dissertation is entitled, “Lessons Learned from the ‘Street’”
Elmo, Early Childhood Education. Cute and fuzzy Elmo loved learning and loved being a kid. No one on Sesame Street was surprised when he entered a program in early childhood education. He is now a kindergarten teacher in a school just a few short blocks from his old neighborhood.
Bert, Ornithology. Inspired by his beloved pigeons, Bert pursued a college degree in ornithology, the study of birds. He is currently an in-demand consultant for major cities in the U.S. who wish to explore humane methods of controlling the pigeon population.
Guy Smiley, Television & Film. Tired of getting beat out by Tom Bergeron for every game show hosting gig he auditioned for, Guy Smiley and his Hollywood dreams left Sesame Street for the West Coast, where he pursued a degree in television and film production at a school in Southern California. He will be hosting the upcoming reality TV show, “So You Think You Want to Make a Deal with the Stars?”
Count von Count, Accounting. The Count was able to turn his life-long obsession with numbers into a lucrative career. After he got his degree in accounting, the Count passed the CPA exam on the first try and is now a partner at one of the big accounting firms in NYC.
Kermit the Frog, Broadcast Journalism. From the first time he donned the trench coat and picked up that microphone, Kermit knew he had found his niche in the world. A program in broadcast journalism was a no-brainer for him, and he graduated at the top of his class. He turned down numerous job offers as a news anchor, preferring instead to be a roving reporter out in the field. He will be covering the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver for MTV—Muppet Television.
Prairie Dawn, Theatre and Film. Inspired by her appearances in Guy Smiley’s game shows and her experience as producer of some of the shows with the Sesame Street gang, Prairie also pursued a career in show business. Preferring to stay behind the scenes and work on “serious art,” Prairie Dawn got a job at one of the biggest off-Broadway theatres in the city and worked her way up to become artistic director. She is also an award-winning playwright—her newest play, Where the Air Is Sweet, is currently in previews.
Ernie, Hotel Management and Hospitality. The fun-loving Ernie dabbled in a few areas before declaring his major in hotel management and hospitality. The field is a perfect match for Ernie’s vibrant personality and boyish laugh. He has interned in some of the biggest and best hotels in New York City and is slated to be concierge at one of Donald Trump’s newest properties in Miami. Guests of the new hotel can be sure to find a rubber duckie with which to share their Jacuzzi bubble bath.
Zoe, Dance. Although ballet is her first love, Zoe studied many different types of dance in college, including hip-hop. She is now an in-demand music video choreographer who has worked with Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and Jennifer Lopez.
Cookie Monster, Pastry Arts. At first, Cookie Monster was bummed that he couldn’t major in Cookie Baking, but a program in pastry arts quickly changed that. Even though he studied for a semester in France under some of the world’s best pastry chefs, he came back to the U.S. still hungry for his beloved cookies. Soon after, Cookie Monster fired up the oven on his own cookie business, Nom Nom Cookies—the chocolate chip is his signature cookie.
Oscar the Grouch, Environmental Studies. Living in a garbage can for so long got Oscar to thinking, “How can I help clean up the world?” As an environmental studies major, he wowed his professors with his ideas on sanitation and garbage containment and was hired as a research consultant by the U.S. government immediately after graduation. Oscar is not so grouchy any more now that he drives a hybrid and lives in large blue plastic recycling container.
Grover, Criminal Justice. Since he couldn’t realistically become a superhero, Grover did the next best thing–he went to law school. The furry blue guy graduated at the top of his class, then went on to become an assistant DA. He played an integral role on the law team responsible for putting Bernie Madoff behind bars for the rest of his life.
–Barbara Bellesi
2 comments November 10th, 2009
Wanna work with the likes of Cookie Monster or Kermit? Or maybe you love the play “Avenue Q” and all its characters. If this is the case, then the University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT) will be the perfect place to earn a BFA in Puppet Arts. Unlike many other programs that encourage taking general classes all at once, UConn actually encourages students of the Puppet Arts program to take their major classes early on and delve right into introductory classes like costuming, lighting, and scenery to get you interested from the get-go.
Have a real interest in working with kids? Sullivan University (Louisville, KY) has a Professional Nanny program that teaches students everything from infant care to child development. Graduates of the Professional Nanny program not only work with private families, but they may also go on to manage or own their very own daycare facilities. And if you choose to have your own family in the future, your nanny degree will certainly prove very useful for obvious reasons!
How are theology and sports related? Other than a ‘Hail Mary’ pass, I’m definitely not sure. Campbellsville University (Campbellsville, KY) could help me figure this out with their B.A. and B.S. programs in Sports Ministry. Students in this program take classes like the Art of Reading the Bible and Church History, as well as classes on coaching various sports and even Anatomy and Physiology.
If you really enjoy bowling, then a degree from Vincennes University (Vincennes, IN) may be right up your bowling alley. Taking classes in business management from the Bowling Industry Management program will give you the edge you need to be an effective businessperson, while Lane and Pinsetter and Pro Shop Labs will keep you connected to the sport that can certainly make your career that much more interesting.
You may think that packaging is a ridiculous major, but in a world where green and environmentally-friendly consumerism is becoming more mainstream, Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI) has got you covered. From bachelor’s to doctorate programs, the packaging programs at MSU give you basic skills and knowledge in materials, techniques, and many other business, technology, and general education classes.
You can earn your associate of science degree in Floristry from the Ornamental Horticulture department at Cuyamaca College (El Cajon, CA). Learn tricks of the trade in order to pursue your interest in this artistic career. It’s more than just planting flowers — you’ll take classes in wedding design, floral design, soils, and plant materials. Take your green thumb straight to a successful and lucrative career.
It’s the one question that gets old fast: What do you plan to major in? Whether you don’t know yet, or just want an idea of what major would best suit you, take the 