What are my Options?

Catalog

The PLU catalog is a great place to begin this step in the process. Read through the catalog and check the descriptions of majors that sound interesting. Make a list of majors of interest.

If you are having difficulty coming up with a list or have too many possibilities it probably is an indication that you ought to consult with Academic Advising. Circle or highlight course descriptions in the catalog that sound interesting. Do you find that a number of them fall into a particular major or two? Browse departmental websites for requirements and other information.

Assessment

The Alumni and Student Connections at PLU has several assessment tools that can help you answer some of the questions posed in the previous section. These inventories help to identify your interest areas and personal traits, and then compare your preferences with the interests of people who report high levels of satisfaction working in various career fields. Assessments like these do not tell you which major is “the right major” for you, but the results can help you generate ideas about majors and occupations that are worth further exploration.

Researching Majors

Does PLU offer the major(s) that you are considering, or would you have to transfer to another school? Do your interests, abilities, values, and motivations conflict with each other, or are they in agreement? Will you be able to meet entrance requirements and prerequisites on time, particularly in majors which require separate applications (nursing, business, education, etc.)? If you completed the majority of requirements for a major, would it make more sense to finish the major you have already started and pick up courses or a minor in an area you are more interested in exploring?

Interview a Faculty Member

Make an appointment to talk with a faculty member about the skills and areas of expertise you will develop in studying the disciplines they teach. Ask about employment of recent graduates in this area and internships that majors have completed or are completing.

Consult with a member of the Academic Advising staff about planning for your possible major. Meet with an advisor to review degree plans to determine the time line for completing major and General University Requirements.

Ask Yourself

Without thinking about a future career:

• Am I interested in a subject matter?
• Do I enjoy reading and learning about this field?
• Do I have or can I develop the skills necessary for success in this major?