Skip to main content

Exploring College Majors

Resources for "Still Deciding" Students or Students Considering a Change in Major

Not sure what to major in? Is your chosen major not available to you? Don’t worry, you’re definitely not alone. At Saint Louis University, we understand that choosing a major is a big step, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Whether you have a lot of interests, are still figuring out your strengths, or want to investigate different career options, SLU has plenty of people and resources to support you on your journey. From one-on-one advising and career assessments to hands-on exploration experiences, this page provides information about the tools and support services available to help you discover the major that’s right for you.

So start exploring today — your exciting future is just around the corner!

advisor and student sit at a table

Academic advisors can help students find majors that match their strengths, interests and career goals.

Preparing for SLU 101

SLU 101 helps you navigate academic opportunities, connect with fellow Billikens, discover campus resources, learn about academic programs and meet academic advisors. Make the most of SLU 101 with these steps:

  • Know that deciding on a major is a process that takes time, and that's OK. You don't have to have it all figured out! Take advantage of the resources at SLU and allow the process to unfold. Be curious and open, and you'll discover some cool things along the way.
  • Complete the course selection survey as part of your course placement process. Read through your options carefully and identify courses and subjects that interest you.
  • Create a list of majors, subjects and careers that interest you. When you explore the major, look at the courses and read the course descriptions. Imagine yourself taking these classes. Are you excited to learn about these topics? Or does this information seem really dull?  Pay attention to your reactions and note the things you are interested in, as well as the things you know you don't want to pursue.  
  • Academic advisors will be available to discuss your options during SLU 101. Bring your questions and list of interests to the Major Exploration Station on the afternoon of the first day of SLU 101. 
  • Use the online assessment tools from Career Services. These tools are a helpful part of the decision-making process. 
  • Plan to attend a Career Services session or visit their table at the Resource Fair during SLU 101 to learn how their office can help you throughout your decision-making process. 
  • If you have decided on a major, contact your admission counselor to request a major change. You will also have the opportunity to change your major during SLU 101.  

Vocation - More than Just a Job

As a Jesuit institution, SLU encourages its students to think beyond jobs or careers and to also reflect on their vocation. In this context, vocation refers to who you are called to be more than just what you are called to do. It refers to all aspects of your life like your family, friends, and community, as well as your pursuit of justice for others and the way you interact with the earth. And the process of understanding it requires an internal journey rather than an external search – it is not something you find but something that is already in you, something that is revealed to you.

When applying this concept to choosing a major or career, Fr. Michael Himes of Boston College poses three important questions for reflection: What gives you joy – what do you love to do?  What are you good at – the unique God-given gifts and talents that you possess?  And does anyone need you to do it - is this work something that society needs? We encourage you to spend some time with these questions as you also ponder your career and major options.

Making a Decision - The Jesuit Approach

St. Ignatius, founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), also provides practical steps for decision-making, or discernment. And while there is a bit more to it (and many books written about it), this brief introduction can be very helpful. 

Ignatius stressed that it is important to start this process from a position of detachment, allowing yourself to be open to any outcome, removed from biases or opinions of yourself or others, and trying not to lean toward any one option. Try to identify the preferences and influences you face as you decide on your major. Are family or friends encouraging you in a particular direction? What external factors, like prestige or finances, may be influencing your decisions?  Can you hold all your options equally without leaning toward one or the other? Try to maintain this sense of detachment as you employ the following:

  • Make a list of the possible decisions. Reflect on or pray about your list and notice how you feel about each one - which options give you a sense of peace, hopefulness, or excitement? Which options leave you feeling heavy, anxious, or fearful?
  • “Try on” each decision for a day. For each option, act as if you’ve made that choice and notice how you feel as you go about your day.
  • Imagine what advice you would give to a person you care about if they were in your position.
  • Imagine yourself far in the future, looking back on your decision, and from that perspective reflect on the question, “What should I have done?”

There is No Perfect Decision!

There is no perfect decision, perfect outcome or perfect life. Letting go of the idea that there is only one “perfect” option brings great freedom to this process. Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, authors of Designing Your Life, stress the importance of letting go of perfection when planning your life. They point out that “We all contain enough energy and talents and interests to live many different types of lives, all of which could be authentic and interesting and productive. Asking which life is best is asking a silly question; it’s like asking whether it’s better to have hands or feet.” In other words, you have multiple great lives within you – you do not have to narrow it down to just one! You just need to decide where to start.

If you are trying to narrow things down to the perfect major or career, expand your options and create a list of three or four possibilities. A lot of majors at SLU have room for you to add a minor or second major, allowing you to create a combination of programs that includes multiple interests.

Academic Advising for Deciding Students

All students are assigned to a professional academic advisor who will work with them at SLU. Academic advisors are essential in guiding students during the major exploration process. 

Your academic advisor will: 

  • Review your initial course schedule to ensure your first semester schedule reflects the preferences indicated in the course selection survey. 
  • Help you explore various majors and minors available at SLU based on your interests, strengths and career goals. 
  • Assist you in developing action steps to identify a potential major. 
  • Help determine if a particular major aligns with your interests and goals. 
  • Recommend introductory courses that allow you to explore majors while fulfilling SLU’s degree requirements. 
  • Assist you with declaring a major once you have selected one. 
  • Help you connect with career counselors, faculty members or other academic offices for additional guidance. 

Office of Career Services

Saint Louis University’s Office of Career Services offers valuable resources to help new students — especially those who are undecided — explore majors, identify career interests, and begin planning for their future. Career counselors can guide you in understanding how your interests, skills, and values align with different majors and career paths. 
 
Career Services provides assessment tools you can access anytime to explore various career and academic options. Students researching majors and career opportunities may find resources like Focus 2 and What Can I Do With This Major? especially helpful. 

  • Focus2 is an online career exploration platform that guides you through assessments and offers possible matches for occupations and fields of study. 
  • What Can I Do With This Major? features profiles for various SLU majors, detailing common career paths, types of employers in those fields, and recommendations for pursuing your opportunities. 

The summer is a great time to utilize both What Can I Do With This Major? and Focus2 before you even arrive on campus.  You are also welcome to visit the Career Services table at the Resource Fair on the second day of SLU 101 to learn more about how our office can help you throughout your decision-making process. 

Faculty and Department Representatives

A student is seen from behind as she talks with a faculty member.
Faculty help students explore education, research and career opportunities within their chosen fields.

SLU faculty members can provide valuable insights into different academic programs and guide you in making informed decisions about your future. Students are encouraged to meet with faculty to discuss their interests. 

Meeting with a faculty member can help you: 

  • Understand program requirements and recommend entry-level courses.
  • Explore career opportunities within their department’s majors and minors. 
  • Learn how skills from different disciplines apply to real-world careers. 
  • Understand interdisciplinary options if you’re interested in combining multiple subjects. 
  • Find information about internships, research projects, and experiential learning opportunities that can help you explore potential career paths. 
  • Help you get involved in student organizations, department events, and workshops to gain exposure to different fields. 
  • Learn about graduate or professional school options related to their field.