Undecided
The information on the tabs below will help students currently declared as Undecided majors to choose appropriate classes for their first semester. The recommendations below are for your first semester only, so you may have additional Core requirements, for example, that you'll learn more about during your first semester here.
Focus On: Undecided Majors
Undecided majors who are absolutely uncertain about what direction to pursue are able to take a semester of Core courses. That's a great way to start. Students who know a direction in which they'd like to go may find the Focus On tabs below to be helpful. Based on the Career Communities offered by Career Services, you'll find information on the industry groups in each of the three career communities, along with more specific course recommendations for students heading in those directions. The Focus On information is less about majors and more about career interests.
Advising Notes
Important Notes for Undecided majors from Advising:
- Look over other course recommendations on the website related to majors you are considering to help identify “introductory-level” courses in subject areas that interest you.
- It’s okay to be undecided! Most majors do not require four full years to complete. This semester we encourage you to complete UCWR 110 (required of all majors) and some Core classes while you explore and consider your options.
- Some Core subject areas are more likely to be required for many students, regardless of major. These include Theological, Philosophical, Literary, Ethics, or Historical Core."
- We do recommend starting in science and math courses (BIOL 101, calculus-track math course based on math placement, etc.) if you are seriously considering a science major, and/or are planning to complete pre-health requirements. It is easier to start them now and discontinue later if you change your mind, than it is to start later.
- PathwayU is a career exploration tool to help you understand how your academic and career interests align and can be particularly valuable for students who are currently undecided. To help you get started in learning more about yourself we ask that students take the following steps ahead of registration:
- Login to luc.pathwayu.com
- Select “Join Now” to create your account
- On the MyJourney page select “Take Assessments”
- Complete assessments
- Don’t forget to check the AP/IB guide to ensure you know if you have any incoming credit that will count towards your Core requirements.
First Semester Course Recommendations
As an Undecided major, you will enroll in the following courses:
- College Writing Seminar: UCWR 110, based on writing placement (3 credits)
- One or two introductory-level courses in a subject area that you are considering for a major (3-6 credits)
One Freshman Seminar:
- UNIV 101 (1 credit)
Two or three of the following Core classes (6-9 total credits):
- Foundational Historical Knowledge: HIST 101, HIST 102, HIST 103, or HIST 104
- Foundational Philosophical Knowledge: PHIL 130
- Foundational Literary Knowledge: UCLR 100C, UCLR 100E, or UCLR 100M
- Foundational Scientific Knowledge: ENVS 101
- Foundational Societal Knowledge: ANTH 100, PLSC 102, SOCL 101, or WSGS 101
- Foundational Theological Knowledge: THEO 100 or THEO 107
- Ethics Knowledge: PHIL 181, PHIL 182, THEO 185, or THEO 186
- Quantitative Knowledge: CJC 206, COMP/MUSC 122, COMP 125 or 150, ISSCM 241, MATH 108, or STAT 103
- Artistic Knowledge: (see options in the Undergraduate Catalog)
The total number of credits you will enroll in for the fall is 16 credits.
Interdisciplinary Honors First Semester Course Recommendations
As an Undecided major, you will enroll in the following courses:
- One or two introductory-level courses in a subject area that you are considering for a major (3-6 credits)
One Freshman Seminar:
- UNIV 101 (1 credit)
Interdisciplinary Honors Requirements (6 credits)
- HONR 101
- HONR D101
One or two of the following Core classes (3-6 total credits):
- Foundational Historical Knowledge: Any 100/200/300-level HIST course
- Foundational Scientific Knowledge: ENVS 101
- Foundational Societal Knowledge: ANTH 100, PLSC 102, SOCL 101, or WSGS 101
- Quantitative Knowledge: CJC 206, COMP/MUSC 122, COMP 125 or 150, ISSCM 241, MATH 108, or STAT 103
The total number of credits you will enroll in for the fall is 16 credits.
Focus On: Humanities, Law, and Public Service
Uncertain about a major but know that you're interested in the humanities, law, or public service? Here are some courses to consider for Fall:
- SOCL 101 (3 credits)
- PSYC 101 (3 credits)
- Artistic Knowledge: (see options in the Undergraduate Catalog) (1 to 3 credits)
- College Writing Seminar: UCWR 110, based on writing placement (3 credits)
- Foundational Historical Knowledge: HIST 101, HIST 102, HIST 103, or HIST 104 (3 credits)
- Foundational Literary Knowledge: UCLR 100M, UCLR 100C, or UCLR 100E (3 credits)
- Foundational Philosophical Knowledge: PHIL 130 (3 credits)
Career Communities
Our Career Services team runs three Career Communities that are categorized by industry to help students interested in certain areas at all stages of their college career. You may be interested in their Arts, Public & Human Services, Policy, and Law community. This career community can help students interested in fields like:
- Arts, Culture & Media with sample careers like Editor, Curator, Writer, Graphic Designer, Journalist, Archivist, Photographer, Artistic Director, Librarian, Social Media Manager, Sound Engineer, Videographer, Event Coordinator, Brand Manager, Production Coordinator
- Law, Policy & Government with sample careers like Lawyer, Legislator, Judicial Law Clerk, Judge, Detective/Criminal Investigator, Political Scientist, Court Reporter, Environmental Compliance Inspector, Intelligence Analyst, Probation Officer, Urban and Regional Planner, Paralegal/Legal Assistant, Emergency Management Director, Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- Social Services, Education & Nonprofit with sample careers like Case Manager, Therapist/Counselor, Community Support Specialist, Behavioral Health Technician, Victim Advocate
How to get started:
- Visit the industry groups above to learn more about resources and information that Career Services provides.
- Complete the Career Community Survey and select up to three communities that interest you. You will then start receiving newsletters from advisors leading your communities and get connected to resources, events, and opportunities.
Focus On: Business and Technology
Uncertain about a major but know that you're interested in business and/or technology? Here are some courses to consider for Fall:
- STAT 103 or ISSCM 241 (3 credits)
- COMP 141 (3 credits)
- INFS 247 (3 credits)
- College Writing Seminar: UCWR 110, based on writing placement (3 credits)
- Foundational Philosophical Knowledge: PHIL 130 (3 credits)
- One of the following math courses based on your math placement (3 to 4 credits):
- MATH 100 if your placement is MATH 100
- If your placement is MATH 117 or MATH 118:
- MATH 110 for students interested in majors in the Quinlan School of Business
- MATH 117 or 118 for students interested in majors in other schools
- If your placement is MATH 131 or MATH 161:
- MATH 130 for students interested in Finance or Economics majors in the Quinlan School of Business (other majors only require MATH 110)
- MATH 131 or MATH 161 -- Students interested in STEM majors should explore the course recommendations for those majors to see if they would need MATH 161, specifically.
Career Communities
Our Career Services team runs three Career Communities that are categorized by industry to help students interested in certain areas at all stages of their college career. You may be interested in their Business and Technology community. This career community can help students interested in fields like:
- Consulting, Human Resources & Supply Chain with sample careers like analysts, associates, consultants, and managers. HR: HR Generalist, HR Coordinator, Recruiter, Training and Development Specialist, Employee Benefits Specialist, Business Human Resource Manager, Research & Development. Supply Chain: Logistics Coordinator, Procurement Specialist, Inventory Analyst, Operations Manager, Associate Analyst for Global Procurement
- Finance & Accounting with sample careers like General Accountant, Auditor, Tax Accountant, Compliance Professionals, Forensic Accountant, Actuary, and Management Accountant. Financial Analyst, Financial Advisor, Investment Banker; Commercial Banker; Financial Controller; Risk Analyst/Manager, Wealth Manager and Trader
- Marketing, Advertising & PR with sample careers like Art Director, Advertising Specialist, Account Executive, Brand Ambassador & Manager, Media Buyer, Business Owner/Freelancer/Entrepreneur, Digital Marketing Coordinator & Creative Director, Content Marketing Managers/Specialist, Copywriter/editor, Influencer & Social Media Marketer, Public Affairs, Marketing Communicator, Market Researcher and Analyst, SEO Specialist, Sports Agent
- Tech, Info Systems & Data with sample careers like Business Analyst, Cloud Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Data Scientist, IT Support Specialist, Network and Systems Administrator, Project Manager, Software Developer/Engineer, UX/UI Designer
How to get started:
- Visit the industry groups above to learn more about resources and information that Career Services provides.
- Complete the Career Community Survey and select up to three communities that interest you. You will then start receiving newsletters from advisors leading your communities and get connected to resources, events, and opportunities.
Focus On: Health, Medicine, and Natural Sciences
Uncertain about a major but know that you're interested in health, medicine, or the natural sciences? Here are some courses to consider for Fall:
- Science courses are very specific to the majors that enroll in them, so make sure you look at the course recommendations for majors in health, medicine, and the natural sciences that interest you.
- PSYC 101 (3 credits)
- College Writing Seminar: UCWR 110, based on writing placement (3 credits)
- One of the following math courses based on your math placement (3 to 4 credits):
- MATH 100, MATH 117, MATH 118, MATH 131, or MATH 161
- Students interested in STEM majors should explore the course recommendations for those majors to see if they would need MATH 161, specifically.
Career Communities
Our Career Services team runs three Career Communities that are categorized by industry to help students interested in certain areas at all stages of their college career. You may be interested in their Health, Medicine, and Natural Sciences community. This career community can help students interested in fields like:
- Allied Health & Public Health with sample careers like Health Educator, Optometrist, Clinical Coordinator, Athletic Trainer, Occupational Therapist, Community Communication Liaison, Physical Therapist
- Natural Science, Research & Sustainability with sample careers like Environmental Scientist, Research Assistant, Technical Writer, Conservation Scientist, Biological Technician, Chemists and Materials Scientists, Astronomer, Postsecondary Teaching, Biochemist, Biophysicist, Land Preservation, GIS Analyst
- Pre-Medicine with sample careers like Medicine (allopathic and osteopathic), Dentistry, Podiatry, Veterinary, Optometry, Physician’s Assistant, and Pharmacy
- Nursing with sample careers like Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Registered Nurse, Respiratory Nurse, Emergency Room Nurse, Labor and Delivery Nurse, Radiology Nurse, Geriatric Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, School Nurse, Oncology Nurse
How to get started:
- Visit the industry groups above to learn more about resources and information that Career Services provides.
- Complete the Career Community Survey and select up to three communities that interest you. You will then start receiving newsletters from advisors leading your communities and get connected to resources, events, and opportunities.
The information on the tabs below will help students currently declared as Undecided majors to choose appropriate classes for their first semester. The recommendations below are for your first semester only, so you may have additional Core requirements, for example, that you'll learn more about during your first semester here.
Focus On: Undecided Majors
Undecided majors who are absolutely uncertain about what direction to pursue are able to take a semester of Core courses. That's a great way to start. Students who know a direction in which they'd like to go may find the Focus On tabs below to be helpful. Based on the Career Communities offered by Career Services, you'll find information on the industry groups in each of the three career communities, along with more specific course recommendations for students heading in those directions. The Focus On information is less about majors and more about career interests.