During your time at Saint Louis University, you’ll be amazed at the flood of exciting ideas you’ll encounter in your classes. You’ll learn more than you ever thought possible about the wide range of SLU majors and minors you can choose from. But all those options can be overwhelming and leave you thinking, “What’s the right major, or right combination, for me?”
With over 60 majors, minors, certificates and microcredentials offered, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) offers the versatility to tailor your journey and discover your path. CAS provides top-tier excellence across a full spectrum of academic disciplines with arts, humanities, natural, mathematical, social and behavioral sciences programs. Yes, you can explore the many academic pathways in CAS while deciding on an official major.
8 Tips for Choosing a Major
- Take a College Majors Quiz (Don’t worry, you can’t fail!)
College quizzes can be a great way to help students find a career path that matches their talents, interests, and personalities. Though assessments of your hobbies and personality style may not have all the answers, they may be a good starting place in determining what majors might be a good fit for you. You can try SLU’s major quiz. - Get Involved on Campus
In a way, you've been exploring majors your entire life. Volunteering at the local community center, performing in the school play, traveling abroad, competing on the math or debate team, or simply reading an amazing book — any of these may be the spark that ignites your passion for a particular major.
The same is true at college. Campus activities are fun, and they can also give you a hint about yourself and what you want to do in life. SLU offers more than 170 student organizations, clubs and activities to try out.
- Know Your Advisor
All College of Arts and Sciences students, including Still Deciding, are assigned an advisor in the CAS Office of Academic Advising. On the CAS website, students can get information on scheduling an appointment, setting advising expectations, and yearly student outcomes. Yearly student outcomes are skills and abilities students are expected to gain throughout the advising process at SLU. Visit the Advising website for more information. - Do A Little Exploring
The departmental web pages where students can explore major or career interests are full of great information for students seeking additional information on a particular major. There are several online resources for finding majors at SLU, including the CAS majors list. This page provides a list of all majors offered at the College of Arts and Sciences, along with four-year degree plans for each of them. - Talk To Your Professors
Students are encouraged to connect with professors regarding their major and career interests. Visit a professor during office hours, attend department social events, or send an email to inquire further about their department. - Connect With SLU’s Career Center
SLU encourages students to seek internships that let them explore their dreams. Internships are available in most degree programs. Internships may be for credit, may fulfill degree requirements, and may be compensated. Before you graduate from college, you can try out various professional fields to see what best fits your interests. And at SLU, our Career Center is ready to help you connect with employers at every stage. - Study Abroad
Exploring the world can also help you explore yourself. An introduction to different cultures or getting a global perspective could spark an interest in anything from world health or sustainability to a passion for politics or international business.
SLU offers more than 50 study abroad programs to undergraduates for at least a semester-long experience and trips and exchange programs over fall and spring break. Our campus in Madrid, Spain, can accommodate a study abroad experience!
- Don’t Be Afraid to Change Your Mind
Choosing a major is an important decision, but it does not always stick the first time. About a third of students change majors at least once. There isn’t a right way to do this; there is just your way of doing it.
Students are encouraged to pursue their passions and find a career path that matches their talents and personality. The College of Arts and Sciences academic advisors, professors and your fellow students are here to help!