In your first year of college, you have time to decide. However, we encourage you to investigate courses and majors early. Changing OR adding a major happens; choosing the right course early can keep you on the right track. Discuss options with your advisor.
Choosing Your Major
Download the complete Choosing Your Major tip sheet »
Don’t worry about everyone else. Some students enter the College of Business with a specific major and career goal, and continue down that path to graduation and beyond. They are rare. College is a time for YOUR focused exploration.
Self Assess: Who are you and what makes you happy?
- What are your favorite classes, clubs, and organizations?
- What do you enjoy doing?
- What preference do you have in movies, tv episodes, magazine, books, and internet surfing?
- What activities keep you interested and motivated?
- What majors or careers you’ve considered?
Skills and Strengths: What are you good at doing?
- When people compliment you, what do they say?
- What were your best subjects?
- Are there skills or subjects that you learn easily, without much effort?
- What are your talents or skills that are second nature to you?
- Where do you excel?
CAREERLEADER - College Assessment for Business Students
If you’re uncertain about your interests, skills, and motivators (values), the Portfolio office offers a business career assessment which can provide new insights or reaffirm things you may have considered. You can always speak to an advisor.
Learn about Majors, and Find a Good “Fit” for You:
- Attend Business Student Majors Panels – Through Portfolio student panels, you’ll hear Loyola upperclassmen speak about their experiences in the different business majors.
- Speak with students in the major(s) that interest you. You can connect with students via student organizations or clubs, volunteer work, and classes.
- Take courses in the areas that interest you. The business curriculum is designed for every student to develop a foundation in different subject areas.
- Schedule an appointment with one of your academic advisors.
- Email a faculty member to request a meeting. They can describe upper division courses.
- Read course descriptions on the current Undergraduate Bulletin: http://2012bulletin.loyno.edu/undergraduate/course-descriptions. Which classes catch your attention?
- Review the Degree Program Course Listings (DPCLs) for different majors to familiarize yourself with course requirements.
- Talk to family, alumni, and other business professionals in fields you’re considering, and ask for their recommendations.
Declaring Your Major
Download the complete Declaring Your Major tip sheet »
- You cannot graduate with a major in General Studies Business (GSB).
- If your major is listed as GSB you must declare your official major by the beginning of your junior year.
- Loyola College of Business offers majors in Accounting, Economics, Finance, International Business, Management, and Marketing.
- To change your major, log onto your LORA account, complete, and submit the Change of Major form. Or, complete the form online.
- You must contact the College of Business Director of Student Services to add a double major or minor, even if it’s in another college. Students can double major or minor only after establishing a successful Loyola GPA.
- Choosing a major is not a onetime linear process. Your performance or interest in courses, as well as internship and job experiences may confirm your choice of major or serve as a “reality check” to switch fields.
Tips to Apply Your Major for Career Success
- Relevant Experience - Whether through your internship(s), jobs, or volunteer roles, pursue opportunities that relate to your career goals and interests.
- Leadership Role - Run for office in a student organization or student government. Contact the Co-Curricular Office regarding the Emerging Leaders
- program.
- Professional Organizations - Join an association, attend meetings, and participate.
- Media - Read blogs or view podcasts on topics of interest to stay informed.
- Advice Appointment - Schedule an appointment with someone in a field that interests you. Ask for their thoughts and recommendations.
- Review internship and job postings that interest you - You’ll know what skills employers seek, and have time to learn specific programs or languages.