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. 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.