Sophomore Year - Connect
Seek advising to stay on track with GUR progress and major declaration by 90 credits
Western offers a variety of majors and minors each with its own declaration requirements and process. Some require the completion of courses prior to declaring, while others may require a particular GPA or a portfolio.
Learn about major declaration requirements in the areas you are exploring. The Programs of Study page provides information about how to declare a major, related careers, department contact information and course/credit information. You may also want to visit department websites or go in person.
If you were a Running Start student with many credits (45+) when you entered WWU, you may want to start this process earlier.
Use Degree Works to monitor GUR completion and progress toward degree requirements in possible majors
Degree Works – Western’s academic planning and degree evaluation tool – is used to evaluate coursework fulfilling major, minor, and degree requirements. You can access Degree Works from the MyWestern page, under “Academic Planning Tools”. If you have not yet declared a major or would like to see how completed and in-progress coursework would apply to another major or a minor, you can use the What If tool in Degree Works. More information, including step-by-step instructions, are available on the Registrar’s Office website.
Degree Works is not intended to replace face-to-face advising sessions. Continue to see an advisor to discuss your progress toward graduation.
Talk with advisors and faculty in academic departments that interest you
Advisors and faculty in are happy to provide you with additional information about courses and potential careers. Sample questions to ask:
- What are the courses typically like?
- What skills and interests would a student need to be successful in those courses?
- What areas of concentration are available in the major?
- What are the major declaration requirements for acceptance into the major?
- Are there any prerequisite courses I should be taking?
- What are typical careers related to this major?
- What internship and/or research opportunities are available?
- How can I explore this major further? Are there courses you would recommend taking to explore this major?
Take courses in a variety of disciplines; explore study abroad options
Students are often surprised at their interest in subjects they had never considered; use your GUR and elective credits to explore various subjects. This is a wonderful way to investigate possible major and minor options!
If you are interested in study abroad, start researching options early to be sure you apply within deadline dates. You can find information about study abroad programs in the Education Abroad office.
Visit the Career Services Center website to take career-related assessments to guide academic and career decisions based on your interests and aptitudes. After completing an assessment, you can meet with a career counselor to review your results.
Get active with student clubs and organizations
Check out AS clubs and programs and get involved.
Have a favorite organization? Contact them and ask how you can participate.
Attend Career Services events to gather information
Every quarter the Career Services Center organizes various events, in association with other departments, to help you explore majors, research career and internship opportunities, and connect with employers.
Read the "How to make effective use of a career fair" webpage.
Become active in community service to make professional connections
Identify community service projects or organizations that you value and/or are related to your career goals and get involved!
Volunteer your time and skills. This is a great way to develop job skills that will prepare you for internship opportunities.
You will also begin to make professional connections that could support your internship and/or job search process in the future!
Check out Western's Center for Community Learning for ideas!