Explore available majors

At North Park, students can start as declared or undeclared majors. If you’re uncertain, that’s okay! In your first year of studies, we recommend that you examine whether your intended major is a good fit. You can always change your mind.

We’ve designed our advising system to help you make informed decisions as you explore various academic paths. No matter where you are in the process, we are here to help you succeed academically and prepare for your future career.

Ready to get started? Your advisor is here to help you take the next step in your academic journey.

Undecided? No problem!

If you’re unsure about your major, you’re not alone. Many new students enter college unsure of what they want to study. At North Park, we provide the space and resources to help you explore your interests and discover what you’re passionate about. Our Core Curriculum gives you exposure to various disciplines, while the First-Year Experience program connects you with extracurricular activities and a supportive community that can help guide your decision.

Steps to help you explore

• Self-assessment: Reflect on your skills, hobbies, and what inspires you. Consider what motivates you and think about how you want to make a difference in the world.
• Explore resources: In addition to your advisor, North Park’s Career Development Office offers career counseling and tools to help you assess your strengths and interests.

Additional information

• Registering for classes: To register for classes each semester, we encourage students to connect with their academic advisor during the advising period and work together to create a course schedule. If you are an admitted incoming student, you can find class registration information here. 
• Student Success resources: See some of the many resources available to you as a student.
• Placement exams: Subject placement exams assess your skill level in writing, math, and modern language, ensuring you’re placed in the appropriate classes for academic success. Review the placement exam information and connect with your academic advisor to see which placement exams are relevant for your major.

Maximizing your advising appointment

Before your appointment

• Reach out to your academic advisor in advance of registration to schedule an appointment.
• Examine degree requirements, course offerings, and prerequisites on Self-Service before your advising appointment.
• Develop a tentative course schedule, including specific courses and sections, before meeting with your advisor.
• Write down your questions and concerns, and bring them with you to your appointment.  

During your appointment

• Review the “Progress” tab on Self-Service during your advising meeting to ensure you are progressing through the requirements and on track with the required credits to complete your degree. Your advisor assists you with this process, but it is your responsibility to confirm that you are meeting all the degree requirements.
• Discuss your education and career goals and create an action plan of how to achieve these.
• Check for holds and determine who to contact to resolve them. 
• Consult the academic catalog for any academic policies that might affect you, such as repeating a course, academic standing, course load, grades, appeals, etc.

Change your major

North Park encourages all undergraduates to decide on a major by the end of their first year. While you’re not required to choose a major immediately, discussing potential majors and your broader academic and career goals with your academic advisor is an important part of your first-year experience. Complete a Change of Major form to change your major, add a second major, or drop a major.

Frequently asked questions