QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
There are many questions to consider when choosing a major, the following list provides a small sample to help you get started:
- What am I passionate about?
- What do I naturally enjoy studying?
- What do I want to learn?
- What skills and competencies do I want to develop?
- Will this major help me with my career goals?
- Is this the right-and only-major for my career path?
- What is expected of students in this major?
- What alternative majors/minors should I consider?
- Have I explored all of my options?
Resources to Help You Explore Further
Click on the links below to explore and learn about majors & minors at Penn State Abington:
Campus Departments that Can Help
It is common to seek guidance regarding the major or minor you want to study. Reach out to one of the departments below for help:
- The Academic Advising Center - Make an appointment with an Academic Adviser to explore your options.
- Academic Departments - Meet with faculty members and students to learn the ins & outs of the majors/minors you're considering.
- Career & Professional Development - Let CPD show you what you can do with your major.
- Global Education & Engagement - Explore the world through study abroad or global internships and expand your horizons.
- ACURA (Abington College Undergraduate Research Activities) - Conduct research to further explore your areas of passion.
- Library - Let a librarian assist you in finding online and book resources to help you learn more about your major/minor.
MAJOR EXPLORATION EVENTS
CREATING A COMMUNITY OF EDUCATORS
Sept. 30, 2019 | 12:20PM- 1:20PM | Lubert Commons
Education faculty and students will illustrate how working as a collaborating as a community can benefit school children. Our team will address how service learning can support the process of educating all children and create a platform for enhancing education through giving to others. Participants will write inspiring notes to students in PSU Abington's Community Partnership Schools to keep engaging in the learning process.
EXPLORING ENGLISH
Sept. 30, 2019 - Oct. 11, 2019
Study Culture: Mapping Space & Visualizing Cultural Tensions | Sept. 30, 2019 | 10:10AM- 11AM | 340 Woodland
Study Journalism: "Hot Takes" Across the Philly Sports Scene | Oct. 1, 2019 | 1:35PM - 2:50PM | 342 Woodland
Study Business: Selling Shakespeare - Branding and Fame| Oct. 1, 2019 | 1:35PM - 2:50PM | 309 Sutherland
Study Conflict: Conflict and Connection in the Short Story | Oct. 3, 2019 | 10:35AM- 11:50AM | 215 Sutherland
Study Society: Looking at Captive Animals - The Problem with Zoos | Oct. 7, 2019 | 1:25PM - 2:15PM | 237 Woodland
Study Identity: Latinx Identity and Homophobia in America | Oct. 10, 2019 | 3:05PM- 4:20PM | 308 Sutherland
CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN ACTION - INTOXICATION GOGGLES EXERCISE
Oct. 1, 2019 | 9:30AM- 11:30AM | Banquet Room
Penn State Abington Criminal Justice (CRIMJ) faculty will be joined by faculty from Rehabilitation and Human Services (RHS) along with representatives from Abington Police Department, Penn State Police Services, as well as a Certified Drug Recognition Expert-Instructor -- who teaches police officers throughout Pennsylvania about DUI enforcement and recognizing when persons are under the influence of drugs/alcohol. This event is also supported by the Penn State Criminal Justice Research Center, now with a new location here at Abington. Students will have the opportunity to not only talk to various experts in the field but also participate in trying Fatal Vision Goggles. Impairment Simulation Goggles offer sober people the opportunity to experience what it is like to navigate basic tasks after drinking or consuming drugs. It is a safe way to learn that intoxication impairs a person’s balance, vision, reaction time and judgment.
GET TO KNOW CORPORATE COMMUNICATION
Oct. 1, 2019 | 12:15PM- 1:15PM | Lubert Commons
Are you creative and analytical? Good with words? Like working with people? If so, Corporate Communication could be the major for you. Join us for a Corporate Communication alumni panel to learn more about the major and possible career paths with the Corporate Communication major.
EXPLORING HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
Oct. 2, 2019 | 12:20PM - 1:20PM | Woodland Lab
Are you interested in how your body works? Stop by and measure your pulse, EKG, grip strength and blood oxygen levels and learn more about the biology and science majors.
IKIGAI: FINDING YOUR TRUE CALLING
Oct. 3, 2019 | 12PM-1PM | Lubert Commons
Ikigai is a Japanese model for finding your true calling in life. This workshop will lead you to discover your calling, and then will help you design your own unique academic path (including even building your own major!) in order to pursue your passion.
HEALTH PROFESSIONS: WHAT'S RIGHT FOR ME AND HOW DO I GET THERE?
Oct. 7, 2019 | 12:20PM-1:20PM | Lubert Commons
Have you always dreamed of being a doctor? Come find out different ways to get there. Want to hear about other health professions options that might be a better fit for you? Then this is the place for you too!
ART GALLERY & STUDIO TOUR
Oct. 8, 2019 | 1PM- 2PM | Woodland Art Gallery
Students will accompany Yvonne Love, Art Program Chair, on a guided tour of the art gallery and studios, while classes are running to experience what it is like to be an art major.
BUSINESS: MEET & GREET
Oct. 9, 2019 | 11:15AM-12:15PM | Banquet Room
Are you thinking about a career in business? A degree in business prepares you for a wide variety of fields. Come talk with business faculty about the major and minor.
MEET THE MAJORS FAIR
Oct. 9, 2019 | 12:20PM-1:20PM | Lubert Commons
Meet representatives from the academic majors at Abington to get advice, tips, and talk about how the major can help you get to your future goals.
SMEAL COLLEGE OF BUSINESS CAMPUS VISIT
Oct. 9, 2019 | 12:20PM-1:20PM | 8 Sutherland
Meet with an Academic Adviser from University Park's SMEAL College of Business and attend a presentation about SMEAL majors, entrance-to-major requirements, the transition to University Park, and more!
RHS ALUMNI CAREER PANEL
Oct. 10, 2019 | 4:30PM-6:30PM | Lubert Commons
What kind of work can I do with a degree in Rehabilitation & Human Services (RHS)? RHS graduates share their internship, career, and graduate school experiences in a panel discussion and Q&A session.
MAKING A "MAJOR" DECISION WORKSHOP
Oct. 10, 2019 | 12PM - 1PM | Lubert Commons
Check out campus resources and online activities that will help you explore the right major and career for you.
HISTORICAL FUTURES: A BOOK CONFERENCE
Oct. 11, 2019 | 12:20PM-1:20PM | Banquet Room
How did Renaissance poets and playwrights remember the past and imagine the future? Visiting scholars will explore this topic on a lightening panel. And English faculty members will be in attendance to answer questions about the English major and minor.
ROBOTS! ROBOTS! ROBOTS!
Oct. 11, 2019 | 2PM-3PM | Banquet Room
Robots designed by students in our new B.S. Engineering degree program (multidisciplinary engineering design option) will be explored. This new major emphasizes robotics, fabrication, manufacturing and product design. This degree can be completed at the Abington campus.
Sept. 30, 2019 | 12:20PM- 1:20PM | Lubert Commons
Education faculty and students will illustrate how working as a collaborating as a community can benefit school children. Our team will address how service learning can support the process of educating all children and create a platform for enhancing education through giving to others. Participants will write inspiring notes to students in PSU Abington's Community Partnership Schools to keep engaging in the learning process.
EXPLORING ENGLISH
Sept. 30, 2019 - Oct. 11, 2019
Study Culture: Mapping Space & Visualizing Cultural Tensions | Sept. 30, 2019 | 10:10AM- 11AM | 340 Woodland
Study Journalism: "Hot Takes" Across the Philly Sports Scene | Oct. 1, 2019 | 1:35PM - 2:50PM | 342 Woodland
Study Business: Selling Shakespeare - Branding and Fame| Oct. 1, 2019 | 1:35PM - 2:50PM | 309 Sutherland
Study Conflict: Conflict and Connection in the Short Story | Oct. 3, 2019 | 10:35AM- 11:50AM | 215 Sutherland
Study Society: Looking at Captive Animals - The Problem with Zoos | Oct. 7, 2019 | 1:25PM - 2:15PM | 237 Woodland
Study Identity: Latinx Identity and Homophobia in America | Oct. 10, 2019 | 3:05PM- 4:20PM | 308 Sutherland
CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN ACTION - INTOXICATION GOGGLES EXERCISE
Oct. 1, 2019 | 9:30AM- 11:30AM | Banquet Room
Penn State Abington Criminal Justice (CRIMJ) faculty will be joined by faculty from Rehabilitation and Human Services (RHS) along with representatives from Abington Police Department, Penn State Police Services, as well as a Certified Drug Recognition Expert-Instructor -- who teaches police officers throughout Pennsylvania about DUI enforcement and recognizing when persons are under the influence of drugs/alcohol. This event is also supported by the Penn State Criminal Justice Research Center, now with a new location here at Abington. Students will have the opportunity to not only talk to various experts in the field but also participate in trying Fatal Vision Goggles. Impairment Simulation Goggles offer sober people the opportunity to experience what it is like to navigate basic tasks after drinking or consuming drugs. It is a safe way to learn that intoxication impairs a person’s balance, vision, reaction time and judgment.
GET TO KNOW CORPORATE COMMUNICATION
Oct. 1, 2019 | 12:15PM- 1:15PM | Lubert Commons
Are you creative and analytical? Good with words? Like working with people? If so, Corporate Communication could be the major for you. Join us for a Corporate Communication alumni panel to learn more about the major and possible career paths with the Corporate Communication major.
EXPLORING HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
Oct. 2, 2019 | 12:20PM - 1:20PM | Woodland Lab
Are you interested in how your body works? Stop by and measure your pulse, EKG, grip strength and blood oxygen levels and learn more about the biology and science majors.
IKIGAI: FINDING YOUR TRUE CALLING
Oct. 3, 2019 | 12PM-1PM | Lubert Commons
Ikigai is a Japanese model for finding your true calling in life. This workshop will lead you to discover your calling, and then will help you design your own unique academic path (including even building your own major!) in order to pursue your passion.
HEALTH PROFESSIONS: WHAT'S RIGHT FOR ME AND HOW DO I GET THERE?
Oct. 7, 2019 | 12:20PM-1:20PM | Lubert Commons
Have you always dreamed of being a doctor? Come find out different ways to get there. Want to hear about other health professions options that might be a better fit for you? Then this is the place for you too!
ART GALLERY & STUDIO TOUR
Oct. 8, 2019 | 1PM- 2PM | Woodland Art Gallery
Students will accompany Yvonne Love, Art Program Chair, on a guided tour of the art gallery and studios, while classes are running to experience what it is like to be an art major.
BUSINESS: MEET & GREET
Oct. 9, 2019 | 11:15AM-12:15PM | Banquet Room
Are you thinking about a career in business? A degree in business prepares you for a wide variety of fields. Come talk with business faculty about the major and minor.
MEET THE MAJORS FAIR
Oct. 9, 2019 | 12:20PM-1:20PM | Lubert Commons
Meet representatives from the academic majors at Abington to get advice, tips, and talk about how the major can help you get to your future goals.
SMEAL COLLEGE OF BUSINESS CAMPUS VISIT
Oct. 9, 2019 | 12:20PM-1:20PM | 8 Sutherland
Meet with an Academic Adviser from University Park's SMEAL College of Business and attend a presentation about SMEAL majors, entrance-to-major requirements, the transition to University Park, and more!
RHS ALUMNI CAREER PANEL
Oct. 10, 2019 | 4:30PM-6:30PM | Lubert Commons
What kind of work can I do with a degree in Rehabilitation & Human Services (RHS)? RHS graduates share their internship, career, and graduate school experiences in a panel discussion and Q&A session.
MAKING A "MAJOR" DECISION WORKSHOP
Oct. 10, 2019 | 12PM - 1PM | Lubert Commons
Check out campus resources and online activities that will help you explore the right major and career for you.
HISTORICAL FUTURES: A BOOK CONFERENCE
Oct. 11, 2019 | 12:20PM-1:20PM | Banquet Room
How did Renaissance poets and playwrights remember the past and imagine the future? Visiting scholars will explore this topic on a lightening panel. And English faculty members will be in attendance to answer questions about the English major and minor.
ROBOTS! ROBOTS! ROBOTS!
Oct. 11, 2019 | 2PM-3PM | Banquet Room
Robots designed by students in our new B.S. Engineering degree program (multidisciplinary engineering design option) will be explored. This new major emphasizes robotics, fabrication, manufacturing and product design. This degree can be completed at the Abington campus.