University communications intern Megan Bernier '07, of Alpharetta, Ga., is captain of the women’s swim team and a past student delegate to the Alumni Council.

A Major Decision

By Meg Bernier ’07

When I arrived at St. Lawrence, I thought I immediately needed to know exactly what I wanted to study as a major. I wasn’t completely convinced I wanted to be an English major, as I had planned to be in high school, but spent hours trying to figure it out before choosing classes for my first semester.

When I sat down with my advisor to discuss classes, he informed me that it’s a common misperception to think you need know what you want to major in on your first day of college.  In fact, he encouraged me to take classes that purely interested me, telling me this was part of what a liberal education is all about.

That’s right -- you don’t have to a pick a major your first day in college.  In fact, one reason to go to a liberal arts college is to figure that out, by discovering where your strengths and interests are.  At St. Lawrence, you can explore many disciplines because of the structure of required categories (we call them “distribution requirements”). This compels you to experience an array of subject areas.

At St. Lawrence, you declare your major—or majors--during the spring of your sophomore year. This gives you three semesters, plus part of a fourth, to see what you like and don’t like, and sense what path you’d like to pursue.  Professors, especially your academic advisor, are helpful in guiding you toward the right decision for you.  St. Lawrence offers 34 majors (some of which combine two fields), as well as 36 minors, giving you a nearly unlimited choice to find something you can excel in. 

But what if more than one subject area interests you?  St. Lawrence has solutions for you too!  If you’ve found a lot of classes interesting, but can’t decide on one major, you can double-major. Or you can create a multi-field major; this program allows you to design your own program of study in close consultation with faculty advisors.    

St. Lawrence helps you set up your academic plan in a way that provides flexibility and opportunity for you to discover what’s out there.  This gives you time to make an informed decision about what you want to study, and it gives you time to change your mind if you decide your original plan might not be what’s best for you.  Any way you look at it, you get the best deal!

A Closer Look: What the Major Accomplishes
By Lindsay Wetmiller ’07

A recent job interview reiterated for me how much my government major will help me upon graduation from St. Lawrence.  The organization that I was interviewing with was seeking a candidate with excellent written and oral communication skills, the ability to conduct meaningful research, and proven critical thinking skills.  My major focused on all of these aspects, providing a broad set of qualifications that translate to virtually any career situation.

As a government major, I was required to take four introductory classes and a number of electives as I progressed through the curriculum.  One of the most important courses I took was the seminar Issues in the Study of Public Policy.  The course was a turning point in my major because I truly learned the art and science of “professional” writing.  My professor walked us through the process of establishing a thesis, generating the research to prove it and presenting it in a polished final paper.  These are skills I will no doubt use in any career I follow.

The students in my classes always came ready to engage themselves as well as challenge classmates and our professors.  Class discussions were often fast-paced and heated.  My major has improved my ability to articulate my own stance on issues while listening carefully to opposing arguments.  I’m not afraid to admit when I’ve changed my mind, but I’ve also achieved the confidence to stand my ground.  Finding this balance is a skill that isn’t necessarily teachable, but comes with experience. I found it while majoring in government, but I know that it’s acquired in the other majors at St. Lawrence as well.

Lindsey Wetmiller ’07 was a government major from Shelburne, Vt.  She was a member of the Thelomathesian Society (student government), Model United Nations and SLU Republicans.  She also served as a student delegate to the Alumni Executive Council. After graduating, she took a position in business development with the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, doing marketing and public relations projects and events.