College Hacks: Elective Edition

So, it’s almost your senior year. You’ve done most of the dirty work of major courses, but you still have some elective credits to fulfill. Electives credits, according to an article by Thomas Edison State University, are a great opportunity to take advantage of your interests and strengths, whether or not they fall into your primary field of study. Here, we flesh out five directions you might consider taking for your electives.

Physical Education

According to a study done by the University of Minnesota, many students neglect their physical health in college. In fact, nearly 38.5 percent of students surveyed by the University of Minnesot identified as overweight, obese, or extremely obese. Not to worry, though! In addition to traditional individual and team sports, PLNU offers Yoga Sculpt (PED1012), Martial Arts and Self Defense (PED1010), Bowling (PED1050), and even Beginning Surfing (PED1044).

Business Writing

This three unit course, Writing for Business and Professional Careers, is not just for writers. After all, every person can benefit from having strong communication skills. In WRI3065 you will learn to write effective resumes, cover letters, memos, and other professional documents. Students also learn how to use LinkedIn and build portfolios specifically tailored towards their future. Administrative Communication, BUS 3013, also contains similar content and is offered each semester.

Marketing

You don’t have to consider yourself a “businessperson” to take this course. “Having a few marketing skills in your professional toolkit isn’t a bad thing,” according to an article by The Muse. Marketing can help you promote and brand yourself, in any field. Plus, marketing skills look killer on resumes. In Principles of Marketing, MKT3032, you’ll learn about the role of marketing in society and in the global economy as a whole.

Accounting

Principles of Financial Accounting covers short-term liquid assets, merchandising operations, inventories, long-term assets, current and long-term liabilities, corporate capital accounts, and financial statement preparation. Now, that might all sound like gibberish, but after one semester of ACC2001, these terms will come to you like second nature. Caleb Pak, junior finance major and biology minor, says although ACC2001 is a very difficult class, “everyone needs basic accounting knowledge—no matter what career you’re going into.”

Psychology

Did you love Psychology of Personal Development (PSY1001)? If so, dive deeper with General Psychology: PSY1003 is a three unit survey of topics including behavior, emotional, and personality. Or, opt for Personality and Adult Development (PSY3000). This course, according to the PLNU Course Catalog, places an emphasis on “developing a greater capacity for self-awareness and critical thinking.” Cheers to better understanding yourself and others!