The biology program exposed me to a side of education that I previously was unaware of. I experienced methods of teaching such as reverse classrooms, in-class discussions on research papers, and self-constructed research projects that expanded my knowledge and, even more importantly, got me excited about learning. I use these learning methods to this day in dental school.
My experience conducting research taught me key skills like critical thinking, advanced writing, and being a great team member. Doing research allowed me to graduate with biology departmental honors, and helped me stand out in my application to my graduate program.
Geology can be challenging at times with the various course requirements, but in the end, it’s worth it for the overall experience. The geoscience community is also very open and welcoming at Cal Lutheran and outside.
Environmental science is perfect for those who can’t choose between science and humanities or have some love for both. I think it’s a great interdisciplinary field that teaches you the science between all of earth’s systems and how they interact but also how people, culture, history, and literature all interact with the environment.
My major provided me with a lot of opportunities to beef up my resume. It really made me stand out when looking for a job. My most useful skill I learned was time management and meeting deadlines. As a Geologist for an environmental consultant company, meeting deadlines for reports is very important to keep clients happy.
I definitely recommend the political science program for anyone wanting to experience a semester someplace different and gain valuable work experience in a field you’re interested in! Our Political Science Department sets students up well for life after graduation and demonstrates the many different fields we can work in.
The first thing I tell any pre-med student I meet is to discover if this is really the field you want to pursue by working in clinics or the hospital because I always say, “How can you know that you want to be a doctor if you have yet to experience what it’s like to be a doctor?”
The most valuable portion of the pre-med program for me has been meeting other like-minded students who have similar goals.
I love that I am able to have one major that is specifically focused on one area of study, but that I am also in the position to incorporate an interdisciplinary major such as Global Studies into my academic experience at Cal Lutheran. I believe this will broaden both my appeal to potential employers, as well as my overall world-view.
Every day I go to class or meet a new person on campus I learn something new that shapes the person I am today. I’m not afraid to pursue new goals or venture down a different path because CLU has encouraged me to do this during my college career.