Explore Your Interests Through Double Majors and Electives

If you're like most Bastyr students, you are interested in a variety of natural health topics. In fact, choosing just one area of study may be difficult. Thankfully, at Bastyr it doesn't have to be that way. One of the advantages of earning an undergraduate degree at Bastyr University is the multidisciplinary curriculum, which gives you a chance to acquire knowledge in areas outside your major through double majoring, the strategic use of electives, and attending evening and lunchtime lectures and workshops.

According to Vickie Louden, undergraduate advisor in the Bastyr registrar's office, many students have trouble choosing which degree to pursue, so they use double majors and electives to round out their education.

"If you're interested in more than one thing, Bastyr can be a great place," Louden says. "It is such a unique place to be an undergraduate. You will have access to knowledge that you won't find anywhere else."

Louden recommends the following tips to help you get the most out of your undergraduate education at Bastyr University:

Consider double majoring. Double majoring usually takes only one extra year of study. Keep in mind, however, that you will still earn just one bachelor's degree (with two majors). A double major in nutrition and exercise science is a popular choice, as the additional nutritional knowledge is directly applicable to the exercise science field. Double majors can be declared starting winter quarter of the first year.

Put your electives to work for you. If you don't want to double major, take both elective and required classes from other majors, as long as you've met the prerequisites.

Be aware of prerequisites. Even elective courses may have certain prerequisites, so be sure to look into course requirements before or soon after beginning classes at Bastyr. "You have to put prerequisites on your radar screen from the beginning," Louden says. For instance, students who want to take a few nutrition electives should enroll in Whole Foods Production first, as it is a prerequisite for many other nutrition classes.

Focus on science classes first. Completing additional required science classes before enrolling at Bastyr can free up room for electives. Also keep in mind that not all community college credits transfer to Bastyr, so it is important to review your program plans with an admissions advisor. Find a list of program requirements by viewing the online catalog.

Consider taking classes during the summer. Although undergraduates aren't expected to take classes in the summer, a wide range of unique summer electives are available, including Organic Gardening, Herbal Medicine in Italy and the Summer Massage Intensive.

Benefit from the many opportunities unique to Bastyr. Enhance your Bastyr experience by taking advantage of the many resources available, including lunchtime brown bag presentations, evening lectures by renowned experts in various fields of natural health, and even community education classes held on weekends. Louden suggests students "be broad minded — embrace Bastyr as an amazing opportunity. Find out about nutrition, herbs, Ayurvedic medicine, TCM nutrition and more. A bachelor's degree can open many doors, especially if you are smart about it."

For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at (425) 602-3330 or admissions@bastyr.edu.

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