Please keep in mind that the job descriptions listed are only a sample of the numerous career opportunities in each field, and the requirements listed do not replace advising from faculty in the proper departments. If you are interested in a career not listed please call (800)-274-6758 or email us at admissions@plu.edu for more information. You can also reference our online catalog for degrees and course offerings.

Accountant
Students preparing for a career in accounting will need a bachelor's degree in business administration concentrating in professional accounting. This concentration includes twenty-eight credits of classes specific to accounting, in addition to core business and general university requirements. Students of any major can complete the Accountant Certification Program through the School of Business. PLU is the only private university in the state of Washington to be accredited in accounting, which is regulated by the International Association for Management Education (AACSB).

Actor
The PLU theatre program introduces students to the craft and the aesthetics of drama. Also, the theater program allows students to become actively involved with the theatrical process both on stage and behind the curtain with four productions each year, including one student directed production. Aspiring actors can choose between pursing a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of fine arts in theater with an emphasis on acting/directing.

Ambassador
The State Department looks for globally minded citizens with exemplary written and oral communication skills to represent the United States around the world. Choosing PLU's International Core curriculum to satisfy general university requirements develops a world view that gives students an edge in international relations. A degree in political science, history, English, philosophy, or communication along with pursuing a second language readies students to compete for a career in diplomacy.

Anthropologist
Anthropology is the study of the various peoples and cultures around the world. The career opportunities in anthropology are growing with the increase in international trade and companies are looking for individuals who possess a clear understanding of foreign countries and cultures. The PLU anthropology department offers four major fields: cultural anthropology, archaeology, linguistic anthropology and physical anthropology as well as an anthropology laboratory, summer archaeological field school, Anthropology Club, and J-Term courses off campus.

Astronaut
A glance at the biographical sketches of current astronauts demonstrates the need for a strong foundation in mathematics, engineering, and the physical, natural, or life sciences. Students could choose from a variety of degrees including biology, chemistry, physics, geosciences, engineering, or mathematics to prepare themselves for an exciting career in space exploration.

Business Owner/Entrepreneur
Future business owners can choose from seven concentrations offered by the School of Business depending on their interests. These concentrations include financial resources management, professional accounting, human resource management, international business, marketing resource management, entrepreneurship and new venture management, and informational management. With these foundation courses, future entrepreneurs will be familiar with a variety of business strategies aligning one for success.

Chemist
A chemist can look forward to a wide range of career opportunities in forensics, industrial quality control, or environmental safety consulting just to name a few occupations. The chemistry department of PLU offers a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science. The bachelor of science degree has three options, general, biochemistry emphasis, or a chemical- physics emphasis.

Computer Programmer/Developer
Projections indicate that job openings in computer science will exceed the number of graduates for many years. A degree in computer science or computer engineering from PLU will develop the skills of problem solving on the frontier of knowledge with the latest tools available. The liberal arts environment provides a broad-based education that produces graduates uniquely prepared for the workplace. Our computer science and computer engineering students excel in communication skills and have a strong awareness of social, ethical and environmental issues that employers seek.

Music Conductor
Students capable of developing leadership skills and superior musicianship may be interested in seeking a career as a conductor. This profession is highly competitive, and individuals are required to attain extensive experience in performing and complete apprenticeships. The first step is a degree in music. PLU works hard to facilitate students' endeavors to become a conductor. Along with our distinguished faculty, PLU boasts the Mary Baker Russell Music Center, which consists of the exquisite Lagerquist Concert Hall, media rich classrooms, studios and individual practice spaces.

Counselor
Through life's ups and downs, society is in need of your help as a counselor. Counselors come from a range of undergraduate disciplines before graduate school. Some of the degrees counselors attain are religion, education, social work, philosophy or psychology degrees. Counselors may also further their career outlook with a masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at PLU.

Curator
If creating and overseeing museum collections is your dream job, begin with an undergraduate degree in art, anthropology, chemistry, physics, or history. Computer skills and strong communication and business senses are all part of the job. Most museums require an advanced degree for employment as curators.

Dentist
Nearly 100 percent of PLU graduates who apply find placement into graduate programs for dentistry. PLU offers pre-professional advising. There is no specified major for students wishing to become dentists. In addition to the GURs and courses to complete your chosen major, you should generally have completed the following classes in order to be admitted into a dentistry program: Biology 161, 162, 323; Chemistry 120 (or 125); 232,332, and 338 (with all labs); Math 140; Physics 153 and 154 (with labs).

Doctor
Approximately sixty-six percent of PLU graduates applying to medical school are admitted. PLU offers pre-professional advising through the biology department, and while there is no specified major in order to attend medical school certain requirements must be met. Choose a major that interests you and will help you prepare for the MCAT and admission to medical school. In addition to the GURs and major courses you should generally have completed the following classes in order to be admitted into a medical program: Biology 161, 162, 323; Chemistry 120 (or 125); 232,332, and 338 (with all labs); Math 140; Physics 153 and 154 (with labs).

Editor
Newspapers, magazines, and broadcast media-script writing all count on editors for their leadership. These professionals gain their experience through degrees in English or communication and some courses in business. Inspiring editors are also encouraged to take part in internships to explore specialization. The PLU communication major offers this opportunity with its practicum courses. Through practicums students earn credits as well as life experiences in the communication arena.

Engineer
Engineers are problem solvers who work in all sectors of the employment market. PLU offers a dual-degree program (3-2) as well as a four-year computer engineering degree. Students who complete the dual-degree program earn two degrees- one from PLU and the other from an engineering school. Formal agreements exist with Columbia University in New York City and Washington University in St. Louis. Areas of specialization might include electrical, civil, mechanical, chemical, computer, industrial, geophysical and biological engineering.

Environmental Consultant
Environmental consultants face the problems of balancing population growth and preservation and restoration of the natural environment. If this is your area of interest, then the PLU environmental studies program might be for you. In this program, students develop grounding in science, an appreciation of values, beauty and holistic thinking as well as a solid foundation in various methodologies and skills. With an environmental studies degree, students have also gone on to be journalists, lawyers, doctors, and agriculture, forestry and environmental advocates.

Event Planner
Perhaps the excitement of planning events interests you, so why not become an event planner? Coordinating special occasions like concerts, or fund raising events takes skill in organization, communication, and design. These skills and awareness can be found in degrees in business, communication, or art.

FBI--Criminologist
If the excitement of working with the FBI appeals to you, PLU can be the place to prepare yourself. Due to the diverse branches of the Bureau, a variety of majors ranging from accounting, biology, history, chemistry, anthropology, foreign languages, or psychology are applicable. Be prepared for the Bureau's intense application process!

Forensic Scientist
Forensic science is a diverse field. If pathology is your interest, PLU's biology major is the perfect first step. A pathology focus usually also requires attendance at medical school to increase the knowledge of the human body. If DNA studies and profiling are your interest, then a chemistry or biology major might be the undergraduate degrees to attain.

Geologist
Geologists work in a variety of areas such as paleontology, geophysics, geothermal, and environmental studies. Employers are petroleum firms, Department of Energy, and research institutes. Geologists gain their background with degrees in geoscience The geosciences are unique from other natural sciences, for the study of the earth is interdisciplinary and historical.

Graphic Designer
Graphic designers work in the media and product design industries. They gain their knowledge from bachelors of fine arts. Design courses may focus on design and execution of printed materials, problems in mass communication, and other techniques of expression. PLU offers three emphasis areas: Two Dimensional Media, Three Dimensional Media and Graphic Design. Graphic design focuses on commercial and institutional art application. Internships are an integral part of the design emphasis.

Historian
History students can choose from three concentrations within the history major: American, European, or non-Western history. Rigorous instruction in research, analytical thinking, and writing skills prepares students for career paths, as well as advanced postgraduate study. Historians find careers in law, teaching, public service, news media, and in many other areas.

Journalist
Does the excitement of breaking news, meeting press deadlines and seeing your name in print attract you? Than a PLU communication degree with a concentration in broadcast and print journalism might be for you. PLU graduates are active regionally and nationally in the expanding media world putting their academically challenging and practical education to use. Not only do students attend classes, but they also explore the media field through at least one internship before they graduate.

Lawyer
Rather than looking to admit candidates with certain undergraduate majors, law schools look for people who have developed strong analytical thinking, verbal and written communication skills. Majors that develop those strengths include: English, political science, philosophy and history. PLU has a pre-law advising system for all majors and offers a minor in legal studies.

Lobbyist
With numerous important issues, government officials and firms have limited time in which to educate themselves of the specifics to topics at hand. A career in lobbying uses skills of analytical, organization, research, and oral/written communication. Disciplines such as philosophy, political science or business acquaint students with new perspectives of the world encouraging them to think precisely and systematically, and aiding them to examine life critically, appreciatively, and holistically.

Marketing Executive
Marketing is all around us, for we as consumers need to be educated on what products are out there to make our lives easier. Marketing firms are always looking for innovative thinkers to reach target audiences. If developing marketing campaigns and reaching target audiences interests you, then a major in business administration concentrating in marketing, communication, or an art degree might be for you.

Minister
Most seminary programs expect a strong liberal arts background but do not require prior religious course work or degree. Students interested in seminary might pursue a degree in the humanities such as religion and languages, or a degree in the social sciences such as history, sociology, psychology or English.

Musician
PLU nurtures the talents of its students through the offering of a bachelor of music in performance, a bachelor of music education, and a bachelor of musical arts. PLU has a long tradition of musical excellence and is widely known for the premier music center Mary Baker Russell and Lagerquist Concert Hall.

Nurse
Professional nurses are in high demand and receive excellent pay. The job also provides opportunities to work in a wide array of environments. The School of Nursing at PLU is a professional program within the university that blends nursing science with the liberal arts and has gained a reputation for excellence in the Pacific Northwest. Formal admission to the nursing program is required.

Optometrist
Acceptance to a school of optometry has a minimum requirement for two years of pre-optometry study; however, many applicants have completed at least three years of undergraduate work or obtained a four-year degree. Requirements may vary between each specific school. Count on science and mathematics requirements to be generally uniform and include the following in your PLU schedule: Biology 161, 162, 323; Chemistry 120 (or 125), 232, 332, and 338 (all with labs); one year of college math, including calculus (at least through Math 151); Physics 125 and 126, or Physics 153 and 154 (with labs). PLU's science and math departments have impeccable reputations, and the acceptance rate into graduate programs is exceptional.

Pharmacist
To be accepted into a pharmacy program the following courses are usually required: one year of general chemistry; one year of organic chemistry (with labs); one year each of microbiology and analytical chemistry; one year of English composition; college level math (often including calculus); and introductory courses in communication, economics and political science. Pharmaceutical schools will vary in their individual preferences. It is best to check with the schools you are interested in to find out what they require. The health science adviser at PLU can also help you plan your courses.

Physical Therapist
PLU's excellent liberal arts education can help you prepare for a master's degree program for physical therapy. The increasing number of interested applicants has made acceptance to schools of physical therapy highly competitive in recent years. If you are interested in this career, it is best to meet with PLU's health science adviser to determine the prerequisites for the specific school you would be interested in attending. Common requirements are: Biology 161, 162, 323; Chemistry 120, 232; Mathematics 140; Physics 125 and 126 (with labs); anatomy and physiology.

Physicist
Physicists often work in design and development for private industry or in large laboratories in cooperation with engineers. Companies in the Northwest that hire physicists include Boeing, Microsoft, and Weyerhaeuser. The PLU physics department offers bachelors of science and bachelor of arts degrees in physics, a bachelor of arts in education and a bachelor of science in applied physics.

Politician
Government leaders come from virtually every background. Future politicians might major in business, communication, economics, English, global studies, history, or political science. The political science department offers credit for a variety of internships in government, including a semester as a legislative intern in Olympia, the capitol of Washington.

Psychologist
Students have the option of choosing either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree in psychology, both of which offer a solid foundation in psychology. For those wishing to pursue a career in psychiatry, the bachelor of science combines the liberal arts education in the field with the necessary science and mathematical prerequisites for advance degree and career work.

Public Relations Director
The growing complexity of the business world has increased the need for skilled and ethical public relations practitioners. PLU graduates are found in a number of public relations positions in the Northwest. PLU offers a bachelor of arts in communication, with an emphasis in public relations. The emphasis in public relations not only develops communication skills needed in a competitive job market, but also an understanding of the communication process between corporations or agencies with the public.

Radio Broadcaster
Whether it's music, breaking news or simply being on air, a degree in communication with a concentration in broadcast and print journalism will be the first step. KCCR Radio Station, K103, PLU's student-run closed circuit radio station is one way students build their resume. Students in the communication department also complete at least one professional internship before they graduate.

Social Worker
The discipline of social work at PLU combines a liberal arts education with practical experience and is designed to prepare students for a career in areas of social work. Students must apply to the school of social work at the end of their sophomore year. Required practicum courses equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive within the social work field.

Sports Administrator
The PLU Physical Education program seeks to develop in each student a fundamental respect for the role of physical activity in living. Our motto is a "sound mind in a sound body." To satisfy students' motivation of becoming a sports administrator, PLU offers a minor in sports administration, to compliment students majoring in business, communication, or economics. With a minor in sports administration, one might work for a professional athletic team, sports association, sports facility, recreation center, high school or university.

Sports Agent
If you have a love for sports, meeting people, event coordination, and publicity than a career in sports management may be for you. Appropriate degrees include: business administration, communication, physical education, or law. To be successful in this highly competitive environment, it is necessary that sports agents have organizational skills, knowledge of sports, and legal familiarity gained through the degrees mentioned above.

Stockbroker
To understand the stock market one needs knowledge of technical terms, market data and the consideration of human behavior. These attributes come from a bachelor of business administration concentrating in finance, complimented by courses. Stockbrokers use their studies to give investment advice and act as resources for clients' financial needs.

Systems Analyst
In today's technology-based world, computer knowledge plays a big role in our economy. A system analyst works in organizations with in-house computer support in manufacturing, utilities, financial services, health care, etc. System analysts get degrees in computer science and may further their education with masters in business administration. PLU is the only private university in the state of Washington to be accredited in computer science and is one of only two private universities in the West to be accredited in this field.

Teacher
PLU education graduates are highly sought after by schools and are well prepared for entering into the classroom. The School of Education is a professional program that requires formal acceptance. Students can apply to the School of Education upon completion of at least 30 semester hours, or at the beginning of the sophomore year. The program allows you to major in education with a concentration in a variety of fields such as art, history, English, or math. PLU also offers a master's degree in education with disciplines in educational administration, literacy education, classroom teaching, special education and a master's degree with initial certification.

Television Anchor
Do you dream of reporting breaking stories on location or anchoring the nightly news? Then a degree in communication with an emphasis in broadcast and print journalism will prepare you for your career. Students within this degree are prepared in both the theory and practical aspects of media and are required to complete an internship for graduation. PLU students also get hands-on experience writing, editing, producing, and even anchoring or hosting the news or their own show for KCNS, the PLU student-run television station. PLU is proud to have one of the premier communication programs in the Northwest.

Translator/ Interpreter
The US Government, consulting firms and the advertising industry, just to name a few, are always looking for people who have the ability to communicate with the rest of the non-English speaking world. PLU offers courses in Chinese, Classics, Greek, Latin, French, German, Norwegian, Scandinavian, Sign Language, and Spanish, which is the first, step in your journey. It is recommended that one participate in study abroad courses to build on conversational abilities. PLU is ranked 10th in the nation for its study abroad program according to the most recent national Carnegie classification of comparable universities.

Urban Planner
Urban planners work in comprehensive planning, environmental impact statement preparation and review, zoning, community and economic development, housing management studies and permit processing. With these many responsibilities, urban planners come from a variety of backgrounds like anthropology, geology, business and engineering.

Underwriter
An insurance underwriter determines acceptability of risks and appropriate premium rates for renewal and prospect employer groups in accordance with corporate underwriting guidelines and authority limits. Underwriters have degrees in mathematics, or business and are employed by insurance firms. To be prepared for employment as an underwriter, career advisors recommend participation in an internship.

Veterinarian
An overwhelming majority of students entering veterinary medicine earn undergraduate degrees in liberal arts. This gives a thorough preparation in the sciences as well as study in the social sciences and humanities. Students are encouraged to select a course of study that interests them; however, in order to meet the general requirements to a veterinary program, your four years at PLU should include: Biology 161, 162, 323; Chemistry 120 (or 125); 232,332, and 338 (all with labs); Math 140; Physics 153 and 154 (with labs).

Volcanologist
The geosciences are a distinct branch of the natural sciences, and if volcanoes interest you, an undergraduate degree from PLU can be the first step towards your goal. Volcanology will require an advance degree in a specialized program. At PLU you can gain the foundation and prepare yourself with a wide range of geology courses.

Writer
Writers' works reveal our past and explore our future. The PLU English program offers emphasis in literature and writing, as well as concentrations in children's literature and publishing. PLU boasts the second largest collection of children's literature in the Northwest, the collection is located in Mortvedt Library.

Zoologist
Understanding animals, as well as the diverse spectrum of biology, is key to being a successful zoologist. PLU biology department faculty is trained in all aspects of biology. In support of hands on learning, the department also employs a number of students as laboratory teaching assistants, herbarium assistants, and research assistants. PLU's location near both the Point Defiance and Woodland Park zoos offers our students a number of internship opportunities.