Students in the course ARTD 101 titled “Drawing 1 CX” draw portraits of fellow classmates outside on a sunny day, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, on Red Square at PLU. The course explores basic techniques and media of drawing. (PLU Photo / Sy Bean)

Core Programs

Our Core Programs lay the foundation many students build on for a variety of majors. Through General Education, students complete a shared set of courses while fulfilling requirements many majors recommend or require in the first year. The First Year Experience Program prepares incoming students for successful participation at PLU, guiding them through orientation and helping them build the academic skills and self-understanding needed to thrive. For students seeking a more challenging path, the International Honors Program offers small, discussion-based classes that explore fundamental questions about humanity and society — a distinctly different take on the traditional honors experience.

General Education

Pacific Lutheran University welcomes back students to campus during New Student Orientation Move-In Day, Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at PLU. (PLU Photo / Sy Bean)
How to understand General Education at PLU

Many majors don’t require you to take a specific course or set of courses during your first year in order to complete your degree in four years. However, for certain majors there is initial coursework that is strongly recommended or required for first-year schedules.

First Year Experience Program

The Lute Welcome, part of New Student Orientation, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Olson Gymnasium at PLU. (PLU Photo / Sy Bean)
Prepares students for successful participation in Pacific Lutheran University

PLU’s unique, one-of-a-kind program offers incoming students a chance to learn more about themselves and improve their academic skills as they join our university community.

International Honors Program

Pacific Lutheran University welcomes back students to campus during New Student Orientation Move-In Day, Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at PLU. (PLU Photo / Sy Bean)
The International Honors Program (IHON) at PLU isn’t your typical honors program.

Classes are small, discussion-based, and designed around timeless human questions: What does it mean to be human? How should we live with nature and one another? Does history have a direction?