Freshman Focus Areas Program - Freshman Focus |BYU-Idaho

# Freshman Focus Areas Program

Learn how your interests, personality, and talents can enhance a future career.

## What are Freshman Focus Areas?

The Freshman Focus Area program is a two-semester program for new freshman that helps you explore possible majors and careers. The goal of the program is to help you choose a major. As part of the Freshman Focus Area program you will: 
 
-Choose a focus area and take classes in your chosen area 
-Consult with career exploration advisors

## How Freshman Focus Areas Benefit You

There are many advantages to choosing a major early. The Freshman Focus Area program can help you find a major you are passionate about.

Make connections with other students who share your interests

Get help with creating a class schedule and registering for classes

Get support while deciding on your major and career

## Focus Areas

Choose one area of interest in the Freshman Focus Areas Program. The program allows you to explore the majors and careers tied to your interests.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Focus Area

Numbers and computers never get old. You love to learn how things work and solve problems. 

- Critical thinker with interest in tech fields
- Learn about math, data science, physics, and chemistry
- Explore careers in web design, manufacturing, engineering, and technology

Career and Major Discovery class: BYUI 154 - Mission to Mars ******(This course will not be available until Fall 2026)****** 
 
You've been selected as one of the 200 crew members of Brigham Young University-Idaho Aeronautics and Space Administration (BASA)! As part of this adventure, you'll tackle exciting challenges, make critical decisions, and apply real-world physical science and engineering skills to survive and thrive on Mars. 
 
STEM Focus Area

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Education, Family, and Social Science Focus Area

You are fascinated with relationships and cultural influences on individuals, families, and communities. 

- Fascinated by relationships and human development or love to teach
- Learn more about psychology, politics, sociology, and teaching
- Explore careers in counseling, social work, and professional teaching

Career and Major Discovery class: BYUI 152 - Intelligent Life ******(This course will not be available until Fall 2026)****** 
 
You are an alien scout from the distant Zepharion Galaxy who has crash-landed on Earth as part of a reconnaissance mission. Your primary objective: **determine whether there is intelligent life on this planet by studying its people, its institutions, and the skills they use to solve social problems.** To accomplish this, you must observe, analyze, and even practice these skills yourself. 
 
Education, Family, and Social Science Focus Area

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Languages, Humanities, and Political Science Focus Area

The language, literature, diversity, and rich history and background of other cultures fascinate you. 

- Interest in different cultures, languages, and people
- Learn about literature, history, and social studies
- Explore careers in writing, administration, law, public relations, and politics

Career and Major Discovery class: BYUI 153 - The Heroic Journey ******(This course will not be available until Fall 2026)****** 
 
You will analyze literary texts, visual art, and musical compositions from diverse cultures and time periods while developing critical thinking, research, and communication skills relevant to multiple majors. Through customized assignments aligned with your academic interests, reflective journaling, and collaborative projects, you will identify potential career paths and academic strengths. 
 
Languages, Humanities, and Political Science Focus Area

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Biology, Agriculture, and Health Science Focus Area

You are passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles, nutrition, and respect for our living world. 

- Curiosity and concern for the natural world
- Learn about life sciences, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles
- Explore careers in Plant and Animal Science, Food Science, Health, Nursing, Biology, and Recreation

Career and Major Discovery class: BYUI 150 - Sustaining Human Life ******(This course will not be available until Fall 2026)****** 
 
Over the next 14 weeks, we'll explore key concepts and develop practical skills that you can apply to real-world challenges. By the end of this journey, you'll learn how to select and use scientific knowledge and revealed truth to address pressing global issues, such as feeding a population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050. Additionally, you will learn to discuss challenging issues in a respectful and productive manner and will have the opportunity to explore various majors and career paths that align with addressing these critical challenges. 
 
Biology, Agriculture, and Health Science Focus Area

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Business and Communication Focus Area

Enthusiastic about business challenges and opportunities, you enjoy working with teams to evaluate data, identify problems, develop strategies, communicate solutions, and make improvements. 

- Develop skills in business decision-making, leadership, and communication
- Learn about economics, accounting, communication and information management, marketing, business strategy, operations, finance, and analytics, and human resource management
- Explore careers in fields related to business and communication

Career and Major Discovery class: BYUI 151 - Mission: Impossible ******(This course will not be available until Fall 2026)****** 
 
Welcome, agent. Your mission--should you choose to accept it--is to embark on an adventure that will guide you through the thrilling, fast-paced world of business. In **Mission Impossible**, you'll engage in a series of experiential challenges, each designed to introduce you to key aspects of business, from marketing to finance, operations, strategy, accounting, economics, communication, and beyond. Each mission will push your problem-solving abilities, leadership skills, and creativity to the limit. 
 
Business and Communication Focus Area

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Undecided Focus Area

Know you need to be at college but have no idea what to study? Want to explore how different areas tie together and relate to each other? 

- Develop skills in interdisciplinary thinking
- Learn about potential areas of interest across the spectrum of the university
- Discover how your skills can be used to bless others and yourself

Career and Major Discovery class: BYUI 155 - Thriving in a Complex World ******(This course will not be available until Fall 2026)****** 
 
Undecided Emphasis Focus Area

Undecided Focus Area

## Commonly Asked Questions

A list of recommended classes will be provided to you. Your class schedule will include five or six courses that equal 12 credits for each semester. It is recommended that you take 30 credits during your first year at BYU-Idaho. Most students take 12 credits during each on-track semester and six more credits during a flex semester. We will help you plan your schedule to fulfill the coursework requirements.

Many of the classes in the Freshman Focus Area program will count as required courses for your new major or General Education requirements. Other courses may count as electives. You may choose not to enroll in a recommended course if you have already taken the class or are not interested in taking it.

During the first two semesters of the Freshman Focus Area Program: 
 
****First Semester**** 

- We will recommend classes that you will register for yourself.
- You will have access to career exploration advisors to help you explore possible careers and majors.
- Take the GS 100: Career and Self Discovery course to help you explore your talents, find your purpose, and choose a career.

****Second Semester**** 

- We will recommend additional courses for your second semester.
- Get help officially declaring your new major.

The purpose of the Freshman Focus Area program is to help you discover the field of study that's right for you. Students are not obligated to finish both semesters of the program. Once the Freshman Area Focus Program is completed, you will need to declare an official major of your choice. You can change your major at any time. Choose the major that's right for you, even if it's a part of a different focus area.

Complete our interest form or email freshmanfocus@byui.edu.

## Want More Info?

Fill out our interest form to request more information.

Interest Form