The backbone of The Furman Advantage is the four-year pathway which begins with the Pathways Program, a unique 2-year program required for first-year students and sophomores. Students take a one-credit hour course each semester they are on campus for their first two years at Furman.
In the first year
Students meet with their Pathways Program class, their advisor, and a peer mentor each week for 50 minutes. The curriculum focuses on successfully transitioning to college by not only focusing on skills such as time management, effective study strategies and stress management, but also by building a foundation of self-awareness and reflection, helping students learn who they are, what they value and where their interests lie.
In the second year
The Pathways Program course encourages students to think about how to integrate their academics, their engaged learning experiences such as study away, research and internships, and their career goals. They build a resume, have an informational interview with an alumnus and learn other basic career skills. Students also discuss leadership and learn how to tell their story.
After these first two years, juniors and seniors continue their pathway at the department level, where information builds on what students learn in years one and two, tailored to their specific majors.
In the major, students will have the opportunity to reflect on what they’re learning through their major classes and related experiences and how this learning prepares them for opportunities after Furman.
They will also learn what careers or graduate school options are available to them, whether they’re majoring in chemistry or theatre, economics or health sciences, or any other field.