Pukyong National University

"I successfully obtained the degree I wanted by combining three majors and also landed a job"

- PKNU 'student-designed major' recognized as an outstanding case

△ Jeon Ji-Hyeon, an alum. ⓒPhoto Lee Sung-Jae (PR team)

Pukyong National University (President Jang Young-Soo) has decided to expand the 'student-designed major' program after the first case of a student who designed their own major, completed the coursework, and successfully gained employment.

Jeon Ji-Hyeon, an alum (class of 2020) of major in marine biology at Pukyong National University, recently secured a position as a research inspector at the National institute of fisheries science.

She is the first case of a student who utilized Pukyong National University's 'student-designed major' program, which was officially launched in 2022, to create her own major, earn a degree, and successfully secure employment.

The 'student-designed major' differs from the traditional double major approach, in which students select and complete existing majors. Instead, it allows students to create new, unique majors by combining courses from two or more existing disciplines. As of the first semester of this year, a total of 39 student-designed majors are being offered and managed.

Jeon Ji-Hyeon graduated this past February, received a degree in marine biology and earned a double major degree in 'marine fisheries convergence science', a major she personally designed by integrating courses from three fields: marine, fisheries, and environmental studies.

She said, "I initially enrolled in the marine science major because my dream was to become a researcher in the marine field, but I realized I needed specialized knowledge in fisheries, so I transferred to the marine biology major. As I continued my studies, I realized I needed expertise in environmental science as well, then I heard about the 'student-designed major' program, thinking it as the perfect opportunity to create a major tailored to my needs and interests, allowing me to earn a degree in exactly what I wanted."

She is currently working at the newly established division of climate and environmental research at the National institute of fisheries science, despite being a newcomer, she is making significant contributions. She has been recognized as a tailored talent for her expertise in a field that requires integrated knowledge in marine, fisheries, and environmental sciences, and she is conducting research to respond to climate and environmental changes, which have become a global concern.

Jeon Ji-Hyeon said, "I thought about going to graduate school as extensive specialized knowledge is required to become a researcher, but I believe I achieved my dream early by building all the necessary competencies through the student-designed major. It was challenging to complete all the required credits by the time I graduated, but I'm happy to have become an irreplaceable person in a field where only I can excel."

Pukyong National University is planning to expand its programs by introducing a student-designed major as a primary major to enhance students' self-directed learning capabilities and ensure their right to choose their majors. <Pukyong Today>