Exploratory Studies (for undecided students)
Purdue University in West Lafayette
Exploratory Studies is a program that helps students discover the major that best reflects their interests and ambitions. Students are given the space and time to explore, balanced with professional guidance intended to encourage students’ proactive career research and reflection.
Some key features of the program include the following:
- Exploring students will take EDPS 10500, Academic and Career Planning, in their first semester. This is a full semester, 3-credit, graded course that allows students to “try on” and evaluate many majors and careers before having to commit to one.
- Each student is assigned an experienced academic advisor who is familiar with all Purdue schools and degree programs. The Exploratory Studies advisor to student ratio is kept at 1:150, which allows advisors time to really get to know their advisees.
- A unique course schedule is created for students, specifically designed to include university-core required classes; as well as courses that offer an opportunity to explore majors of interest.
- Students can remain in Exploratory Studies for up to four semesters (two Fall-Spring school years) but can declare their major any time during that period.
The vision for Exploratory Studies to “be an exemplary advising program in the nation for exploratory students” has remained unchanged since the program's inception and is recognized by many as a model program for how to successfully support undecided students through their journey.
Mission
The mission of Exploratory Studies at Purdue University is to assist and empower students to:
No path left unexplored: Elizabeth Siri is passionate about her career path. Exploratory Studies helped her find it.
When your interests are as widespread as Elizabeth Siri’s, it can make the college application process confusing. Sometimes, it takes more immersive exploration and some well-seasoned guidance before patterns start to emerge.
“It was clear from the application process that I had no idea what I wanted to do,” she says. “I liked how the Exploratory Studies program at Purdue guided me through trying to find a major with the help of advisors and EDPS 105 (Academic and Career Planning course) — not just by myself in a brand-new place.”
By the time she arrived at Purdue as a freshman, she had five different majors in mind. The homework, academic planning and personalized guidance from her academic advisor helped her narrow it down to business majors. Then, it was just a matter of figuring out what type of business was best suited to her strengths.
“There are different business programs among every college. I found myself more drawn to the numbers side of business, which allowed me to find the perfect major in the Daniels School of Business," she says.
Siri spent two semesters in the program and kicked off her sophomore year as an official Daniels School of Business student. Yet, she remains on track to graduate on time. And, she says, the support she received in Exploratory Studies took her ability to self-advocate to the next level.
“You’ll always have people to help you,” she says. “Your advisors at Exploratory Studies, your professors and even your family — they’ll help you get to the point you need to be, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Everyone at Purdue wants what is best for you and will assist you in any way possible.
Plan of Study
Exploratory Studies Exploratory Studies (for undecided students) WebpageTransfer to Exploratory Studies (for undecided students)
Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue's overall transfer criteria, as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the closed programs page to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.
Minimum GPA: 2.7
Additional Requirements: At the time of enrollment, CANNOT have more than 30 graded hours (or the equivalent quarter or trimester hours) of courses taken in college or 45 graded hours of college courses and concurrent/dual high school credit combined. Required to enroll in EDPS 10500 during first semester on campus.
Contact Information
Exploratory Studies
(765) 494-0843
exploratory@purdue.edu
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