Exploratory Studies (for undecided students)

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 and Values

The mission of Exploratory Studies at Purdue University is to assist and empower students to:

• IDENTIFY strengths, interests, and values
• EXPLORE academic and career possibilities
• REFLECT on the intersection of self-discovery and future career goals

They value:

• Affirming the uniqueness of individual students
• Relationship-building and open conversations
• Curiosity and open-mindedness
• Fostering a growth mindset
• Coaching and mentoring
• Diversity in our community

CODO Requirements

To be eligible to CODO into Exploratory Studies, a student must have no more than 83 completed college credits.

• Credit counted toward completed college credits includes the following: credit earned by exam, transfer credit, credit earned in P/NP courses, credit for courses in which students earned Fs, and credit for currently enrolled courses.
• Students bringing into Exploratory Studies 77-83 completed college credits should be able to complete the requirements necessary to CODO to a degree-granting program at the completion of one semester in Exploratory Studies.

NOTE: All students who CODO into Exploratory Studies and maintain a freshman classification (going into the 2nd term) MUST take EDPS 10500 "Academic & Career Planning" in Exploratory Studies.

• Undecided