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Exploratory Studies

Explore your options ... Discover your strengths ... Decide

Find a Future That Fits

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What is the Exploratory Studies Program?

The Exploratory Studies Program allows you up to four semesters to explore your options and interests before you select a major - with plenty of guidance along your journey. We equip you to make informed decisions through expert advising, and by teaching you how to investigate and evaluate majors and careers. Listen to what some of our former students have to say about how the Exploratory Studies Program has benefited them.

Ready to start your journey?

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Exploratory Studies Information Sessions

The Exploratory Studies Program holds information sessions both virtually and in-person throughout the year. Click below to see our schedule and to sign up.  

If you have questions about Exploratory Studies, contact us! We can help you decide whether our program is the best choice for you.

Keep Up with Us on Instagram

@purdueexplorers

📣Attention all undergrads!📣

We are less than 1 week away from our Majors, Minors, and More Fair! This event will be held in the Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms from 2-5 pm on Tuesday, October 6!

Students are given the opportunity to meet with representatives from a variety of colleges and departments to learn about academic programs and degree options!

#ExploreMore #PurdueWow
Miranda Jack started in 2019, pre-Covid, in Exploratory Studies and is one of our Senior Academic Advisors. 

“My favorite part of working in Exploratory Studies is helping students to understand who they are and what they want for college and beyond. It is so fun to see how much they grow while in our program, especially in our EXPL 101 class, and I’m honored to be a part of their journey.”

Song: High Hopes from Panic! At the Disco
Next up is another one of our Assistant Directors, Mary Beth Lencke. Mary Beth started in our program in 2004!

“My favorite part of working in Exploratory Studies? Two things. First, our exploratory course! This is me with our planning team for EXPL 101. We work hard every year to make the class an awesome experience for the students. And second, our students themselves! We have the best most delightful, most curious, and most fun students ever!”

Song: The Reason by Hoobstank
Kate Layman is one of our Academic Advisors that started in Exploratory Studies in January of 2024. “I love working in Exploratory Studies because every student is unique. Sometimes we will be helping a student discover a new passion, sometimes we help a student get into a program they’ve always dreamed of, and sometimes we help a student combine two ideas to make the most of their interests.”

Song: I Can Do It With a Broken Heart by Taylor Swift
Exploratory Studies turns 30! #BoilerUp #ExploreMore
Games, pizza, coloring! What a great time to unwind and hang out with some of our Exploratory Studies Ambassadors! #ExploreMore
📣Attention all undergrads!📣

We are less than 1 week away from our Majors, Minors, and More Fair! This event will be held in the Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms from 2-5 pm on Tuesday, October 6!

Students are given the opportunity to meet with representatives from a variety of colleges and departments to learn about academic programs and degree options!

#ExploreMore #PurdueWow
Miranda Jack started in 2019, pre-Covid, in Exploratory Studies and is one of our Senior Academic Advisors. 

“My favorite part of working in Exploratory Studies is helping students to understand who they are and what they want for college and beyond. It is so fun to see how much they grow while in our program, especially in our EXPL 101 class, and I’m honored to be a part of their journey.”

Song: High Hopes from Panic! At the Disco
Next up is another one of our Assistant Directors, Mary Beth Lencke. Mary Beth started in our program in 2004!

“My favorite part of working in Exploratory Studies? Two things. First, our exploratory course! This is me with our planning team for EXPL 101. We work hard every year to make the class an awesome experience for the students. And second, our students themselves! We have the best most delightful, most curious, and most fun students ever!”

Song: The Reason by Hoobstank
Kate Layman is one of our Academic Advisors that started in Exploratory Studies in January of 2024. “I love working in Exploratory Studies because every student is unique. Sometimes we will be helping a student discover a new passion, sometimes we help a student get into a program they’ve always dreamed of, and sometimes we help a student combine two ideas to make the most of their interests.”

Song: I Can Do It With a Broken Heart by Taylor Swift
Exploratory Studies turns 30! #BoilerUp #ExploreMore
Games, pizza, coloring! What a great time to unwind and hang out with some of our Exploratory Studies Ambassadors! #ExploreMore