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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.

Who We Serve

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Information and Resources for

Prospective Students

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Information and Resources for

Incoming Students

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Information and Resources for

Current Students

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Information and Resources for

Parents and Families

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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

Last night the Exploratory Studies ambassadors got together for a training refresh. We are excited to talk with prospective students this recruiting season. So thankful for this team! #ExploreMore
Are you the person who gleefully nerds out when learning something new? Are you genuinely curious about how and why the world works? You might make a great student researcher! In this workshop, we will teach you about resources, processes, and strategies needed to become a Purdue undergraduate researcher. ◾September 16, 2026 ◾6:00 PM - 7:30 PM ◾Meredith South, Room 1063 ◾Free Jimmy John's provided! You will learn how to: •Identify research interests •Find research projects •Connect with potential research mentors Registration Recommended at https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3CqnhoWKCTsQhUi or scan the QR Code. #ExploreMore
September check-ins are here! These check in meetings give us the opportunity to see how you are settling into Purdue and give you the chance to ask questions and learn about Purdue resources. Be on the lookout in your email for a BoilerConnect invitation from your advisor to sign up for a September check-in appointment soon! #ExploreMore
Colleen Banter is serving as our Interim Director and started off in our program in 2014. “My favorite part of working in Exploratory Studies is teaching our EXPL 101 class AND then helping my advisers utilize what they learned in class to make decisions, reach their goals, and get the most out of their college experience at Purdue. When students fully engage in the exploration process, it really works! And I love seeing students find their fit!” Song: Shake it Off by Taylor Swift #ExploreMore
Cara Wetzel is serving as one of our Assistant Directors and started in May of 2008. “My favorite part of Exploratory Studies is all the people - coworkers and students. I have at least one reason to smile every day.” Fun fact: Cara started in EXPL when her son Charlie was only 6 months old. This year, Charlie is a freshman at Purdue! Song: So What by Pink #ExploreMore
Hi Explorers!🖐 Jennifer McDonald, one of our Senior Academic Advisors, will be hosting our 3rd workshop called "Getting Started with Undergraduate Research." In this workshop, you will learn how to identify research interests, find research projects, and connect with mentors. ◾When: Wednesday, September 16 from 6-7:30pm ◾Where: Meredith South, Room 1063 ◾Free food provided! #ExploreMore
Last night the Exploratory Studies ambassadors got together for a training refresh. We are excited to talk with prospective students this recruiting season. So thankful for this team! #ExploreMore
Are you the person who gleefully nerds out when learning something new? Are you genuinely curious about how and why the world works? You might make a great student researcher! In this workshop, we will teach you about resources, processes, and strategies needed to become a Purdue undergraduate researcher. ◾September 16, 2026 ◾6:00 PM - 7:30 PM ◾Meredith South, Room 1063 ◾Free Jimmy John's provided! You will learn how to: •Identify research interests •Find research projects •Connect with potential research mentors Registration Recommended at https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3CqnhoWKCTsQhUi or scan the QR Code. #ExploreMore
September check-ins are here! These check in meetings give us the opportunity to see how you are settling into Purdue and give you the chance to ask questions and learn about Purdue resources. Be on the lookout in your email for a BoilerConnect invitation from your advisor to sign up for a September check-in appointment soon! #ExploreMore
Colleen Banter is serving as our Interim Director and started off in our program in 2014. “My favorite part of working in Exploratory Studies is teaching our EXPL 101 class AND then helping my advisers utilize what they learned in class to make decisions, reach their goals, and get the most out of their college experience at Purdue. When students fully engage in the exploration process, it really works! And I love seeing students find their fit!” Song: Shake it Off by Taylor Swift #ExploreMore
Cara Wetzel is serving as one of our Assistant Directors and started in May of 2008. “My favorite part of Exploratory Studies is all the people - coworkers and students. I have at least one reason to smile every day.” Fun fact: Cara started in EXPL when her son Charlie was only 6 months old. This year, Charlie is a freshman at Purdue! Song: So What by Pink #ExploreMore
Hi Explorers!🖐 Jennifer McDonald, one of our Senior Academic Advisors, will be hosting our 3rd workshop called "Getting Started with Undergraduate Research." In this workshop, you will learn how to identify research interests, find research projects, and connect with mentors. ◾When: Wednesday, September 16 from 6-7:30pm ◾Where: Meredith South, Room 1063 ◾Free food provided! #ExploreMore
Are you the person who gleefully nerds out when learning something new? Are you genuinely curious about how and why the world works? You might make a great student researcher! In this workshop, we will teach you about resources, processes, and strategies needed to become a Purdue undergraduate researcher. ◾September 16, 2026 ◾6:00 PM - 7:30 PM ◾Meredith South, Room 1063 ◾Free Jimmy John's provided! You will learn how to: •Identify research interests •Find research projects •Connect with potential research mentors Registration Recommended at https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3CqnhoWKCTsQhUi or scan the QR Code. #ExploreMore
September check-ins are here! These check in meetings give us the opportunity to see how you are settling into Purdue and give you the chance to ask questions and learn about Purdue resources. Be on the lookout in your email for a BoilerConnect invitation from your advisor to sign up for a September check-in appointment soon! #ExploreMore
Colleen Banter is serving as our Interim Director and started off in our program in 2014. “My favorite part of working in Exploratory Studies is teaching our EXPL 101 class AND then helping my advisers utilize what they learned in class to make decisions, reach their goals, and get the most out of their college experience at Purdue. When students fully engage in the exploration process, it really works! And I love seeing students find their fit!” Song: Shake it Off by Taylor Swift #ExploreMore
Cara Wetzel is serving as one of our Assistant Directors and started in May of 2008. “My favorite part of Exploratory Studies is all the people - coworkers and students. I have at least one reason to smile every day.” Fun fact: Cara started in EXPL when her son Charlie was only 6 months old. This year, Charlie is a freshman at Purdue! Song: So What by Pink #ExploreMore
Hi Explorers!🖐 Jennifer McDonald, one of our Senior Academic Advisors, will be hosting our 3rd workshop called "Getting Started with Undergraduate Research." In this workshop, you will learn how to identify research interests, find research projects, and connect with mentors. ◾When: Wednesday, September 16 from 6-7:30pm ◾Where: Meredith South, Room 1063 ◾Free food provided! #ExploreMore