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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

📣Attention all undergrads!📣 Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 6, for our Majors, Minors, and More Fair! This event will be held in the Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms from 2-5 pm! 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
Major of the Month: Astrophysics Fascinated by outer space? Love math and physics? If so, consider majoring in Astrophysics! Through observational and theoretical coursework in modern physics and computation modeling, students will learn about planets, galaxy formation, dark matter, black holes, and more! With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students will have opportunities to participate in a variety of research projects. Graduates can find employment within national laboratories, research institutions, and government agencies such as NASA. #ExploreMore
Senior Academic Advisor Jennifer McDonald started off in Exploratory Studies in 2006. “I love working in Exploratory Studies because I’m surrounded by compassionate, thoughtful, and creative people who push me to be the best advisor and instructor that I can be! I also really enjoy the opportunities throughout the years of developing lots of skills outside of advising like teaching, research, web content creation, instructional design, and much more.” Song: Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira ft. Wyclef Jean
Melissa Borders is our newest Administrative Assistant who is at our front desk. Melissa started off in Exploratory Studies in 2026 and her favorite part about working here is interacting with different people every day and helping to create a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable. Song: Ordinary by Alex Warren #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
📣Attention all undergrads!📣 Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 6, for our Majors, Minors, and More Fair! This event will be held in the Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms from 2-5 pm! 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
Major of the Month: Astrophysics Fascinated by outer space? Love math and physics? If so, consider majoring in Astrophysics! Through observational and theoretical coursework in modern physics and computation modeling, students will learn about planets, galaxy formation, dark matter, black holes, and more! With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students will have opportunities to participate in a variety of research projects. Graduates can find employment within national laboratories, research institutions, and government agencies such as NASA. #ExploreMore
Senior Academic Advisor Jennifer McDonald started off in Exploratory Studies in 2006. “I love working in Exploratory Studies because I’m surrounded by compassionate, thoughtful, and creative people who push me to be the best advisor and instructor that I can be! I also really enjoy the opportunities throughout the years of developing lots of skills outside of advising like teaching, research, web content creation, instructional design, and much more.” Song: Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira ft. Wyclef Jean
Melissa Borders is our newest Administrative Assistant who is at our front desk. Melissa started off in Exploratory Studies in 2026 and her favorite part about working here is interacting with different people every day and helping to create a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable. Song: Ordinary by Alex Warren #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
📣Attention all undergrads!📣 Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 6, for our Majors, Minors, and More Fair! This event will be held in the Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms from 2-5 pm! 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
Major of the Month: Astrophysics Fascinated by outer space? Love math and physics? If so, consider majoring in Astrophysics! Through observational and theoretical coursework in modern physics and computation modeling, students will learn about planets, galaxy formation, dark matter, black holes, and more! With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students will have opportunities to participate in a variety of research projects. Graduates can find employment within national laboratories, research institutions, and government agencies such as NASA. #ExploreMore
Senior Academic Advisor Jennifer McDonald started off in Exploratory Studies in 2006. “I love working in Exploratory Studies because I’m surrounded by compassionate, thoughtful, and creative people who push me to be the best advisor and instructor that I can be! I also really enjoy the opportunities throughout the years of developing lots of skills outside of advising like teaching, research, web content creation, instructional design, and much more.” Song: Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira ft. Wyclef Jean
Melissa Borders is our newest Administrative Assistant who is at our front desk. Melissa started off in Exploratory Studies in 2026 and her favorite part about working here is interacting with different people every day and helping to create a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable. Song: Ordinary by Alex Warren #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