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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

Cheers to 30 years of Exploratory Studies! Here's 10 pieces of advice from your Exploratory Studies Advisors! #ExploreMore
Student Spotlight! Name: Allison Hafer Hometown: Saline, MI My favorite place to go to on campus is definitely Mackey Arena. I am not only a big fan of Boilermaker basketball, but I also enjoyed seeing our volleyball team play. I decided to start in Exploratory Studies because this program is designed for people like me who have many diverse interests and skills. I enjoy working with computers, learning about how our brains work, and I have good analytical thinking skills. When considering what major to apply for at various universities, I was not sure what to pick. After selecting “Exploratory Studies” as my first choice at Purdue and then attending Purdue’s For Me, I realized that this program would be the best fit. Since I was a part of the Explorers learning community during my first semester at Purdue, I was able to have many unique experiences. When the weather was still nice, we rode the Boilermaker Special throughout campus and around some of the athletics buildings. A piece of advice I have for students currently in Exploratory Studies, and all Purdue students for that matter, is to be completely honest with your academic advisor about your interests and, after your first semester, what classes you actually were interested in. The more information your advisor has about your interests and experiences, the more they can help you by tailoring their advice! #ExploreMore
Registration Reminders! CRFs need to be submitted by Thursday, November 19 at 5:00 pm. #ExploreMore
It’s been a great couple of days with Introducing Purdue presentations for our prospective students! Reminder that November 1 is the early action deadline, so submit your application to Exploratory Studies soon! #ExploreMore
Our EXPL Ambassadors had a fun night of painting pumpkins and canvases!🎃
Major of the Month: Human Resources Development Enjoy working with people? Interested in improving organizations? If so, consider majoring in Human Resource Development! The HRD major in Purdue Polytechnic trains students on developing employees, improving employee engagement and performance, and assessing an organization's effectiveness. Graduates find jobs as human resource specialists, corporate recruiters, and training and development specialists. #ExploreMore
Cheers to 30 years of Exploratory Studies! Here's 10 pieces of advice from your Exploratory Studies Advisors! #ExploreMore
Student Spotlight! Name: Allison Hafer Hometown: Saline, MI My favorite place to go to on campus is definitely Mackey Arena. I am not only a big fan of Boilermaker basketball, but I also enjoyed seeing our volleyball team play. I decided to start in Exploratory Studies because this program is designed for people like me who have many diverse interests and skills. I enjoy working with computers, learning about how our brains work, and I have good analytical thinking skills. When considering what major to apply for at various universities, I was not sure what to pick. After selecting “Exploratory Studies” as my first choice at Purdue and then attending Purdue’s For Me, I realized that this program would be the best fit. Since I was a part of the Explorers learning community during my first semester at Purdue, I was able to have many unique experiences. When the weather was still nice, we rode the Boilermaker Special throughout campus and around some of the athletics buildings. A piece of advice I have for students currently in Exploratory Studies, and all Purdue students for that matter, is to be completely honest with your academic advisor about your interests and, after your first semester, what classes you actually were interested in. The more information your advisor has about your interests and experiences, the more they can help you by tailoring their advice! #ExploreMore
Registration Reminders! CRFs need to be submitted by Thursday, November 19 at 5:00 pm. #ExploreMore
It’s been a great couple of days with Introducing Purdue presentations for our prospective students! Reminder that November 1 is the early action deadline, so submit your application to Exploratory Studies soon! #ExploreMore
Our EXPL Ambassadors had a fun night of painting pumpkins and canvases!🎃
Major of the Month: Human Resources Development Enjoy working with people? Interested in improving organizations? If so, consider majoring in Human Resource Development! The HRD major in Purdue Polytechnic trains students on developing employees, improving employee engagement and performance, and assessing an organization's effectiveness. Graduates find jobs as human resource specialists, corporate recruiters, and training and development specialists. #ExploreMore
Cheers to 30 years of Exploratory Studies! Here's 10 pieces of advice from your Exploratory Studies Advisors! #ExploreMore
Student Spotlight! Name: Allison Hafer Hometown: Saline, MI My favorite place to go to on campus is definitely Mackey Arena. I am not only a big fan of Boilermaker basketball, but I also enjoyed seeing our volleyball team play. I decided to start in Exploratory Studies because this program is designed for people like me who have many diverse interests and skills. I enjoy working with computers, learning about how our brains work, and I have good analytical thinking skills. When considering what major to apply for at various universities, I was not sure what to pick. After selecting “Exploratory Studies” as my first choice at Purdue and then attending Purdue’s For Me, I realized that this program would be the best fit. Since I was a part of the Explorers learning community during my first semester at Purdue, I was able to have many unique experiences. When the weather was still nice, we rode the Boilermaker Special throughout campus and around some of the athletics buildings. A piece of advice I have for students currently in Exploratory Studies, and all Purdue students for that matter, is to be completely honest with your academic advisor about your interests and, after your first semester, what classes you actually were interested in. The more information your advisor has about your interests and experiences, the more they can help you by tailoring their advice! #ExploreMore
Registration Reminders! CRFs need to be submitted by Thursday, November 19 at 5:00 pm. #ExploreMore
Major of the Month: Human Resources Development Enjoy working with people? Interested in improving organizations? If so, consider majoring in Human Resource Development! The HRD major in Purdue Polytechnic trains students on developing employees, improving employee engagement and performance, and assessing an organization's effectiveness. Graduates find jobs as human resource specialists, corporate recruiters, and training and development specialists. #ExploreMore