The Exploratory Studies Process

Exploratory Studies provides beginning college students the best guidance and the broadest overview of a range of academic and career possibilities. Our advising staff encourages students to proactively research and understand their degree plans of study, interview and network with student and alumni resources, and critically comb through career information. We further educate students about the career decision-making process as part of the required EDPS 10500 Academic and Career Planning course. Students who begin their college experience with Exploratory Studies may remain in our program for no more than four semesters. 

The following graphic is a detailed explanation of what students can expect while in Exploratory Studies. Click here for a printer-friendly version.

The Exploratory Process image depicting four steps: All Aboard (Orientation) All Aboard is the new student onboarding process. During this, students will meet with an advisor to discuss their major/career interests and goals, math placement (ALEKS), AP , dual-credit, and transferrable courses, discuss CODO requirements, and ultimately work together to select and pre-register for fall semester courses. EDPS 105 (The Opportunity to Explore) A class truly all about you. EDPS 105 is truly a one-of-a-kind class that is all about the students. This class operates at the intersection of self, exploration, major research, and career investigation. We do this through reflective self-assessments, inventories, research, and out of class exploration. CODO (Transitioning to Major) Once a major is identified, a student begins the Change of Degree Objective (CODO) Process. This is the process by which a student Finds their Future that Fits. The requirements for each major are different, so consult the "CODO Process" option under the "Continuing Students" header on our website for more information. Beyond Exploratory Studies Even after your time in Exploratory Studies, your support system will always be here! Keep in touch! We love hearing what our former students and alumni are up to, and follow us on Instagram @PurdueExplorers.