Exploratory Studies
Program Overview
Exploratory Studies (formerly Undeclared), housed in the Division of Undergraduate Learning (DUL), is not a degree-granting program. Exploratory Studies offers a structured course of study for students who have not yet decided which degree program to pursue. The Exploratory Studies course of study supports students in making timely degree progress while concurrently exploring and comparing academic disciplines of interest so they can make an informed decision about declaring a major. Students begin the process of exploring majors by enrolling in courses that satisfy requirements for any approved Clemson University bachelor’s degree. Exploratory Studies academic advisors support students by informing them which courses will apply to the major(s) of interest that a student identifies.
To support making timely progress toward the bachelor’s degree, students in Exploratory Studies are strongly encouraged to declare a major after earning 34 total credits. Students who continue in Exploratory Studies after earning 34 total credits must declare a major prior to or immediately after earning a maximum of 66 credits.
Schedule an Exploratory Studies Appointment
Students in Exploratory Studies who wish to explore other majors can schedule a "General Advising" appointment in CU Navigate with their assigned advisor. Meet with an advisor to discuss your potential majors, available resources and the major change process. Prepare by identifying at least one major; if only one, contact that department directly for more details.
Schedule an Exploratory Studies Appointment
Schedule an Explore Alternate Majors Appointment
Students in different majors who are interested in exploring other academic programs are encouraged to schedule an Explore Alternate Majors appointment through CU Navigate. These appointments provide an opportunity to discuss potential major changes with an Exploratory Studies academic advisor. During the meeting, students can learn about majors that match their interests, skills and career goals. Advisors will guide students on course requirements and the steps involved in changing majors. This process helps students make informed decisions about their academic journey.
Schedule an Alternate Majors AppointmentCourse of Study
For more information, including the Exploratory Studies course of study, visit our degrees page and the Academic Catalog.
Students in Exploratory Studies focus on completing General Education requirements, required courses for degree programs and exploratory coursework for their major(s) of interest. Because not every course a student enrolls in will apply to every major of interest, some courses, depending on the major and any minor a student eventually declares, may satisfy degree requirements, while other courses may count as electives. Additionally, some courses have enrollment restrictions that may prevent enrollment by students in Exploratory Studies.
Students interested in pursuing a major with competitive enrollment requirements are advised to create a parallel plan for another major they can pursue as well. Depending on their major(s) of interest, students may be advised to enroll in available exploratory courses in lieu of courses satisfying a General Education requirement during their first two semesters of enrollment. Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree are advised to complete the required modern language coursework. Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree are advised to complete additional mathematics or science coursework as required by their major(s) of interest.
To support making timely progress toward the bachelor’s degree, students in Exploratory Studies are strongly encouraged to declare a major after earning 34 total credits. Students who continue in Exploratory Studies after earning 34 total credits must declare a major prior to or immediately after earning a maximum of 66 credits.
An enrolled student may change into Exploratory Studies if they have earned 50 or fewer total credit hours.
