Academic Advising & Student Development

Exploratory Studies

The Department of Academic Advising & Student Development (formerly Academic Enrichment) faculty advises students who are undeclared. At KU, the Exploratory Studies program provides students with a way to discover the majors that may interest them in their first year of college before they choose a path of study. The Exploratory Studies program helps students tackle the question, “Which major should I choose?” 

Although many students believe they have decided their major as they enter their freshman year, nationally, as many as 80 percent either do not know what their major is or will change majors during their first year of college. The exploratory designation at KU offers students who are uncertain about their major(s) the opportunity to work closely with an academic advisor and establish an individualized program that will help them discover which degree program best fits their interests, values, and skills.

KU Rohrbach Library

declaring a major

All KU undergraduate students must declare a major prior to the completion of 60 credits.
Once you have talked with your Exploratory Studies advisor to be sure you meet all the
qualifications for your major of choice, you can contact the academic department in which you
would like to declare. Students are strongly encouraged to work with their current academic advisor and Career Development Center staff to clarify their education and career goals and declare their major.