University Exploratory Studies Program
It is very common for students to be unsure of a major at the beginning of their educational journey or change it along the way. Exploratory students work with both their Academic Advisor and Career Development Center as they decide on a major. University Exploratory Studies Program (UESP) is the academic home for students who have chosen to explore their options prior to deciding on a major.
A student who is undecided on a major of study is considered Exploratory. Whether you are a First-Year student trying to clarify your path or a returning student changing career goals, exploring is the key to progressing from an Exploratory Student to a student with a major and home college. It takes work, but OSU-Cascades offers the support you need to succeed.
Exploratory Advising Guide
Exploratory Advising Guide - plan and track your exploration journey!
Helpful Resources
OSU-Cascades Academic Programs
How to Explore
It is important as an Exploratory Students at OSU-Cascades that you are continuously working toward developing a plan and declaring a major that will work for you! Actively explore to determine your goals and commitments to your education. Below are suggestions on how to begin exploring:
Research Majors
- Use resources to understand what certain majors are. Begin with OSU-Cascades list of Academic Programs (majors) and check out each program's web pages.
- Curriculum Checklists are available for each major to understand what course you would need to take. Make sure you understand the graduation requirements for a major before you declare it.
- Review sample academic plans for ideal majors.
Take courses to help you explore majors
- Use list of Exploratory Courses found on the Exploratory Advising Guide.
- Choose courses that can also be counted for Core Education.
- Don't explore too long, you only need 180 credits to get a Bachelor's Degree.
Talk to professors and students already in the major you are considering
- Ask questions about courses you will take.
- Ask questions about careers student have gone into after graduating.
- Plan how you would complete this major (is it realistic?).
Take a Career Development Course or Workshop
- OSU-Cascades' Career Development Center offers a variety of workshops to assist students.
- Job Shadow and interview community members in the fields you may consider working in.
Meet with your Advisor Each Term (required for Exploratory Students)
- Your academic advisor can provide ideas and concepts regarding major/minor that would fit with your ultimate goals.
- Checking in each term will help ensure you are on track to making this important decision.