University College

Exploratory Studies

  • Explore different majors

    We will help you choose a major!

  • Discover career interests

    Look into a career path right for you.

  • Connect with students

    Meet with students interested in the same major or career.

About

Exploratory Studies is a short-term major that will give you time to think about your interests, consider your options, make confident, informed career decisions, and complete your prerequisite preparation for the major of your choice. Exploratory Studies intentionally integrates academic support with career counseling. We give you time and space within a learning community to make your degree decision.

Beginning with the end in mind, we will surround you with leaders in career fields you’d like to someday call your own, connect you with students in your majors of interest, and partner you with colleagues making academic and career decisions just like you. Our single driving goal is getting you on just the right future path in which you will thrive and ultimately graduate.

Program of study

Exploratory Studies – Students who begin their college career unsure about their major or career path have the opportunity to look into the university’s more than 100 areas of study through this program. They will be able to complete general education courses that will lead into a major of their choice while creating and maintaining a graduation plan. Students must select a major once they reach degree evaluation status, which occurs after completing between 45 and 60 credit hours.

Course offered for students exploring:

UNIV2100: Exploration of Career, Calling and Vocation: Designed for students who have not yet fully committed to a major or are exploring various career paths, this eight-week course aims to assist motivated students to learn more about themselves and their academic and vocational options. During the course, students will conduct a self-assessment, evaluate major and career options, conduct informational interviews, and create and implement a personal action plan. The course is required for sophomores who have not declared a major but is open to any interested student.

Is the Exploratory Studies program right for me?

If you don’t know what to major in, we have good news: you don’t have to know. Students who spend dedicated time exploring their major options are more likely to choose the right major the first time and avoid delays in graduation. Your Exploratory Academic Advisor will guide you in exploring different majors, academic programs, and areas of interest. You will have opportunities to take career assessments, self-assessments, research a variety of careers, and meet with advisors across campus. At the end of this journey, you will have much more information to make an informed decision to choose the right major. 

How long can I be Exploratory?

You can remain Exploratory for up to three semesters. You can transition to your major of choice at any time but can remain Exploratory for a maximum of 60 credit hours. At the end of your third semester you must select a major, or at minimum, a college of study. Your Exploratory Academic Advisor will help you to select a major and transfer you into that major as efficiently and quickly as possible.

Meet Our Staff

John Mark Warnick

Darla Phillips, M.Ed.
Instructor, University Studies
dphillips@harding.edu

Office: Student Center 236H

Tannon Davis

Tannon Davis
Director, University Studies
tdavis3@harding.edu

Office: Student Center 236I

Contact Us

Exploratory Studies is part of the University College

501-279-4594

Harding University
University Studies
Box 12276
Searcy, AR 72149-5615