Exploratory Students

Group of students sitting around a round table chatting with laptops.

Discover, Define, Declare: Your Journey Starts Here.

Not every student begins their college journey with a clear decision about their major—and that’s okay. At Westfield State, our Exploratory program provides a supportive environment for students to discover their passions, explore academic interests, and identify a pathway that aligns with their goals.

Choosing the Exploratory option can be a valuable first step toward selecting a major that maximizes your potential for success while fulfilling the requirements for your future career. With plenty of time to explore, you’ll have the guidance and resources needed to make an informed and confident decision about your academic future.

Why Choose to be Exploratory?

  • Time to explore your interests
  • Personalized guidance
  • Strategic decision-making
  • Career alignment

Explore First, Decide Later: The Power of Being Exploratory

  • Nestor, a blue colored Owl mascot, reads a book with a white owl face on its cover.

    Freedom to Discover Your Passion

    Entering college as exploratory gives you the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects before committing to a major. Instead of feeling locked into a decision, you can take introductory courses across various disciplines, join diverse student organizations, and meet faculty from multiple fields. This freedom allows you to uncover passions and strengths. By the time you declare a major, you’ll do so with confidence and a clear understanding of where your interests lie.

  • Five students smiling in front of Advising office.

    Personalized Support

    Being exploratory doesn’t mean navigating college on your own. Advisors will work closely with you to understand your goals, guide you through course selection, and connect you with resources that align with your evolving interests. This individualized attention ensures that you make thoughtful, informed decisions about your major, helping you find a path that aligns with both your academic strengths and career goals.

  • English student smiling with a laptop wearing a WSU shirt.

    A Practical Start to College

    Starting exploratory can actually be a beneficial approach for long-term success. Many students who commit to a major right away end up switching, which can lead to lost time and extra expenses. By beginning as exploratory, you’ll fulfill general education requirements while exploring options, staying on track to graduate on time. Additionally, you’ll avoid the stress of rushing into a decision and gain the perspective to choose a major that aligns not only with your interests but also with industry trends and job market demands. With a solid foundation and a well-chosen major, you’ll be better prepared for both academic success and a fulfilling career.

Ready to learn more?

How to Choose a Major: Helpful Steps to Guide Your Decision

Choosing a major is an important decision that can shape your academic and career future. It’s natural to feel uncertain, but with a thoughtful approach, you can identify a path that aligns with your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. Follow these steps to help you explore your options and make an informed choice.

  1. Reflect on your academic strengths by reviewing courses you’ve taken in both high school and college.
  2. Write down your academic and career goals to help clarify what you want to achieve.
  3. Visit the Office of Academic Advising and the Career Center for guidance and resources.
  4. Attend the Majors and Minors Fair offered every fall to explore your options and learn more about different programs.
  5. Refine your choices by identifying the majors that truly interest you.
  6. Connect with the department chair or faculty members in the department that interests you most to learn more about the major and potential career paths.

The Office of Academic Advising and Transfer Transition

The Office of Academic Advising and Transfer Transition is committed to supporting students throughout their academic journey. This office provides a welcoming environment where students can explore academic options, receive personalized guidance, and access valuable resources. Exploratory students are assigned a dedicated point of contact to ensure consistent support as they navigate their choices. All students are encouraged to connect with a professional advisor for assistance with course registration, academic planning, and more.

Parenzo Hall exterior, photography credit Anton Grassl.

Explore More Resources

Request Information

We’re here to answer your questions and deliver the support you need along your academic journey. Please provide your contact information and area of interest, and we’ll be in touch shortly.

Exploratory Students