Academic and Career Exploration

Navigate a world of possibilities.

You are entering an exciting time in your life – your college years! This is a time of change, self-discovery, and exploration. We know you might be interested in different subjects or potential career paths and may not be ready to commit to a single one just yet. Through our Academic and Career Exploration program, you will experience new fields of study, career paths, and personal interests. We will help match your strengths and interests with the right major that will open you up to a world of possibilities. The UIndy community will support you every step of the way.

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Your Journey as an Exploring Student at UIndy

The University has options specifically for your journey as an exploring student, and you are not alone! Follow the steps below to discover the major that is right for you:

Step 1

Self Discovery

Find out more about your interests by taking a career assessment.

Step 2

Exploration

Review assessment results and explore career and major options with your advisors. 

Step 3

Declare

Select your major and complete the major change process.

You're Not The Only One Exploring!

Data has shown that nearly two-thirds of college students will change their major, so exploring your options will ensure a better college experience overall. Hear from current students and alumni on how they started as an exploring student.

Going to Pro Edge helped me figure out what I wanted to do, they never shamed me or told me I had to figure out what I wanted to do. Don't panic and don't be discouraged if you aren't sure on what you want to do- take the time to figure it out. – Taylor Strnad '21 (Communication and Media Studies)

I started by taking personality tests, which showed different majors aligned with my characteristics. [...] The experience was very authentic and very welcoming. – Azucena Guerrero Ruiz '21 (Social Work)

The resources I found to be most helpful was having an advisor and being able to talk to them about my hopes and dreams. They were very efficient in helping me narrow down what I wanted to do. – Avari Isom '23 (Psychology, Minor in Art)

Exploring allowed me to get my gen-ed requirements done earlier while I decided what my major should be! – Molly Church '24 (Psychology, Minor in Criminal Justice)

While I felt a lot of outside pressure to choose a major the faculty never tried to hurry me in my selection and were only there to help me select the right major. I felt like my questions and concerns were given thought and answered as best as they could. I found my major thanks to my exploring major advisor. – Anthony Castaneda '25 (Sociology, Minor in Psychology, Honors)

There are so many career options and it all seemed very overwhelming, but after I got to UIndy, I got nothing but support in finding my path. – Joanna Fields '25 (Psychology, Pre-Occupational Therapy)

With the help of countless support from professors, advisors, and other students I have met at UIndy, I am proud to say that I am starting to understand what my interests and passions in certain fields could be. – Sophia Braughton '27 (Current Exploring Major)

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This major allows me to explore different career options while trying different classes that interest me. It also helps me figure out what I want to do in the future as I continue my college years. – Dylan Scruggs '27 (Current Exploring Major)

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Snapshot of Your First Semester

Interested in what your first semester as a college student will look like? We have you covered! Below are a few courses you can expect to take during your first semester:

  • New Student Experience (all students take) 
  • First Year Seminar (all students take) 
  • English 101 (all students take unless earned in high school) 
  • Math or Modern Language (if appropriate) 
  • Course(s) in an area of interest
Explore Curriculum Guides

The Academic & Career Exploration Program might be a good fit for you if…

  • You're not ready to commit to a single major or career pathway yet. You still want to explore your options! 
  • You have a general idea of 2-3 careers or industries that interest you, but you want to explore them more by taking classes in those areas before making a decision about your major. 
  • You know what kind of career you want to pursue, but you’re not sure which major would best prepare you for that career. Many jobs do not require you to graduate with one specific major, and there are often multiple paths that can get you to the same destination. The Exploration Program provides you with the time and resources you need to discover which pathway aligns the best with your skillset, interests, and goals. 
  • You are on a journey of self-discovery and would like to make intentional steps to explore your interests, strengths, and values before deciding on a major or career. In the Exploration Program, you will receive individualized career coaching and academic advising as you continue your journey of self-discovery. Your advisors will also connect you with people and resources across campus that will help you uncover which major and career pathway is the best fit for you.

FAQs

Yes, Academic & Career Exploration is an official major housed within the Shaheen College of Arts & Sciences. You can declare your major as Exploring during the admissions process. If you already applied to UIndy with another major but feel like Exploring is a better fit for you, talk with your admissions counselor about your options or reach out to one of the Exploring advisors for more information!

No, you cannot graduate from the Academic & Career Exploration Program. You will be able to graduate once you declare your major and meet all the requirements for that degree program.

Yes, absolutely! Most UIndy Exploring students graduate within 4 years. Your academic advisor will help you select classes to take each semester that will allow you to explore your various areas of interests while simultaneously completing the General Education Core Curriculum requirements, which are required for all students regardless of major.

No, there is no official deadline set for Exploring students to declare their major. Most students choose within the first 1-2 years, but it’s okay if the process takes a little longer! Your advisors will continually support you as you navigate the exploration process. They will help you proactively plan to ensure you’re doing everything you can to graduate within a 4-year time frame.

You will have two dedicated advisors who will support you in your career and major exploration journey. First, you will have a Career Coach in the Stephen F. Fry Professional Edge Center who can unpack career assessment results with you, connect you with job shadow opportunities, and so much more! Second, you will have an Academic Advisor who will help you plan your class schedule every semester and explore different majors across campus.

During your first semester, you can choose to be a part of the Greyhound Discovery Program, which is a cohort of Exploring students who take the same gen ed classes together. Participation in the Greyhound Discovery Program is optional, and you can determine if it is a good fit for you by talking with your Exploring academic advisor prior to the start of your first semester. In addition, we encourage Exploring students to get involved in campus activities, especially clubs and organizations that will provide you with opportunities to dive deeper into your interests while surrounding yourself with other students on campus with similar interests.

We are Here to Help!

The University of Indianapolis has dedicated staff to help you find your next steps. For more information, contact these advisors for help.

Brittany Dyer headshot

Brittany Dyer

Associate Director
Education, Applied Behavior Sciences, and Career Navigation
Stephen F. Fry Professional Edge Center

dyerb@uindy.edu

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