Exploring Students

Exploring is a common and meaningful part of the college experience. Many students begin college exploring their options and more than half will change their major at least once. Carroll University’s Exploring Program is designed to support students as they discover and choose academic and career paths that align with their interests, strengths and goals. With the support of dedicated Exploring Advisors, faculty mentors and peer connections, students develop skills of self‑discovery — without wasting time, money or effort.

If you have multiple interests and are struggling to fit them into a specific major, the Exploring Program may be a good fit for you! Our Exploring Program is an academic advising program designed to assist undecided students in selecting a major that suits their personal and academic goals.

As a student in this program, you'll have access to tools and people that can help you make informed decisions about possible career paths and choose a major. Along the way, you will be supported as you identify interests and develop the skills employers want. Exploring Program staff help you stay on track toward your degree.

With more than 95 areas of study, starting your journey in the Exploring Program is a smart choice. We have many resources to help you test out your academic interests, connect with faculty and students in majors, and explore possible career paths

1+3 Exploring Sample Plans

Our 1+3 Exploring Sample Plans give you a roadmap to discover your interests, balance general education and major exploration, and stay on track for graduation.

View 1+3 Exploring Sample Plans

First Semester – Select PioCore courses and dive into your options with a Career and Major Exploration course!

• FYE100: First Year Experience for Exploring Students – FYE100 is required for all incoming first-year students and is designed to help students successfully transition to college life by developing academic, personal and social skills essential for thriving in higher education. 
• IDS100: Career and Major Exploration – This course guides students through the process of career planning, goal setting and networking strategies to help them choose an academic program and build supportive proofessional networks. Using a hybrid format that combines in-person class instruction with self-directed exploration, students can examine the components that shape their unique vocational personalities and identify methods to nurture these through academic, co-curricular and professional pursuits.

End of First Year – By the end of your first year, you should feel ready to make a confident decision about your major; if you are still undecided after completing your first year, you can continue to receive individualized support from your Exploring Advisor.

• Carroll University Catalog
• Pioneer Core Program
• Career Services