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First-Year Exploratory Studies FAQ

First-Year Exploratory Studies (FYES) helps students discover the best-fit academic journey before deciding on a major and career. Through one-on-one advising, exploratory courses, tailored academic tracks and peer mentoring, you get the support and flexibility you need to find the path that's right for you. Whether you have questions about class registration, transferring into your selected major, or how to navigate our first-year program, we hope you can find the answers within the FYES FAQ here. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Marna Mozeff, Managing Director and Faculty, Division for Exploring Students at mam25@drexel.edu to answer any remaining questions regarding the First-Year Exploratory Studies program or exploratory courses information.

Have more questions? Explore the FYES FAQ:

Current Students

How do I schedule my classes for the fall term?

All first-year student schedules are created by the academic unit (in your case, by the First-Year Exploratory Studies program) during the summer. After the fall term, you are expected to self-register for all future terms. The First-Year Exploratory Studies advisors will explain the process to you during week five of the fall term in UNIV G101 – The Drexel Experience.

How do I make an appointment with an advisor?

The First-Year Exploratory Studies academic advising team offers one-on-one academic support to guide first-year students towards choosing a major and navigating first-year programs. Each student is assigned an academic advisor once enrolled. You can schedule an appointment with your first-year advisor in advance or come to the Goodwin College office for walk-in hours.

Office hours are held both virtually and in-person. Visit Academic Advising for our current hours and scheduling options for our advisors.

What FYES program classes are available?

The First-Year Exploratory Studies (FYES) program includes a three-term course sequence on personal, academic and career exploration. This course sequence provides an opportunity for personal reflection and exposure to programs of study from across the University, as well as insight into career pathways.

Learn about our First-Year Exploratory Classes, view a Sample Plan of Study, or explore Prospective Majors. Visit the Drexel Course Catalog for Degree Requirements.

Can I switch my concentration track from STEM or non-STEM?

It is easier to go from STEM to Non-STEM due to the required math sequence. While it can be harder to go from Non-STEM to STEM, we will work with you on a case by case basis.

Can I declare my major before the end of my first year if I'm ready?

Absolutely! If you are certain you are finished exploring and are ready to declare your major, you may do so as early as winter term. Make sure to get in touch with your advisor so they can support you through the process.

Do I have to choose a major by the end of the first-year?

You can remain with the FYES program into year two. We strongly encourage you to move into your chosen major by the end of the first year to remain on track for timely completion of your degree.

Do I have to take FYE 102 and FYE 103?

FYE 102 and FYE 103 are key to guiding you toward your best-fit major. You must take the FYES courses until or when you have approved the change of curriculum and status form (the official process for changing your major). Reach out to your advisor for more details about declaring or changing your major.

Will I be in classes exclusively with other FYES program students?

In the majority of your classes, you will be with the general Drexel student population. As part of the FYES program, we require three courses: UNIV G101- The Drexel Experience, FYE 102 - Academic Exploration and Planning, and FYE 103 - Career Exploration and Planning. You will be exclusively with other FYES students in these courses.

What happens if I don't get accepted into my preferred major?

Typically, core courses need required grades to be accepted into your first-choice major. If you don't meet those grade requirements, you can continue on in FYES to make those grades. However, at the end of your first year, your time to graduation will likely be affected. We offer options to help you succeed. You can select a new direction to go in as we help you identify the best option based on your interests, or you can enroll in the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Interdisciplinary Professional Studies to continue the exploration process. Keeping in touch with an advisor is crucial to your success. We’ll work closely with you to figure out an alternative pathway. We maintain close contact with students for the entirety of the first year to make sure you're on track to your preferred major.

Prospective and Admitted FYES Students

What is the process to apply to the Living Learning Community?

The First-Year Exploratory Studies Learning Community is available to all incoming FYES students. Once you have confirmed your offer of acceptance from Drexel University, you can elect to join the FYES Learning Community in your housing application.

In order to be considered for the FYES Community program, you must:

  • Pay your $200 housing deposit
  • Preferred completion of your housing application by Priority Deadline.

Please email housing@drexel.edu with any questions.

Can I declare my major before the end of the first year if I'm ready?

Absolutely! If you are certain you are finished exploring and are ready to declare your major, you may do so as early as winter term. Make sure to get in touch with your advisor so they can support you through the process.

Can I still go on co-op?

Yes. Similar to any other major at Drexel, you can select a four-year one-co-op, five-year three-co-op, or a non-co-op option.

  • Five-year FYES program students are placed on the Spring-Summer co-op cycle
  • Four-year FYES program students are placed on the Fall-Winter co-op cycle

If I am in the FYES program, will I graduate on time?

Yes, with careful planning, you may even be ahead. In order to align with your anticipated graduation date, it is important to declare into your major program by the end of the first year.

Should you need additional time in FYES, and not declare until year two, it is possible your time at Drexel could be extended before deciding on a major and career path that suits your needs..

I have a good idea of what major I want. Will I definitely be accepted into that major?

Each major has different internal transfer requirements and the First-Year Exploratory Studies team will work closely with you towards meeting those requirements.

*NOTE: The Music Industry and Architecture majors are not open to transfer from the First-Year Exploratory Studies program.

  • Your academic performance during the first year determines your ability to declare said major
  • We cannot guarantee acceptance into any major
  • There are a few majors within the Westphal College of Media Arts and Design that may not be viable pathways without extending your time to degree completion due to the structure of the curriculum. Ask an advisor for details.

If I don’t feel ready, do I have to choose a major by the end of the first-year?

You can remain with the FYES program into year two, however, we strongly encourage you to move into your chosen major by the end of the first year to remain on track for timely completion of your degree. 

Will I be in classes exclusively with other FYES program students?

In the majority of your classes, you will be with the general Drexel student population. As part of the FYES program, we require three courses: UNIV G101- The Drexel Experience, FYE 102 - Academic Exploration and Planning, and FYE 103 - Career Exploration and Planning. You will be exclusively with other FYES students in these courses.

What are the benefits of the First-Year Exploratory Studies program?

First- Year Exploratory Studies is an ideal program for undecided students or students with multiple interests and ambitions. Whether you are trying to narrow down your options, find something that sparks your interest, or need to fulfill requirements for your first-choice major, we can work together during your first year of studies to help get you there. To find your path we:

  • Offer the unique opportunity to explore disciplines from different colleges across the University
  • Provide intensive, developmental advising and coursework to guide you in selecting your best-fit major
  • Work with you to create custom schedules to allow you to get the most out of your exploring process
  • Pair first-year students with peer mentors in UNIV G101 – The Drexel Experience course to learn from, and collaborate with former Exploratory students who can share the authentic student perspective on all things Drexel