Without a clear path to follow, committing to any higher education program can feel daunting. That’s why Drexel University supports and guides students who want some assistance. If you aren’t sure where to begin, the First-Year Exploratory Studies program will light the way as you discover your personal, academic, and career interests before choosing a major.

Drexel University’s First-Year Exploratory Studies program gives you the freedom to explore your passions without limitations. This program ensures that students have the chance to fully investigate their interests and sharpen their skills before committing to a major with confidence. We know there is no limit to what you can achieve — you simply need the opportunity to begin.

College is a transformative experience — one where you discover the career path that is best for you but also find out who you are and where your interests lie. Our university offers many resources for students who haven’t yet selected a major and want to explore their options. Through Drexel’s First-Year Exploratory Studies program, you can create a learning experience that is just right for you.

No matter what path you choose, you’ll leave Drexel with all the tools you need for future success.

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Program Overview

Who Should Apply?

The First-Year Exploratory Studies program is open to any first-year student who is undecided about their major or who wants to investigate their academic options. Transfer students who have completed less than 26 semester credits may also apply. Drexel’s academic advisers will work closely with transfer students to ensure that prior credits are maximized toward completing a degree on time.

How To Apply

You can apply to the First-Year Exploratory Studies program through Drexel University's Undergraduate Admissions.

Your Journey of Discovery

The First-Year Exploratory Studies program allows you to sample courses from different areas of study to find the major that is the right fit for you. Those who have a grasp on a specific academic area but aren’t sure about which program to pursue can experiment with different courses before committing. You can also choose to combine existing programs to create your own plan of study through our custom-designed major.

Your journey of discovery allows you to leverage all that Drexel has to offer and confidently choose the major that suits you best. Within your first year, you’ll enjoy the perks of UNIV 101, a course designed to prepare students for success at Drexel; an academic advisor to support you every step of the way; social and educational activities with your peers; and opportunities to engage with students from majors that may interest you.

Drexel’s structured yet flexible plan of study allows you to examine more than 70 major programs offered by Drexel’s Colleges and Schools. By the end of the first year, you will be well prepared to transition into your chosen major with confidence and to remain on track to graduate. Along the way, you will gain the essential skills needed to thrive during your academic experience and for life after Drexel.

Custom Curriculum

The First-Year Exploratory Studies curriculum is designed to align with your personal and professional goals. Our Drexel advising team collaborates closely with each student to provide a comprehensive educational experience. Together, you'll create your course schedule to ensure you develop a broad understanding of various academic disciplines while enhancing your intellectual growth. Through structured coursework and advising, you will have dedicated time to reflect on your educational journey and make informed decisions about your future.

Based on your unique interests, skills, and aspirations, Drexel will help you explore a wide range of majors, from fields as diverse as English, Physics, and Business to Game Design, Cyber Security, and Public Health. Additionally, students have the option to create their own custom-designed major.

Drexel University's First-Year Exploratory Studies program is designed to guide students in discovering their academic interests, assist them on their pathway to a permanent major, and help them build transferable skills that support future career pivots and transitions.

Dedicated Support

Learning at Drexel extends well beyond the classroom. First-Year Exploratory students gain from dedicated advising, peer mentors, and activities designed to enhance their academic experiences, foster personal development, and build community. This exceptional camaraderie encourages students to network with peers, make the most of all that Drexel University has to offer, and become immersed in the city of Philadelphia.

First-Year Exploratory support activities include informative panels on academic and professional pathways, peer-mentored study groups, course registration prep sessions, mid-term and finals stress-buster events, trips to local attractions, and group volunteering.

Drexel is dedicated to connecting you with academic resources that will position you for continued growth and success. The McGonigal ARC –Academic Resource Center– located in the Korman Center serves as an integrated hub of academic support for all students that offers tutoring, coaching, workshops, and specialized courses.

We make it easy to find the guidance you need for subjects like biology, foreign languages, math, writing, and more. You can access study tools to fit your needs and get a direct referral to additional resources, if desired.

Experiential Learning

While the program primarily focuses on exploration and academic discovery, students have access to the same undergraduate research and creative scholarship opportunities as all our College of Arts and Sciences students.

First-Year Exploratory Studies scholars expand their academic development and enhance career-readiness through community-based and community-engaged learning, education abroad, undergraduate research, and the renowned Drexel co-op program. Drexel’s model of learning takes students beyond the typical collegiate experience, challenging them to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom by working alongside mentors and industry professionals, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and achievement.

Here, in the College of Arts and Sciences, you can pursue your unique interests and build a learning experience that works for you. Our university does not restrict students to a singular focus; instead, it encourages them to take the lead by supplementing classroom learning with professional work experience and study abroad, building an impressive résumé, and gaining a unique working perspective — all before you graduate.

Drexel Co-op and Careers

One of the stand-out features of your Drexel experience is the renowned Drexel Co-op program. This unique cooperative education program allows students to gain real-world experience while earning their undergraduate degree. Like all Drexel students, First-Year Exploratory Studies scholars have access to co-op opportunities that enable them to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings, build a strong résumé, and establish valuable industry connections. Depending on the major declared at the end of their first year, a First-Year Exploratory Studies student can participate in up to three co-op opportunities.