Exploratory Program

Center for Advising, Career and Life Design

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Salve Regina University's exploratory program is designed for students who aren't yet ready to declare a major. Many students need time to make this meaningful decision.

The exploratory program is consistently one of Salve's most popular advising programs.

The exploratory program may be a great fit if you find yourself considering things like:

  • I have so many interests and don't know how to narrow them down. How do I decide?
  • I have no idea what major would interest me.
  • I don't know my passions or skills yet.
  • I have no idea how to figure out which major is the right fit for me.
  • I don't feel ready to make this decision. I wish I could try out a major or learn about it before deciding.
  • I started in one major, but I realized it isn't a good fit for me. What are my options?
  • I started a program that I no longer can continue. Where do I go from here?
  • I'm leaning toward a certain major, but I'm not ready to commit.

Being an exploratory student gives you the freedom to try out different academic programs and explore your interests, and it puts you on a path of discovery. Through exploratory advising, you participate in activities, events and courses that test out your interests, enhance your skills and learn about career development.

Compass advisors guide you in designing a pathway unique to your specific interests. You'll receive one-on-one support as you take steps to find a major that is a good fit. 

Facts and Resources

Semester I (~16 credits)

  • Complete an in-depth exploratory meeting with a Compass advisor before the first semester. Build the first semester schedule to align with interests and necessary degree requirements.
  • Explore possible majors deeply.
  • Complete GST092: Introduction to Exploratory Studies to learn about majors, careers and resources.
  • Meet with faculty and complete an informational interview.
  • Meet with Compass advisor to plan spring courses around majors you're most interested in.

Semester II (~15 credits)

  • Test courses in any remaining majors or dive deeper into a major of interest.
  • By March, narrow possible majors down to 2-3 max. Students who are interested in education or a 3+/4+ program should declare their major.
  • Meet with Compass advisor to plan sophomore year courses.

Semester III (~15 credits)

  • Test final 2-3 majors.
  • Meet with Compass advisor to plan the last semester as an exploratory student. Prepare to declare by March of the next semester.

Semester IV (~15 credits)

  • Declare a major by March.
  • Plan junior year courses with new faculty advisor. 

You can explore all majors and pathways at Salve except for nursing, as nursing majors must apply directly to the program when they apply for admission to the University. If you're interested in this field, a Compass advisor can work with you to determine alternate and parallel pathways.

You must declare a major by the time you reach 60 credit hours, which is typically March of your sophomore year. The undergraduate catalog provides specific requirements and the degree sequence for each program of study.

Some programs require students to declare by March of their first year:

  • Education: Work closely with your Compass advisor to determine your first-year courses. SAT or ACT scores will be requested. The department chair approves exploratory students who apply for an education program. Education majors are reviewed at the end of their sophomore year to determine if they are eligible to continue in the program.
  • All 3+ and 4+ programs require a careful sequence of courses. You should start these requirements in your first semester and must declare by March of their first year to ensure accurate advising. Work closely with your Compass advisor and the program coordinator to determine your first-year courses.
  • If you’re interested in the dance major or minor, you should meet with the program coordinator to determine your eligibility. An audition tape may be required.
  • If you transition into the exploratory program during or after your first semester, you'll need work with your advisor to determine a new graduation pathway and deadline to declare a major.
  • Provide advice and in-depth course selection support to help you plan courses carefully to stay on track for graduation.
  • Create an open and welcoming space for you to explore your unique interests and build a timeline that works for your goals and needs.
  • Have an initial advising meeting to review interests and explain the exploratory program. This meeting will likely review your semester course schedule as well.
  • Review your exploratory booklet to answer any questions about the process.
  • Connect you with faculty, departments, staff and resources related to your interests. Compass advisors support the course GST092: Introduction to Exploratory Studies.
  • No advisor will tell you which major is the right fit - you'll make this decision yourself.
  • We encourage you to follow the advice of your Compass advisor, but all course selection choices are ultimately your responsibility.
  • Meet with your advisor each semester during pre-registration to update them on your current interests. If your course interests change, you should meet with your exploratory advisor for consultation.
  • All students must have an initial exploratory meeting to review their interests and determine next steps together.
  • Complete GST092: Introduction to Exploratory Studies to learn about major and career exploration. This course provides you with an exploratory booklet and introduces you to resources and action steps that can help you work towards finding your major.
  • Complete necessary action steps, including meeting with faculty, peers, career specialists, alumni and career professionals.
  • Declare a major by the deadline. Notify your advisor when you're ready to declare a major. You'll work with your advisor throughout the declaration process.

Students who transfer to Salve prior to declaring a major work with their advisor to curate a plan unique to their situation. Transfer students must declare a major by the same deadlines outlined on this page, so they may have limited time in the exploratory program depending on how many credits they transfer in. Transfers may be restricted from certain 3+ programs or the education program depending on the credit they bring into Salve.

Transfer students who start at Salve in one program and want to switch into the exploratory program will also need specific guidance. To switch into the exploratory program, transfers should complete the online change of major form and meet with a Compass advisor to determine which majors they can explore in the timeframe unique to their situation.