Pursuing the Right Path
Exploratory
Find your path. If you’re unsure about your journey, that’s ok—you’re far from alone. The number of LVC Exploratory majors has doubled since 2020.
More than one in 10 LVC students start as Exploratory majors. That just means they haven’t settled on an academic direction. In a place with as many options as LVC, you’ll have plenty of room to try out disciplines and find the right fit for you.
As an Exploratory major, you’ll team up with an advisor who will help you try out courses and electives tailored to your interests and goals. Our core curriculum ensures you’ll build the kind of universal skills needed to thrive no matter where your learning takes you.
Learn More About the Program
Exploratory students have plenty of time to explore new and different disciplines: If you’re undecided, you have until the end of sophomore year to declare a major. And in the meantime, why not get to know yourself better (and make new friends) by trying out some of our student clubs and activities? The possibilities are endless!
75%
of students change their major at least once before graduation
20–50%
of students enter college undecided
Support for Exploratory Majors
Holistic advising model
- Focuses on the “whole” student
- Work together to assess personal & vocational goals
- Encourage personal responsibility for progress & success
- “High-touch” advising: frequent meetings, coaching sessions, and conversations
- “Intrusive” advising: proactive intervention based on relationship building
- First-year writing seminar course: everyone must take two (FYE 111 and 112)
- ”Making Major Decisions”—FYE 111 course for Exploratory majors only
- Fall 2020: 12 students enrolled in course
- Fall 2021: 27 students enrolled (double-section)
- Fall 2022: 33 students enrolled (double-section)
- Fall 2023: 39 students enrolled (double-section)
Course Description:
Do you feel you are the only student undecided about your college major? Would you like to have an answer to the nagging question “So, what’s your major?” It’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed about how you will make this decision. Nearly 80% of students entering college are still undecided about their major, and many students will switch majors at least once. This is all part of the normal exploration process. Making Major Decisions will help students to understand the connection between major and career. Your college major opens the doorway to many career possibilities, but it’s up to you to make the most of your experience both in and out of the classroom. The world of work today is complex and dynamic. Through applied learning including interactive experiences, texts, film, and podcasts, students will critically examine and explore academic majors available at LVC. You will be encouraged to explore majors in discussions with faculty and the staff from the Breen Center for Graduate Success and exposed to career paths through self-assessment tools, readings, and informational interviews. There will be ample opportunity to evaluate your interests and explore possibilities that match by connecting with career professionals.
Preparing yourself for a career is a daunting yet exciting journey of self-awareness and fulfillment. This course and the accompanying text will help you research and develop a flexible yet adaptive major and career action plan. Student should be prepared to focus on self-assessment and their academic and career interests.
VIPS Assessments & Debriefing Session
Discover and explore majors and/or career options that match your values, interests, personality, and skills (your career VIPS). Follow up with a debriefing session with your advisor and/or the Breen Center.
Career Coaching through the Breen Center
Get the support and guidance to make informed decisions about your major and future career.
Major/Minor Fair
A representative from each academic department will be available to answer questions, provide information, and discuss opportunities within their major.
Pizza with Professionals
LVC alumni and professionals share stories about their careers and provide advice on how students can find their own paths to success.
Job Fairs
Students can network with employers and learn about internships and full-time roles with companies and organizations.
- Embrace active learning, not passive.
- Be curious and ask questions.
- Make new connections and maintain current ones.
- Embrace the “chaos.”
- Keep an open mind and explore new opportunities.
In Their Words
The Exploratory advisors taught me to take everything of interest since you never know what might click. If students are unsure about what they want to do or are interested in multiple fields, they should take the Exploratory route.
Ryan Petrucci
’25,
Business Administration (formerly Exploratory)
My classes in logic are what pushed me to go to law school. But I appreciated how LVC professors genuinely cared about me and were interested in my future success. They were there for me not just to answer questions about assignments, but to share advice on graduate school and life.
Peyton Carper
’16,
Attorney, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
It might seem like your peers have everything figured out, but it’s much more common to not know. Our team of advisors can help you discover more about yourself while you connect with current students, faculty, and alumni to learn about your options.
Sarah Bartz
’08,
Director of Academic Success
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