Academic Enrichment and Learning
Department of Academic Success

Exploratory Studies

Explore. Discover. Declare.

Exploratory Studies is a comprehensive academic program designed to meet the needs of students who wish to explore ESU major, minor, and certificate options before major declaration.

Research supports that students who enter college undeclared to discover and explore their interests, skills, and values before major declaration are more likely to succeed academically and graduate in 4 years.

Exploratory Studies prepares undergraduate students to navigate all aspects of their major exploration through a comprehensive advising curriculum that consists of four key components:

  1. self-assessment
  2. academic planning
  3. career idea planning
  4. decision making

We guide students strategically through 45 credits of the general education curriculum. Students prepare to declare a major within their first three semesters (45 credits). We prepare students for major declaration by:

  • Establishing a relationship based on mutual trust centering around the student;
  • Encouraging students to learn academic strengths and challenges;
  • Guiding students in the exploration of potential academic major and career ideas;
  • Developing an individualized academic plan;
  • Introducing self-assessments to identify skills, values, and interests;
  • Familiarizing students with ESU major and minors;
  • Building efficacy so students confidently declare a major they are excited about through graduation.
Make An AppointmentWith an Interest inMajor Self AssessmentFreshman AgreementFeedback / TestimonialNon-Degree Class Request

Exploratory Studies is a comprehensive academic program designed to meet the needs of students who wish to explore ESU major, minor, and certificate options before major declaration.

Research supports that students who enter college undeclared to discover and explore their interests, skills, and values before major declaration are more likely to succeed academically and graduate in 4 years.

Exploratory Studies prepares undergraduate students to navigate all aspects of their major exploration through a comprehensive advising curriculum that consists of four key components:

  1. self-assessment
  2. academic planning
  3. career idea planning
  4. decision making

We guide students strategically through 45 credits of the general education curriculum. Students prepare to declare a major within their first three semesters (45 credits). We prepare students for major declaration by:

  • Establishing a relationship based on mutual trust centering around the student;
  • Encouraging students to learn academic strengths and challenges;
  • Guiding students in the exploration of potential academic major and career ideas;
  • Developing an individualized academic plan;
  • Introducing self-assessments to identify skills, values, and interests;
  • Familiarizing students with ESU major and minors;
  • Building efficacy so students confidently declare a major they are excited about through graduation.
Make An AppointmentWith an Interest inMajor Self AssessmentFreshman AgreementFeedback / TestimonialNon-Degree Class Request

Exploratory Studies Honor Societies

An honor society is an association of primarily collegiate members and chapters whose purposes are to encourage and recognize superior scholarship and leadership and research achievement either in broad fields of education or in specialized (departmental) areas at either undergraduate or graduate levels.

Exploratory Studies boasts two Honor Societies:

Phi Eta Sigma: Phi Eta Sigma's mission is to encourage and reward academic excellence among first-year college students.

Tau Sigma: Tau Sigma is an academic honor society designed specifically to recognize and promote transfer students' academic excellence and involvement.

Academic Advising & Coaching
Advising Syllabus
Prepare for the Appointment
Ethics Statement
Forms & Resources
Majors & Minors Fair

Contact Us

The Department of Academic Success provides the diverse student population of ESU with support, opportunities and academic programs to enhance engagement; to support transition to the university; to encourage life-long learning; and to foster academic achievement and degree completion.

Contact Information

Campus Address
Rosenkrans East
Phone:
(570) 422-3164
Fax:
(570) 422-3898 (Fax)
Title of Department Leader
Associate Professor/Department Chair
Name
Kelly L. McKenzie
Phone:
(570) 422-3741