University at Buffalo (UB)
Here’s the truth: it’s OK if you don’t know what major you want to pursue. In fact, most students start college undecided or change their major at least once. At UB, we welcome hundreds of undecided (Exploratory) students each year, and even more who change their major after they get here. As an Exploratory student you can meet with dedicated advisors, go to exclusive programs, find your best-fit major — and still graduate in four years. So how do you decide if you should be undecided? Keep reading.
Whether you come into UB as an Exploratory student or become Exploratory once you’re here, you’ll be welcomed into our Exploratory and Pre-Professional Advising Center (EPAC). You’ll get an advisor who specializes in helping undecided students, and asks you questions like, “What subjects get you excited?” and “What skills or knowledge do you want to learn next?” to help you think about what classes to take — without putting any pressure on you.
For the first year or two, you’ll choose courses based on your interests. You’ll also take an exclusive Major and Career Exploration class and attend workshops and events specifically for Exploratory students. Then, usually by the end of your second year - we aim for by 60 credit hours, you’ll choose a major so you can graduate on time (don’t worry, we’ll help).
Keep in mind that Exploratory isn’t a degree program. The Exploratory program helps you find the right major, so you can earn your bachelor’s degree.
Exploratory might be a good fit if:
However, if you’ve already narrowed down your majors and you just need to decide which one to choose, you might want to talk to an advisor in the academic area you are considering to get more info.
As an Exploratory student, this is your time to explore. Try new activities, make lifelong friends, and take advantage of programs just for you.
Exploratory Peer Ambassadors. Meet with former Exploratory students who will share their experiences and give you advice.
Exploratory Living-Learning Community. Live on campus with other Exploratory students for your first year and get access to even more programs and support.
Student clubs. Joining a club (we have 500+) is a great way to do what you love, discover new things, and meet other people who have similar interests.
Study abroad. Sometimes a fresh perspective can help you decide what’s really important to you.
Internships, research and experiential learning. These opportunities — including many right on campus — can help you learn about different career paths.
If you're thinking about a gap year or community college because you're unsure what to study, remember that you don't have to have everything figured out before starting college. UB's Exploratory program is specifically designed to help students, like you. You'll receive personalized advising, discover majors and careers that fit your goals, and make progress toward your degree while you decide what's right for you. We’ll make sure you keep moving forward – even when you aren’t exactly sure where you’re going to end up.
Nearly anything. Exploratory students have gone on to major in almost every one of the 150+ undergraduate degree programs at UB.
Through the Exploratory program, you might discover that your interest in languages and cultures could lead you to a major like Global Affairs, or your curiosity about how people make decisions aligns with Cognitive Science, or that your desire to improve communities could make Urban and Public Policy Studies a great fit.
Whatever you decide, our goal is to make sure you can choose with confidence when it’s time to pick your major.