Welcome to Exploratory Studies
Dean’s Message
Welcome to NC State and the Exploratory Studies Program. We are happy to have you with us and our team is committed to your success.
Exploratory Studies is a comprehensive program designed to meet the needs of first-year students who wish to explore their options in order to find a “best fit” major. With a focus on cross-curricular academic advising, career assessment, guided exploration of majors and careers, and programming to allow students opportunities to interact with advisors, faculty, upper-class students and professionals from different fields, our students are able to discover their passions and make an informed decision on a major.
Alumni from our program are in every college at the University, and our students are actively engaged in university life. Exploratory Studies academic advisors work with their students one-on-one as well as in the Exploratory Studies courses, University Studies Courses (USC) 101, 102, and 201. Our advising and curriculum address campus policies, resources and opportunities, learning from diverse perspectives, as well as working toward meeting personal, academic and career goals.
Exploratory Studies Village, housed in Tucker and Owen residence halls, supports a successful first-year experience for our students. The Exploratory Studies village director and a team of Village Mentors work to build community through fun events and host learning excursions to engage students through interactive programming and/or hands on learning that are conducive to learning about majors and career paths.
Since our program’s founding in 1995 (as the First Year College), we have had the privilege of working with thousands of talented and creative students on the path to their degree. We are committed to ensuring that our students have the skills, knowledge, and experiences to transition successfully to a major that fulfills their goals.
Our mission is to guide students through a structured process for transition to the university and selection of a major. Our program prepares students to gain the foundation for acquiring the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become self-reliant and productive citizens of an increasingly diverse community.
Welcome to Exploratory Studies and Go Pack!
