Welcome to Exploratory Studies
If you find yourself asking, “What should I study in college?” or wondering what the best majors for undecided students are, then Exploratory Studies at Western Colorado University is the right track for you. The program allows you to explore different major options without worrying about falling behind. Exploratory Studies eliminate the pressure of declaring a major right away so you can have extra time and guidance to find what area of study aligns best with your interests and goals. With help from your exploratory advisor and taking classes that interest you, you should confidently be able to declare your major when you reach 30 credit hours. Exploratory Studies make entering college as an undecided major risk-free. In fact, it is one of the most common paths for our first-year students.
“The advisors in Exploratory Studies were essential to my development as a student. Their personal connections with their students and within the University empower you to use your resources, advocate for yourself, and find your path at Western.”
– Troy Brown ’24, Anthropology
Want to learn more?
Exploratory Studies is exciting to us too. Let’s get you all the info!
Graduate on Time!
Stay on track for graduation while exploring multiple options!
One-on-One Advising
Your advisor will personalize your academic schedule based on your preferences and help you find your area of study.
Why College?
A liberal arts degree will teach you to engage with ideas critically, rather than just accepting them!
The 5 Best Majors for Undecided Students
Unfortunately, there is not a one-size-fits-all major for undecided students. With so many varying interests, skills, abilities, and knowledge among every student, there is no way to define the best major because everyone is different. However, we have found these majors to be especially popular among our formerly undecided students. Whether these sound like a good fit for you or not, Exploratory Studies will guide you in identifying what major truly works best for you.
- Business Administration: Students who enter Western as undecided majors often find interest in the School of Business. A business administration degree is an excellent choice for students who aren’t quite sure what to study because it’s so versatile. It opens several options for career paths, as business skills can be applied to almost any professional setting.
- Students earn a specialized skillset by choosing an emphasis to pair their business administration degree with, such as marketing, finance, sustainable tourism, and hospitality management.
- Computer Science: As our world becomes increasingly digital, the demand for software and cybersecurity experts has grown worldwide. If you enjoy problem-solving and mathematics, a computer science degree will set you on track for a fulfilling and high-paying career out of college. With the remote nature of the work, the degree often provides flexibility to live anywhere.
- Western offers several emphasis concentrations, including applied machine learning, information security, scientific computing, and software engineering.
- Environment & Sustainability: Many students develop a strong connection to the natural beauty of the Gunnison Valley, so it’s no surprise that they eventually commit to majoring in environment and sustainability. As the climate falls into a crisis, the need for professionals in environmental management, policy, and other related areas will continue to grow.
- Western offers several emphasis options so you can become an expert on the issues you are most passionate about, whether they relate to climate action planning, food systems, individualized contract (where you design your curriculum), public land management, or water studies.
- Communication Arts: Like business, a communications degree is extremely versatile and a great option for those beginning college as an undecided major. This pathway equips you with the skills to create compelling and impactful messages. Strong communication skills are essential in virtually every profession, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for diverse career opportunities.
- The program offers two options for emphasis: strategic communications and film studies.
- Art: Although many students exhibit great interest in art, they often don’t consider it as an option or are told by others not to pursue it seriously. At Western, we firmly believe you will find the most opportunities in what you are most passionate about. Whether you want to become an art teacher or an independent artist, you can form a fulfilling career around art!
- We offer emphasis concentrations in web design, ceramics, jewelry, painting, studio art, sculpture, photography, and printmaking.
Top Three Reasons to Choose Western Colorado University
Our unbeatable location
Western’s location in the beautiful Gunnison Valley is like no other. With access to 2 million acres of public land, 700+ miles of single-track trails, and Crested Butte Ski Resort within 30 minutes of campus, Western is the perfect place to find adventure and education.
Our close-knit community
From students to ranchers to service workers and even the ski bums, the eclectic community is what makes this Valley so close. With community-wide events like Cattleman’s Days and the Night of Lights, it’s easy to feel at home here at Western.
Our class environment
Western’s close connections allow you to create real relationships with professors inside and outside the classroom. The average class size of 17 means you get to work closely with professors to define your own personalized educational experience.
Why Western?
With small classes where you can connect with your classmates and our dedicated faculty, a focus on hands-on learning, and our close-knit community on and off campus, we are committed to providing you with more than just a degree. Set against the unbeatable backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Western provides a transformational experience that will prepare you for a rewarding life after college.
How do Exploratory Studies advisors help me?
Our Exploratory Studies advisors will assist you in finding a major that aligns with your interests and goals. After your first year in Exploratory Studies, you’ll be matched with an academic advisor in your chosen field of study. Your advisor will either be a professor from your chosen program or an advisor from the advising department. They’ll personalize your academic schedule based on your preferences and help you register for classes that best fit your needs.
We're here to help!
Still have questions about Exploratory Studies and if it’s right for you? Connect with Registration & Advising Services!
reg_advise@western.edu
970.943.7056
For more general information about Western, contact our friendly Admissions team or schedule a visit!