Exploratory/Undeclared Students
Students who have yet to declare a major are considered Exploratory/Undeclared students. It is natural to start your undergraduate career exploring majors and DU’s liberal arts curriculum offers built-in flexibility to explore while continuing to make progress towards your overall degree. Some degree programs require earlier declaration in order to complete the degree on time and advisors can assist with that decision within your first year.
What it Means to be an Exploratory Student
Exploratory/Undeclared students are supported by the Office of Academic Advising through the first year and until they declare a major. If you are currently undeclared, we have recommendations for first steps to start your process. If you currently have a declared major but are considering switching or adding an additional area of study, we encourage you to make use of the resources below or schedule a meeting with an academic advisor. We are here to help you explore!
Are you a First-Year Student?
Are you a first-year student? Want to take your first step today toward exploring your future? Below are some early actions to take during your first year at DU.
Take the Interest Inventory Assessment
The O*NET Interest Profiler can help you discover your interests and how they relate to the world of work. It helps you decide what kind of careers you might want to explore.
Register for CNP1200
This course provides useful information, assignments, and relevant experiences to facilitate academic exploration and career decision-making.
Meet with a Student Success Coach
Student Success Coaching will help you develop the skills and tools necessary to achieve your goals through one-on-one support.
Are you a Second-Year Student?
If you are a second-year student continuing to explore your major and minor options, below are some important steps to take. Students declare a major by 75 credits.
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Meet with a Career Advisor
Career Advisors aim to empower individuals through self-awareness and resource-awareness to move toward their goals and achieve a meaningful life.
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Meet with an Academic Advisor
Academic Advisors use innovative practices to empower students to be the experts in their academic, professional, and life journeys. Advisors assist in navigating degree programs at DU.
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Declare a Major
Students declare a major by 75 credits. As an undergraduate, you can choose from over 100 degree programs and focus on what inspires you.
Exploratory Academic Courses
DU offers exploratory courses to assist students with character development and academic discovery. These courses encourage students to reflect on personal identity, values and strengths. Students learn to utilize resources and build professional skills to better understand career paths.
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Design Your DU: A 4D FSEM (FSEM 1111)
DU offers many First-Year Seminar options centered around the 4D experience. These are only offered fall quarter.
Design Your DU: A 4D FSEM (FSEM1111) - 4 Credits
Design Your DU FSEM Course Description: In a culture captivated by ubiquitous technology, it can sometimes feel like our existence is flattened into a series of selfies and snaps. Over time, we may come to wonder, Who am I really? And, in turn, What do I want from my college experience? By exploring the narratives of their past, present, and future selves, students in this class will engage meaningfully with issues of identity, career, and academic pursuit. Design Your DU will focus on four student dimensions (4D): personal and professional development; physical, emotional, and financial well-being; personal values and character; and intellectual growth. Students will use a Bullet Journal (BUJO) as their primary mode of work (a BUJO is a personal journal organizer designed entirely by the writer/student). Additionally, students will be expected to engage in out-of-class events and activities as part of the 4D experience.
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Career Decision Making (CNP 1200)
Offered through the Morgridge College of Education graduate school, DU provides a Career Decision Making class every quarter.
Career Decision Making (CNP 1200) – 2 Credits
Course Description: This course provides useful information, assignments, and relevant experiences to facilitate academic exploration and career decision-making. The course will lead you through an assessment of your personal values, transferable skills, interests, and personality preferences. You will learn to utilize career-related resources and research career alternatives, as well as build career management skills that will be useful for current and future career searches. At the end of this course, you will have begun to develop a plan for your future career decisions based and an understanding of your career path.
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Discipline-Specific Introductory Courses
With over 50 potential majors, DU has a lot to explore! Each department has a primary contact and an introductory course recommendation. Look through the department contact list to view the initial course recommendation and start exploring majors through academic courses.
Resources for Exploratory Students
DU offers co-curricular exploratory experiences for students to engage their character and gain insight into personal passions and career preferences. Individual coaching sessions are encouraged to build personal awareness and self-reflection.
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Academic Advising
Each exploratory student is assigned a staff academic advisor. Staff Academic Advisors assist in selecting courses, discussing areas of interest and navigating major exploration opportunities.
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Career Advising
Exploratory students have a dedicated Career Advisor, Carolyn Sommers. With her guidance, you will explore your unique interests, skills and values. Students practice self-reflection through coaching tools, brainstorm potential majors through career assessments and connect with alumni through informational interviews.
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Student Success Coaching
Exploratory students are encouraged to meet with a Student Success Coach for a customized coaching session. Coaching sessions assist in understanding your learning style, using your strengths optimally, and connecting with campus resources.
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Interest Inventory Assessment
Take this Interest Inventory to learn more about Majors & Careers based on your interests! O-net Interest Inventory provides specific career options based on your strengths and offers recommended majors that align with your career matches. Once you’ve taken the assessment, schedule an appointment with Carolyn Sommers to discuss the results.
Declare a Major
Major Declaration
At DU, students declare a major by 75 credits, typically mid-way through your second year. Some degree programs require earlier declaration in order to complete the degree on time and advisors can assist with that decision within your first year.As an undergraduate, you can choose from over 100-degree programs and focus on what inspires you. Once you have decided on a major, follow the steps below to declare your major and minor. If you have any questions, email us at advising@du.edu.
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Select a major from the DU Degrees and Programs of Study.
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Download the application to declare a degree/major/minor.
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Complete the form with your personal information, name and DU ID. Leave “current degree” and “current major” blank.
List your intended degree and major under the “change degree/major” heading.
Find the primary department contact for your intended major using the department contact list.
Email the contact a copy of your completed form for a signature. At that point you will be assigned a major advisor for your program.
Submit a completed form to the Office of the Registrar, University Hall, Garden Level, or email to registar@du.edu.
