Frequently Asked Questions

InterestedÌýin the Program in Exploratory Studies? BelowÌýare some of our most frequently asked questions. If, after reading through the questions and answers, you still have unanswered questions, feelÌýfree to emailÌýexploratorystudies@colorado.eduÌýfor more information.Ìý

Exploratory Studies is an independent program under the Dean and Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and is home to more than 3,000 students. Â鶹ÒùÔº in Exploratory Studies are either exploring courses of study, deciding on a major or attempting to gain admission to one of the degree programs at CU with competitive admission criteria (Engineering, or Leeds School of Business for example.) Unlike other colleges, schools and programs at CU Boulder, Exploratory Studies does not confer degrees, and students transfer to one of the 80+ degree-granting majors after no more than four semesters. During their time in Exploratory Studies, students work with academic advisors and coaches, and gain access to specialized courses and Living Learning Communities that support academic and personal exploration. College is a time to forge your path, and that’s why we’re here to help.

Exploratory Studies is for students who:

  • Want to explore the various courses of study available at CU across all colleges, schools and programs
  • Are still deciding which major(s) they wish to pursue
  • Want to transfer into one of the colleges or schools on campus with competitive admissions criteria (for example, Engineering, Leeds School of Business or CMCI)
  • Have an idea of a career interest but don't yet know how to go about pursuing it
  • Access to the University Exploration & Advising Center (UEAC) where professional academic advisors and peer advisors can help you explore your interests and craft an academic plan to match your major/career goals and help you understand the process of gaining admission to one of CU'sÌýmore competitive schools or colleges.
  • Academic coaches to help you hone your study and time management skills.
  • Access to the Design Your Path Living Learning Community.
  • Access to specialized courses and academic experiences tailored to new first-year and transfer students:
    • Exploration classes (FYXP 1000 and FYXP 3000)
    • First Year Seminars (FYSM 1000)
    • Academic skills classes (FYXP 1100)
    • Transition classes (FYXP 1500)
    • Peer advisors to serve as mentors

Many academic programs can be completed in four years. Some majors require that courses be taken in a particular sequence; therefore, which course of study you choose, how soon you decide, and how quickly you can complete the requirements will all determine how soon you graduate. PES advisors can help you get there sooner by avoiding some of the pitfalls students might face without their help.

Â鶹ÒùÔº typically continue with Exploratory Studies throughout the first year while they explore their options and/or successfully complete courses required for transfer to the school or college of their choice.ÌýÂ鶹ÒùÔº may choose to continue into the second year but must transfer to a degree-granting major after three to four semesters.

Yes. PES advisors are available to help continuing students explore their academic options. Please connect with our office at pesadvising@colorado.edu with your questions or concerns. Continuing students interested in Exploratory Studies can join the program through the Intra-University Transfer (IUT) process and should start the application process by usingÌý. Detailed IUT requirements are available on our Policies ±è²¹²µ±ð.ÌýÌý

Yes. Qualified students in the Program for Exploratory Studies can be invited and join the Honors Program in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Yes, transfer students are welcome to apply for admission to the program.


Admitted to Exploratory Studies?

Â鶹ÒùÔº in Exploratory Studies admitted for summer term will be assigned a PES advisor during the month of March. Â鶹ÒùÔº in Exploratory Studies admitted for fall semester will be assigned a PES advisor around June 1. PES advisors assist students with exploring academic options, creating course schedules and connecting appropriate resources.

Â鶹ÒùÔº in Exploratory Studies will graduate from one of the seven colleges, schools or programs on the Boulder campus. PES advisors work with first year Exploratory Studies students to develop academic pathways for more than 70 majors and to discover complementary co-curricular experiences that align with their interests.

Â鶹ÒùÔº who originally applied to another college, school or program at CU Boulder, but were admitted to Exploratory Studies will work with an academic advisor to explore the many academic options available to them. Exploratory Studies students have access to: