Parent Resources

Exploratory Defined

Many students entering college are not ready to choose a major but may feel pressured to declare something. Consequently, some students declare a major without first understanding which classes are required for the major they have selected. This may be the reason college students change their majors (on average) two to three times before graduation.
 
By starting college without a declared major, students will be able to explore all their options, learn how to be successful college students and find courses and subjects that interest them. When an exploratory student is ready to declare a major (sometime before the end of their sophomore year) they will have experienced many different courses that will allow them to make an informed decision based on his or her interests, talents and goals.

There are some majors, however, that require certain classes starting in the freshman year. These majors require students to be eligible and enrolled in specific classes as a freshman. Therefore, it it crucial that students utilize ASU resources (e.g., eAdvisor, academic advisors, career counselors) to help them choose a major in a timely manner. ASU requires that students declare a major no later than the completion of 45 hours (middle of the sophomore year).