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Exploratory Studies

For Undeclared Students

Exploring academic majors is an exciting process. Exploratory Studies—for students who aren’t ready to commit to a specific major—allows you to choose from six tracks of study. Within each track you’ll select courses designed to provide an understanding of the field of study. You’ll also take a Citizen 110 course, part of the Civitae curriculum, that focus on discipline-specific topics and questions. 

You’ll be supported by an Exploratory Studies advisor who will help you select the track that best matches your interests and goals. As you complete classes within the track and gain a better understanding of the field of study, your advisor will provide advice and guidance as you prepare to select your major.

Choosing a major is an important decision. Taking time to explore your interests and passions will lead to a successful and fulfilling career.

What You'll Study

Inquiry into...

You’ll select the area you want to explore from the tracks below. Then, you will work with an Exploratory Studies Advisor to choose courses designed to give you an understanding of potential areas of study.

Human Behavior and Teaching

Interested in helping and working in service toward others? In the Human Behavior and Teaching track, you’ll find a variety of majors that put you in that role, whether it’s in a classroom, clinical setting, or in the field.

Possible majors you’ll explore:

  • Criminology & Criminal Justice
  • Elementary Teaching and Education
  • Elementary & Middle School Teaching & Education
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Social Work

Creativity and Expression

Can’t resist the urge to create? There are many directions you can go to express yourself through the arts. You’ll find everything from digital creation to stage performance as you explore.

Possible majors you’ll explore:

  • Art
  • Music
  • Theatre
  • Graphic & Animation Design

Data and Discovery

Drawn to the sciences and the world of laboratory research? Our Inquiry into Data and Discovery students are STEM-focused explorers who are drawn to analysis.

Possible majors you’ll explore:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Integrated Environmental Sciences
  • Math
  • Physics

Helping and Healing

We encounter helpers every day—whether we are overcoming an obstacle, in need of assistance, or recovering from an injury. Students in Inquiry to Helping and Healing will explore the myriad ways to reach out to others.

Possible majors you’ll explore:

  • Communication Sciences & Disorders
  • Health & Physical Education
  • Kinesiology
  • Nursing
  • Therapeutic Recreation

Business, Politics and Communication

Students drawn to others—making connections and building professional relationships—find their home in this entrepreneurial, communication-heavy track. Explore a variety of career paths that could take you around the world.

Possible majors you’ll explore:

  • Business Administration
  • Communication Studies
  • Economics
  • Political Science

Society and Culture

What makes us human? How do we live in a functioning society? What binds us together? These questions and more are explored in a traditional humanities track, where students are exposed to not only the great works of literature throughout history, but also the building blocks of our communities.

Possible majors you’ll explore:

  • Anthropology & Archaeology
  • English
  • History
  • Modern Languages
The Office of the
Registrar

“Coming in as undeclared was one of the best decisions I could have made. By taking my Civitae courses before declaring a major, I was able to see what each field had to offer. While the process may seem stressful, pressuring you to decide before you are ready, you have time. Take it.”

—Haleigh James ‘21

Contact

Exploratory Studies Advising Team

(434) 395-2556

smstetson@longwood.edu

Support & Resources

Citizen 110

You will take CTZN 110 alongside other Exploratory Studies students your first semester at Longwood. This course focuses on building critical thinking, ethical reasoning, public speaking and skills to examine the relationship between individual rights and responsibility to the common good.

Majors and Minors Fair

The annual majors and minors fair is a great opportunity to learn about academic programs, the classes associated with the program and future careers. You’ll talk directly with faculty and students in the program and get your questions answered.

College Survival Skills Workshop

If you have questions about being a new college student and you’re not sure who to ask, this workshop is for you! We’ll cover everything from how to read a syllabus and time management skills to campus academic resources and more.

Mid-Term Grade Intervention Meetings

We want you to be successful at Longwood. If your first semester isn’t going exactly as you had planned, it’s time to schedule a one-on-one meeting with an advisor to develop a plan for academic recovery and to learn more about academic probation and suspension.

DegreeWorks and Course Registration Workshops

In late October you’ll register for your spring semester classes. Learn all about time tickets and how you can prepare for course registration during this workshop.

Meetings with your Exploratory Studies Advisor

You’ll meet regularly with your Exploratory Studies advisor to work through any questions you have and to plan your next steps.

Next Steps