Exploratory Studies Advising

Our advisors help students:

• Choose classes that are safe and strategic, with an emphasis on the K-State Core.
• Recognize the individuality and importance of their unique exploration process.
• Understand the value of hands-on learning as a vehicle to explore majors and careers.
• Engage in experiences and activities to make progress in their decision making.

If Exploratory Studies is already your major and you have an assigned Exploratory Advisor:

• Schedule an appointment with your advisor via your Navigate Account

If Exploratory Studies is not your major:

• Email ppac@ksu.edu to request an appointment. Include any relevant information about your questions so our advisors can prepare to help you.
• OR attend Drop-In Exploratory Advising Hours

• • 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
  • January 21st - May 15th, 2025
  • Advising availability by appointment only during Spring Break

EDCEP 120: Academic and Career Decisions

Searching for a major? Choosing a career path? The Academic and Career Decisions course might be for you! The Career Center offers a career planning class that covers topics such as choosing a major, exploring careers, making decisions, and learning how to use K-State career resources. The small class size and interactive format enables you to learn from both your instructor and other students.

About this Class

• Credit hours: 1 hour
• Class size: Limited to 20 students
• Class format: Combination of lecture, group interaction, and independent research. Class will formally meet 8 times over the course of the semester.
• Start dates: Check the course schedule for actual start dates.

Course Objective

This course is designed to help you develop a plan for choosing an academic major and/or career path. This includes assignments and activities related to self-awareness, decision-making, career/major exploration, and transferable skill development.

Assignments

• CliftonStrengths Assessment- This assessment will help you identify your primary strengths and give you tools to articulate your strengths to future employers.
• Focus2 Career Assessment- This is a computerized career assessment program based upon John Holland’s theory of career development. Your scores will produce an occupational code representing environmental models from Holland’s typology: realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional. It focuses on generating possible academic majors and careers that would be compatible with your interests, abilities, and career-related values.
• Values Card Sort- Whether we are aware of them or not, our personal values influence the decisions we make every day. You will complete the career values card sort to become aware of what you value most, which can help provide clarity in the career decision-making process.
• Major of Interest Project- This project is for you to research a major of interest and related careers. You will organize a PowerPoint or Prezi outlining the information that you learned from your research.
• Informational Interview- You will have the opportunity to interview a professional in your major or career of interest. By interviewing a professional you will get a current, day to day perspective on your career of interest.
• Resume Workshop- This assignment is designed to ensure you have an accurate and up-to-date resume, which is an essential tool for anyone in the career-planning process.
• Video Mock Interview- This activity is planned for you to practice your interview skills in a safe environment to begin preparation for future interviews.

Find Your Fit CAT Community

EDCEP 120: Academic and Career Decisions is part of a CAT Community, "Find Your Fit" every fall. A CAT community is an opportunity for first-year students to connect with 21 other students who share their academic interests by placing them in 3 of the same courses during their first semester. Read more information about "Find Your Fit" on the CAT Communities website.

Special Instructions

If enrollment is closed for the semester and the course has not begun, stop by the Pre-Professional and Exploratory Advising Center in Berney Family Welcome Center Room 114 to receive enrollment permission.

Thinking about changing your major? Your first step is talk with your academic advisor. Your advisor can provide valuable information to aid in your decision. Some majors have specific GPA requirements or required pre-requisite classes you must fulfill before you can officially change your major.

Once you are ready to change, follow the Office of the Registrar's Guidelines for Changing Majors.