A man sits and talks with three students at a round table in the Ball State Learning Center

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What is the Exploratory Studies Major?

The Exploratory Studies Major exists as an opportunistic path for students who are undecided in their academic major. 

In this major, students participate in a structured discovery program—exploring their own skills, interests, and values as they engage with faculty and upper-level students across the range of Ball State majors.  

Discover Your Direction Program

Students involved in the Discover Your Direction Program also have the opportunity to visit classes in their majors of interest, meet with upper-level students in that major, and attend "What We Do" demonstrations of what students can accomplish with majors in a variety of fields

The Discover Your Direction program features include:

  • a one-credit course in major exploration
  • an instructor focused on their success in major discovery
  • an experienced peer mentor who has been in their shoes
  • an exploratory advisor dedicated to their academic progress
  • access to a major fair where students interact with 40+ departments representing over 200 majors, minors, and concentrations

Start Exploring Your Options

Take a look at some of the resources below to help you get a head start on your search for the perfect major.

Match with a Major

Myers-Briggs Personality Types

If you're wondering which careers or majors appeal to you, then consider using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. This test uses scientifically-based insights to categorize personalities into 16 possible types and identify common behaviors. The end result means that you'll understand yourself a little better so you can make a career choice that best fits your personality.

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Focus 2

Focus 2 is a self-paced, online career and education planning tool for use by college students. It will enable you to self-assess your career relevant personal qualities and explore career fields and major areas of study that are most compatible with your assessment results. Students who use FOCUS make better decisions about their goals and plans and learn how to self-manage their careers.

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Academic Major/Minor Coordinator

Interested in how your skills, interests, and values match different majors and careers? This process enables you to explore different opportunities through two different assessment tools. You will receive one-on-one guidance and feedback throughout the process to help you find the major that is right for you. Schedule an Appointment

Academic Departments

Each academic department offers career-related information and resources, curricular planning advice, class presentations, and activities such as films, lectures, guest speakers, and field trips. Ask your professors for information and check the departmental bulletin boards for news about events and activities. Many departments offer introductory courses designed to give information about the major and/or minor. View Colleges & Departments. 

Senior VIP (Very Informed Person) Connections

This program offers you a chance to discuss a particular major with an upperclassman in that field. Learn more about classes, internships, career opportunities, and more. For more information, talk with your academic advisor or pick up a handout in the Learning Center, NQ 350.

Counseling Center Career Assessment

Students often experience some uncertainty about their majors or careers. In fact, 50% of students change their majors once between their freshmen to senior years. Of course, students would prefer to make these changes sooner rather than later in their college years. The Counseling Center can help you with this as we have a battery of career tests FREE of charge that you can take to explore your values, interests, skills, and personality and find the major and career that best fits you. Learn More.

Accessibility

Our goal is to make all of our materials and services accessible. Please inform staff of accessibility barriers you encounter and request accommodations that will make activities and information resources accessible to you.