Exploratory Program

Program Overview

The exploratory program is designed to help first-year students uncover their true talents, explore the curriculum, and make informed decisions about their academic path based on their values, aspirations, and career interests. We are committed to providing close guidance throughout the exploration process by offering:

Coursework
One-on-one advising
Experiential and volunteer opportunities
Workshops that support students’ growth

Facts About Major Exploration

75% of students are uncertain about their career choice when they begin college
Between 50%-75% of students who enter college with a declared major will change their mind at least once before they graduate
Some studies have shown that students who begin college exploring display higher levels of academic achievement than students who begin with a major
Exploring students are likely to value intellectual exploration and development

Curriculum

At Alvernia University, all students, no matter what major they pursue, are required to complete a set of general education core courses. This approach helps students develop a broad understanding of different fields. By exploring a variety of topics, students can make informed decisions about their choice of major.

Assess and Connect

In the First-Year Seminar course and through the Career Development Office, students can take multiple assessments to gain a more thorough awareness of careers that match their interests and strengths. Students can also request to shadow local alumni in particular fields.

One-On-One Mentoring and Advising

Exploratory students work closely with a faculty mentor and the Navigation Office to support their academic and career goals. Through this process, they are guided to declare a major no later than their sophomore year.

Workshops

Students will have the opportunity to attend workshops that cover a variety of topics related to major and career exploration. In addition, they may attend spring career fairs and career-related workshops hosted by Alvernia's Office of Career Development.

Majors

Getting Started

General Notes

A minimum of 123 credits are required for graduation.
Credits earned for COM 100 and MAT 100 do not count toward the 123 credits required for graduation; however, COM 100 students may petition for elective credit.
Where appropriate, courses required for the major can be used to satisfy General Education requirements. However, the credits earned for these courses are applied to either Gen Ed requirements or the major, not both.
Paths of Knowledge coursework may count towards major or minor requirements, but may not fulfill a second Mid-Level Liberal Arts Exploration requirement.
Students are expected to follow the catalog requirements for General Education, the major, and additional requirements.
A minor or second major within the areas listed under Paths of Knowledge automatically fulfills that area of the Gen Ed requirements.

Application Instructions

Through a rolling admission process, prospective students may apply to Alvernia at any time. Multiple start dates throughout the year allow accepted students to begin a program of study at an accommodating time. We continually review applications and accept students for each of the six term starts (August, October, February, March, May, and July).

Keeping on track is important throughout the process. We encourage you to work with an admission team member to submit all materials and meet all deadlines. Our dedicated team will work directly with you to identify the best options that work for you and your unique situation. Once your application is complete, you will not have to wait long for a decision. We continually review applications and notify students as soon as a decision has been made.

To get started, visit our undergraduate admissions page for a list of instructions and documents needed.

Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.

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