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Exploratory Math, Physical Sciences, Engineering and Technology ,

Exploratory Math, Physical Sciences, Engineering and Technology

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Exploratory Math, Physical Sciences, Engineering and Technology

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Build a path you can believe in and declare as an exploratory major. Kickstart a purposeful journey to uncover strengths, define goals, and align talents with your career and personal aspirations. Your path at ASU is a deliberate choice to shape a future that reflects your abilities and ambitions.

Program description

The exploratory mathematics, physical sciences, engineering and technology program allows students to explore majors and career pathways related to understanding systems and tools related to mathematics, physical science, engineering or technology.

ASU recognizes that many students seek the opportunity to explore possible academic programs of study when they first enter the university. By declaring exploratory status, students can meet General Studies requirements that all ASU graduates must fulfill while affording them some time to explore a variety of academic courses that may lead to a potential major interest.

The program is a student-centered experience designed to enable students to explore who they are and what matters to them as they engage in deep self-exploration and designing possible pathways for the future. Guided by design thinking principles, students explore their interests, values and skills while engaging in experiential learning opportunities. Students immerse themselves in diverse disciplines, which fosters the discovery of potential major and career interests and pathways.

The exploratory program offers four tracks: health and life sciences; humanities, fine arts and design; math, physical sciences, engineering and technology; and social and behavioral sciences.

All students in the exploratory major are required to enroll in the following major and career exploration courses:

  • ASU 230: Life by Design --- This course empowers students to proactively shape their academic and personal journeys, assisting them in identifying their interests, strengths and values.
  • UNI 250: ASU by Design - Choosing a Major --- This course helps students navigate the process of selecting a major by providing comprehensive guidance on academic pathways and potential career opportunities.
  • UNI 270: Work by Design - Preparing for a Career --- This course equips students with essential skills and strategies to prepare for their future careers, ensuring they succeed in their chosen fields.

Through these courses and the exploratory mathematics, physical sciences, engineering and technology track, ASU encourages students to explore and develop academic interests and make informed decisions about their educational and career paths.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: Math courses needed will be determined by potential major choice.
  • Math intensity: Moderateprogram math intensity moderate

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

Students who have completed fewer than 45 college credit hours may change to exploratory status.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

ASU Local

It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities
Global experience

Exploring math, physics, engineering and technology on a global scale can be beneficial in helping students to narrow their focus of study. While taking courses abroad, students learn more about themselves and what career path they want to pursue.

Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while gaining a global perspective applicable to many careers. They may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. More information is available on the Global Education Office website.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities are specific to the ultimate major of choice.

Contact information

Dean, University College | INTDSB 256
exploratory@asu.edu
480-965-9256

What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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