Program Information

Requirements are subject to change.

Although some students clearly define their academic and career direction early in their college experience, others may be less certain about their career goals and, therefore, not ready to declare a major.

The Exploratory Studies major gives a student time to adjust to the College’s academic environment and to explore its many majors with the close assistance of a special academic advisor. When ready, students elect a major they can follow through to graduation.

Students in the Exploratory major focus primarily on courses which will fulfill General Education categories. Exploratory Studies majors also take First-Year Seminar: Building Community and Success, a three-credit hour course designed to help students make a successful transition to the College environment. Active learning strategies, time management, getting to know the campus, leadership skills, service learning and developing the academic advisor/advisee relationship are emphasized. This course also assists students in exploring major and career options and how those options relate to students’ interests, values, and skills.

Students in the Exploratory Studies major also have the opportunity to take courses in a variety of disciplines, for example, Introduction to Business or Principles of Rehabilitation. Taking an introductory course in another major can help a student discover new options or narrow down his or her choices.

Degree Information

This is not a degree granting program

Contact Information

For more information about the Exploratory Studies major, contact Leigh-Ann Malke, first-year success coordinator at (413) 748-3379 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

I. Core Curriculum (40 credits)

This Core Curriculum is faithful to the Springfield College mission and further strengthens the Humanics philosophy of educating students in spirit, mind, and body. It is a cornerstone of a Springfield College education. Regardless of one’s major, it provides a strong, developmental, and holistic foundation for leaders in service to humanity. Upon completion, all graduates will be prepared to learn, lead, and serve in diverse, multicultural, and global contexts as well as in any career path they may choose. They will have the knowledge, habits of the mind, skills, and abilities to face unexpected situations and challenges, the values and attitudes for self-motivation and a vision of service that stems from hope, optimism and making a difference, as well as the self-determination to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

View the Core Curriculum Requirements (40 credits)  section for a complete list of the domains and courses therein.

II. Major Requirements

• SPCO 110 - First-Year Seminar Credits: 1

III. Typical Course Schedule, First Semester

• ENGL 113 - College Writing I Credits: 3
• HLTH 100 - Wellness: A Way of Life Credits: 3
• SPCO 110 - First-Year Seminar Credits: 1

• and a general education course, such as: CISC 105 - Introduction to Computer Concepts Credits: 3 or HIST 102 - The Making of the Modern World Credits: 3 and an introductory course, such as: MGTE 150 - Introduction to Business Credits: 3 or RHDS 126 - Principles of Rehabilitation Credits: 3

A note about applying to the exploratory studies major:

Before selecting the exploratory studies major, students should first determine if they are interested in majors at the College that have limited enrollment and/or special admissions deadlines. Academic programs at the College that can be difficult to enter after the initial admissions period include applied exercise science, athletic training, health science - pre-physical therapy, health science - pre-physician assistant, health science - occupational therapy, sport management and all education programs.  These programs have limited space and special academic standards. If such a major is a definite goal, it is to the student’s advantage to apply to it during the initial application period. If the student is not accepted to that major, he or she can begin in the exploratory studies major and reapply to that major after completion of the first or second semester (pending space availability).