Program Description

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.

Undergraduate Curriculum Overview

The Academic Advising Center provides the following repositories of sequencing and curriculum guides for all undergraduate majors and minors to assist with course planning:  

• Sequencing Guides - Majors (Traditional Population)  
• Sequencing Guides - Minors (Traditional Population) 
• Curriculum Guides (Regional and Online Population)

Additional Notes:

• There may be circumstances where credit totals do not reflect coursework that is eligible to count towards Core Curriculum and Major Requirement sections of a major simultaneously.
• Degree requirements are subject to change. 

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 - Exploration: In a Major Way Credits: 1