Exploration Courses

In your first semester as an Exploratory Studies student, you will take the same classes as any other Purdue student, such as mathematics, composition, humanities, business, and science. But you will also take a class that no one else at Purdue can take—one that helps you plan the trajectory of your college career and your life after graduation. 

Notes: Starting in Spring semester 2026, GS 11900 changed to EXPL 11900. Starting in the Fall semester 2026, EDPS 10500 changes to EXPL 10100 and EDPS 10600 changes to EXPL 10200. For both courses, the course title and content remain unchanged.

What is EXPL 10100: Academic and Career Planning?

  • EXPL 10100 was formerly called EDPS 10500. 
  • A three-credit hour course REQUIRED for all Exploratory Studies students. It typically counts as a free elective in most plans of study and is a University Core Curriculum option (Information Literacy).
  • Focuses on the process of major and career exploration through the analysis of personality and career assessments, major and career research, personal reflection, and group discussion.
  • A "hybrid" course experience: Two hours per week are spent in class and one hour is spent outside of class on additional instructional activities, such as completing prep work for upcoming class sessions, online videos, and readings. The out-of-class work prepares students to participate fully in classroom activities.  
  • A small class size of 25-27 students that encourages interaction with other students and with the instructor.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Describe and explain multiple facets of your identity.
  • Identify and analyze potential academic majors.
  • Identify and analyze potential careers.
  • Evaluate potential majors and careers in relation to yourself.

Sample Assignments

  • Self-Exploration Assessments: Students examine their personality traits, interests, and strengths, connecting them to career options.
  • Marketing Your Major: Students research a major and then create a brochure to share with their classmates.
  • Student Interview: Students interview a junior or senior in a major of interest and reflect upon what they have learned.
  • Career Interview: Students interview a professional working in a career field of interest and reflect upon what they have learned.
  • Interview Introduction Presentation: Students create a short presentation addressing the interview question "Tell me about yourself?" by using key takeaways from EXPL 10100 in connection to personal experiences, achievements, and future goals. 

What is EXPL 10200: 

  • EXPL 10200 was formerly called EDPS 10600.
  • A one-credit hour follow-up course that helps Exploratory Studies students explore professional development.
  • Builds on the career exploration learned in EXPL 101 – Holland theory, personality and strengths, values and family influence, Planned Happenstance – while thinking about the future and how to prepare for it.
  • This class will give you the tools needed to create a an individualized career plan as you consider your life beyond Purdue.
  • A small class size of 15-20 students that encourages interaction with other students and with the instructor.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Identify your educational and professional goals to research opportunities for growth.
  • Analyze sources of information about careers and career readiness.
  • Develop verbal, written, and physical (“body language”) communication skills.
  • Expand your knowledge of what a career is and plan for life beyond college.
  • Create a portfolio of professional tools to communicate your value in the workplace.

Sample Assignments

  • Resume: Produce a professional resume to use in a variety of workplace settings.
  • Online Profile: Create a LinkedIn profile to establish your professional presence, network with organizations and individuals in the workplace, and research career opportunities.
  • Cover Letter: Learn the framework for good communication and write a sample cover letter.
  • Interview: Prepare for and participate in a mock job interview with peers.
  • Personal Career Plan: Craft a career plan with your short- and long-term goals.

EXPL 11900: Introduction to Academic Programs at Purdue

Many Exploratory Studies students also register for EXPL 11900, an OPTIONAL 8-week, one-credit hour Pass/No Pass course. Each EXPL 11900 class meeting consists of presentations from many of Purdue's Colleges and Schools encompassing 200+ academic programs. 

Exploratory Studies provides students plenty of resources for finding a major!