Exploratory Preference and Exploring Business Majors
Are you exploring majors? Students can select the Exploratory Preference or Exploring Business major at MSU while they are exploring, up until they reach Junior standing (56 credits).
Choosing Exploratory Preference allows you to more intentionally explore your options and make an informed decision on your major. Most students change their majors one or more times, and intentionally exploring puts you ahead of the game.
The new Exploring Business Preference major is an option for students to explore the vast number of business-related majors offered by MSU’s 14 undergraduate degree granting schools and colleges. The Exploring Business Preference major helps students understand the expansive world of business and highlights that the major a student may be most interested in could reside in other colleges while supporting the secondary admission process for entrance into Broad College of Business for those specific majors.
Most majors have electives built in, so there’s room to take classes from different majors while exploring, and many majors can be completed in about two years since the number of credits for a major is only a fraction of those required for a degree. It’s important to know that for many careers your major is not the most important qualification (passion for the field, well-rounded experience, and good grades often matter more). Many careers require a college degree, but not a specific major, so we encourage you to explore your passions, values, and interests at MSU.
Our Exploring Students page is a great place to start engaging with the exploration process. Our Exploratory Advisors can discuss your interests and options with you, and help you create a plan for exploring. Undergraduate education is designed to be broad (i.e., much more than just a major) to develop transferrable skills that prepare you for the multiple careers you will likely have over your lifetime in today’s modern economy. And it’s designed to foster personal growth (which also makes you a stronger job candidate). Choosing a major to pursue a passion isn’t necessarily in conflict with a future career, even if unrelated to your major, since specific majors are often not relevant to employers. Therefore, take advantage of this amazing opportunity to find a major that’s a good fit for you. Enjoy your journey of exploration, growth and discovery!
Advising for Exploring Students
The Exploratory Advisors provide one-on-one academic advising for all exploring students at MSU, as well as hosting interactive workshops and group advising opportunities. In addition to serving as the exploration experts on campus, Exploratory Advisors can help students with questions related to academic performance, socio-emotional engagement, and institutional navigation.