School of Humanities and Sciences
Exploratory Program
Investigate New Directions
Kaitlyn McQuaid
"When I applied to Ithaca, I had a vague idea of a direction I wanted to pursue, but didn't want to commit myself to one particular area if I wasn't absolutely sure," said Kaitlyn McQuaid, a sophomore from suburban Philadelphia. "That's why I chose the Exploratory Program."
Long interested in photography, Kaitlyn enrolled in a history class on the subject at the suggestion of her adviser. In that same semester she became intrigued by another introductory course, Episodes in Western Art. "My art history professor told amazing stories about how a painting could represent different cultural and historical traditions," she said. "It was interesting to see how all of this is communicated through images." Kaitlyn is now planning a double major in both photography and art history.
"The program is a nice transition to college, especially if you don’t know what you want to do right away. It gives you a nice cushion to explore many different directions," she said.
Read how another student discovered new talents and chose a major that was right for her: Finding My Path.
As an exploratory student, you'll sample coursework in familiar subject areas such as English, history, and science; you will also be encouraged to investigate academic disciplines you may not have discovered yet. A course in environmental economics may spark a passion for sustainability or finance; the Medieval Art and Architecture class might lead to an art history major; an introductory course on Japanese culture could spur an interest in global politics.
Whatever your future path, the hundreds of courses available at Ithaca College are designed to spark your curiosity, challenge you intellectually, and prepare you for more focused study in a major or minor.
And one major advantage of being an exploratory student is that you’ll usually get to register for courses ahead of other non-majors -- even in many highly sought-after classes.
Another benefit of the program is the chance to participate in an Ithaca Seminar, an interdisciplinary liberal arts course that combines rigorous study of a particular topic with issues surrounding the transition to college. Each fall first-year students may choose from over two dozen seminars, such as A History of Secrets; Math as Art of the Soul; and Communication, Thought, and Power.
These small, supportive group experiences, limited to 20-25 participants, are designed to build students’ communication, analytical, and critical-thinking abilities -- skills that will serve them well no matter which field they ultimately choose.
Exploratory students have the opportunity to pre-register for an Ithaca Seminar prior to their attendance at summer orientation. The seminars provide a great chance to learn something new and explore the transition to college in a small class setting. Another important bonus -- seminar instructors will serve as your academic adviser until you declare a major.