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Academic Overview

We support our students in their learning, from educational philosophy to thoughtful advising.

Exploring Your Options in the Classroom

Ithaca College is unique in offering a credit-bearing course that helps you do more than simply choose a major: Exploring the Options.

Exploring the Options: Finding Purpose and a Path in College

A one-credit seminar in which 15 students study competing philosophies of the purpose of a college education; learn methods for choosing a major and minor; and engage in structured discussions and assignments to articulate core beliefs that help them make authentic academic and co-curricular choices. Offered primarily in the fall with one section in the spring.

The Exploratory Program invites students like you to do just that—explore. You may take up to 60 credits, including those you bring with you from high school or another college, to sample courses that spark your interest and discover the major that’s right for you.

All Ithaca College students participate in the Integrative Core Curriculum (ICC), which encourages you to study a topic from multiple perspectives by taking theme-related courses across the college. All the schools at Ithaca College share this common academic foundation which helps to ensure that you stay on track for graduation. Exploratory students may also take advantage of extra advising support and priority registration for many first-year courses.

group of students in a classroom

Advising Support: Choose as much or as little structure as you need.

As an exploratory student, each semester you will formally meet with your faculty advisor before registering for the upcoming semester. Such meetings help ensure you make progress towards your goals. You will also have many opportunities throughout the academic year to check in with your advisor and to receive extra support from affiliated IC faculty, staff, and Peer Ambassadors and Leaders (PALs). Exploratory students have the option to participate and attend several community and co-curricular activities designed just for them, and we encourage them to do so.