First Year Exploratory Studies

About the Program

The First-Year Exploratory Studies (FYES) program at Drexel University is designed for students who wish to explore various academic disciplines before committing to a major. This program offers a structured yet flexible plan of study, allowing students to discover their interests and strengths while examining all that Drexel’s Colleges and Schools have to offer. The FYES program is supported by a dedicated team of advisors, faculty members and staff who are committed to helping students succeed. Some majors have requirements for internal transfers, while others do not; advisors work closely with students to create personalized academic plans and provide guidance on transitioning to a major.  By the end of the first year, students are prepared to transition into their chosen major with confidence and clarity, as well as remain on track to graduate.

Curriculum

The FYES program curriculum is tailored to provide a comprehensive educational experience that aligns with students' individual personal and professional goals. FYES advisors work with students to customize their course schedules to foster exploration and intellectual growth, ensuring that students gain a broad understanding of multiple fields. Through structured coursework and with the support of dedicated advisors, students have the opportunity to reflect on their own academic journeys and make informed decisions about their futures. Based on their interests, students have the option of exploring a variety of subject areas, including Science and Mathematics, Health, Nursing and Public Health, Social Sciences, Humanities, Computing and Technology, Business and Entrepreneurship, Media, Arts and Design, Education, Engineering and more.

Research Opportunities

While the FYES program primarily focuses on exploration and academic discovery, students are encouraged to engage in research opportunities that align with their interests. FYES students have access to the same research opportunities as all College of Arts and Sciences students, including the Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Support (ASURS) Fund and the Undergraduate Experience Fund.

Co-op and Career Opportunities

One of the out features of Drexel University is its renowned co-op program. This unique cooperative education program allows students to gain real-world experience while earning their degree. FYES students, like all other Drexel students, have access to co-op opportunities that enable them to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings, build a strong resume, and establish valuable industry connections. Depending on the major chosen at the end of their first year, FYES students will be able to participate in up to three co-op opportunities.

Admissions Requirements

Students interested in the FYES program should apply through Drexel University's undergraduate admissions process. The program is open to first-year students who are undecided about their major or who want to explore several academic disciplines. Transfer students who have completed less than 26 semester credits and are looking to explore their academic options are also welcome to apply. Drexel’s academic advisors will work closely with transfer students to ensure that credits are maximized toward completing a degree on time.

For additional information, please visit the First-Year Exploratory Studies webpage.

For undergraduate advising, please contact Tara Liss-Marino at tjl328@drexel.edu

Degree Requirements

University Requirements
CIVC 101Introduction to Civic Engagement1.0
COOP 101Career Management and Professional Development *1.0
UNIV H101The Drexel Experience1.0
or UNIV S101 The Drexel Experience
General Education Requirements
ENGL 101Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research3.0
or ENGL 111 English Composition I
ENGL 102Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing3.0
or ENGL 112 English Composition II
ENGL 103Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres3.0
or ENGL 113 English Composition III
MATH 101Introduction to Analysis I4.0
MATH 102Introduction to Analysis II4.0
Social Science electives18.0
Science courses8.0
Program Requirements
AS-I 104A Journey in Arts & Sciences I3.0
AS-I 105A Journey in Arts & Sciences II3.0
FYE 102Academic Exploration and Planning1.0
FYE 103Career Exploration and Planning1.0
Exploratory Track courses120.0
Free electives
Select any unrestricted courses within the 100-499 level6.0
Total Credits180.0
*

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

Students not participating in co-op will not take COOP 101; 1 credit of Free Elective will be added in place of COOP 101.

Sample Plan of Study

4 years, no co-op

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ENGL 101 or 1113.0AS-I 1043.0AS-I 1053.0VACATION
MATH 1014.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0CIVC 1011.0 
UNIV H101 or S1011.0FYE 1021.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
Exploratory Track course3.0MATH 1024.0FYE 1031.0 
Social Science elective3.0Exploratory Track course3.0Exploratory Track course3.0 
  Social Science elective3.0 
 14 14 14 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
Exploratory Track courses6.0Exploratory Track courses6.0Exploratory Track courses15.0VACATION
Science course4.0Science course4.0  
Social Science elective3.0Social Science elective3.0  
Free elective*4.0Free elective3.0  
 17 16 15 0
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
Exploratory Track courses12.0Exploratory Track courses12.0Exploratory Track courses15.0VACATION
Social Science elective3.0Social Science elective3.0  
 15 15 15 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
Exploratory Track courses15.0Exploratory Track courses15.0Exploratory Track courses15.0 
 15 15 15 
Total Credits 180
*

Students not participating in co-op will not take COOP 101; 1 credit of Free Elective will be added in place of COOP 101.

4 years, 1 co-op

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
ENGL 101 or 1113.0AS-I 1043.0AS-I 1053.0 
MATH 1014.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0CIVC 1011.0 
UNIV H101 or S1011.0FYE 1021.0COOP 101*1.0 
Exploratory Track course3.0MATH 1024.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
Social Science elective3.0Exploratory Track course3.0FYE 1031.0 
  Exploratory Track course3.0 
  Social Science elective3.0 
 14 14 15 
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
Exploratory Track courses6.0Exploratory Track courses6.0Exploratory Track courses15.0Exploratory Track courses12.0
Science course4.0Free elective3.0 Social Science elective3.0
Social Science elective3.0Science course4.0  
Free elective3.0Social Science elective3.0  
 16 16 15 15
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCEExploratory Track courses12.0Exploratory Track courses15.0
  Social Science elective3.0 
 0 0 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
Exploratory Track courses15.0Exploratory Track courses15.0Exploratory Track courses15.0 
 15 15 15 
Total Credits 180
*

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

5 years, 3 co-op

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ENGL 101 or 1113.0AS-I 1043.0AS-I 1053.0VACATION
MATH 1014.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0CIVC 1011.0 
UNIV H101 or S1011.0FYE 1021.0COOP 101*1.0 
Exploratory Track course3.0MATH 1024.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
Social Science elective3.0Exploratory Track course3.0FYE 1031.0 
  Exploratory Track course3.0 
  Social Science elective3.0 
 14 14 15 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
Exploratory Track courses6.0Exploratory Track courses6.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
Science course4.0Science course4.0  
Social Science elective3.0Social Science elective3.0  
Free elective3.0Free elective3.0  
 16 16 0 0
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
Exploratory Track courses15.0Exploratory Track courses12.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
 Social Science elective3.0  
 15 15 0 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
Exploratory Track courses12.0Exploratory Track courses15.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
Social Science elective3.0   
 15 15 0 0
Fifth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
Exploratory Track courses15.0Exploratory Track courses15.0Exploratory Track courses15.0 
 15 15 15 
Total Credits 180
*

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

Program Level Outcomes

Students will: 

  • Recognize existing strengths, skills, and personality traits and how, holistically, these should be utilized while exploring courses and opportunities in various academic units across the institution. (Academic Exploration)
  • Learn the underlying factors that will enable them to become more familiar with the process of researching, applying, interviewing, and accepting job opportunities in their respective industries, including but not limited to: emotional intelligence; professional networking; and informational interviews. (Career Preparation)
  • Declare and transfer to a full-time major at their respective college/school after working with academic advisors, peer mentors, and faculty members, as well as exploring various courses and opportunities,. (Plan of Study)
  • Learn the importance of self-advocacy regarding resources on campus, academic plans of study, financial aid, and communication. (Self-Advocacy)
  • Develop and refine their leadership skills through various pathways, including the Peer Mentor program. (Leadership)