Exploratory Studies

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Exploratory Studies Major and Learning Outcomes

No major is offered in exploratory studies.

Exploratory studies is a transitional academic program for students who are exploring potential majors and career pathways. It also offers interdisciplinary courses for all students, regardless of major, who are interested in academic and career development.

Freshmen who matriculate in exploratory studies participate in a structured program that includes EXP - 130 Academic Development and Planning: The DeSales Experience , a required course designed to assist students with clarifying and achieving their academic goals. Through coursework, advising, and other program resources, these students explore and pursue major and career options that fit their individual passions and strengths.

Exploratory Studies Mission Statement

The mission of exploratory studies is to assist students with the selection of and/or transition into an academic major, in alignment with the University’s mission to provide a quality education consistent with Christian humanism and the Academic Affairs Office’s mission to help students discover and develop their gifts. This program seeks to establish a clear pathway for integration into the university community, to enhance personal self-understanding, to contribute to efficient transitions into academic majors and careers, and to promote lifelong learning for students.

Required Courses

The Pre-Nursing Program

The Pre-Nursing Program, housed in Exploratory Studies, is open to all incoming freshmen who do not initially meet the requirements for admission to the Nursing major. This program offers the opportunity for students to achieve their goal of completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in four years.

Pre-Nursing students are eligible to complete the same science pre-requisite courses as freshman Nursing majors. They will be guaranteed acceptance into the Nursing major at the end of the freshman year, provided they have met the following requirements:

A cumulative GPA equal to or higher than 2.750 at the end of the spring semester of the freshman year (cumulative GPAs are calculated to three decimal places and are not rounded)
A grade of C or higher in each of the following courses, which must be taken at DeSales University:

Pre-Nursing students who receive a grade lower than C in one of the aforementioned science courses may repeat that course in order to gain acceptance in the Nursing major, provided that they have a cumulative GPA of 2.750 or higher at the end of the spring term of their freshman year. Students can repeat a maximum of one science pre-requisite course one time throughout their course of study for the Nursing major.

Pre-Nursing students who are accepted into the Nursing major must abide by the progression requirements outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog that is in effect at the time of their acceptance into the Nursing major. As part of these requirements, students are expected to maintain continuous enrollment (fall and spring).

Pre-Nursing students who do not meet the aforementioned requirements will not be admitted to the Nursing major and must pursue their DeSales University undergraduate degree in another major, in consultation with their academic advisor.