Admissions

There’s not one path to success.

And at CU Boulder, we want to help you find a major that meets your career goals. Our Program in Exploratory Studies helps you find a major that merges your interests and skills, helping turn your goals into reality.

 

  •   Learn about multiple areas of interest

  •   Work with a mentor to develop a path

  •   Create your own customized journey

  •   Set yourself up for success

Explore what’s possible

   

  

The Program for Exploratory Studies exposes you to all CU Boulder has to offer. Within the first year in our program, you can explore a variety of areas of study, choose a major from one of our colleges or schools and work closely with a mentor to map out your personal education—essentially setting you up for success. 

Have questions about your future education? We’re here to help. Discover what's here by touring campus, connecting with peers and getting your questions answered.

Discover What's Here   Frequently Asked Questions 

Next steps if you originally applied to engineering or business 

Student meetings with PES admissions and recruitment

Schedule a meeting with our team to learn more about our program.

  • Admitted student meeting - in person
  • Admitted student meeting - remote
  • Prospective student meeting - in person
  • Prospective student meeting - remote

Upcoming events

The best way to learn more about the Program in Exploratory Studies is by joining our academic advisors for one of the interactive sessions listed below. During these informative sessions we will share how our unique program can help you explore the many opportunities CU Boulder has to offer. We’ll also detail the process to transition from PES into any major on campus. Be sure to register!

  Attend in-person visit opportunities 

View our information session presentation    

View our Admitted Buffs Day presentation   Upcoming Admissions Events  

How to Explore
Exploration happens both in and out of the classroom and as an exploratory studies student we will guide you on how to take advantage of the opportunities and experiences available to you. 

  • : There are over 3,800+ courses in 150 different fields to explore your interests.
  • Connect with faculty: Explore your passion by working with faculty members in ground-breaking research.
  • Discover your strengths: The student success team can help you learn more about your strengths.

Explore what's possible 

Academic Advising
The Program in Exploratory Studies gives you the professional guidance and freedom to make an informed decision about your education. Students work directly with their academic advisor who will help:

  • Create an academic pathway aligned with your personal and career interests.
  • Guide students in navigating university systems and processes.
  • Connect you with new opportunities for discovery and exploring career paths, research and internship opportunities.

Learn more about advising 

Design Your Path LLC
The Design Your Path Living and Learning Community (LLC) is a community for students who want to find their academic fit by exploring all the academic and co-curricular opportunities CU Boulder has to offer. Over the course of the first year on campus, students will utilize a life design approach to develop a personalized degree plan that highlights academic requirements as well as co-curricular opportunities that align with their long-term goals. 

Design Your Path