Exploratory Pathways | Chapman University Skip over carousel to next section Off Undeclared / Exploratory Students Exploratory Pathways Academics Office of the Provost Academic Calendar Degrees & Programs Schools and Colleges Undergraduate Academics Graduate Education Course Catalogs Libraries Academic Freedom Academic Integrity Learning at Chapman Undergraduate Undergraduate Academics Degree & Graduation Requirements Changing Your Academic Pathway Undergraduate Advising Study Abroad Undeclared/Exploratory Students Pre-Health Professions Office University Honors Program Aims of Education Phi Beta Kappa Entrepreneurship Opportunities Undeclared/Exploratory Students Applying Undeclared Exploratory Advising Exploratory Pathways Panther Exploratory Pre-Orientation Program GUS 101 (Intro to Chapman) Exploratory Majors Dean's List Follow Exploratory Pathways for Undeclared Students Exploratory Pathways details Exploratory Pathways are offered to first-year students entering in the fall. Students looking to enter Chapman in fall 2026 can use the details below to get a better idea of their first year at Chapman. The goal for Undeclared students is to explore academic options until you find the right one for you. At Chapman, we help you through this process with our Exploratory Pathways for first-year students We offer several broad academic pathways that will help you learn more about and take classes in a subject area you are interested in. Selecting an Exploratory Pathway On the Exploratory Pathways Form you will select an Exploratory Pathway from the list below that aligns with your academic and career interests. We will use your selection to pre-register you into a select number (2-4) of courses for your first semester at Chapman. Arts & Entertainment Pathway Related majors: Animation & Visual Effects, Creative Writing, Dance, Film & Media Studies, Graphic Design, Music, Theatre Potential careers: archivist, casting director, composer, editor, historian, journalist, media consultant, musician, producer, project manager, screenwriter, talent manager Business, Industry & Public Relations Pathway Related majors: Accounting, Communication Studies, Economics, Advertising, Public Relations & Entertainment Marketing Potential careers: accounting manager, business management, copywriter, economist, financial analyst, public relations specialist, real estate broker Education, Nonprofit, Government & Humanities Pathway Related majors: Art History, English, History, Community Educational Studies, Liberal Studies, Peace Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology Potential careers: elected official, fundraising, government organization (DOJ, FBI, FDA, VA, etc.) human resources, lawyer, public relations, school counselor, teacher STEM: Biology, Chemistry & Health Sciences Pathway Related majors: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Health Sciences, Environmental Science & Policy, Physics Potential careers: biochemist, laboratory researcher, medical assistant, physician STEM: Computer Science & Engineering Pathway Related majors: Computer Science, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Software Engineering Potential careers: engineer (computer, electrical, software, etc.), statistician In addition, you may be able to create a custom pathway outside of the options above. If you would like to explore that option, select "Discuss option for custom pathway." Frequently Asked Questions Toggle Section Do I need to select an Exploratory Pathway? You do not need to select an Exploratory Pathway, but you do need to complete the form. If you do not want to select any of the options provided, select the option to discuss a custom pathway. Can Undeclared transfer students select an Exploratory Pathway? Since transfer students are not pre-registered in courses for their first semester, they cannot participate. However, they can still work with their academic advisor on selecting the courses that align with their interests and goals. In addition, our Career & Professional Development office can work with you on career options that align with majors at Chapman. When will I know what classes I will be pre-registered in? Before registration opens, we will send you an email with a list of the courses you will be pre-registered in for your first semester. At that point, you will also be able to view those classes, including their dates and times offered, in your Student Center Can I change my Exploratory Pathway? It is possible; to request a change, please email explore@chapman.edu However, keep in mind: The process of changing pathways is easier if you have not yet been pre-registered for classes. (You will get an email when you have been pre-registered.) If you change pathways after you have been pre-registered for classes, you will need to register yourself for new classes that align with your new schedule and have available space. Do I have to eventually select a major that aligns with my Exploratory Pathway? No, you do not need to declare a major that aligns with your pathway. In fact, you do not need to declare a major until you have completed 60 credits, which should be around the end of your sophomore year. So you will have plenty of time to explore. Can I change the courses I am pre-registered in? After your registration opens , you will be able to move to different sections of the same courses you are registered in (i.e., the same course, but offered at a different date/time), pending section availability. If you would like to switch course(s) entirely (i.e., drop a course and add an entirely new one), please contact us at explore@chapman.edu Undeclared/Exploratory Students Applying Undeclared Exploratory Advising Exploratory Pathways Panther Exploratory Pre-Orientation Program GUS 101 (Intro to Chapman) Exploratory Majors Dean's List Admission questions: admit@chapman.edu Program questions: explore@chapman.edu