Undeclared/Exploratory Students | Chapman University
Source: https://www.chapman.edu/academics/undergraduate/undeclared/index.aspx
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:12
Undeclared/Exploratory Students | Chapman University
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Undeclared/Exploratory Students
If you aren’t sure what you want to major in at Chapman, you can apply to be “Undeclared."
If you enter Undeclared, you won’t have a declared major, but will have the freedom
to explore Chapman’s academic opportunities.
At Chapman, we celebrate exploring. That’s why first-year students who enter Undeclared
are automatically added to our
Exploratory Majors program
.
On this site you can learn about the entire process of entering Chapman Undeclared,
from applying to declaring a major.
Applying Undeclared
If you’re thinking about applying Undeclared, we’re happy to help! Some key details:
Applying Undeclared will not negatively impact your admission chances
.
You’ll have plenty of company: on average,
around 150 Undeclared first-year students enter every fall
.
Your admission counselor is a great resource to determine if applying Undeclared is
right for you.
You can learn more about the application process on our
Undeclared Applicant page
.
Learn more about applying Undeclared
Exploratory Majors Program for Undeclared Students
The Exploratory Majors Program for Undeclared students starts even before your first
day of class. It includes dedicated advising, a pre-orientation event (including early
move-in) and dedicated exploratory pathways and introductory course to Chapman.
Learn more about all of these below!
Exploratory Advising
You will have a dedicated academic advisor and access to a team of advisors across
the university.
Show More
Show Less
Exploratory Pathways
These academic pathways help you learn more about and take classes in a subject
area you are interested in.
Show More
Show Less
Panther Exploratory Pre-Orientation Program
You will move in early and get an early introduction to the university and available
resources.
Show More
Show Less
GUS 101 (Introduction to Chapman)
GUS 101 will introduce you to various academic areas to help you eventually select
a major.
Show More
Show Less
Note that selecting an Exploratory Pathway is optional. It does allow us to pre-register
you in relevant courses, but we can also work with you on a personalized exploratory
academic plan.
Faith Nguyen '26
Undeclared to Economics major with minor in Music Business
Faith explored her different interests through the Exploratory Major Program and
found her passion in economics. She then combined it with a minor in Music Business
to pursue her dream career in the entertainment industry.
Read Faith's story
Timeline to select a major
At Chapman, you’ll need to declare a major before you earn 60 credits. Earning 60
credits takes about 4 semesters (2 years).
Before the 60-credit mark, you'll focus on
:
Completing your
General Education (GE) courses
. GE courses are required courses that all students take, regardless of their major.
In many cases, these courses help students narrow down their major/minor choices.
Taking major/minor exploration courses to better explore areas of interest
. It is important to start discovering what you like (and what you don’t like).
Utilizing helpful resources and programming
to learn about majors and careers.
Keep in mind: you can declare a major at any time. This includes during the admission
process or as a current student. Your admission counselor and academic advisor will
be there to help every step of the way.
Change/Add Major Tool
To learn more about available majors,
use our Change/Add Major Tool
. The tool can show you contact information, requirements, important considerations
and next steps for any major you are thinking of changing into or adding.
Ask a student
Want to learn about certain majors? Current students are happy to help. You can search
by majors and feel free to reach out with any questions.
Undeclared/Exploratory Students
Applying Undeclared
Exploratory Advising
Exploratory Pathways
Panther Exploratory Pre-Orientation Program
GUS 101 (Intro to Chapman)
Exploratory Majors Dean's List
Contact us
Admission questions:
admit@chapman.edu
Program questions:
explore@chapman.edu
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Back to top
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Skip to main content
Skip over carousel to next section
Off
Undeclared / Exploratory Students
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
Contact Us
Entrepreneurship Opportunities
Follow
»
Undeclared/Exploratory Students
If you aren’t sure what you want to major in at Chapman, you can apply to be “Undeclared."
If you enter Undeclared, you won’t have a declared major, but will have the freedom
to explore Chapman’s academic opportunities.
At Chapman, we celebrate exploring. That’s why first-year students who enter Undeclared
are automatically added to our
Exploratory Majors program
.
On this site you can learn about the entire process of entering Chapman Undeclared,
from applying to declaring a major.
Applying Undeclared
If you’re thinking about applying Undeclared, we’re happy to help! Some key details:
Applying Undeclared will not negatively impact your admission chances
.
You’ll have plenty of company: on average,
around 150 Undeclared first-year students enter every fall
.
Your admission counselor is a great resource to determine if applying Undeclared is
right for you.
You can learn more about the application process on our
Undeclared Applicant page
.
Learn more about applying Undeclared
Exploratory Majors Program for Undeclared Students
The Exploratory Majors Program for Undeclared students starts even before your first
day of class. It includes dedicated advising, a pre-orientation event (including early
move-in) and dedicated exploratory pathways and introductory course to Chapman.
Learn more about all of these below!
Exploratory Advising
You will have a dedicated academic advisor and access to a team of advisors across
the university.
Show More
Show Less
Exploratory Pathways
These academic pathways help you learn more about and take classes in a subject
area you are interested in.
Show More
Show Less
Panther Exploratory Pre-Orientation Program
You will move in early and get an early introduction to the university and available
resources.
Show More
Show Less
GUS 101 (Introduction to Chapman)
GUS 101 will introduce you to various academic areas to help you eventually select
a major.
Show More
Show Less
Note that selecting an Exploratory Pathway is optional. It does allow us to pre-register
you in relevant courses, but we can also work with you on a personalized exploratory
academic plan.
Faith Nguyen '26
Undeclared to Economics major with minor in Music Business
Faith explored her different interests through the Exploratory Major Program and
found her passion in economics. She then combined it with a minor in Music Business
to pursue her dream career in the entertainment industry.
Read Faith's story
Timeline to select a major
At Chapman, you’ll need to declare a major before you earn 60 credits. Earning 60
credits takes about 4 semesters (2 years).
Before the 60-credit mark, you'll focus on
:
Completing your
General Education (GE) courses
. GE courses are required courses that all students take, regardless of their major.
In many cases, these courses help students narrow down their major/minor choices.
Taking major/minor exploration courses to better explore areas of interest
. It is important to start discovering what you like (and what you don’t like).
Utilizing helpful resources and programming
to learn about majors and careers.
Keep in mind: you can declare a major at any time. This includes during the admission
process or as a current student. Your admission counselor and academic advisor will
be there to help every step of the way.
Change/Add Major Tool
To learn more about available majors,
use our Change/Add Major Tool
. The tool can show you contact information, requirements, important considerations
and next steps for any major you are thinking of changing into or adding.
Ask a student
Want to learn about certain majors? Current students are happy to help. You can search
by majors and feel free to reach out with any questions.
Undeclared/Exploratory Students
Applying Undeclared
Exploratory Advising
Exploratory Pathways
Panther Exploratory Pre-Orientation Program
GUS 101 (Intro to Chapman)
Exploratory Majors Dean's List
Contact us
Admission questions:
admit@chapman.edu
Program questions:
explore@chapman.edu
Back to top
Back to top
©