»Exploratory Pathways for Undeclared Students

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 would would like to explore that option, select "Discuss option for custom pathway."

Frequently Asked Questions

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

»Exploratory Pathways for Undeclared Students

Selecting an Exploratory Pathway

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to select an Exploratory Pathway?

Can Undeclared transfer students select an Exploratory Pathways?

When will I know what classes I will be pre-registered in?

Can I change my Exploratory Pathway?

Do I have to eventually select a major that aligns with my Exploratory Pathway?

Can I change the courses I am pre-registered in?

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