Center for Exploratory Studies

The Center for Exploratory Studies provides personalized exploratory advising which helps undecided students find their best-fit career pathways early in their academic career to enable timely graduation. 

CES is the University of Cincinnati's academic home for students who are undecided, exploring majors, or seeking admission to a competitive UC academic program.  Our professional advisors are uniquely skilled to help students navigate the admission and program requirements for all undergraduate majors offered at UC. An intentional curricular structure ensures that students participate in academic exploration leading to major selection.

Mission Statement

We empower students to choose best-fit majors through highly personalized exploratory advising and innovative academic programming!

FIND YOUR DIRECTION! EXPLORE...DISCOVER...DECIDE...DECLARE!

UC Center for Exploratory Studies News

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What Is Exploratory Studies? 

February 28, 2023

Did you know that nearly 75 percent of college students change their major at least once? Determining what college major you want to pursue is no small decision. Even if you know what degree and/or career you want, you may consider completing some courses before declaring a major or applying to a specialized program. Housed in the University of Cincinnati’s College of Arts and Sciences, UC’s Center for Exploratory Studies has been recognized by the National Academic Advising Association as a best-practice model for assisting undecided students. It has also been featured in The New York Times.

2

Angela Elliott starts a new family tradition — by going to...

October 28, 2022

When a parent has a substance abuse disorder, many children lose their way. UC students Angela and Marcus Elliott found education as their passion, with Angela acting as a mentor to her younger brother. Both received scholarships and now pursue higher education through scholarships. .

3

Engineering student shifts from the stage to the lab

May 14, 2021

Garek Bushnell came to the University of Cincinnati with a singular goal: to study acting. He graduated in April 2021 with his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering instead. Bushnell’s path between these two seemingly dissimilar fields is rooted in his mindset that following your passion will drive your determination to succeed – even if that passion comes from an unexpected source.

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