Exploratory Student Pathways

Program Description

Jayhawk Exploratory Advising uses KU’s six student pathways as the starting point to your major exploration journey. Each area has curriculum and engagement recommendations based on the KU Core and other courses and opportunities at The University of Kansas. After the student selects their major, they will be able to continue to engage with their student pathway throughout their time at KU to build the skills they need for a successful career.  

The six student pathways include:

• Business, Communication & Leadership
• Creative Arts and Design
• Education & Public Service
• Health & Behavioral Sciences
• Languages & Cultures
• Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

Exploratory Timeline for KU Transfer Students: 

Pre-Admission events

• Before you officially commit to KU, you can meet us at KU Admissions events such as Crimson & Blue Days, Rock Chalk Days, Transfer Fridays and Jayhawk Days. Look for any Major Exploration sessions hosted by Jayhawk Academic Advising!

Applying to KU as Exploratory

• Want to contact someone about becoming a Jayhawk? Contact your Admissions Representative through the representative finder tool; all you need is your ZIP code.
• What does being an exploring student look like on your admissions application?
• You apply using the KU Direct Application for The University of Kansas
• Application section breakdown:
  • Biographical Information
  • Family/Residency Information
  • Academic Interests:
    • Section A prompts you to select any "tracks' you might be interested in--typically for graduate school. ▪
    • Section B will be where you select an Exploratory Pathway; scroll down to "Deciding" to view them!
• You can apply to KU to submit your application online.

Send us your Transcripts

• Don’t forget to send in your transcripts from your previous institution. You can use the KU CredTran website to see how your courses from your previous institution have previously been evaluated by and transferred to KU.

Meet with your Navigator

• Your navigator is a designated staff member who will help you set up your KU account and give you information about the technology KU uses. They will also set up your Transfer Welcome Meeting with a Jayhawk Academic Advisor.

Transfer Welcome Meeting  

• An advisor will meet with you to discuss your interests, talk about why KU, and help you choose classes that will be right for you. You will have the chance to enroll in some exploratory classes. Though many of these courses will align with KU Core courses, exploratory courses serve a function even if they do not meet specific degree requirements or potential major requirements. Many majors only require between 30-36 credit hours of major specific courses, so taking a few exploratory courses won’t hinder your progress to graduation. Instead, these courses are opportunities to explore your interests and to help narrow down your list of potential majors!  
• By the end of the meeting, you will be fully enrolled in your first semester as an Exploratory student at KU! You will leave with a wealth of resources to help you stay connected with us before you come back to campus. 

Transfer Orientation (choose one of the three options): 

• In Person Half Day Session
  • At this half-day session at the Lawrence campus, you and other new transfer students will attend panels and presentations and learn about campus resources. You’ll also have the option to tour the Hill and participate in community-building events. 
• Attend Remotely Via Zoom
  • For students who can’t attend in person, we’ll host half-day sessions via Zoom. Remote attendees will be able to ask questions and engage in discussions with Onboarding staff and participants. (We encourage — but do not require — remote attendees to have their cameras on.) 
• Online Course
  • Like our live Onboarding sessions, this online course covers information about your first year and the KU student experience. Unlike live sessions, it will not feature presentations or interactions with other people. 
  • Register for the orientation session of your choice!  

Regular Advising  

• You will be assigned an academic advisor at the start of your first semester, before you begin courses. Visit Jayhawk GPS to find and make an appointment with your advisor. Your advisor will communicate with you via email several times throughout the semester, so be sure to check your email regularly! 
• During advising meetings, it is important to be honest about your goals and interests so that your advisor can help you find the major that best aligns with your interests, strengths, and future plans. Your advisor will also connect you to resources to help you explore on your own. 
• Your student pathways exploratory advising journey will be an iterative process tailored to your own needs. 

Math Placement: KU requires that students know their math placement before they enroll for their first semester. If you don’t have a recent ACT/SAT score, then KU recommends students take the ALEKS math placement exam for free. 

English Placement: No ACT/SAT score or ACT below 27/SAT below 630: placed into ENGL 101.  ACT of 27 or higher/SAT of 630 or higher: awarded 3 credits for ENGL 101 and placed into ENGL 102. 

• Students transferring to KU, that complete the General Education requirements required for the Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree from JCCC will be considered to have satisfied KU’s Core 34 general education curriculum.   

• Students who transfer to KU, without completing the General Education requirements required for the Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree will have courses evaluated on a course-by-course basis toward meeting KU requirements. To learn more about courses that satisfy KU Core 34 Requirements and KU CredTran. 

• Visit the KU’s Core 34 General Education Guide for JCCC equivalents. 

It is the STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to check for updates to all transfer information. This transfer guide is provided as a service and is updated as needed. Degree requirements at the four-year colleges are subject to change by those institutions. To ensure you have the most accurate information about the program, you must meet with an advisor at the transfer institution.