X-Guide Exploratory Major
Discover how your passions and interests relate to majors, careers and industries in our exploratory program.
Follow your signs
You're multitalented with passion that extends to many different interests. You’ve always been the type of person that prefers to get a feel for things before going all in. Perhaps you’re an open-minded individual who’s not absolutely set on one specific path or maybe you enjoy a few different areas of study.
These are usually signs that the Exploratory program might be for you. As you’re choosing a path for college, explore exactly where these signs could be leading you in regard to your potential field by way of the Exploratory program.
What to think about when picking your major
While researching potential majors, it may be helpful to keep these questions in mind:
- What fields do you think you could possibly be interested in? Is there a specific reason you’d look into those fields? Sometimes outside influences such as family members, past school courses, and personal experiences can influence how we choose our career path.
- What career path do you want to take? There are many options when it comes to jobs in practically any field you may be interested in. If you don’t have an ideal career path in mind yet, then consider what characteristics your perfect position would have and compare those to jobs in your potential fields.
- What do you want out of your career and what do you value? Do you want to travel? Are you looking for an office environment or more hands-on work? Would you prefer working directly with people or behind the scenes? These are a few questions to ask yourself when you’re mapping out your career choices to make sure your path leads you toward a job that fits your values.
Colleges at Xavier University
Xavier is home to the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Professional Sciences, the Williams College of Business and the College of Nursing.
The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at Xavier University. The college provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition that prepares students for careers, professional or graduate school, and life in a global society. Top majors in this college include Philosophy, Politics, and The Public, Communication Studies, Biology, and Computer Science.
The College of Health and Human Sciences challenges students academically while also allowing them the opportunities to build deep connections and gain experience on a local, national, and global level. Top majors in this college include Psychology, Sport Management, Exercise Science, and Education.
The Williams College of Business (WCB) is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). It’s also nationally recognized and ranked among the Best Business Schools in the Nation by the Princeton Review. Top majors in this college include Finance, Accounting, Marketing, and Economics.
The College of Nursing prepares professional nurses to meet the health care needs of diverse populations in an ever-changing and highly technical health care environment.
Explore the Core
At Xavier, you'll have the freedom to pursue any path and explore your passions. Our core curriculum, which includes first-year seminar classes, allows you to experience multiple fields of study and interests in a challenging and fun environment. Sample first-year seminar classes include:
- A Short History of the Future
- Reading the Web
- Bicycling our Bioregions
- Socrates Meets Jesus
- Bob Dylan
- Pop Culture and Civil Rights
Graduate on Time
Exploratory students have a solid destination: graduation in four years.
- First Year
- Participate in the First-Year Seminar program
- Work with your success coach to discover who you want to be, what good you want to do in the world, and what plans you can make to get there
- Talk to your academic advisor to learn more about the range of majors available at Xavier and/or career opportunities
- Visit Career Development to discuss your interests, abilities and goals
- Second Year
- Declare you major
- Request your own professional mentor
- Start to develop your resume
- Third Year
- Enhance career and leadership skills
- Get involved in internships, volunteer work and study abroad programs
- Fourth Year
- Launch steps toward post-graduation goals
- Finalize your resume
- Start interviewing for a job or completing plans for graduate school
Xavier's unique student success model
At Xavier, Exploratory students are celebrated. Their opportunities are endless and their Xavier support system is excited to be a part of the journey they take to find their calling. Xavier University offers a unique ecosystem of support through our Student Success Model. Through this model, every student has their own: then consider what characteristics your perfect position would have and compare those to jobs in your potential fields.
- Success Coach to act as a quarterback to help through the transition and adjustment to college life.
- Academic Advisor who is typically a faculty member to assist with course selection and an academic plan.
- Career Coach to assist with resume development, career fair preparation, and building professional connections to employers and internships.
- Financial Aid Advisor to ensure that aid is always properly applied and fully optimize.
Student Outcomes
The Exploratory program provides engaging coursework, integrative learning opportunities, and gives students the tools to find success when they head into the real world, regardless of the field they choose. 99% of Xavier graduates are employed full-time, enrolled in graduate school, or working in a volunteer position within 6 months of graduation.
Graduates go on to achieve rewarding careers such as:
- Business Analyst
- Graphic Designer
- Lead Teacher
- Public Relations
- Registered Nurse
- Software Engineer
Some of the top employers of Xavier graduates include:
- Cincinnati Art Museum
- GE Aviation
- Cincinnati Reds
- Deliotte & Touche, LLP
- Sycamore City School District
- 84.51°
Internships
87% of Xavier students gain real-world experience through an internship. Xavier’s colleges are highly connected to the professional, art, science and medical communities, making it easy for faculty to help students find internships and other experiential learning opportunities.
Xavier and the Queen City
One of the best parts of being a Musketeer is learning in the growing and thriving city of Cincinnati. Cincinnati is home to multiple Fortune 500 companies and nationally recognized hospitals where many students find employment and internship opportunities. It is also known for its love of the arts and appreciation of creative expression. The Queen City provides unique learning opportunities that guarantee Xavier students graduate with strong professional relationships and relevant skills.
While Cincinnati is bustling with professional opportunity, it’s also the center of a social scene like no other. The Queen City has multiple activities such as BLINK, ice skating in Fountain Square, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, major sports events, museums, Riverbend Music Center, and so many others.
There’s no shortage of chances for fun and excitement with Xavier located in the heart of such an energetic city
Next Steps
Imagine yourself as a Xavier Musketeer? Plan a visit to campus at xavier.edu/visit
If you want to connect with your Admission Counselor, please contact xuadmit@xavier.edu or at 513-745-3301.
Get to know a little more about Xavier by clicking the links below:
Check out our admission process
Visit us in-person or virtually
Office of Admission
513-745-3301
XUadmit@xavier.edu
3800 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45207-513