Education Exploratory
Explore multiple education majors and certification pathways before you commit to one. This education exploratory program gives first-year students four foundational courses and cocurricular experiences that introduce every teaching field, so you can choose your direction with confidence.
Quick facts
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Education Exploratory program description
The education exploratory program enables you as a first-year student to explore various areas in education before you select a major at Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation.
During the program's first year of coursework, which includes four foundational education courses, and through specific cocurricular events scheduled throughout the first and second semesters, you are exposed to all programs and certification areas. You can make an informed decision about the grade level or area of specialization you are interested in while you stay on track to graduate with a bachelor's degree.
Education exploratory is an introductory program offered before you declare a major. It does not lead to a degree, and you need to declare a major after you complete 30 credit hours.
Why study education as an exploratory student at ASU?
At MLFC, you can specialize in the areas that matter most to you, your learners and your community. Whether you're drawn to early childhood education, multilingual learning, special education, gifted education or postsecondary leadership, the college's degrees and certificates are built to meet you where you are.
With flexible pathways at the undergraduate and graduate levels, you'll build the expertise to support diverse learners, strengthen inclusive practices and lead with purpose in classrooms and beyond. This exploratory education program keeps you on track toward a bachelor's degree while you weigh your options and declare a major after 30 credit hours.
Additional details
At MLFC, you get to be part of a community within a community. You'll enjoy the traditions and resources available across ASU while connecting with a smaller group of students who share your passions and professional interests.
There are many ways to get involved, including community service, cultural and heritage events, fraternity and sorority life, intramural sports and fitness, Sun Devil traditions and Changemaker Central. There is a place for every student at MLFC.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| TEL 111 Exploration of Education |
| TEL 171 Professional Educator Series: Excellence in Education |
| TEL 208 Education in a Changing World |
| TEL 212 Cultural Diversity in Education |
| TEL 215 Introduction to Child and Adolescent Development |
| MAT 114 College Mathematics |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A first-year student with fewer than 24 credit hours is eligible to change their major to this program.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Because of climate change, geopolitical instability or economic factors, the United Nations and other institutions predict that migration will increase globally for the foreseeable future. Learners will migrate to new communities. Increasingly, educators will be asked to meet the needs of students who speak languages other than English and who bring a variety of cultures into classrooms and learning environments. Education students who participate in study abroad programs can prepare for this reality. By engaging in Global Education programs, students can expand their notion of normal schooling and deepen their understanding of how to foster inclusive and inspiring learning environments.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this education exploratory program prepares you for
All students in the education exploratory program are poised to graduate from one of the majors within Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation. Information for those career opportunities can be found under each major.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Division for Advancing Educator Preparation
|
ED 102
ASUeducation@asu.edu
480-965-9995
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
