Students walking on CU Boulder campus.

With over 85 majors, minors and certificates, there are many academic paths to take at CU Boulder. September is a great time to start exploring to see which one is right for you.

What does it mean to explore and find your academic path? Right now, you have the opportunity to try new things and take steps towards your future career. Here are some ways to get started.

Consider your interests and hobbies

How you spend your time outside of the classroom can help you find your academic path. Think about what you enjoy doing in your free time. Do you like to play sports? Craft? Blog for fun? Organize plans with friends? Your hobbies and interests can help guide your exploration at CU.

You can connect your interests to your academic life by joining a club or finding a part-time job. There are hundreds of student organizations and student jobs at CU. These opportunities allow you to get an idea of what you’d like to do in the future. At the same time, you can begin developing skills and meet others with similar interests! Browse BuffConnect or visit the Student Employment website to get started.

Ask for advice

The people you interact with on a daily basis all have a unique story behind how they got into their career. Start to ask people about their career paths or academic program - faculty, staff, advisors, your family members and friends. Ask if they have any advice for you as you begin to explore your options. The experiences of others can help spark inspiration for your academic journey.

Find new areas of study

As you get ready to register for classes, look into subjects you may not have had in high school. New areas of study, like Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences, Women & Gender Studies or Leadership, can be a great way to explore and find your path.

Use your resources

After exploring your interests, use your resources to find your academic path. Get to know your advisor and talk about your interests. They can help connect you to majors that match. You can also meet with a career development advisor to explore different paths that might be a good fit! 

Sign up for FYXP 1000

It’s not too late to sign up for the Academic Exploration & Critical Decision Making Seminar (FYXP 1000). This one-credit course guides you through the major and career exploration process. You will gain a greater understanding of the programs offered at CU and next steps to finding a path that best meets your goals. Learn more about FYXP 1000.

Exploring CU is a series with tips and information to help you navigate your academic journey.