The University Exploratory program is housed within the Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration. Students in the program are advised by Academic & Career Exploration (ACE) Coaches who provide integrated academic and career planning support. The program is intended for students who have no clear idea which major to pursue or those who are trying to decide among majors that are not in a single college. It allows students to explore major options and make progress toward graduation through the completion of Vol Core courses.

All UT Knoxville students admitted as university exploratory Fall 2024 or after must declare a major prior to attempting 45 credit hours.

Yes, students with fewer than 45 attempted credit hours may change to University Exploratory.

Students in the University Exploratory program will be advised by an ACE Coach until they select a major or reach 45 attempted credit hours. Once students declare, they will be assigned an academic advisor aligned with their new major. 

The University Transition program is housed within the Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration. Students in the program are advised by Academic & Career Exploration (ACE) Coaches who provide integrated academic and career planning support.

Students may only enter the University Transition program if they are continuing students who become ineligible for their declared major. Students will be advised for one semester to regain or gain admission into a desired program. After one semester, students must declare a major from which they can graduate.

The program includes two tracks: 1) University Early Transition for students with less than 60 credit hours and 2) University Advanced Transition for students with 60 or more credit hours. Students in University Advanced Transition are not eligible for state and federal financial aid.

Students will be advised for one semester to regain or gain admission into a desired program. After one semester, students must declare a major from which they can graduate.

Students may only enter the University Transition program if they are continuing students who become ineligible for their declared major.

University Transition students that have yet to declare a major must do so by the completion of 60 credit hours in order to remain eligible for federal and state financial aid.

Students in the University Transition program will be advised by an ACE Coach for one semester to regain or gain admission into a desired major. After one semester, students will be assigned an academic advisor aligned with their new major. 

Students who are decided on a new major may review eligibility requirements and learn how to schedule change of major appointments here. 

Students who are currently in a declared major with fewer than 45 attempted credit hours may change to University Exploratory. Complete this intake form for next steps to meet with an ACE Coach.

The Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration offers assessments to help students learn more about themselves and their academic and career options.

PathwayU is a quick, user-friendly tool that measures interests, values, personality, and workplace preferences. Go to PathwayU to create an account and view personalized reports. Click here for UT majors that align with interests. 

The Strong Interest Inventory (SII) is appropriate for students choosing a major or career path. This 291-item assessment compiles interest patterns and compares them to satisfied professionals in various occupations. Students must schedule appointments to review results and learn how they relate to majors and careers. To take the Strong Interest Inventory, schedule a major or career exploration appointment in Handshake or email career@utk.edu for the assessment link.

Students are encouraged to visit 

• The UT catalog for access to all majors, minors, and courses
• What Can I Do With This Major? for access to common majors, career paths, employers and resources 
• Schedule an appointment with an ACE Coach for one-on-one coaching about major research and selection

Students are encouraged to visit 

• What Can I Do With This Major? for access to common majors, career paths, employers and resources 
• CandidCareer.com, a Featured Resource on the CCDAE website for access to short informational interviews with real people across industries
• College and Industry-Specific resources on the CCDAE website
• Schedule an appointment with an ACE Coach for one-on-one coaching about major research and selection.

ACE Coaches specialize in supporting students through academic decision-making. They interpret career assessments and provide major and career exploration activities and services. Schedule appointments here.

The ACE Team is housed within the Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration in 201 Student Union (above Starbucks in Phase I).