Exploratory Studies in Engineering

Who is this program for?

Students with a strong interest in problem-solving, technology, and innovation but are undecided on an engineering specialty should consider this program. It is perfect for future engineers exploring fields like mechanical, electrical, civil, or biomedical engineering.

Program Overview

Your road to success starts with FYE  

Know you are ready to tackle the engineering challenges of the 21st Century? Chart your path with the First-Year Engineering (FYE) program.  

Through FYE, you will explore all the major options the Pigman College of Engineering has to offer. You'll take real engineering courses taught by expert faculty, build working design projects and gain practical, hands-on experience in the highly interactive FYE program. Whether you're a new student or transferring in, FYE provides you with a supportive, collaborative community to help you navigate your first year at UK. And research shows it sets you up to thrive in upper-level classes and graduate with confidence! 

 The FYE program is designed to help you discover your passion. Ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work?  

FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn

Not sure what to major in? That’s okay—Exploratory Studies can help.


Our Exploratory Studies programs are designed for incoming freshmen who are still deciding on a major but want to make steady progress toward graduation. As an Exploratory Studies student, you’ll receive personalized academic advising and career support while taking courses that fulfill UK Core requirements and count toward any degree. It’s a smart way to explore your interests without losing time.

Each Exploratory Studies option is tied to a broad academic area, allowing you to try out courses in fields that interest you while gaining insight into potential majors. You’ll work one-on-one with an academic advisor and connect with career counselors at the Stuckert Career Center to explore your strengths, take assessments, and develop a plan that aligns your interests with future goals. You’ll also have opportunities to attend major and career fairs, participate in internships, and explore real-world experiences that help guide your path forward.

Ultimately, these tracks help students to declare a major and achieve a timely graduation in a field that aligns with their future career aspirations. 


Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.

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Explore Financial Aid Options

Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.

Students meet with student org representatives at an outdoor involvement fair.

Get Involved!

Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!

Learn About Student Organizations & Activities

Join the Engineering Living Learning Program

The ELLP provides a welcoming community for engineering and computer science students to be supported academically and establish meaningful connections with other students.

This residential experience complements classroom expectations by integrating students into the engineering community with programs centered on professional development and academic support. In addition, the ELLP provides students with opportunities to interact with College of Engineering faculty, alumni, industry partners, academic advisors, engineering student organizations, and Peer Mentors. Peer Mentors are hand-selected to support new students during their transition to the University of Kentucky.

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Get More Information

Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.

Hidden Conditionals





Things to do on this form:
Take away "Term" for Transfers - "Unknown Term"? As well as "Not in High School"
And the same for "Online"

Possibly remove the "Readmit" option.
Feel like it would be pretty easy to see if the person already exists in our system and has a program enrollment record associated with them, which would shift them from "Freshman" or "Transfer" to "Readmit"
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The University of Kentucky defines international applicants as those with citizenship other than the United States of America. Exception: Permanent Residents of the United States should complete a domestic application.

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