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Discover (Undecided)

Explore UD Degree Options

Through the Discover Program at UD, you'll explore all your academic options across our academic units — the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business Administration, the School of Engineering and the School of Education and Health Sciences. As you find your path, you'll stay on track to graduate in four years while discovering the degree that’s right for you.

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Fast Facts

650+ students

have enrolled in the discover program in the last three years

70+ majors

to explore from within four academic units

Program Overview

Why start in the Discover Program at UD?

The Discover Program is a great way to move toward a four-year degree, even if you are:

  • undecided
  • deciding between multiple majors
  • not quite meeting the benchmarks for the major you applied to
  • in a major, but have decided it's not the right fit

In the Discover program, you'll be able to explore all academic options at UD, including those in the College of Arts and Sciences and our professional schools — School of Business, School of Engineering and the School of Education and Health Sciences.

If you're unsure of exactly which major fits you best, or you are participating in the program as a stepping stone to the professional schools, we are here to help you find your vocation and success at UD.

Holistic Advising

Our holistic advisors understand the curriculum for all majors at UD. They serve as the primary point of contact for discover students for course registration, vocational major exploration and other academic concerns. They work closely with the student's Flight Crew to provide intervention for students who are struggling.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about the Discover program at UD.

Catholic, Marianist Education
UD is Home
Holistic Advising
Experiential Learning

How do I apply to the Discover Program?

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

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What is the tuition cost and is financial aid available?

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.

Transparent Tuition Plan
Undergraduate Tuition
Undergraduate Financial Aid
Program Requirements and Curriculum

Discover Program Requirements and Information
Requirements

You should be prepared to declare a major by the end of your second year, and will follow the plan for the selected major. A bachelor's degree usually requires a total of at least 120 credit hours. Our degrees also include requirements from our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP).

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

About the Program

Students in Discover work toward a degree and attend seminars while deciding their major. Once a major is declared, that will determine the coursework required and degree awarded upon graduation.

Through the Discover program, students take a seminar acquainting them with the University and the College of Arts and Sciences. The seminar will cover the curriculum and careers of each program, as well as the multitude of complementary minors. With the help of this seminar, along with the assistance of a holistic advisor, students discover the program that best suits their needs and goals.

Program Outcomes
  • Students will articulate the idea of vocation and demonstrate progress in the vocational discernment process.
  • Students will make successful and timely progress toward a degree.
  • Students feel a sense of belonging at the University.
Transfer and Exam Credits
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2026-27 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations and your personal goals and interests. Please contact the recruitment and admission team (prospective students) or your holistic advisor (current students) with questions.

Semester 1
  • ASI 160 – Introduction to the University
    1
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • CAP Mathematics or CAP Natural Science with Lab
    4
  • CAP Arts
    3
  • Courses related to major(s) of interest
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 17
Semester 2
  • ASI 162 – Vocational Exploration
    3
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
    3
  • CAP Mathematics or CAP Natural Science with Lab
    4
  • Courses related to major(s) of interest
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 3
  • ASI 163 – Experiential Learning
    1
  • CAP Social Science
    3
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • Courses related to major(s) of interest
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 13
Semester 4
  • ASI 164 – Developing a Plan
    1
  • CAP Advanced Religious Studies and CAP Faith Traditions
    3
  • Courses related to major(s) of interest
    9
  • Total Credit Hours 13
* Additional courses related to student’s major(s) of interest to produce a full-time semester course load in the range of 12-18 credit hours.

Students should be prepared to declare a major by the end of their second year, and will follow the plan for the selected major.

Note: A bachelor's degree requires a total of 120 or more credit hours, depending on the selected major. See the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Transfer and Exam Credits

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Transfer and Exam Credits

Find Your Passion While Staying on Track

UD's Discover Program gives you the tools, guidance and experience to explore your interests, find your vocation and declare your major. A structured set of courses, dedicated advisors and applied learning opportunities allow you to find your passion while staying on track academically.
Program Info and Sample Plan

Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our College of Arts and Sciences, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.

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Fast Fact

$61,798 average

starting salary for UD graduates in all majors

97% success rate

after graduation across all UD majors

Beyond the Classroom: The UD Discover Program Experience

Discover Resource Center

At the Discover Resource Center, Discover program students can stop by to speak with their advisor, connect with other students and get questions answered as they navigate through the program.

Learn More About the Discover Resource Center

Experiential Learning

Through practical learning opportunities — like internships, co-ops or service — you can build your resume, gain practical experience and prepare for a successful career.

Explore Experiential Learning

Vocation at UD

We integrate vocational exploration into the curriculum through the first-year experience seminar, experiential learning and co-curricular opportunities within our centers and programs.

Learn About Vocation

Finding a Career Path

An approach to figuring out what you might want to study in college can be looking at what career path you may like to pursue and Career Services is here to help.

Explore Career Services
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Ready to Enroll in the Discover Program?

Let’s explore the possibilities. Now you know what we’re about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.

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