What is DUS?
The Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) is Penn State's enrollment unit for students who want to explore the University's academic opportunities before deciding on a field of study. The Advising Center encourages its DUS students to meet their academic potential through well-informed educational planning, as well as through meaningful experiences such as internships, education abroad, public scholarship, research, and student organizations. It is common for students to enter higher education with questions pertaining to major and career options as well as how their goals align with various programs. DUS students are connected with a professional academic adviser who assists in navigating the degree programs, resources, and offerings of the University. This collaboration is instrumental in supporting students to make informed decisions about their education.
Who Enrolls in DUS?
Exploratory Students
Approximately 80 percent of Penn State's beginning students express some degree of uncertainty about their choice of major. Many also reveal that they know very little about the fields they are considering. Students enroll in DUS because they realize they are not ready to make a decision about their academic direction.
Students In Transition
Students who have been enrolled at the University and change their academic goals may enroll in DUS to explore new fields and/or to facilitate the change to a different program of study. After these students decide on an educational plan and meet the requirements, they transfer into their new major.
How long do students remain in DUS?
Entering first-year students may stay in DUS for up to two years. Students who enter DUS after beginning at the University may remain in DUS for two semesters beyond their first year at Penn State. In either case, a student’s “maxtime” in DUS will expire at the end of their second year at the University.
Since DUS does not grant degrees, when students complete their DUS enrollment, they enter a college or major. DUS students may transfer to a college or major when they are qualified and ready to do so.
Exploration Resources
- Undergraduate Bulletin: The Undergraduate Bulletin provides official documentation and information on policies, procedures, and programs at Penn State.
- LionPATH Class Search: View the courses offered by any Penn State campus as soon as they are posted.
- What Can I Do With This Major? Your education at Penn State can open the door to endless opportunities. Use the What Can I Do With This Major online resource to help connect your studies to potential career paths.
- Academic Adviser: Get to know your academic adviser to learn about majors, academic options, course content, and requirements.
- Career Counselor: Meet with a career counselor to identify interests, values, personality, abilities, and to help identify career goals. Starting early helps you find a career path that you love while allowing you to leverage your time at Penn State effectively. The career counselor can also aid in your understanding of the ties between major and careers.