University Exploration – Undecided/Exploring
Campus: Columbus
Program: University Exploration
University Exploration helps students evaluate Ohio State’s more than 200 majors before making an official commitment. Through a series of assessments and engagement with professional academic advisors, students in University Exploration learn about their academic options while taking course work that keeps them on track for a timely graduation.
Exploration provides a starting place for both students who want to take relevant course work before committing to their major of interest and undecided students with multiple areas of interest and abilities who do not want to limit their options.
Students interested in beginning their Ohio State career in University Exploration can choose from seven tracks. They can choose the general Exploration track if they would like to keep all of their academic options open, or they can choose from one of six focus areas (broad fields of study) if they prefer to narrow their focus when they apply. If students are interested in multiple focus areas, Exploration advisors are prepared to help them find a way to overlap their interests.
General Exploration
Some students who have many interests and abilities are concerned with limiting their choices. Others may not have found one particular “thing” that excites them enough to study it for four years. Still others are uncertain about the relationship between majors and careers and want to sample the academic variety available at Ohio State before making a choice. The Exploration track helps these students fine-tune their interests while taking important core classes that ensure progress toward a degree.
Students can participate in a series of workshops offered by University Exploration and designed to provide supplemental support as they search for majors. Workshops also help students identify ways to make the most of their undergraduate degree.
The senior bank program is a directory of outstanding seniors who are available to talk to freshmen and sophomores about course work, internships and careers.
University Exploration offers an early intervention program designed to connect students to academic success resources in their first semester. Students will have the option of choosing a “success motivator” to assist them in their academic journey.
Working with assigned advisors and guest presenters, students begin receiving career counseling as they explore majors during their first term. As students progress in their major search, advisors refer them to career services resources throughout the university.
University Exploration also offers self-assessment inventories to assist students in determining the path for which they are best suited and offers a “What Can I Do With This Major” guide.
Students in University Exploration focus primarily on general education course work, prerequisite courses for competitive majors, and courses to explore majors when they are appropriate and suggested by an academic advisor. Working closely with academic advisors, students maintain degree progress and stay on track for a timely graduation.
Find sample curriculum for all focus areas at exploration.osu.edu/fields-of-study.
The University Exploration Honors Program, EXP Honors, allows high-achieving students to pursue a rigorous academic curriculum while actively exploring majors. Through the development of a personalized and challenging academic program, EXP Honors students are prepared for a smooth transition into the honors program for their chosen major.
University Exploration Scholars students can participate in any of the Scholars programs offered at Ohio State regardless of their areas of academic interest. Scholars Program students in University Exploration receive the benefits of being part of a Scholars community while engaging in active exploration of majors.
The Exploration Living-Learning Community connects students who are discovering academic and career aspirations. It also facilitates group experiences and opportunities for students to reflect on their goals at Ohio State and beyond. This program is for students who are undecided or students who know exactly what they want to do but are unsure of the best path. The program sponsors specific activities designed to introduce students to a variety of different majors and career options.
Learning community highlights:
- academic advising in the residence hall
- opportunities to explore campus and Columbus with other new students
- major and career decision resources
- workshops on study skills and time management
- activities designed to introduce students to a variety of different majors and career opportunities
- connections to faculty and staff from many different areas
- participation in our early engagement program