Exploratory Majors

University College serves both undecided and undeclared students who are exploring the University’s options before selecting the right major and degree program.

We see being undecided as being unbound, unlimited and open to everything Ohio University has to offer. Our professional advisors will help you to plot out a successful first year of exploration and discovery and prepare you to declare your major by the end of your first year at OHIO. Our undecided students are uninhibited, unafraid, and on their way to greatness!

Undecided?

University College is decidedly the best choice.

University College offers the freedom, flexibility and structure to find the right program of study for you. You’ll build connections that help make the transition to college life, complete general education requirements and learn more about your choices through your first-year Learning Community. Our supportive advisors and welcoming, experience-driven approach will help you choose your major by the end of your first year and stay on track for graduation.

About one-third of college students change their major at least once and many students begin their college experience unsure of their major or career goals. So not only is it ok to enter college undecided, but it’s also normal to question and explore majors once you get to college.

How to Pick a Major

In your first-year Learning Community, you’ll learn more about your academic options and begin exploring majors, all while completing general education requirements and building connections that help the transition to college life. You’ll gather more information at the annual fall majors fair and prepare to declare a major with the support of one-on-one advising. You’ll engage in self-reflection, ask questions, explore opportunities and leverage campus resources to help you select the major that fits you best. Be patient with yourself as you navigate this journey and give yourself time to gather the information you need to make informed decisions.

Undeclared

While your academic record may be strong enough for admission to Ohio University, it may not qualify you for the more competitive admissions standards of certain colleges and programs. In that case, you may enroll as "undeclared." University College helps undeclared students establish a record at OHIO and pairs them with a specifically trained academic advisor that can help them with the prerequisites and the internal transfer application process for the selective program of interest.

DECLARE A MAJOR

You may be a good fit to start your college career as an exploring undecided or undeclared major if you:

• Are unclear about how to pick a major
• Are unsure when you have to pick a major in college
• Feel like you can't pick a major just yet
• Have too many interests to pick a career
• Would like some exploratory time as you begin your college career

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