For High School Counselors

Anthropology is the study of the biology, culture, behavior, and society of humans and their nearest biological relatives in all places around the world and throughout time. Anthropology covers a diverse range of research about what makes us human. Anthropology at Ohio State covers three of the four major subfields:

• Physical (or Biological) Anthropology is the study of human evolution, biology, and social behavior- both past and present. Biological anthropologists are interested in our origins, adaptations, diet, disease, and lifeways by analyzing human biological diversity, non-human primates, human ancestors (fossils), and archaeological material.
• Cultural Anthropology is the study of human societies and cultures. Cultural anthropologists are interested in how people in different places live and understand the world around them. To understand the diversity of human experiences, they examine the perspectives, practices, and social organization of various groups of people.
• Archaeology is the study of past human societies through the excavation and analysis of material remains, such as pottery, plant and animal remains, tools, and human remains. The time range of archaeological research spans from the earliest human ancestors millions of years ago to recent history and even the present day.

Why major in anthropology?

An education in anthropology equips students to solve complex problems using critical analysis, communication, and an understanding of human diversity. Graduates that major in anthropology go on to diverse careers, such as working for state and local governments, teaching, public health and medicine, social work, publishing, marketing, environmental sciences, human resources, and many others. The Department of Anthropology also offers excellent support for undergraduate research, field work, and internship opportunities.

The Department of Anthropology offers two baccalaureate degrees in anthropology: the Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and the Bachelor of Science in Anthropological Sciences. Both majors require students to complete courses in physical anthropology, cultural anthropology, and archaeology.

The department also offers two baccalaureate degrees in medical anthropology: a Bachelor of Arts in Medical Anthropology, a Bachelor of Science in Medical Anthropological. Medical anthropology draws upon biological and cultural anthropology to study human health and wellbeing. Medical anthropologists often work in universities, hospitals and clinics, national and international health agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) related to public health.

The department offers four minors in Forensic Science and in Anthropology, emphasizing one of three subfields- Physical Track, Cultural Track, and Archaeology Track.

Additionally, there are three available certificates in Forensic Anthropology, Medical Anthropology, and Food, Culture and Society.

The Department of Art is a broad-based, interdisciplinary, discipline-intensive, boundary-pushing dynamic laboratory in which to imagine and create. We strive to bring together inquisitive, curious, and critical questioning across various studio disciplines to engage and respond to our social, cultural, personal, and shared world. The Department of Art uniquely offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Arts, integrating all the collaborative opportunities that come from studying in a College of Arts & Science and a University setting.

The department serves as a place where students and faculty can experiment with material and content, and a diverse audience can participate in our exhibitions, public lectures, and educational programming.  Our programs have a fierce commitment to the purposeful connection that firmly aligns with the university’s mission of education, research, and service.

We teach undergraduate and graduate students to develop as artists through seven emphasis areas: Art & Technology, Ceramics, Glass, Painting & Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture.

• To apply, select Art as your major on your undergraduate application. If admitted, you will be enrolled directly into the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program. Students in the BFA program must undergo a formal portfolio review (typically, in their 4th semester). This would be a presentation of work produced in Art foundation/core classes and lower-level classes within the student’s emphasis area of choice.
• We are again offering physical tours of our facilities; prospective students are encouraged to schedule tours to learn more about our undergraduate program. Contact art@osu.edu to schedule.
• For more information, visit the Department of Art website at art.osu.edu.

The Department of Arts Administration, Education and Policy at The Ohio State University has three highly regarded graduate programs (MA in Art Education, MA in Arts Policy and Administration, and PhD in Arts Administration, Education and Policy) and two undergraduate programs (Bachelor’s in Art Education and BA in Arts Management). We pride ourselves on offering comprehensive, critical, and interdisciplinary coverage of the two primary fields of study in the department – Art Education and Arts Policy and Administration – with world-class faculty in key areas of specialization, on producing accomplished PhDs and career-ready MAs, and on offering undergraduates a rich learning environment based in research for preparation for career and/or graduate study.

AAEP offers five main areas of study for students at all University levels of education:

Art Education
Arts Policy & Administration
Arts Administration, Education and Policy
Museum Education
Online MA in Art Education

Bachelor of Arts Education

Graduates of the Art Education programs become art teachers in schools, museums, and community spaces; lead arts organizations; work for government and non-profit institutions; and become faculty scholars at universities.

• To apply, select Art Education as your major on your undergraduate application. If you are admitted, you will be enrolled directly into the Bachelor of Art Education degree program. Students in the BAE program are required to undergo a formal application process (typically in their 4th semester). This application process prepares students to share art and writing samples for the pre-service art education with licensure work or to pursue a professional pathway in informal art education settings.
• Prospective students are encouraged to schedule a Zoom meeting to learn more about our Bachelor of Art Education undergraduate program. Contact the Director of Field Experiences and Licensure Program, Dr. Ketal Patel at patel.648@osu.edu to schedule a virtual meeting.
• For more information, visit the Department of Arts Administration, Education and Policy website.

Arts Management Major 

Through the arts management major, students will understand the issues, problems, and policy interventions impacting the contemporary arts and cultural industries; develop business and managerial skills for professional decision making in arts and cultural organizations; and practice creative and critical thinking, opportunity recognition, and innovation in various arts and cultural environments.

Students will also learn and understand the professional role and responsibilities of successful creative individuals in contemporary society.

Ohio State applicants are able to declare the Arts Management major on their applications for admission for Ohio State. After admitted, students will meet with advisor Ryan Heitkamp during their orientations.

Visit the Arts Management major page to learn more about the program.

Explore Career-Ready Resources from the College of Arts and Sciences Center for Career and Professional Success

The College of Arts and Sciences Center for Career and Professional Success at Ohio State University is excited to share resources and programs to help students make informed career choices and prepare for their professional lives. Our offerings focus on building practical skills, connecting students with industry insights, and enhancing employability through experience.

New Career Development Courses
Our career development courses are designed to guide students in planning their career paths, gaining essential internship readiness, and practicing professional skills that directly impact workplace success. Each course includes practical guidance to help students develop confidence in navigating the transition from college to career.

The Career Studio: Drop-in Career Support
Our Career Studio offers students a convenient, drop-in space where they can get quick, reliable advice from trained Peer Career Coaches—no appointment needed! Located in the heart of the College, the Career Studio is ideal for students with questions about resumes, cover letters, job or internship searches, or who are looking to schedule a one-on-one meeting with a Career Coach for more in-depth support.

Career Immersions & Treks
To help students explore different career options, we offer Career Immersions and Treks that provide on-site visits to leading companies and organizations. These immersive experiences include tours, networking sessions, and career panels with recruiters and hiring managers, many of whom are Ohio State alumni. Students have the opportunity to see various industries up close, both locally and at select regional and national destinations.

Match Mentor Program
Through the Match Mentor Program, students are paired one-on-one with alumni mentors who share insights on career fields, networking, and career progression. This program enables students to build meaningful connections with professionals from the College of Arts and Sciences, helping them expand their network and gain perspective on their potential career paths.

Personalized Career Coaching
Our Career Coaches are available to guide students through their job and internship searches, providing support for each step of the process. Coaches offer tailored advice on resume and cover letter crafting, interview preparation, and identifying internship and job opportunities that align with students’ goals.

These resources empower students to explore, prepare, and build networks essential for career readiness. For more information or to discuss how our Center can support your students, please reach out or visit our website!

The Biology major is the largest STEM major at Ohio State, and is popular with students interested in pursuing careers in research, education, medicine, and related fields. This popularity is due in large part to flexibility that allows biology majors to tailor their studies to their specific interests. Run by the Center for Life Sciences Education (CLSE), the biology major ensures students receive a broad exposure to a wide range of biological disciplines, yet allows them to choose a specialization, as well as specific coursework within that specialization. The biology major provides in depth experience with advanced topics in the biological sciences that are of importance in our modern society, while developing competencies that prepare students for careers in an array of fields including academic research and education, medicine and health care, industry, law, media, and government.

Through CLSE, biology majors have access to outstanding academic advisors who can help with finding a specialization, identifying career opportunities, and tailoring the undergraduate experience to your academic and professional interests. These aspects of the biology major make it outstanding preparation for graduate (MS, PhD) or professional (MD, OD, DDS, PharmD, DVM, etc.) programs required for students interested in many careers in research, education, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or veterinary medicine. Success in the biology major requires competence in scientific disciplines that are supportive of biological endeavors (mathematics, data analysis, physics, and chemistry). Accordingly, students considering a biology major are encouraged to continue taking math on a Calculus track so that they are prepared for the math placement test, and can enroll in introductory biology and chemistry as soon as they arrive at Ohio State.

Biology majors can complete either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Sciences (BS) degree (https://clse.osu.edu/students/requirements/bs-ba-compare). While additional specializations within the biology major are being developed, the biology major current offers three specializations:

PreHealth Professions: https://clse.osu.edu/students/requirements/prehealth

Life Science Education: https://clse.osu.edu/students/requirements/life-science-education

Forensic Biology: https://clse.osu.edu/students/requirements/forensic-biology

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (CBC) provides a student-centered, inclusive environment to ensure all students achieve academic excellence and reach their career goals. The faculty and staff are energized to mentor and support students during their undergraduate journey as chemistry and biochemistry majors!

All chemistry and biochemistry majors encounter exciting opportunities and programs to advance scientific research and knowledge, and mentor and teach the next generation of chemists and biochemists. The department faculty welcome undergraduate students to engage in cutting-edge, innovative research. The department offers numerous awards to support student engagement in research during the academic year and summer. Students are financially supported to present their research within and outside the university at conferences.

The department ensures all students are given the necessary resources to excel both inside and outside the classroom and laboratory. Many of our faculty and staff have been widely recognized for their innovative teaching and advising efforts to advance to student success.

Here are some resources and opportunities available for Chemistry and Biochemistry Majors!

1. CBC scholarships and awards: Through the generosity of many donors, the department provides over $195,000 in scholarships each spring for students majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. These awards are based on merit and financial need. Students are eligible for these scholarships once they have completed one semester at The Ohio State University.
2. Peer-led team learning in general chemistry: All chemistry and biochemistry majors enrolled in the CHEM 1610 and CHEM 1620 general chemistry course sequence are mentored by an upper-level peer leader who provides the academic support and resources to enhance academic and testing skills and builds community among the majors.
3. Learning Resource Center (LRC): All general chemistry students including all majors have access to academic support via the LRC. Graduate teaching assistants in the LRC are happy to help students with homework problems, laboratory assignments, and exam preparation.
4. Mentoring Undergraduate Scholars for Excellence (MUSE) program:  The department values promoting diversity and inclusion in the sciences. All Black, Latinx, and Indigenous incoming chemistry and biochemistry majors participating in the MUSE program receive an academic scholarship and opportunity to be mentored by upper level majors based on similar social identities and build community with all MUSE scholars, and engage in summer research with financial support. MUSE scholars have been academically successful and enjoy additional support as they advance to medical, research, industry, education-related careers.
5. Beckman Scholars Program: This well-recognized national program provides selected majors an outstanding 15-month mentored research experience with faculty both within the department and across other science departments. Selected majors receive $18,200 student stipend that include financial support for summer.

What do our students do after graduation?

A degree in chemistry or biochemistry from The Ohio State University is excellent preparation for students wishing to continue their post-baccalaureate education in graduate schools earning degrees in chemistry, biochemistry or health related fields such as pharmacology and toxicology, as well as for entering professional schools of Dentistry, Law, Medicine, Optometry, Pharmacy, or Veterinary.

Career choices include, but are not limited to:

• Chemical/Biochemical research and development in industry, hospital, university, government or private research laboratory settings
• Research and development for food and energy products
• Drug discovery and development
• Biotechnology
• Management and administration in the chemical industry
• Teaching at the university, college, or high school level
• Environmental research
• Chemical and pharmaceutical sales
• Opportunities in the public health field
• Patent law and environmental law

The Department of Classics is devoted to the study of the languages, literature, and cultures of Greece and Rome, focusing on Antiquity but including all periods from the Bronze Age to Modern Greece. Students who major in Classics are captivated by ancient religions, mythology, and the epic poems of Homer and Vergil; the origins of radical democracy at Athens; empire and republic at Rome; ancient medicine and Roman law; and philosophy (such as Plato and Aristotle’s), which in ethics and politics offer challenging alternatives to modern thought.

Students can major in Classical Humanities, Greek and/or Latin, and Classics and Ancient History. The ancient languages are not required for the Classical Humanities major. We are also one of few Classics Departments that host a Modern Greek Program, which offers studies in the language, literature, and contemporary culture of Greece and the Greek American diaspora.

Some advantages to studying the Classics:

• The flexibility of the Classics major allows you to pursue the multiple academic interests and passions you may have.
• Knowing Latin is a great asset for the study of law - law schools favor applicants who have learned ancient languages, because they require memorizing rules and information and paying attention to details in texts, which is essentially what lawyers do.
  • A recent study shows that Classics majors also have the highest LSAT scores.
• Medical schools are increasingly looking for students with humanities exposure, because it helps them develop empathy and narrative competence.
• A study by the American Academy of Arts & Sciences shows "humanities grads to be gainfully employed and holding positions of authority, and finds that only a slightly smaller share of them than of their better-paid counterparts think they have enough money."
• A training in Classics is a tremendous asset for careers in publishing, education, culture industries, and entertainment, including film, literature, advertising, and gaming.          

For more information on degrees in the Department of Classics and their advantages, please visit our website.

With the explosion of new communication technologies, social media tools and a new journalism landscape, the study of communication is of paramount importance to our understanding of human interaction. From telecommunications and the internet to digital and visualization technologies, communication now travels worldwide in an instant. Careers in the field continue to expand, and the number and variety of opportunities for communication majors are unlimited.  

Ranked in the top five among high impact communication programs, Ohio State's School of Communication provides undergraduates with rigorous and innovative curriculum, state-of-the-art multimedia classrooms, multiplatform labs and podcasting studio, hands-on training through internships, alumni networking and mentoring opportunities, and access to internationally renowned faculty. 

The School of Communication offers four undergraduate program focus areas: 

• Communication Analysis and Engagement
• Communication Technology
• Public Affairs Journalism
• Strategic Communication

The school also embraces diversity with coursework and student organizations focused on diversity, equity and inclusion issues.

We invite you to explore and discover what The Ohio State University's School of Communication has to offer!

The Department of Comparative Studies prepares students to explore and analyze global cultures through an interdisciplinary lens. Our award-winning faculty bring a wide range of disciplinary trainings and area expertise, allowing students opportunities to study literature, science, religion, technology, folklore, and popular culture in one undergraduate major. Our courses also attend to human diversity across multiple forms of difference, including race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. 

In addition to developing their skills in analytical thinking, writing, and communicating, Comparative Studies students have numerous opportunities to participate in community initiatives and projects around issues of social justice. Our students have conducted outreach with Columbus community arts organizations. They have documented the religious diversity of Columbus and central Ohio. And they have conducted fieldwork with a variety of underserved Ohio populations. When they leave our program, some students have gone on to elite graduate programs while others have engaged in meaningful work in a variety of areas from non-profits and education to government and business. 

Popular Comparative Studies Courses include: 

• Cultural Studies of American Musics, in which students investigate the social, political, and cultural contexts of the development of popular musical traditions in the US 
• Introduction to World Literature, in which students read literature from all over the world with an award-winning YA novelist and renowned scholar 
• Religion and Law in Comparative Perspective, in which students assess the different ways religious diversity is managed and governed across a variety of liberal democratic societies 
• Cultures of Medicine, in which students explore humanistic, scientific, literary, and clinical perspectives on a variety of medical issues 
• Intersections, in which students examine the intersections of race, gender, class, and sexuality in various sites within American culture, including the legal system, civil rights discourse, and social justice movements. 

Students can choose from among three undergraduate majors administered by the department: Comparative Studies, Religious Studies and World Literatures. We also offer five minor programs in American Studies, Folklore Studies, Religious Studies, Science and Technology Studies and World Literatures Studies, each of which can complement most, if not all, programs at Ohio State, including African American and African studies, art, music, biology, business, communication, education, English, engineering, history, international studies, nursing/allied med, political science, public affairs, psychology and social work.

InForm Summer 2023

We hope this letter finds you well. As I complete my first year as chair, I remain honored to serve such a vibrant department and community. As you will read in this issue of InForm, there have been numerous successes, faculty additions and honors bestowed upon us. It has been a year of amazing success and growth:

• We created new departmental mission, vision and shared values statements
• We hired two new Assistant Professors Alfonso Cervera and Dr. Irvin Manuel Gonzalez
• We hired our first Post MFA Scholar Ryan Johnson

And there is even more on the horizon!

Ohio State Dance’s top priority is to cultivate artist-citizens committed to leadership, community, inclusive excellence and innovation, cultural equity and social justice. And, we take seriously our responsibility to expand access to rigorous and diverse dance training as well as public understanding of and appreciation for dance — whether that be creatively, culturally or educationally.

We believe every student deserves access to the resources and support they need to succeed, regardless of their background or financial situation.

Best wishes,

Charles O. Anderson
Professor, Chair

Read Ohio State Dance news in our special summer issue of InForm

Audition for Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance program

The Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance program is committed to cultivating a rigorous curriculum that draws upon multiple disciplinary and artistic approaches while encouraging students to position their own work and development within broad social contexts. Our curriculum is designed to develop concrete skills in performance, choreography, and pedagogy and to instill an intellectually broad and deep appreciation of the role that dance plays in human culture around the world while ensuring our students are competitive in the current marketplace. We are committed to academic excellence, diversity, freedom of expression, activism, social transformation and civic responsibility. Our BFA program’s priority is to cultivate artist-citizens committed to leadership, community, equity and social justice. 

Our program encourages integration of the curricular areas, supports an interdisciplinary approach, promotes the education of the whole person, values cultural and curricular diversity, and responds to the individual needs of students, faculty, the dance field, and our broader culture. Students leave the program with the skills, perspective and imagination to be visionaries, advocates, and leaders in the field of dance and in their communities.

The mission of the BFA is to be an exciting and diversified dance program. Defined by a varied and dynamic blend of physical practice, creative practice and embodied theory, The BFA trains students to: 

• Both deepen and broaden physical training; 
• Develop choreographic skills, explore experimental technologies (IM, Video, Dance Theatre), in service to becoming sophisticated and nuanced artists in general;
• Cultivate an understanding between performance and culturally inclusive and critically rigorous pedagogy; 
• Deepen and expand one’s understanding of the art and practice of performance (via formal and informal performances, in-progress showings, scholarly lectures etc.);
• Become an arts activist, arts educator and advocate;
• And to develop scholarly expertise and sophistication in culture and the arts in general.  

Audition for the BFA in Dance Program

Acceptance into the BFA in Dance program requires an application to The Ohio State University Undergraduate Admissions (Columbus campus) AND the Department of Dance Audition. The applications will open in August. We encourage all auditionees to prepare and submit both applications, though the two decisions operate on independent timelines and processes that coordinate efforts. We do not pre-screen auditionees, but the audition application deadlines are firm. We look forward to seeing all auditionees at our audition events! Please note: you will receive a university admission decision between December and March (and perhaps after your audition) so we recommend you audition in-person as soon as possible. You will receive an audition decision about acceptance to the dance major in February or March. 

We are committed to accessibility and safety. Please choose ONE of the following audition timelines.

AUTUMN IN-PERSON AUDITION

• August 1, 2023 - University Common Application Opens
• October 8, 2023 - last day to submit dance audition application in order to attend the in-person audition both days, October 27-28, 2023
• October 27-28, 2023 - Attend both days of the in-person autumn audition. See the sample schedule. 
• November 1, 2023: last day to submit university admission application for early action, regardless of audition decision
• November 20, 2023: Autumn audition results will be emailed on or before this date
• February 1, 2024: last day to submit university admission application
• February 20, 2024: Audition results will be emailed on or before this date

WINTER IN-PERSON AUDITION

• August 1, 2023 - University Common Application Opens
• November 1, 2023: last day to submit university admission application for early action, regardless of audition decision
• January 15, 2024: last day to submit dance audition application in order to attend the in-person audition both days, February 2-3, 2024 
• February 1, 2024: last day to submit university admission application
• February 2-3, 2024: Attend both days of the in-person winter audition. 
• February 20, 2024: Audition results will be emailed on or before this date

WINTER ONLINE AUDITION*

*The online audition is an accommodation for those who are unable to join us in-person. For best consideration, we strongly encourage you to audition in-person. 

• June 1, 2023 - January 12, 2024 - Submit audition application to receive and complete audition instructions
• August 1, 2023 - University Common Application Opens
• November 1, 2023: last day to submit university admission application for early action, regardless of audition decision
• January 15, 2024: last day to submit audition videos for online auditions (instructions sent after audition application submitted)
• February 1, 2024, 5:15 - 7 p.m. (EST): Save the date for online information session, student panel, and facility tour 
• February 1, 2024: last day to submit university admission application
• February 20, 2024: Audition results will be emailed on or before this date

More information about the application and audition process >

When choosing a university setting in which to study Design, it is important to look at the ways in which a program organizes its educational approach. The Department of Design's undergraduate activities fall into three major programs, each leading to the Bachelor of Science in Design (BSD) degree: Industrial Design, Interior Design, and Visual Communication Design – each of which begin with a common first-year Design Foundations program.

Our undergraduate BSD degree programs provide comprehensive, professional training in the design disciplines, while also emphasizing collaboration between each of the areas of study. Our curriculum is built around the principle that design research is central to the design process and should always consider the complexities that come from making the world a better place - ecologically, economically, and socially. Students develop projects that demonstrate their abilities to create solutions that meet or exceed professional expectations. Class sizes within these majors range from 18 – 25. Our students have the benefits of studying at a large research institution AND the benefits of small class sizes within their major. While most of our undergraduate students go directly into very successful careers, those interested in graduate studies are also highly prepared for acceptance into graduate schools domestically and internationally. 

Learn more about our admissions process at https://design.osu.edu/undergrad/apply and schedule a visit at https://design.osu.edu/undergrad/visit. 

Web: https://design.osu.edu/undergrad

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The School of Earth Sciences is a globally preeminent program focused on the most important issues facing society, including climate change, water resources and the environment, human health, geologic hazards, and energy and mineral resources.

The School of Earth Sciences offers two undergraduate degree programs, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS).

There are several attractive reasons to major in Earth Sciences at Ohio State:

Careers: With a degree in Earth Sciences students can enter fulfilling careers in Earth Sciences in:

• Environmental consulting/monitoring (Hydrogeologist, Sustainability Engineer) 
• Government agencies (a wide range of Earth Scientist specialties)
• Energy industry (Geologist, Geophysicist, Paleontologist) 
• Geospatial Sciences (GIS Specialist, Geodetic Scientist) 
• Education (K-12 Teacher, Museum Curator, Professor)
• Water Resources (Hydrogeologist, Geochemist) 
• Natural Hazard Mitigation (Disaster Risk Specialist, Natural Resources Manager)

Small class size: Even though we are at a large university, our undergraduate program has all the advantages of a smaller program. Within the course for the major, you can expect 10-20 students and classes are taught by professors. There is a community feel to our program where everyone gets to know each other.

Field trips: As Earth Scientists, we get outside! We emphasize field experiences, and many of our courses include at least one field trip. Recent trips include the Bahamas, Appalachian Mountains, Guadalupe Mountains, Lake Erie, and plenty of great trips in Ohio!

Field camp: One of the most enduring and rewarding experiences we offer is our Field Camp, which has been in operation for over 70 years!  During the summer of Junior or Senior year, students spend 6 weeks in Utah where they study the exceptional exposures in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Plateau, and Basin and Range. Expenses for field camp are highly subsidized and scholarships are available to make field camp affordable for all Ohio State students.

Research with faculty: Another distinguishing element of our program is that all Earth Sciences majors design and conduct their own thesis research project with a professor. This is a hallmark of our program and allows each student to have a research project and to write a thesis. This provides the student with a competitive advantage for employment after graduation or continuing to graduate school. Students often attend and present their research at a conference.  Generous funding to support student research and travel to conferences is available.

Alumni mentoring: We have a large alumni base who are tightly connected to our program to give back with their time and advice. In fact, our vibrant alumni board meets every semester in the School of Earth Sciences and during that time they connect directly with students and provide career advice. 

The Department of Economics provides students with a strong foundational knowledge of economics and the freedom to shape the focus of their degree through electives. This approach can help students succeed in a wide array of job fields!

We offer two options for a degree in economics: a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.). The B.A. degree provides a broad education focused on the arts and humanities, and the B.S. degree presents a specialized approach with a stronger focus on technical and scientific areas. There are aspects of each other in both degree options, which is why economics is a unique and holistic topic to study!

What do economists do?

Economists strive to explain how components of the economy operate and interact with one another by researching economic issues, gathering data, and observing trends. Based on their findings, economists predict how people and companies will respond to policy changes and external forces. These predictions help advise private and public officials to implement appropriate decisions.

Economics is great preparation if you’re leaning towards business, law, public policy, graduate school, or want to become an economist yourself! If you’re still deciding, the degree of flexibility can help you keep your options open.

What other career paths are available?

Most jobs that an economics major will take do not have “economist” in the title. An economics major can do any job that a business major could do, but with a stronger foundation in data analytics and a keener understanding of what could cause trends.

According to Forbes, economists are known to be effective in any career that embraces skills such as: manipulating data, statistics, finding and understanding relationships, learning about new products or industries, and communicating.

For more information, please visit our website at economics.osu.edu.

What can you do with an English degree? The better question is, what can’t you do with an English degree. Our graduates pursue a vast range of careers—we have alumni working as IT developers, financial advisors, social workers, teachers, lawyers, physicians, technical writers, editors, filmmakers, and almost any other career you can imagine. And at Ohio State English, we’re committed to helping students prepare for those careers. In classes, students develop the skills that employers are looking for in their new hires, from the communication skills needed to draft a clear, concise memo or deliver a presentation, to the critical thinking expertise to process complex information. We also offer a wealth of extracurricular career development resources, including weekly career newsletters, in-department career advising, alumni panels, career workshops, and more. 

Many of our majors also complete internships as part of their career preparation, some as a part of our Minor in Professional Writing, which guides students through creating a portfolio, and then applying for and completing an internship. Want to learn more about the internships and other career preparation our students take part in? Check out these spotlights: Audrey, Richa, Molly, and Manny. 

The English major also offers something for everyone. Majors choose one of four specializations:

• Literature, Film, Folklore and Popular Culture Studies
• Creative Writing
• Writing, Rhetoric, and Literacy
• English Pre-Education

In all of these specializations, students take small, discussion-based courses with faculty members. Our students never have trouble finding a letter of recommendation or a reference, and our faculty welcome students to office hours for enthusiastic discussion of class readings, or to discuss possible future research projects. If you want to learn more, check out our undergraduate programs page here.

The Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology at Ohio State provides students with a strong background in the biological sciences. The Department is focused on the evolution, physiology, behavior, and population biology of animals, plants, and other organisms, as well as species interactions and ecosystem function. We focus on fundamental concepts and theory at levels of organization ranging from molecular to global.

Students may choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology, or a Bachelor of Science in Zoology or Evolution & Ecology. The Evolution & Ecology major focuses on understanding the diversity of life on earth, how and why life has changed and continues to change over time, and how organisms interact with the world around them. The Zoology major focuses on the biology of animals: how animals function, their evolution, and their interactions.

We offer our students a diverse collection of classes in subjects such as evolutionary biology, ecology, conservation biology, anatomy, ocean ecology, animal behavior, and diversity of life on earth. Many of our classes allow students to get firsthand experience through laboratory and field work, such as Ohio Plants, Ohio Birds, Reptiles and Amphibians, Mammals, and Fish Ecology. 

We encourage our students to become involved in research under the direction of our world-class faculty. Our Tropical Field Studies class gives students a study abroad opportunity where they can experience biodiversity in Panama while conducting their own research projects.

Our graduates go on to diverse career paths. Zoology and Evolution & Ecology majors are well prepared for graduate programs in any of the biological sciences. Our students are competitive candidates for professional programs, especially in the health sciences and education. Other students go directly to jobs in places such as state and federal agencies, zoos and aquaria, and environmental organizations.

For more information, please visit our website.

The Center for Ethnic Studies (CES) brings together three units for collaboration and cooperation in research, programming, teaching and student support: Latina/o Studies, Asian American Studies, and American Indian Studies. Historically, these academic programs came into being in higher education as the result of civil rights movements that advocated not only for equality for these groups throughout society, but also for a wider societal understanding of the complex histories, experiences, literatures, arts and cultures of these diverse populations. We offer undergraduate minors in all three programs.

CES continues in this tradition by working to expand what all of us can know about the nexus of racial, ethnic, cultural, gender and sexual difference through research and teaching. As interdisciplinary programs, we include faculty and students from many fields and colleges at Ohio State. In addition to research and teaching, our faculty and students are involved in community education and outreach efforts as well as collaborative projects in humanities and performance research, forging new pathways in higher education.

The Department of French and Italian (FRIT) offers five undergraduate majors, two minors, and a combined BA/MA program. In FRIT, you will gain much more than proficiency in a second language. Our majors and minors will help you understand the similarities and differences between your culture and the target cultures we teach, as well as give you the skills to interact with people from different cultures, a tool you can't learn on Google Translate! Our goal is to guide our students to understand the skills that they develop at FRIT so that they can express to future employers what they have to offer as multilingual, culturally and interculturally competent job candidates. You will work towards your degrees with classes, one-on-one interaction with faculty, education abroad experiences, conversation groups and clubs and scholarly events. Learn more here: frit.osu.edu/ug/prospective.

In addition to our more language intensive French and Italian majors, we also offer a French and Francophone Studies major as well as an Italian Studies major, both of which allow students to gain expertise in the respective target language and in a number of the cultures in which it is spoken. These majors should be especially appealing to students who would like to attain more language proficiency than a minor in French or Italian provide but who would like to count up to three courses for this major toward a second major and/or GE requirements; want to explore these cultures in a highly interdisciplinary manner, through courses taught in departments such as history, history of art, international studies and political science, among others; are deeply interested in these cultures but who may find the number of advanced-level language courses required for the major daunting; and semi-native and native speakers, for whom many of our language courses are too elementary and who would therefore like a wider range of course options. 

Our fifth course of study is the Romance Studies major. Since knowledge of one Romance language eases your acquisition of another, this major includes work in a primary, secondary and tertiary Romance language of your choice. It includes a study abroad experience as well as a capstone course that hones students’ understanding of how and why Romance languages are similar yet also different.

Why Geography?

The Department of Geography offers competitive curriculum for over four hundred students across five majors and three minors. Ranked the ninth top program in the United States, The Ohio State University is a national leader in the fields of climate and atmospheric sciences, geospatial intelligence, urban geography, and aviation transportation. We provide a student-centered, close-knit environment where you can build relationships with twenty-two renowned faculty and field experts.

Geography is the study of the Earth as the home of humanity. As Geographers, students at Ohio State explore their collective desire to change the world around them through critical analysis, powerful technologies, and an integrative, holistic perspective to understand complex 21st century challenges. Through their work with nonprofits, government agencies, city planning departments and private consulting firms, our majors are making valuable contributions in areas such as urban development, sustainability, environmental research, and social justice.

The Department of Geography enables students to connect classroom to career through competitive experiences in independent research, field studies, and internship opportunities designed to help students identify and develop their marketable skills and assist in their transition from college to career placement.

Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Sciences

Students in the Atmospheric Sciences major at Ohio State focus on exploring systems that determine our weather and climate. Students learn about the interactions between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere. The Atmospheric Sciences undergraduate curriculum fulfills the 1340 Series curricular requirements established by the American Meteorological Society to apply for meteorology positions within the National Weather Service (NWS) and other offices within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

We invite all interested high school students to attend our 28^th Annual Severe Weather Symposium, which will take place in the Spring semester, dates TBD. This annual event, hosted by the Meteorology Club at Ohio State, brings together meteorologists from across the country to give presentations and network with students. The 27^th symposium is archived online.

Graduates pursue careers in: operational meteorologist, weather observer, oceanographer officer, senior hydrologist and weather research scientist

Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science (GIS)

Students in the Geographic Information Science (GIS) major at Ohio State will apply methods and applications necessary for effective management of spatial data which power millions of decisions across private, public, and governmental sectors. GIS combines coursework from computer science, statistics, and geography to provide you with advanced technical knowledge in data modeling and map design. The National Geospatial Intelligence Agency designated Ohio State a Center for Academic Excellence in Geospatial Sciences and Ohio State is a leader in the fields of cartography, spatial analysis, and geographic information technology.

Graduates pursue careers as: geospatial analysts, GIS specialists, software developer, cartographer, urban and regional planner, remote sensing technician, database administer, transportation planner and GIS technician

Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences Air Transportation

Students in the Social Sciences Air Transportation major at Ohio State examine societal forces influencing aviation through emerging economic, security, governmental, and global impacts and policies. Eligible students in the Air Transportation major can declare a Professional Pilot Certification (PPC) Specialization. PPC students earn flight ratings through the center's FAR Part 141 certified professional flight education curriculum and complete flight labs at The Ohio State University Airport at Don Scott Field. For more information about the Professional Pilot Certification, as well as industry-partnered research, internship, and career opportunities, visit The Ohio State University's Center for Aviation Studies.

Graduates pursue careers as: charter pilot, commercial pilot, flight instructor, flight dispatcher, accident investigator, and airport operations planner, drone pilot

Bachelor of Arts in Social and Environmental Geography

Students in the Social and Environmental Geography (SEG) major at Ohio State are global citizens working towards a socially just and sustainable future. SEG professionals utilize vital perspectives from the physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities to analyze global and climate challenges, law and policy issues, and human-environmental impacts. Connecting society and environment, SEG majors apply perspectives race, gender, class, and sexuality to 21^st century challenges.

Graduates pursue careers as: environment consultant, public policy analyst, cultural ecologist, community organizer, energy specialist, urban planner, climate researcher, environmental lawyer 

For more information or to schedule a prospective appointment, contact our academic advisors.

The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures offers an undergraduate major in German, and minors in German, Scandinavian Studies, and Yiddish. The department is among the best-respected German programs in the United States. Our undergraduate students regularly win prestigious fellowships such as the Fulbright.

Why study a Germanic language?

German is the most widely spoken language in Europe, Germany’s economy is the fourth largest in the world and German arts and culture have shaped modern society in Europe and the U.S. The contributions of German speakers in a vast array of fields make it a perfect complement major or minor for students who are pursuing degrees in science, engineering, international business, arts and humanities, education and many others.

Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide speak Yiddish, the shared vernacular language of Ashkenazic Jewry. Yiddish can help you better understand a wide range of topics such as Eastern European history, Germanic linguistics, Jewish genealogy, religious thought, radical political movements and debates about immigration and American identity.

Swedish and the Scandinavian Studies minor give you access to educational and career opportunities in the Nordic region in fields as diverse as biotech, genetics, environmental sciences, peace studies, energy, design, and architecture, as well as further study in Scandinavian literature, language, culture, history and archaeology. 

What do we offer? 

Our program welcomes all interested undergraduates to a vibrant community of researchers, educators and learners! In our programs, you will have the opportunity to develop your critical thinking, intercultural competency, and language skills in a variety of courses, study abroad, student club and German house activities, as well as by working one-on-one with faculty and joining in departmental events.

What do German Majors and Minors do? 

Our students have leveraged their degrees to work in a large variety of fields, including software design, international marketing, engineering, pharmaceuticals, education, translation, artificial intelligence, foreign relations, and many others. Other students have used their degree to further pursue their academic career through research grants, fellowships and graduate programs.    

Contrary to popular belief, studying history expands one’s career options. Our students pursue careers in a wide variety of fields: business, publishing, journalism, public relations, non-profit administration, government, law, military and foreign service, libraries and archives, information technology, logistics, education, art and design, medicine and public health, economic development, and regional planning, among many others. See what some of our alums have done with their undergraduate educations in history.

The study of history is also a great way to prepare for graduate or professional school. In fact, a recent study by the Association of American Medical Colleges found that humanities majors outperformed biological science and most other majors on the MCAT and had higher-than-average matriculation rates. History is also the only major to appear in the top four for both average LSAT scores and admissions to U.S. law schools.  Over the past two decades, roughly one quarter of our graduates have gone on to earn advanced degrees in areas as diverse as business, public health, animal science, computer science, dentistry, medicine, nursing, education, international relations, law, religion, applied behavior analysis, city and regional planning, history, library and information science, museum studies, public affairs, journalism, anthropology, architecture, counseling, criminal justice, English, art history, foreign languages, security studies, political science, popular culture, sociology, sports administration and management, transportation and logistics management, human resource management, finance, creative writing, drama, film studies, public policy, instructional design, non-profit management, social work, accounting, mathematics, and communications.

Whatever careers they pursue, graduates in history typically move to the leadership ranks with remarkable speed. In fact, though history majors make up only two percent of all college graduates in the U.S. since 1980, they represent  6% of Fortune 100 CEOs, 3% of Fortune 500 CEOs, 15% of the CEOs of the world’s 100 largest non-governmental organizations, 8% of the CEOs of the Fortune 50 largest American charities, more than a quarter of all U.S. presidents since World War II, and, during the same period, nearly half of all U.S. Supreme Court justices. So closely connected is history to leadership that OSU has established the Hoffman Leaders and Leadership in History Fellowship for undergraduates.

History students at Ohio State are encouraged to participate in internships, research, and education abroad. See what our students have to say about the research experience, internships, and education abroad programs in Argentina, Greece, China and Africa, among others.

On top of it all, the Department of History has more Distinguished Teaching Award winners than any other department at Ohio State. Our department has been recognized with the University’s Departmental Teaching Excellence Award and has been designated a University Center of Excellence. Members of the most productive and highly cited history faculty in Ohio, the Department’s professors have earned international reputations for scholarship, teaching, and professional service. Our dedicated faculty has, in the past three years, produced more undergraduate Fulbright Fellowship winners than any other department in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Students with particularly broad interests are encouraged to consider history as a second major or as a minor. The major only requires 33 credit hours and many of history’s courses overlap with other majors. The minor occupies 12 hours and pairs well with majors as diverse as environmental science, art, economics, and engineering.

In the Department of History of Art, students experience the intimate, collaborative environment of a small liberal arts college while receiving the immense benefits of attending a large, prestigious university. With our small class sizes, hands-on advising, and opportunities for close working relationships with faculty and other students, the History of Art major provides students with the critical thinking, reading, writing and research skills that enable them to succeed both in college and beyond. 

Art history examines works of art in terms of both aesthetic and historical issues. Each of the faculty members teaching in the Department of the History of Art at Ohio State is a specialist in particular areas of world art, and our majors take a broad range of introductory and specialized courses.

HISTORY OF ART MAJOR

Consists of a minimum of 39 credit hours (13 courses), including four core courses on writing, research and methodology, and a number of electives. History of Art has added class-connected field trips to locations in Columbus and Ohio in many of its courses and the senior research seminar now includes a fully-funded trip over the autumn break.

HISTORY OF ART MINOR

Consists of 15 credit hours (5 courses) chosen from the department’s offerings.

Our graduates go on to work in a diverse number of fields including:

• Galleries and museums
• Education and Teaching
• Nonprofit and Development
• Library and Archival Work
• Editing, Publishing, and Journalism

Created during World War II, International Studies enables students to develop their long-term academic and career goals while learning about the world.  International Studies majors have gone on to be professionals working in the foreign service, the intelligence community, international development, business, and myriad non-governmental organizations.

The major provides students with expertise in world affairs through a multi-disciplinary curriculum and language training.  Students can choose either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree version of the major, or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree version of the major. 

Coursework from education abroad experiences and internships can be approved for use in the International Studies major.  Our students work with professors and instructors from many different departments at The Ohio State University, which is a large full-service university with global connections. 

Students also make connections through the over 1400 student clubs and organizations on campus.  The university experience consists of the learning that occurs while earning your degree and the lifetime connections made with other students, professors and staff you meet here.
 
14 Major and Minor Specializations you can choose from:

• African Studies (BA or BS)
• Development Studies (BA or BS)
• East Asian Studies (BA or BS)
• Globalization Studies (BA or BS)
• Human Rights (BA only)
• Information Security (BA only)
• International Conflict & Peace (BA only)
• International Relations and Diplomacy (BA or BS)
• Latin American Studies (BA or BS)
• Middle East Studies (BA or BS)
• Security and Intelligence (BA or BS)
• Slavic and East European Studies (BA or BS)
• Western European Studies (BA or BS)
• World Economy and Business (BA or BS) 

We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about:  

• International Studies Curriculum  
• Program News  
• Current student and alumni

Learn Romanian, Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian, Polish, or Catalan ONLINE. We offer four introductory, fully online, asynchronous, self-paced language courses on OSU's public facing ScarletCanvas. You will be introduced to these languages within about 25 course hours, with additional focus on developing awareness and appreciation of other cultures’ customs and practices. 

We also offer a Persian Language and Culture course in which linguistic and cultural exploration converge. You will learn to read and write in the Persian alphabet. You will discover the tastes and flavors of Iranian cuisine, explore Iranian cinema, and learn about the vibrant Iranian youth culture and music.

Ohio State's Less Commonly Taught Languages include Somali, Persian, Hebrew, Romanian, Polish, Korean, Japanese, Portuguese, Quechua, and many others! Contact the CLLC for more information on languages not commonly taught in the US. Explore all the information about languages at Ohio State here: http://cllc.osu.edu/languages.

World Language Placement Testing: If you already speak a world language (whether you took classes in high school or learned it from relatives), reach out to us about our world language placement tests. We offer placement testing in a number of world languages, including Russian, German, Chinese, Arabic, American Sign Language, Italian, Somali, and Swahili.

Collaborative Assessment and Articulation Project (CAAP) offers many free resources to high school language teachers, including proficiency tests in Spanish, French, German, and Chinese; tours of OSU's language building; presentations on careers in languages; and more. Email caap@osu.edu to join or request an informational session.

Buckeye World Language Day, an event held annually for high school juniors that want to explore what learning a language is like at Ohio State. It is held simultaneously alongside Experience Arts and Sciences Day, which is on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Learn more about Buckeye World Language Day here: https://cllc.osu.edu/programs/buckeye-world-language-day
 

Solo or Double Major

The Leadership Major is intended to function well as a solo major, providing students with a foundation of skills that will benefit leaders in all fields, as well as field-specific engagement through particular specializations and pathways. 

However, we also encourage students to double-major. Whatever one’s primary interest or major, adding on the Leadership Major can set students apart, showing future employers that you are not only adept in the field, but have the understanding and capacity to organize, manage, and lead.

For more information about the Leadership major, please visit our website.

The Summer Linguistic Institute for Youth Scholars (SLIYS) is a one- or two-week virtual summer program for high school and pre-college students organized by the Department of Linguistics at Ohio State. SLIYS introduces students with an interest in foreign languages to the scientific study of language. Participants learn about how language works on many levels, and work with a native speaker consultant to explore and document a language that they haven't (yet) studied.

Read more about the program on the Department of Linguistics website, or contact Dr. Liz McCullough (mccullough.136@osu.edu) for more information.

The Department of Mathematics offers two undergraduate majors, Mathematics and Actuarial Science. In conjunction with the Department of English, the Department also offers an Integrated Major in Mathematics and English (IMME).

Mathematics: The mathematics major provides students with analytical and logical training necessary for many diverse professions. Students can choose from six areas of study (tracks): theoretical, honors, financial, education, biology and applied (chemistry and physics options). Ohio State math graduates move on to careers in industry including insurance and finance, modeling, data analysis and operations research. Graduates are frequently accepted into graduate or professional school programs in mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science, physics, economics, financial engineering, medicine, law, business and many other fields. Preparation in these graduate programs may lead to careers in academia or in business, industry, or government sectors.

Actuarial Science: The actuarial science major covers core actuarial disciplines through courses in probability and statistics, interest theory, financial economics, life contingencies and loss models. Due to the professional and interdisciplinary nature of actuarial science, the program requires basic courses in economics, business finance, accounting, and computer programming. The program also exposes students to real business through a practicum course, professional information sessions, and seminars. The actuarial science program at Ohio State prepares students for taking up to six actuarial exams administered by the professional societies. A highly professionally oriented program, Actuarial Science at Ohio State has benefited greatly from its close ties with business. Many insurance companies and consulting firms have provided strong and wide support to the program. There are plenty of internship and full time employment opportunities for students.

Integrated Major in Mathematics and English: IMME is an innovative program designed to prepare students with high-level skills in both Mathematics and English stressing an integrated, complementary mastery of these disciplines. The IMME offers undergraduates the opportunity to develop a set of skills that will equip them not only for employment and graduate school, but for long-term career success. Students completing the program will have a competitive advantage over their peers in having both strong mathematics and communication skills.

What is Microbiology? Microbiology is the study of microorganisms such as bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi and it encompasses both beneficial and harmful aspects of microorganism interactions with humans, animals, crops, and the environment. The emerging field of microbiome sciences (e.g., role of intestinal microbes) is illuminating how communities of microorganisms function cooperatively to affect human health.  

What Degrees does the Microbiology Department Offer? The Microbiology Department confers BS, MS, and PhD degrees, which enables our graduates to work at a variety of levels in academia, government, and industry. In addition, we offer a new combined BS/MS degree that allows accelerated undergraduates to receive both their BS and an advanced degree (MS) in 5 years. With a BS degree in Microbiology, graduates are prepared to undertake graduate study in any of the life sciences or to pursue a professional degree in dentistry, public health, law (tech commercialization), medicine, or veterinary medicine. BS- and MS-holding students are also well-positioned for employment in biological and medical research institutes, biotech companies, breweries, consumer goods companies, medical diagnostic laboratories, environmental science agencies, food industries, forensic laboratories, hospital laboratories, medical supply companies, pharmaceutical companies, and wineries.  

What do Microbiologists do? Microbiology is the key to the perfect beer, defeating deadly viruses, designing the fuels vital for powering tomorrow, and it is at the forefront of the bio-science revolution, including recent advances that use viruses to deliver life-changing gene therapy. Microbiologists are employable and employed by almost every industry sector, as evidenced by our emerging and ongoing collaborations with Abbott Nutrition, Proctor and Gamble, Eli Lilly, Labcorp, Ford Motor Company, and Wolf’s Ridge Brewing. Our program is dedicated to training the modern Microbiologist, and we are poised and eager to create graduates who will help Ohio attract, retain, and expand industries that require the Microbiology-related skills and services. 

Where do Microbiology Graduates Work? In addition to admission into top graduate and professional schools, recent Ohio State microbiology graduates have been hired into the following positions: Manufacturing Microbiologist at Eli Lilly, Microbiologist at Battelle, Clinical Research Associate at Medpace, Medical Lab Technician at the Cleveland Clinic, Molecular Analyst at the US Geological Survey, Regulatory and Quality Affairs Analyst at Covetrus, Reliability Engineer at E & J Gallo Winery, Research Assistant at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Technician at Labcorp, Environmental Specialist at Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and a Biological Scientist at Air Force Research Laboratory.  

Questions?  For questions regarding the Microbiology undergraduate major, please contact the department directly: 

Coordinating Advisor 
Matthew DeBlieck
deblieck.2@osu.edu
614-292-6961

Honors Advisor 
Dr. Madhura Pradhan
pradhan.2@osu.edu
614-292-1196

What do we offer?

The Department of Molecular Genetics offers undergraduate majors in Molecular Genetics and Molecular Genetics with a Plant Cellular and Molecular Biology specialization. Our courses and research opportunities cover a broad range of topics from molecules to populations. The common focus is on the role of genes and the use of molecular and genetic techniques in each of these areas. All of our majors are assigned to a dedicated faculty advisor who provides guidance that complements advising from the College of Arts and Sciences. They also join a network of engaged peers, getting support through the Molecular Genetics Club and the Genetic Counseling club.

Look at these student opportunities!

• Over 60% of our majors engage in mentored undergraduate research in the lab of a Molecular Genetics Faculty member, or under the supervision of faculty in the Ohio State Medical School or the Cancer Center. Many students earn fellowships to pay for their work, and become authors on published papers or presentations. These experiences enrich student understanding of the field and help them stand out as they take the next steps.
• Our students can engage in service learning, earning college credit for going into the Columbus City Schools to present workshops on Molecular Biology techniques (DNA Finger Printing Workshops in Columbus Public Schools) or developmental biology (BioEYES: Hands-on STEM learning with zebrafish)
• Our students have exciting global education opportunities, including travel to Norway to learn about how large-scale genomic sequencing strategies are used in clinical settings! Even during the pandemic, we offered coursework that was taught by medical professionals in Norway!
• Students can enter a combined degree program earning both a B.S. and M.S. in Molecular Genetics in only five years.

What do our students do after graduation?

The program provides outstanding preparation for many future careers! Of recent graduates:

• 23% matriculated in a medical school or other medical professional program
• 20% entered Ph.D. programs to pursue advanced research opportunities
• 21% entered Masters degree programs, most commonly seeking M.S. degrees in Genetic Counseling
• 30% were employed in research or industry after the B.S. degree

Read what some of our alumni have to say!

Studying music at Ohio State provides students with remarkable opportunities to grow as a person, performer, scholar and leader. The School of Music is a small, tight-knit community set within the larger university which offers students an innovative place for making exceptional music, stimulating artistic growth, exploring educational methodology and conducting groundbreaking research. 

The School of Music is also home to hundreds of student musicians from other fields of study. Our bands, choirs, orchestras and dozens of general education courses are open to all students, regardless of their major. The school also offers the Music minor and the Music, Media and Enterprise minor as well as the Bachelor of Arts degree which is a good fit for those wishing to double major.

Academic admission to the university is separate from the School of Music application and audition process.

• High school seniors should first apply to the university by visiting The Ohio State University Undergraduate Admissions website.
• Students interested in the Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education or Bachelor of Arts degrees should visit How to Apply.
• Students interested in the Bachelor of Science in Music degree (Computer Sciences, Sonic Arts or Media and Enterprise Creative Practice, Business and Technology tracks), should visit BS in Music – How to Apply.

Students will be asked to select an audition date as part of their application process.

*Students who apply to the university by the November 1 early action deadline are strongly encouraged to choose the first audition date (usually in early December) so that their university admissions decision is not delayed. 

Please view our website for more information on how to apply to the School of Music specifically.

Expand your Horizons! Come learn about the Middle East, India, and beyond. Our courses span ancient Egyptian myths, the Hebrew Bible, medieval Judaism and Islam, modern Arabic literature, Bollywood films, South Asian societies (India, Pakistan), Central Asia under the Soviet Union and after, Iranian society, Israel today, Turkish culture, Muslim Women, Muslims in America, Europe, Russia, and China.  

What makes us interesting?

1. We cover a longer stretch of history than any other part of Ohio State: from ancient empires in Mesopotamia and Egypt to the culture and politics of the Middle East and India today.
2. We teach more languages than any other department: Arabic, Hebrew, Persian (Iranian), Turkish, Hindi, Uzbek, and others. 
3. We give you an appreciation about art, music, movies, theater, literature, religion, architecture, and everyday community life in the region from Morocco to western China. Check out our General Education courses, our majors and minors, and come talk to us! 

The Ohio Prison Education Exchange Project (OPEEP) offers college courses truly unlike any others found at Ohio State. Our classes meet inside Ohio prison facilities, bringing traditional Ohio State students together with incarcerated students for innovative, collaborative, and transformational learning experiences. OPEEP classes provide students with an opportunity to learn with and from people they may otherwise never encounter, fostering growth in empathy, critical thinking, and expanding students’ overall knowledge of the world around them. Many OPEEP courses count towards GE credits and/or fulfill specific major requirements as well. OPEEP instructors are uniquely trained, experienced, and passionate, offering a wide variety of courses across Ohio State’s many academic disciplines and campus locations. 

OPEEP operates on the core belief that access to quality education is a right, not a privilege. Through ongoing advocacy work and the expansion of OSU course offerings inside Ohio prisons, the project is actively building prison-to-college pathways in service to this core belief. Our instructors and students are living proof of the profound, far-reaching impact this work has on both individuals and entire communities. Watch this brief video to learn more about the OPEEP experience from our Co-Directors, instructors, and students. One former student described their time with OPEEP as "the best experience I ever had at Ohio State” – consider enrolling in an upcoming course to find out what the OPEEP experience has in store for you!

Popular OPEEP Courses (past & upcoming) include:

• *PSYCH 1100: Introduction to Psychology – Broad survey of psychological science. Application of the scientific method to the empirical study of behavior with emphasis on individual and cultural differences. Covers topics in experimental and clinical psychology including physiological bases of behavior, sensation, perception, learning, memory, human development, social processes, personality, abnormal behavior, mood/psychological disorders, and therapies.
  • *Spring 2024 course offering with Prof. Chris Robinson at Southeastern Correctional Institution in Lancaster, OH
• SOCIOLOGY 2211S: Corrections: An OPEEP Course – Main areas of focus include the origins and development of the American criminal justice system, the historical and contemporary use of punishment and rehabilitation, the re-emergence of restorative justice, and the broader relationship between criminal and social justice. Key objectives include better understanding mass incarceration, considering its causes and consequences, as well as exploring the impact of crime, imprisonment and related policies on victims and communities.
• ENGLISH 2275: Literatures of Addiction – Addresses the issue of addiction from personal, socio-cultural, and political perspectives. Students analyze novels, poems, memoirs, movies, and songs that deal with addiction. Core questions include: what does it mean to be addicted? What is the relation between creativity and addiction? What role does systemic and intergenerational poverty play? What are the lasting effects of addiction on the community?     
• ART 5890: Special Topics: Drawing as Feminist Art – Exploration of feminist art making through the practice of drawing. Through collaborative and individual assignments, the course covers themes such as entrapment, sexuality, re-imagination, and domesticity, pushing students to both learn and un-learn ideas about what qualifies "good" artwork and "correct" feminism.         
• A full list of current & upcoming course offerings can also be found here on the OPEEP website.

For more information: explore our website, read our newsletter, follow @OPEEP_OSU on social media, or reach out to us at opeep@osu.edu.

The Ohio State Philosophy and Critical Thinking (PACT) Summer Camp introduces high school students to the exciting world of philosophical thought. This weeklong camp develops participants’ reasoning skills through fun and engaging learning activities. The summer 2023 camp will explore philosophical issues that arise in the context of artificial intelligence, including whether, and if so how, decision-making algorithms might encode injustice to whether a computer program can be conscious. Learn more and register to attend. 

Major or Minor in Philosophy: Train yourself in rigorous, analytical reasoning; learn how to solve problems and communicate logically and persuasively, both in speech and in writing; construct powerful arguments while pondering some of the deepest questions in human life. 

World class faculty: Study with philosophers who are top in their fields, and who focus on a broad range of research questions and the entire history of western philosophy. 

Active student community: Weekly Philosophy Club meetings and Undergraduate Ambassador program.

Research: Opportunities to conduct independent research supervised by faculty.

Excellent career training: Acquire versatile skills and work habits that apply in all other disciplines, endeavors and work environments.

Investigate a multitude of practical reasons to study philosophy by clicking the button below.

Learn about the Department of Philosophy
 

The Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) major is a collaboration between the Departments of Economics, Philosophy, and Political Science. First offered in fall 2018, it now has more than 200 majors enrolled who come from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives. PPE students double major in fields as diverse as Business, Computer Science, Dance, Education, Engineering, History, Law, Mathematics, Medicine, Psychology, and Public Policy.

What is PPE?

Our lives and our communities are profoundly shaped by political and economic forces that often seem difficult to control. The next generation of citizens must be able to understand how these forces work, examine their impact, and think carefully about the values that are at stake in the choices we face.

Starting at Oxford in the 1920s, Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) programs have spread to more than one hundred universities around the world. The major offers broad and rigorous training in the foundations of all three disciplines, enabling students to study the forces and institutions that shape the modern world from more than one perspective.

What careers do PPE students pursue?

College graduates are increasingly expected to think across traditional boundaries and to have skills that enable them to address complex problems in both the public and private sectors. PPE majors learn how our major economic and political systems function and are taught to engage them critically with the aim of discovering new possibilities in our shared global community. The analytical tools and interdisciplinary approach that the PPE major provides will prepare students for careers in law, public policy and public service, business, finance, consulting, NGOs, education, journalism, and other pursuits that engage public life.

The PPE major at OSU

After training in the foundations of each collaborating discipline, PPE students take two core courses that are open only to majors. These courses demonstrate the interdisciplinary approach to public issues that makes the major so distinctive. Students also pursue a concentration within the major to focus on an area of particular interest.

Other opportunities for PPE majors

PPE majors have access to the same research, internship, and study abroad opportunities that are available to Economics, Philosophy, and Political Science majors. The undergraduate PPE Society is dedicated to creating community around PPE outside the classroom. The PPE Society regularly sponsors guest speakers, social events, and study groups for PPE students.

For more information about the PPE major, please visit our website.

Valentino Scholarship  

The Department of Physics is pleased to announce the Valentino Scholarship, which is an $8,000 per academic year scholarship awarded to one incoming student per year who plans to major in physics or engineering physics at The Ohio State University. This scholarship competition is open to any high school senior applying to Ohio State who has declared a major of physics or a pre-major of engineering physics. 

Rules and Regulations 

• Eligibility for this scholarship is limited to students enrolling in The Ohio State University in Autumn 2022 who will major in physics or engineering physics. To clarify, applicants do not need to have been admitted to OSU or have accepted an admissions offer by the Valentino application deadline as we understand these decisions can happen later. In order to receive the funding in the autumn, the scholarship awardee will need to accept their OSU admission offer and enroll in autumn classes - both of which will happen after the Valentino application deadline. If the scholarship awardee chooses to not attend OSU, or is not admitted to OSU, the scholarship will be given to a different student. The scholarship is open to both U.S. citizens and non-U.S.citizens and is not limited to residents of Ohio. 
• This competition is not affiliated with the application process to The Ohio State University. All application materials for this scholarship, including high school transcript, must be sent to the address below to assure full consideration for the scholarship. Unlike the other requested materials, the committee does have access to view the ACT/SAT scores you've sent to the university so you will not need to resend your official test scores.  
• The scholarship is renewable for up to 4 years as long as the student continues to make good progress toward a degree in physics or engineering physics. 
• If the student withdraws from the physics or engineering physics major, or fails to make adequate progress toward a physics or engineering physics degree, the scholarship will be terminated. 
• The scholarship recipient will be determined by a combination of high school courses and grades, letters of recommendation, SAT or ACT scores, and the online application completed by the applicant. 
• The amount of this award will be added after any other non-need-based financial aid is awarded, up to the maximum allowed by The Ohio State University.  

Required Application Materials 

1. Online Application  
    
2. Two letters of recommendation from people who know the applicant well. At least one letter must come from a high school teacher and the other can be from a teacher, or in exceptional cases, someone else qualified to evaluate the applicant's mathematical and scientific abilities. Please give the letter writers the letter writer instructions. 
    
3. High school transcript sent by email to Lindsey Thaler at thaler.21@osu.edu (preferred method) or by mail to Lindsey Thaler; 1040 Physics Research Building; 191 W. Woodruff Avenue; Columbus, OH 43210. 

For questions or further information, please contact Lindsey Thaler by email at thaler.21@osu.edu.  

The Department of Political Science offers three undergraduate major options, including a Political Science Bachelor of Arts, a Political Science Bachelor of Science and a World Politics Bachelor of Arts. 

The Political Science Bachelor of Arts offers students the opportunity to study the many dimensions of politics, government and power. Students take core courses as well as courses that match their personal interests. Students can choose to specialize in:

• Democracy and law
• Political identities and allegiances
• Political economy and development
• Cooperation, conflict and violence
• Inequality and justice
• Political leadership and reform
• Political analysis
• American politics
• Comparative politics
• International relations
• Political theory

The Political Science Bachelor of Science provides rigorous training in social scientific methodology and equips students to study and produce empirical research about politics. This major allows students who plan to attend graduate school for advanced study in political science or another social science discipline, or who are pursuing a second STEM-related major or minor, to pursue their interest in politics while developing and making use of their analytical and technical skills. The main difference between this program and the Bachelor of Arts degree is the emphasis on methodological training. 

The World Politics Bachelor of Arts provides an in-depth understanding of political institutions and processes around the world at the national, cross-national and international levels. This major will prepare students to live and work in a globalized environment in which international events influence domestic politics, and vice versa, with increasing intensity. The World Politics major provides a globally focused, innovative, unique, high-quality program that is responsive to the needs and interests of a rapidly growing number of Ohio State students. The world politics major is organized into four specializations: 

• Foreign Policy and Security
• Political Economy and Development
• Political institutions and processes in countries outside the United States
• International political theory

The department also offers several minor programs to accommodate the interests and needs of students from a variety of majors. These focused minors allow students to gain foundational knowledge in various subfields of political science in preparation for their post-college careers. Minors include:

• Campaigns and elections
• Comparative politics
• Judicial politics
• Legal Foundations of Society
• Political decision-making

For more information about the Political Science program, please visit our website or reach out to connect with us at polisci@osu.edu or 614-292-2880.

The annual Humanities and Cognitive Sciences High School Summer Institute (HumCog) is a week-long summer day camp that provides a critical thinking forum for rising high school students to explore the big questions at the intersection of the humanities and cognitive sciences.

At HumCog, students will come to the Ohio State campus each day to learn about the correlation of brain sciences and the humanities. They will spend the mornings with world-renowned professors in daily lectures and afternoons in group discussions and activities. Students will be introduced to research methods, as well as library and online resources. Through hands on laboratory activities and collaborative research with fellow institute scholars, students will get a glimpse of what it's like to be a student at The Ohio State University.

At the end of the week, students will have learned central aspects of just how the humanities and cognitive sciences can work together to help us understand how we imagine, artistically create, and materially transform the world in which we live. For example, new research in brain sciences can help us understand how we create and consume culture such as film, comic books, TV, poetry, short stories, and video games. Combining this knowledge with research being conducted in the humanities can help us better understand critical processes such as thought, feeling, and action in our scientific world.

For more information and to apply, please visit the Humanities & Cognitive Sciences High School Summer Institute webpage. 

The Department of Slavic and East European Languages and Cultures is proud to offer a Russian Major, a Russian Minor, and a Minor in Slavic & East European Studies, as well as a number of courses designed to educate students of all backgrounds in this region of the world. The Slavic Department is pleased to offer instruction in many important languages of the region, including Russian, Polish, Romanian, Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian, and Czech.

Our classes are generally small by design and have direct relevance to contemporary culture and to today's job market. Student advising is an important feature of our program; faculty, staff, and graduate teaching associates are committed to enriching our undergraduate students' experience both inside and outside the classroom, and work closely with them in exploring career possibilities, arranging internships, and sponsoring a host of extracurricular activities. We also welcome into our program "heritage students," those who acquired the knowledge of the language either through their early years in Russia and other Slavic and East European countries, or through language exposure in their family.

The Department of Sociology at The Ohio State University offers major and minor programs in Sociology and in Criminology & Criminal Justice Studies.

Sociology is the study of human behavior in its context.  For example, how does your social network shape your behavior?  Why has inequality increased so much in the United States?  And what role do schools play in perpetuating or preventing inequality in society?  These are merely a few examples from our own faculty research, but sociology touches on many additional topics, including the study of race relations, politics, culture, economic inequality, religion, crime and much more.  The common thread across these thematic foci is that we use data and rigorous research methods to systematically and scientifically investigate how people and organizations are influenced by the characteristics of settings in which they reside and operate. 

Criminology is the study of the causes and consequence of criminal behavior. For instance, why do some people stop committing crimes while others become entrenched? Why do some neighborhoods have more killing than others? And why do some people go to prison for their crimes while others get probation? Criminology also uses data on individuals, cities and countries to understand patterns of crime and punishment.

Why major in sociology or criminology?

The short answer is that we provide our students with a strong foundation for entering the workforce or pursuing advanced degrees in the social sciences, law, or public health. All students learn to make evidence-based arguments, analyze data and acquire knowledge of other cultures so that they can collaborate in diverse workplace settings. Students receive individual guidance from a personal academic advisor and gain hands-on experience through a required internship or faculty-directed undergraduate research. Our graduates find work in a variety of sectors, including public health, law, criminal justice, non-profit organizations, human rights advocacy, data analytics and business. 

Undergraduate students can major in Sociology or in Criminology & Criminal Justice Studies. We offer a Bachelor of Arts degree for both majors and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. The B.S. option requires additional methods training and allows students to choose from one of three specialty areas—population dynamics and wellness; criminology, law and society or social inequality and poverty. 

The Department of Sociology also offers four minor programs in Sociology, Criminology & Criminal Justice Studies, Inequality & Society and Health & Society as well as a Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Explore Sociology—We’ll change your world!

Our department is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where students can explore the richness of Latinx, Spanish and Portugese languages and cultures. With a distinguished faculty passionate about teaching and research, students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge academic pursuits while honing their language skills. We pride ourselves on offering a variety of options; including four Spanish major tracks, a Portuguese major, as well as four minors. This diverse set of offerings allows students to tailor their academic journey to align with specific interests and career goals. Whether interested in literature, linguistics, translation, or cultural studies, our diverse and comprehensive programs will empower you to become a global citizen with a deep understanding of the Hispanic and Lusophone worlds. 

One of the principal goals of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese is to help students attain the highest possible level of language proficiency. To complement classroom study in each language, our department proudly offers various extracurricular and enrichment opportunities for students to further enhance their skills and experience with Spanish, Portuguese, Quechua and Catalan. The department encourages students to take advantage of several short-term and long-term study abroad programs in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Perú, Portugal and Spain.

Students with previous experience with Spanish language may be able to begin at a more advanced level through Departmental Placement, Testing and Transfer Credit options.

Why Study Spanish?

• There are 470 million native speakers of Spanish
• Spanish is the official language of 40 countries
• Spanish is one of the six official languages of the United Nations
• Over 75% of Spanish majors also carry another major, such as Neuroscience, Public Health, Business, Nursing, Social Work, Biology, and International Studies
• Ohio State graduates with Spanish degrees have chosen a wide range of professions. 

Why Study Portuguese?

• Portuguese is spoken in countries on four continents: Brazil, Portugal, Mozambique, Angola, Cape Verde, East Timor, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, Equatorial Guinea, and Macau.
• It is the 9th most spoken language in the world, with approximately 234 million speakers. 
• More than a third of Latin America's population lives in Brazil and speaks Portuguese.

The Department of Speech and Hearing Science provides students the foundational knowledge in the study of normal and disordered functioning of the auditory system, speech mechanism and language processing. Students from this major go on to careers in audiology, speech-language pathology, medicine, rehabilitation, and other health sciences.

What do speech-language pathologists do?
Speech-language pathologists work to prevent, assess, diagnose and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive communication and swallowing disorders.

What do audiologists do?
Audiologists work to prevent, identify, diagnose and treat hearing, balance and other auditory disorders.

What is the job outlook for speech-language pathology and audiology?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers for speech-language pathology and audiology are expected to grow by 27% and 16%, respectively, over the next 10 years.

What do Ohio State Speech and Hearing Science students do?
Students at Ohio State interact with world-class faculty who study differences and disorders in speech, language and hearing associated with autism, cleft palate, swallowing, traumatic brain injury, stroke, aging, noise-exposure, chemotherapy, second language acquisition, cochlear implants and dialectical variation.

Experiential Learning Opportunity:
A number of experiential learning opportunities are available through the department, including Adult Neurogenics for Speech-Language Pathology, and Hearing Screenings for Audiology.  These volunteer opportunities allow students to interact with individuals from the community and learn how audiologists and speech-language pathologists provide services to a variety of different groups.  Students will receive hands-on experience and develop an appreciation of the impact of communication disability on quality of life for people from a variety of cultural backgrounds. 

For more information, please visit: sphs.osu.edu/undergrad

The Department of Statistics offers two undergraduate majors, Statistics and Data Analytics. There is some overlap between the two majors, since both emphasize data-centered problem solving, statistical modeling, and theoretical and practical applications. However, the major in Statistics provides more theoretical and mathematical training, whereas Data Analytics has a stronger computational focus. Statistics majors will acquire proficiency with computational tools but in a narrower range than the Data Analytics majors.

Statistics: 

Statistics is the science of decision-making under uncertainty, and it encompasses all that is required to make sound decisions based on data and models of the world. On the one hand, this includes study design, and the collection, assessment, and curation of data; on the other, it includes formal statistical models that capture an abstraction of reality and the tools of probability upon which the models rest. Finally, the notions of statistical inference bring data and model together to both make decisions and enrich our understanding of the world. Students will gain statistical, computational, and numerical skills which are applicable in many fields such as agriculture, business, education, science and engineering, finance, medicine, and the social sciences.

Students entering the workforce with the major in Statistics will be well-suited for jobs requiring statistical analyses of data coupled with the ability to provide theoretically grounded insights. Employment prospects are strong, with a projected growth of 33% from 2021-2031 (source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics). Statisticians work in many fields, such as pharmaceuticals, finance, consumer science, medicine, environmental science, agriculture, business, education, science and engineering, and the social sciences. Statistics majors will also be prepared for graduate study, leading to further opportunities in academia, industry, and government. Within Columbus, there are numerous opportunities for employment as a statistician, with companies such as Nationwide Insurance, JPMorgan Chase, and Battelle Memorial Institute regularly hiring Ohio State-trained statisticians. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021 the national median salary for statisticians was $95,570. This includes workers specializing in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics and economic statistics.

Data Analytics: 

Data analytics applies fundamental scientific principles to the analysis of large, complex data sets. This rapidly growing field needs practitioners with expertise that cuts across core disciplines of computer science, mathematics and statistics, AND highly developed critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills. The Data Analytics major is an interdisciplinary major coordinated jointly between the Department of Statistics and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and has curricular partnerships with five colleges across the university. As an interdisciplinary major, students will choose a specialization from one of the following fields: 

Biomedical and Public Health Analytics

The Biomedical and Public Health Analytics specialization introduces students to the core sub-disciplines of biomedical informatics and public health analytics that play a role in data analysis and discovery in biological and medical information systems, environmental health, and emerging infectious diseases.

Business Analytics

The Business Analytics specialization introduces students to the practice of data analytics in business, with a focus on applications in finance, accounting, customer insights, and operations and logistics.

Computational Analytics

The focus of the specialization in Computational (Data) Analytics is to allow students to further explore and specialize in the areas of large-scale data analytics and architectures from theory to practice with more of a computational focus.

Data Visualization

The Data Visualization specialization provides students with an understanding of the human-centered approach to the design of static and interactive visual and experiential materials. Students will learn visualization techniques and produce their own visual stories to interpret complex information. 

Social Science Analytics

Students pursuing the Social Science Analytics specialization will develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts and issues involved in doing social science research (e.g., theory development and hypothesis testing, ethics, sampling, various types of validity, and measurement) and the skills necessary to design original research.

Students entering the workforce with the major in Data Analytics will enter a relatively new field that has matured in the last several years (source: Harvard Business Review), with a projected growth of 36% from 2021-2031 (source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics) and a 2021 median annual income of $100,910. The use of big data is being integrated into career opportunities in ways that were unimagined a few years ago, including clinical research, sports analytics, cyber security, market research, genomic sequencing, health information systems, machine intelligence, search engine development, financial fund management, pharmaceutical research, aviation management, insurance and risk management, and infectious disease epidemiology. 

The Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts has moved into a brand new, state-of-the-art building on College Road in the university’s Arts District. Majors in Film Studies, Moving-Image Production, and Theatre have joined other performing and visual arts disciplines in the center of campus with unparalleled opportunities for artistic community and collaboration.

The new building houses theatres for live performance, a soundstage and post-production facilities for filmmaking, and performance and film/media laboratories for exploration where students and faculty can make discoveries and create new and exciting work.

Moving-Image Production Majors take pre-major foundation courses in film/video-making in their first year, building a portfolio for review for application into the major. The Moving-Image Production Major prepares students for a range of careers or graduate study in independent and industry filmmaking.

Film Studies Majors explore cinema as an international social practice and humanistic discipline. They leave Ohio State prepared for careers in film criticism, screenwriting, working for film archives and festivals, graduate study, and work in fields that welcome those majoring in the humanities.

Theatre Majors take a general theatre curriculum that includes history and text, design, performance, production, and experiential learning. Majors can customize their program through a rich array of electives. An audition is not required for admission.

Class size within these majors range from 16 – 25. Our students have the benefits of studying at a large research institution AND the benefits of small class sizes within the major. The department also offers several interdisciplinary minors to extend and supplement students' primary area of study. Incorporating fields such as art and aesthetics, intercultural contexts, popular culture, theatre and film production and screenings, and many modes of visual arts, our programs offer students extensive possibilities to explore how meaning grows from the visual and performing arts.

What is Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies/WGSS?

With a commitment to analyzing relationships of power, challenging forms of oppression, and building knowledge that liberates, Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies gives students the tools to understand the world around them. The undergraduate major prepares students to analyze social, cultural, political, economic and scientific assumptions and practices that produce and maintain relations of inequality. WGSS students understand the ways in which people in all their diversity are affected by society, culture and its institutions and can then affect social change. A WGSS education prepares students to make an impact both in their careers and communities.

We advance the field through interdisciplinary research and innovative learning experiences, inspiring a new generation of gender and sexuality scholars and feminist leaders committed to social justice. 

Why Major in WGSS at OSU?

1. WGSS students develop critical thinking, communication, collaboration, research, and leadership skills that drive social change and are highly valued by employers. 
2. The WGSS major and minors are flexible programs that can be easily paired with another major or minor. 
3. As an interdisciplinary field, WGSS prepares students for a wide range of graduate and professional programs.
4. Additionally, many WGSS students are double majors. The WGSS major, just 33 credit hours, allows students to pursue a second major in another discipline, such as Psychology, Political Science, Nursing, Communications, and many, many more!

Consider a Minor in WGSS

The Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies also offers three distinct minors that complement a wide range of majors, such as health sciences, nursing, psychology, communication, marketing, political science, education, history, and English, among others. Specifically, we offer the following:

• Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies Minor
• LGBTQ+ Studies Minor
• Women, Gender and Public Policy Minor

To apply, select Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies (WGSS) as your major on your undergraduate application. If admitted, you will be enrolled directly into the Bachelor of Arts degree program. 

Prospective students are encouraged to schedule tours to learn more about our undergraduate program. Email wgss@osu.edu to schedule a visit or if you have any questions about WGSS.

For more information, visit the Department of WGSS website at wgss.osu.edu.