Exploratory Majors

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

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

18%
of OHIO students start undecided
80%
of college students change their majors at least once
250+
academic programs for you to choose from

Undecided?

University College is decidedly the best choice.

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

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

How to Pick a Major

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

Undeclared

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

DECLARE A MAJOR

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

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

Tuition and Fees

Fee Type Ohio Resident Non-Resident
Full Program Tuition & Fees
$17,166 $29,154
University Fees
$654 $854

Tuition and fees are for estimating purposes and are subject to change. Pending Board of Trustees' approval. 

*Additional fees include health insurance and legal fees but may be waived if proof of coverage is shown; required of international students.

Financial Aid

Financial aid for graduate study (regardless of discipline) is available in the form of student loans. To begin the loan application process, you need to complete and submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The school code for Ohio University is 003100.

To learn more about loans, scholarships and grants, visit Ohio University's Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships . Another good resource is The College Board .

My University College advisor

was always there to help guide me into finding my major. She went over my grades, classes and prerequisites, and took the time to narrow down my interests. I am now pursuing a business degree, which will help me to own my own business in the future. - Hannah Kaufman, Class of 2022

Hannah Kaufman

Entering as an undecided student

in University College was truly the best decision I could have made for myself. I was able to pick a Learning Community with a cluster of classes that was focused in visual communications and public relations. Through those weekly seminar classes I was able to explore the nine colleges Ohio University offers, as well as the many majors available at OHIO. - Meg Tobin, Class of 2021, Academic Advisor at Indiana University Bloomington

Meg Tobin

If you decided something

and you don't love it, you're allowed to switch. You're allowed to go in different directions and figure yourself out. That's how you're going to get where you want to be. - Spencer Caputo, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Class of 2023

Spencer Caputo

Request information

Loading...
View Site in Mobile | Classic
Share by: