Undeclared
Welcome Home!
The Center for Student Success serves as the academic home for students who are undeclared majors, as well as students who are transitioning between majors. The process of finding a major is an important step to your academic success and we will support you every step of the journey.
Resources for Undeclared or Transitioning Students
Individual Guidance – Make an appointment with an advisor in the Center for Student Success or Center for Career Planning for individual support, guidance, and more information than you can imagine about majors, careers, and making a plan for success.
Community Gatherings – Building community among undeclared students is an important way to find your home and your ultimate path to a major. The Center for Student Success coordinates several community gatherings a year for undeclared students – watch your email for event specifics!
Academic Advising – Each student receives an individual academic advisor and Undeclared students are no different. Your advisor has received special training to support undeclared students and you should consider them a great resource. Not sure who your advisor is? It is listed in My Banner which you access through O-Zone. Thinking of switching advisors? Not a problem, visit the advising section of our website to learn how.
Decide to Be Undeclared
Many students experience anxiety when they are not sure of a college major. However, at Otterbein, our students often take pride in their intentional decision not to declare a major.
Undeclared students surround themselves with resources to learn more about who they are, what their strengths and interests are, market and job trends, and build an academic plan that leads to success.
Most undeclared students take time to explore different academic interests within their first year, while also making forward progress on their general education requirements. Students can often begin in major classes within the first year at Otterbein, which means undeclared students can really dive into an area of interest within the first year. If they find that major isn't a good fit, they have plenty of time to try something new.
Resources to Help You Find a Major
Students who are undeclared majors at Otterbein are surrounded with resources to help them discover their major and ultimate vocational path.
The Center for Student Success serves are the departmental home for the undeclared major. The Center coordinates communication and programming for undeclared students. Additionally, the Center provides supplemental academic advising to help direct students as they transition between majors and academic programs.
The Center for Career Planning provides guidance for students seeking to understand more about themselves and related career paths. Through individualized appointments, career assessments, and programs, the Center provides career advising and exploration resources. First year students are encouraged to use the Center for early career and major planning.
Additionally, each undeclared student is assigned an academic advisor. This is a personal guide to their academic journey and success as Otterbein. Undeclared advisors receive additional training on working specifically with undeclared students.
Typical First Year Schedule for an Undeclared Major
Fall Semester
- FYS Course (topic chosen based on potential major interest)
- Math
- Modern Language
- Class in interest area
J-Term
- SLD 1000 – Major and Career Exploration Course
Spring Semester
- INST 1500
- Math
- Modern Language
- Class in interest area
Specific Classes for Undeclared Students
SLD 1000 – Major and Career Exploration, 2 credit hours – Offered in J-Term
This course serves as an introductory career development course and to assist students with understanding how their interests, values, skills, personality, and self-concept relate to decisions regarding academic, career and life planning. Topics will include analyzing personal career interests, values, and abilities; surveying and researching occupational interests; practicing the decision-making process; discussing the importance of internships and how to make the most out of the experience; and learning basic job search skills such as developing resumes and cover letters and practicing networking and interviewing.
FYS 1034 – Decisions, Decisions, Decisions – Discoveries for College and Beyond, 4 credit hours – Offered in Fall Semester
This course serves as an introductory career development course and to assist students with understanding how their interests, values, skills, personality, and self-concept relate to decisions regarding academic, career and life planning. Topics will include analyzing personal career interests, values, and abilities; surveying and researching occupational interests; practicing the decision-making process; discussing the importance of internships and how to make the most out of the experience; and learning basic job search skills such as developing resumes and cover letters and practicing networking and interviewing.