Undeclared

Welcome Home!

Student Success & Career Development 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 SSCD for individual support, guidance, and more information than you can imagine about majors, careers, and making a plan for success.

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.

Student Success & Career Development serves as the departmental home for undeclared students. SSCD coordinates communication and programming for undeclared students. Additionally, we provide supplemental academic advising to help direct students as they transition between majors and academic programs.

Student Success & Career Development provides guidance for students seeking to understand more about themselves and related career paths. Through individualized appointments, career assessments, and programs, SSCD provides career advising and exploration resources. First-year students are encouraged to use SSCD 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)
  • INST 1500
  • Skills Class (Modern Language, Lab-Based Science, or Oral and Written Communication)
  • Major Exploration Class

Spring Semester

  • INST 20XX
  • Math
  • Skills Class (Modern Language, Lab-Based Science, or Oral and Written Communication)
  • Major Exploration Class

Apply
Now!