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Here’s Why Otterbein is a  SMARTER WAY TO LEARN.

We are a smarter way to learn. We have been since day one.

  • A ground-breaking Integrative Studies curriculum.
  • National recognition for excellence in undergraduate teaching.
  • Commitment to experiential, immersive learning.
  • A comprehensive four-year program preparing you to design goals, build a career plan, and map your future.

Learn how you’ll develop more of your potential with some of higher education’s boldest initiatives.

Find Your Thing HERE.

ARTS

BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATION

EDUCATION

EQUINE SCIENCE

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

HUMANITIES

SOCIAL SCIENCES

STEM

UNDECLARED STUDENTS

PRE-PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS

From day one, you’ll benefit from:

  • The chance to perform and create on a campus that celebrates the arts with access to a major metropolitan city regarded for its arts commitment.
  • Close, personal attention from accomplished faculty who are active, practicing artists, musicians, and arts professionals.
  • Access to renowned gallery spaces, extensive production opportunities, and a variety of ensembles.
  • Real world experiences to showcase your talent.
  • A comprehensive and experiential curriculum designed to develop artists and artisans of the highest ability.
4

See Academic Program Highlights

From day one, you’ll benefit from:

  • Hands-on, experiential coursework.
  • America’s 14th largest city and its many internships and career opportunities.
  • Faculty who are practicing professionals who work to ensure quality internship opportunities for students with industry leaders ranging from Honda and Nationwide Children’s Hospital to JPMorgan Chase and KPMG.
  • Professional opportunities with campus media production facilities, including radio and digital news outlets.
  • Study abroad opportunities to expand your worldview of the global market.
4

See Academic Program Highlights

    From day one, you’ll benefit from:

    • The chance to address complex challenges that affect communities and institutions.
    • Experiential education with many field experiences.
    • Access to an incredible array of internships.
    • Close mentoring relationships with and individualized attention from faculty.
    • The opportunity to publish research and present at conferences.
    • An understanding of how to be a positive catalyst for effective social, institutional, and policy reform.
    • Experiences that prepare you to enter the workforce or pursue a graduate education.

     

    4

    See Academic Program Highlights

    From day one, you’ll benefit from:

    • Timely coursework designed to build your knowledge and network.
    • Getting hands-on with internships and field experiences.
    • State-of-the-art facilities including Nursing simulation labs, the Biomechanics Institute, and the Knowlton Center for Equine Science.
    • A flexible curriculum designed to enhance career and professional passions with room to add a second major or minors.
    • Individualized attention from accomplished faculty and access to industry leaders.
    • Experiences ensuring you understand best practices and emerging trends.
    4

    See Academic Program Highlights

    From day one, you’ll benefit from:

    • Timely coursework designed to build your knowledge and network.
    • Getting hands-on with internships and field experiences.
    • State-of-the-art facilities including Nursing simulation labs, the Biomechanics Institute, and the Knowlton Center for Equine Science.
    • A flexible curriculum designed to enhance career and professional passions with room to add a second major or minors.
    • Individualized attention from accomplished faculty and access to industry leaders.
    • Experiences ensuring you understand best practices and emerging trends.
    4

    See Academic Program Highlights

    From day one, you’ll benefit from:

    • Access to leading University and visiting humanities scholars.
    • Personal mentoring and research collaboration with nationally and internationally known humanities faculty.
    • Immersive experiences like local and national internships, presenting at national humanities conferences, or publishing in Otterbein’s student-run journals or ‘zines.
    • Humanities travel courses to the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
    • Access to Otterbein’s National Humanities Endowment funds to support research, travel, and humanities events.
    4

    See Academic Program Highlights

    From day one, you’ll benefit from:

    • The chance to address complex challenges that affect communities and institutions.
    • Experiential education with many field experiences.
    • Access to an incredible array of internships.
    • Close mentoring relationships with and individualized attention from faculty.
    • The opportunity to publish research and present at conferences.
    • An understanding of how to be a positive catalyst for effective social, institutional, and policy reform.
    • Experiences that prepare you to enter the workforce or pursue a graduate education.
    4

    See Academic Program Highlights

    SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH

    From day one, you’ll benefit from:

    • A rigorous hands-on curriculum and individualized attention from faculty.
    • State-of-the-art facilities in the Science Center and The Point.
    • Opportunities to conduct research, present at national scientific conferences, and publish in scholarly journals.
    • Help in securing local, national, and international internships.
    • Ability to shadow medical professionals in regional hospitals and veterinary clinics.
    • Travel courses throughout the world.
    • Purposeful program flexibility allows you to balance STEM with other passions.
    4

    See Academic Program Highlights

    • Undeclared
    • Business Undeclared
    • Humanities Undeclared
    • STEM Undeclared

    While many students experience anxiety when they are not sure of a college major — Otterbein students often take pride in their intentional decision not to declare a major.

    As an undeclared student, you will be surrounded with resources to learn more about who you are, what your strengths and interests are, market and job trends, and will get support in building an academic plan.

    You also can start as undeclared in Business, Humanities, or STEM if you have interests in those areas but are unsure of which academic program to choose.

    4

    See Academic Program Highlights

    While there is not a specific “pre-health profession” or “pre-med” major, see some of the suggested options and academic programs that provide a solid educational foundation for graduate studies.

    These majors will also prepare you for the required national entrance exams for these professional health schools and programs.

    For those students interested in a Pre-Law track, Otterbein does offer a minor in Legal Studies/Pre-Law.

    4

    See Academic Program Highlights

    ARTS

    From day one, you’ll benefit from:

    • The chance to perform and create on a campus that celebrates the arts with access to a major metropolitan city regarded for its arts commitment.
    • Close, personal attention from accomplished faculty who are active, practicing artists, musicians, and arts professionals.
    • Access to renowned gallery spaces, extensive production opportunities, and a variety of ensembles.
    • Real world experiences to showcase your talent.
    • A comprehensive and experiential curriculum designed to develop artists and artisans of the highest ability.

     

    Major List:

    BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATION

    From day one, you’ll benefit from:

    • Hands-on, experiential coursework.
    • America’s 14th largest city and its many internships and career opportunities.
    • Faculty who are practicing professionals who work to ensure quality internship opportunities for students with industry leaders ranging from Honda and Nationwide Children’s Hospital to JPMorgan Chase and KPMG.
    • Professional opportunities with campus media production facilities, including radio and digital news outlets.
    • Study abroad opportunities to expand your worldview of the global market.

     

    Major List:

    EDUCATION

    From day one, you’ll benefit from:

    • The chance to address complex challenges that affect communities and institutions.
    • Experiential education with many field experiences.
    • Access to an incredible array of internships.
    • Close, mentoring relationships with and individualized attention from faculty.
    • The opportunity to publish research and present at conferences.
    • Understanding how to be a positive catalyst for effective social, institutional, and policy reform.
    • Experiences that prepare you to enter the workforce or pursue a graduate education.

     

    Major List:

    * Students earn teaching licensure through the Education Department while earning their degree in the subject matter they wish to teach.

    EQUINE SCIENCE

    From day one, you’ll benefit from:

    • Timely coursework designed to build your knowledge and network.
    • Getting hands-on with internships and field experiences.
    • State-of-the-art facilities including Nursing simulation labs, the Biomechanics Institute, and the Knowlton Center for Equine Science.
    • A flexible curriculum designed to enhance career and professional passions with room to add a second major or minors.
    • Individualized attention from accomplished faculty and access to industry leaders.
    • Experiences ensuring you understand best practices and emerging trends.

    Major List:

    HEALTH AND WELLNESS

    From day one, you’ll benefit from:

    • Timely coursework designed to build your knowledge and network.
    • Getting hands-on with internships and field experiences.
    • State-of-the-art facilities including Nursing simulation labs, the Biomechanics Institute, and the Knowlton Center for Equine Science.
    • A flexible curriculum designed to enhance career and professional passions with room to add a second major or minors.
    • Individualized attention from accomplished faculty and access to industry leaders.
    • Experiences ensuring you understand best practices and emerging trends.

     

    Major List:

    HUMANITIES

    From day one, you’ll benefit from:

    • Access to leading University and visiting humanities scholars.
    • Personal mentoring and research collaboration with nationally and internationally known humanities faculty.
    • Immersive experiences like local and national internships, presenting at national humanities conferences, or publishing in Otterbein’s student-run journals or ‘zines.
    • Humanities travel courses to the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
    • Access to Otterbein’s National Humanities Endowment funds to support research, travel, and humanities events.

    Major List:

    SOCIAL SCIENCES

    Criminology and Justice Studies
    Psychology
    Sociology
    Sustainability Studies

    Major List:

    STEM

    SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH

    From day one, you’ll benefit from:

    • A rigorous hands-on curriculum and individualized attention from faculty.
    • State-of-the-art facilities in the Science Center and The Point.
    • Opportunities to conduct research, present at national scientific conferences, and publish in scholarly journals.
    • Help in securing local, national, and international internships.
    • Ability to shadow medical professionals in regional hospitals and veterinary clinics.
    • Travel courses throughout the world.
    • Purposeful program flexibility allows you to balance STEM with other passions.

    Major List:

    UNDECLARED STUDENTS

    Undeclared
    Business Undeclared
    Humanities Undeclared
    STEM Undeclared

    Major List:

    PRE-PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS

    Dentistry
    Law
    Medicine
    Occupational Therapy
    Optometry
    Osteopathic Medicine
    Physical Therapy
    Veterinary Medicine

    Major List:

    Visit our Undergraduate Programs of Study page to see the full listing of Otterbein’s majors, minors, and more. For information about graduate programs, visit our Graduate School page.

    A Smarter Way to Learn STARTS HERE.

    It’s not just about what you learn, it’s also about how you learn.

    Gradcutout

    While this University is known for leading the pack with some of higher education’s boldest initiatives, you’ll find the focus on you — your dreams, your goals, your success — is what makes learning different here.

    Individualized attention that develops more of each student’s potential is the unwritten code that guides how professors inspire, challenge, and coach student talent here.

    Couple that with a ground-breaking curriculum, immersive, hands-on experiences from day one, and four years of formalized professional training, and you have an introduction to Otterbein’s academic experience.

    Oliviabrickey

    “With Dr. Bennett’s mentoring, I have become more confident as a researcher and as a person. Through her lab, I became a great leader. She is a great motivator.”

    – Olivia Brickey, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, with
    Jennifer Bennett, Professor and Chair of Biology and Earth Sciences
    Jenniferb

    Ranked 12th, top 7%; Regional Universities-Midwest

    You will learn from, and with, professors who value your individual potential, your experiences, and who you are. Great teaching is an institutional priority here. We’re recognized nationally for Best Undergraduate Teaching.

    U.S. News & World Report, 2023-2024

    FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

    Quote Red

    Each year, Otterbein honors outstanding teachers for their impact on their students, colleagues, and the University.

    Congratulations to these dynamic and dedicated full- and part-time faculty who contribute so much to the Otterbein community both in and outside the classroom.

    We thank all our faculty for the many hours they dedicate to great teaching, positive student interactions, and support of Otterbein.

    Learn more about the winners >

    FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

    Quote 300x241 1
    Otterbein is small enough that students can form honest and enduring relationships with professors, but large enough that you can keep looking for the professors that are actually right for you.

    Tammy Birk, Associate Professor, Department of English

    Named the 2022-2023 Exemplary Teacher

    Learn more about Tammy Birk >

    FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

    Quote Red
    Connecting with students is energizing. Conducting and publishing research keeps me fresh. Seeing the surprise and questions that students have when engaging with new findings that challenge what they’ve learned so far keeps me inspired to keep the cycle going.

    Brandon Sinn, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology and Earth Science

    2022-2023 Otterbein New Teacher of the Year

    Learn more about Brandon Sinn >

    FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

    Tan Quoteup
    Eric Jones sees the boundaries of the Otterbein community extending far beyond Otterbein’s property lines. Jones’ idea of community reaches deep into Columbus neighborhoods wherever Jones feels he can make a difference.

    Eric Jones, Associate Professor, Department of Communication

    Named the 2021-2022 Exemplary Teacher

    Learn more about Eric Jones >

    FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

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    I love seeing the lightbulbs go off when a student understands how something works or recognizes their ability to do something they didn’t think was possible. 

    Jennifer Merkowitz, Professor, Department of Music

    Named the 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year

    Learn more about Jennifer Merkowitz >

    FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

    Quote Red
    I really value the close, personal relationships that I’m able to have with my students. A critical aspect of my teaching happens outside the classroom when I collaboratively work with students both in the lab and field on undergraduate theses.

    Sarah Bouchard Ph.D., Professor

    2020 Otterbein Teacher of the Year

    Learn more about Sarah Bouchard >

    FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

    Quote 300x241 1
    I love the work I get to do with our majors — particularly the senior writing project, which is an opportunity for me to work one-on-one with students on a project that they’re passionate about that they can then use to apply for grad schools, job opportunities, and even publish.

    Jeremy Llorence, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of English

    Named the 2020 New Teacher

    Learn more about Jeremy Llorence >

    FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

    Quote 300x241 1
    Congratulations to Casey J. Tucker for receiving the 2020 Teaching in General Education award at Otterbein University.

    Casey J. Tucker, Ph.D., Instructor, Department of Biology & Earth Science

    Learn more about Casey Tucker >

    FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

    Tan Quoteup
    The Otterbein Education Department treats both professors and students as education professionals. I help students develop their lessons and my students offer suggestions for my practice. We quickly become colleagues trading teaching ideas.

    Paul Wendel, Ph.D., Associate Professor & Education Department Chair

    Named the 2020 Exemplary Teacher

    Learn more about Paul Wendel >

    Othnianddenise

    “My favorite psychology professor is Dr. Hatter-Fisher. She provides a diverse perspective and has always been a friendly face for multicultural students — someone they can connect with and relate to.”

    – Othni Obas, Psychology, with
    Denise Hatter-Fisher, Professor of Psychology, Practicing Private Psychologist

    Innovate HERE.

    Explore Otterbein’s Groundbreaking Integrative Studies Curriculum

    People Waving Cutout

    Fifty years ago, Otterbein led the nation with its ground-breaking Integrative Studies (INST) curriculum. Today, Otterbein’s INST approach to education remains one of the most innovative models of learning in the country.

    What we created here — and how it continues to evolve — is regarded as one of the best models for general education curriculum. The country’s experts have said it’s the way colleges should teach. Our alumni say it made all the difference in how prepared they are to succeed in the workplace.

    Otterbein is intentional — especially when it comes to academics. This means there is a reason we do everything we do. But it’s more than a brilliant, purposeful curriculum at Otterbein. It’s not just what you learn — it’s how you learn, too.

    Otterbein’s 21st century INST curriculum ensures students are equipped as well-rounded leaders who know how to take risks, work with others, and ask the right questions to solve problems.

    YEARS 1-4

    Your major coursework starts as soon as your first year and is your specialized coursework of study. You can expand your knowledge and skill set with a double major or a smartly paired minor.

    YEAR 1

    First Year Seminar (FYS) is your first of eight Integrative Studies courses. FYS is designed to help you make the transition to life at Otterbein and get to know your new community.

    YEARS 2-3

    Integrative Studies (INST) Pathways offer six curricular threads to grow the breadth of your knowledge: Identity Projects; Self, Power, and Difference; Reflection and Responsibility; Natural Foundations; Creativity and Culture; and Global Cultures.

    YEAR 4

    Integrative Seminar is one course that is team-taught by two professors and explored from the vantage point of two different disciplines. Senior Year Experience (SYE) is a culminating experience that helps you reflect, connect, and get ready for life after Otterbein.

    Every Student Will Be READY for Their Future.

    Otterbein’s four-year plan for your career success.

    Otterbein’s READY program gives you four years of resources, training, and a team of people to guide and advise you for your future success. You will graduate with a custom career plan you build, and you’ll have the confidence to put it to work. 
    Otterbein Ready Wheel
    EVERY STUDENT WILL
    have a team of advisors and mentors help them design professional goals.

    YOU WILL …

    • Work with your own team of advisors and faculty mentors to build academic and professional goals.
    • Start imagining the kinds of experiences you want to have and explore career options that fit your talents and interests.
    • Get advice from experts, alumni, and people who care about your future.
    • Learn how to network.
    EVERY STUDENT WILL
    graduate with at least one immersive experience.

    YOU Will put knowledge to work through hands-on learning experiences in any of the following areas of focus:

    • Community Engagement.
    • Global and Intercultural Engagement.
    • Internships and Professional Experience.
    • Leadership and Citizenship.
    • Research and Creative Work.
    EVERY STUDENT WILL
    be READY to map their future success with a career plan they build.

    YOU WILL …

    • Benefit from formalized training, structured guidance, and clear expectations about career readiness.
    • Be equipped with power skills learned in the classroom and through immersive experiences.
    • Have the understanding and confidence to actualize the life and the career you want.
    EVERY STUDENT WILL
    benefit from four years of programs and milestones that include:​

    > Self-Discovery: Start exploring academic and career options, begin to consider your strengths and talents, and start learning from informational interview.
    > Career Jumpstart Conference: Learn networking etiquette and get the chance to practice it. You’ll also learn about job and graduate school search strategies, personal branding, resumes, and cover letters.
    > Preparation for Action and Transition: Whether it’s building your financial literacy or understanding of workplace culture expectations, you’ll feel confident and prepared.

    Success Stories START HERE.

    They started where you are now. Nervous. Excited. Hopeful. Unsure. So how did they get from there to here? The simple answer is Otterbein.

    There are plenty of notable accomplishments and national recognition that make Otterbein proud. However, what we value most – without a doubt – is the success of our students. What you learn and how you learn at Otterbein is different, and it will prepare you for the opportunities that are waiting for you after graduation.

    96.3% of the Class of 2022 were either

    EMPLOYED,
    IN GRADUATE SCHOOL,
    SERVING IN THE MILITARY,
    or OTHER VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS

    within six months of graduation.

    Lead HERE. Win HERE. Succeed HERE.

    Meet a few of the Cardinals from the Class of 2023 who — like the rest of their classmates — have bright futures ahead of them.
    Timmy

    TIMMY WOTRING

    Before coming to Otterbein, my biggest leadership position was as a team captain (for three sports). After coming to Otterbein, I’ve been the vice president of my fraternity, the treasurer and the president of student government, and more. Because of Otterbein, we are all ready for our next big change!
    Public Relations and Communication Studies
    Four years of involvement in Student Government (SG) and SG President in 2022-2023; diversity ambassador in the Office of Admission; member of Sigma Delta Phi Fraternity; study abroad course in Malawi, Africa.
    Gabe

    GABE SHARROCK

     The thing that I will miss the most when I graduate is my daily interactions with everyone on campus. That includes classmates, professors, teammates, coaches, food service staff, and everyone else that makes this campus so amazing. There is a sense of community on the Otterbein campus, and I am going to miss being a part of that every day.
    Allied Health
    Soccer standout and academic all-star, he won athletic All-Ohio Athletic Conference honors twice, as well as all-conference, all-regional, and all-state academic honors.

    HANNAH STURGEON

    I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support I had from my Otterbein family — from my friends in class to my supportive professors and the amazing administration. ‘Only at Otterbein’ is truly a perfect phrase.
    TRIPLE MAJOR: Environmental Science | Sustainability Studies | Political Science
    Currently serving as a Fellow for the Legislative Service Commission with a focus in finance policy for the Ohio House of Representatives.
    Hannah

    ZEKE HANNON

    There may not be 50,000 students on this campus, but I’ll take quality over quantity any day and if Otterbein has one thing, it’s quality — quality students, quality professors, quality curriculum.
    Public Relations
    Employed as a Media Production Fellow with the Legislative Service Commission producing for the Ohio Channel
    Zeke
    Nick

    NICK WILE

    Aside from my family, I have never been a part of a community that cared so deeply about not just my academics, but the type of person that I wanted to be.
    Engineering
    Nick is pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering with a focus in biomechanics at OSU.
    Riley

    RILEY SEIELSTAD

    The biggest draw to Education at Otterbein is the fact that we go into our placement so early. I’ve been in the school buildings since the first semester of my freshman year. You’re in a K-12 school building every semester. That’s something you don’t get at a lot of schools.
    Education
    Riley is now a first- through third-grade intervention specialist in the Licking Heights School District.

    Introducing Graduate Early Admission Pathways!

    Now, an Otterbein education is worth even more.

    Otterbein University is making history as a co-founder of a ground-breaking, new national coalition of universities known as The Coalition for the Common Good.

    This national collaboration means Otterbein students have broadened opportunities to achieve more of their dreams. Now, your education, your experiences, and your options are even bigger and bolder than when you applied to Otterbein.

    One of the most exciting new benefits available to you as an Otterbein student is our Graduate Early Admission Pathway (GEAP).

    The following GEAP programs are currently available:

    • Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    • Art Therapy

    • MBA/Management
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    Ccg Map

    IT’S EASY TO BECOME A CARDINAL!