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What is Scholars?

The Ohio State Scholars Program offers academically motivated students the chance to meet and live with other students who share similar interests and career goals. Each of the fourteen programs is centered on a particular theme or area of study and open to students regardless of their intended major.Living together their freshman year, Scholars attend select classes together and create a close-knit community. The Scholars Programs are designed to complement your academic experience with a wide variety of opportunities to learn outside of the classroom; many students choose programs that are not directly related to their intended major.

You’ll benefit from:

  • Thematic learning communities in Scholars housing
  • Personalized advising and staff support
  • Enriched study approaches such as seminars, workshops and topical co-curricular programs
  • Enrollment in selected courses with other Scholars students
  • Special Scholars short-term study abroad programs
  • College-level priority course scheduling (select classes at the beginning of your rank)

Scholars Programs

Advocates for Children and Education Scholars
Recognize the variety of critical issues facing children in today‘s society and learn strategies to advocate for change.

Architecture Scholars
Weigh the architectural, landscape architectural, and city and regional planning design professions within the Knowlton School of Architecture.

Arts Scholars
Create an arts focused community for intellectual, social and civic development.

Biological Sciences Scholars
Gain exposure to research opportunities while exploring diverse career pathways in the biological sciences.

Business Scholars
Examine business, its practice and its environment at the Fisher College of Business.

Engineering Scholars - Green
Contemplate the adoption of socially responsible practices within engineering as a means to minimize health risks and environmental impact and maximize efficiency, feasibility and sustainability.

Engineering Scholars - Humanitarian
Focus on the themes of service-learning and social responsibility within engineering as a means to improve the well-being and meet the needs of an underserved community.

Environment and Natural Resources Scholars
Analyze and appreciate global environmental issues while exploring the natural world that surrounds us.

Health Sciences Scholars
Investigate career opportunities in health sciences and health care.

Humanities Scholars
Engage in the fields of literature, languages, philosophy, history and culture.

International Affairs Scholars
Explore world affairs, global themes, diplomacy and venture abroad.

Media, Marketing and Communication Scholars
Develop expertise in technological skills and get hands on experience experimenting with today‘s cutting-edge digital media.

Mount Leadership Society
Cultivate leadership skills and commit to community service.

Politics, Society, and Law Scholars
Focus on current political and legal issues in society while exploring educational and professional career options.

Sport and Wellness Scholars
Participate in progressive learning experiences related to the importance of sport in our society and create lifestyles that value activity and health.

Courses/Scheduling

While the Scholars Program’s focus is mostly on what students are doing outside of the classroom, Scholars students do have the opportunity to take clustered courses and enjoy college-level priority scheduling.

Clustered courses are sections of classes limited in enrollment to Scholars students from one Scholars Program. For example, Media, Marketing and Communication Scholars enroll in sections of English 1110 reserved exclusively for Scholars students in their program. English 1110 is the most commonly clustered course for Scholars students in all 14 Scholars Programs. Solid friendships and strong communities are formed as Scholars students benefit from living together and working on class assignments together.

Scholars students also benefit from scheduling for classes at the top of their rank. In the case of a first-year Scholars student, he or she would schedule their classes before most other first years. College-level priority scheduling can help students to take their classes at times that ensure their ability to be involved with their Scholars group or enroll in classes with other Scholars.

Research

Why Research?

Participating in research allows you to expand your knowledge outside your classroom experience. By taking advantage of Ohio State’s vast research opportunities, you can contribute to ground breaking discoveries and work with faculty and research staff who are nationally recognized in their field. Research experiences can also make you more competitive for post-baccalaureate fellowships and scholarships, as well as entrance into the best graduate and professional schools and jobs.

Denman Undergraduate Research Forum

The Ohio State University is committed to the participation of undergraduate students in research. The Richard J. and Martha D. Denman Undergraduate Research Forum provides a means for undergraduate students to share their research with faculty, staff, fellow students and members of The Ohio State University community. Students present their research through poster presentations and are evaluated by three faculty and corporate judges. Awards are given in 11 categories and students of all disciplines are encouraged to present.

For more information, please visit denman.osu.edu or contact Vicki Pitstick at pitstick.10@osu.edu or (614) 292-1794.

Other Research Opportunities

For more information on research opportunities, visit these links:

Maintaining Scholars

We expect that our Scholars students do great things and remain engaged in their Scholars community. In order to maintain your Scholars affiliation and enjoy the benefits of being a Scholar you will be expected to:

  • Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average
  • Achieve the minimum grade point average by the end of the first year
  • Be active with your Scholars Program by:
    Attending meetings & events
    Volunteering for activities
    Meeting program specific participation expectations as outlined by your particular Scholars Program