Orientation is an exciting time. You're so close to becoming an official Buckeye - congratulations!
During orientation, you will:
The Scheduling Session
Reviewing information and making course decisions can be overwhelming. We promise you won't be alone in this process.
Our college and other Ohio State staff members will be available during this session to help you with your academic scheduling session. The two key advisors in the room will be:
Schedule Input
After you complete the final draft of your schedule during the first advising session on day one, you will answer a few questions about the pre-orientation materials we share with you on this site. When you're satisfied with your schedule, we'll collect it and you'll have the rest of the evening to grab dinner and attend evening activities.
Academic advisors will take your schedule outlines and enter them into the computer system after you leave. They will print off your final schedule and bring it to you on day two.
Now that you have read an overview of what happens during orientation, you can see how important and valuable it will be to have a "jump-start" by reviewing key course descriptions and making preliminary choices.
What will you schedule during orientation?
During your Academic Information Session on day one, you will complete your schedule request for autumn quarter - in other words, you'll outline the classes you want to take. Your schedule will likely consist of four classes including FAES 100: University Survey.
Why four courses? One of the biggest shifts from high school to college is the ratio of class time to homework/study time. In college you are expected to spend the majority of the time mastering course material outside the classroom.
A general rule of thumb: To earn C in a class you must spend at least two hours of study time outside of class for every hour you are in class. For example:
Sample Schedule for Agricultural Communication
Sample Schedule for Agricultural Systems Management, Construction Systems Management, Agricultural & Extension Education, Turfgrass Science, Crop Science
Sample Schedule for Food Science and Nutrition
Sample Schedule for Pro-Golf Management
Sample Schedule for Agribusiness & Applied Economics, Food Business Management
Sample Schedule for Landscape Horticulture, Plant Health Management
During orientation, you will:
- Have your first academic meeting
- Find out what it means to be a student in our college
- Learn how to schedule classes for autumn quarter (we'll help you through the entire process)
- Look at the big picture of degree planning - to make sure you get the most out of your college education
Looking over the following information will be helpful to you as you prep yourself for orientation.
An Ohio State Degree
Our college offers three degrees: B.S. in Agriculture, B.S. in Food Science, and B.S. in Nutrition. These degrees require a minimum of 183 hours. Depending on the degree, a significant portion of hours are drawn from a wide range of challenging general education university requirements known as the General Education Curriculum (GEC). In order to earn a degree from The Ohio State University, students complete coursework from five areas:
- Major requirements
- Minor requirements in the case of the B.S. in Agriculture
- College requirements
- University requirements
- Electives
The Scheduling Session
Reviewing information and making course decisions can be overwhelming. We promise you won't be alone in this process.
Our college and other Ohio State staff members will be available during this session to help you with your academic scheduling session. The two key advisors in the room will be:
We'll be more than happy to answer your specific questions. Our goal is to make the scheduling process as easy as possible. We want you to make the best decisions about your courses - take ones that let you explore your interests and expand your horizons.Dr. Jill A. Pfister, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs
Paul A. Heimberger, College Academic Counselor
Schedule Input
After you complete the final draft of your schedule during the first advising session on day one, you will answer a few questions about the pre-orientation materials we share with you on this site. When you're satisfied with your schedule, we'll collect it and you'll have the rest of the evening to grab dinner and attend evening activities.
Academic advisors will take your schedule outlines and enter them into the computer system after you leave. They will print off your final schedule and bring it to you on day two.
Now that you have read an overview of what happens during orientation, you can see how important and valuable it will be to have a "jump-start" by reviewing key course descriptions and making preliminary choices.
What will you schedule during orientation?
During your Academic Information Session on day one, you will complete your schedule request for autumn quarter - in other words, you'll outline the classes you want to take. Your schedule will likely consist of four classes including FAES 100: University Survey.
Why four courses? One of the biggest shifts from high school to college is the ratio of class time to homework/study time. In college you are expected to spend the majority of the time mastering course material outside the classroom.
A general rule of thumb: To earn C in a class you must spend at least two hours of study time outside of class for every hour you are in class. For example:
| Class Credit Hours | Hours in Class | Hours of study time per week | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 |
1 credit hour |
1 |
1 x 2 = 2 |
| Class 2 |
5 credit hours |
5 |
5 x 2 = 10 |
| Class 3 |
5 credit hours |
5 |
5 x 2 = 10 |
| Class 4 |
5 credit hours |
5 |
5 x 2 = 10 |
| Total |
16 |
32 |
The time commitment per week for this example is 16 hours in class and 32 hours outside the classroom. That adds up to 48 hours, which is equivalent to a full-time job. Remember, this calculation is merely to earn a C. Higher grades will require a more extensive time commitment.
Let's look now at the composition of a potential schedule.
Class 1: FAES 100
Every student who enrolls in our college at The Ohio State University completes FAES 100: University Survey during the first quarter of attendance.
Class 2: Math
The math class you take will depend upon the results of the on-line math placement test you took, classes you completed at the post-secondary level, or applicable AP credit. For those of you who tested in Level L and M, we strongly encourage you to take a proficiency test to earn credit for Math 150, especially Level L students. If you score 80 percent or higher, you will get credit for Math 150. Math 150 is required for vet school, med school and food science and nutrition. Detailed math questions will be answered during your academic session on campus.
Classes 3 and 4: Your Choice
You are free to choose these classes based on your interests, curiosity, or major.
Several sample schedules are shown below. The extended list of courses that you will choose from follows the sample schedules section.
English
English 110 is a first-year composition course required of all freshmen. Most CFAES students will take English 110 winter quarter. The exception will be honors students and agricultural communication majors who will take English 110.01H or 110.01 or 110.02 during autumn quarter or students who test into a lower English course.
Sample Schedules
A standard schedule consists of 14-17 credit hours per quarter. A credit hour translates roughly to one hour per week in the classroom. Most of the courses you will schedule during your first quarter will be four or five credits each. FAES100: University Survey is one credit hour.
The courses below are examples of the ones you can choose from based on your interests and goals. All of these courses meet the university requirements and thus count toward graduation. An entire list of options can be found on the next page and we encourage you to read all of the course descriptions. While your final schedule will include only one or two choices, please make certain you have a list of at least four classes (not including math) that you bring to orientation. This range of class choices will help you schedule in case there are time conflicts or changes in course selection. Details regarding class times will be described during the on-campus orientation.
Sample Schedule for Animal Sciences/Pre Vet
| Course | Credit |
|---|---|
| FAES 100 |
1 Credit |
| Math 150 |
5 Credits |
| Chemistry 121 |
5 Credits |
| Animal Science 200 |
5 Credits |
| Total Credits for Quarter: |
16 |
Sample Schedule for Agricultural Communication
| Course | Credit |
|---|---|
| FAES 100 |
1 Credit |
| Math 130 or 148 |
4 Credits |
| English 110 |
5 Credits |
| Agr Comm 200 |
5 Credits |
| Total Credits for Quarter: |
15 |
Sample Schedule for Agricultural Systems Management, Construction Systems Management, Agricultural & Extension Education, Turfgrass Science, Crop Science
| course | credit |
|---|---|
| FAES 100 |
1 Credit |
| Math 148 |
4 Credits |
| Rural Soc 105 |
5 Credits |
| AED Econ 200 |
5 Credits |
| Total Credits for Quarter: |
15 |
Sample Schedule for Food Science and Nutrition
| course |
credit |
|---|---|
| FAES 100 |
1 Credit |
| Math 150 |
5 Credits |
| Chemistry 121 |
5 Credits |
| Fd Sc & Te 401 |
3 Credits |
| Total Credits for Quarter: |
14 |
Sample Schedule for Pro-Golf Management
| course | credit |
|---|---|
| FAES 100 |
1 Credit |
| Math 148 |
4 Credits |
| Rural Soc 105 |
5 Credits |
| H&CS 250 |
2 Credits |
| Total Credits for Quarter: |
12 |
Sample Schedule for Agribusiness & Applied Economics, Food Business Management
| course | credit |
|---|---|
| FAES 100 |
1 Credit |
| Math 130 |
4 Credits |
| Rural Soc 105 |
5 Credits |
| AED Econ 200 |
5 Credits |
| Total Credits for Quarter: |
15 |
Sample Schedule for Landscape Horticulture, Plant Health Management
| course | credit |
|---|---|
| FAES 100 |
1 Credit |
| Math 148 |
4 Credits |
| Rural Soc 105 |
5 Credits |
| Bio or Plant Bio 101 |
5 Credits |
| Total Credits for Quarter |
15 |
These sample schedules are merely places to begin. We encourage you to review the courses on the next page before creating your own sample schedule.
We will help you design your final list during your academic session on campus. Remember to let the advisors know if you have any special areas of interest so they can help find the right classes for you.
Courses Taken at Other Colleges/Universities
If you took college level courses while in high school or at another college or university, it is your responsibility to submit official transcripts immediately after the completion of the course(s). You must request the institution to send the official transcript to Ohio State (see address below).
Ohio State's Transfer Credit Center will then evaluate the credit and inform you of the results. If you need to have any course(s) further evaluated this should be done before you come to orientation (especially math). This process is explained when you receive your transfer credit evaluation. If you have not received a Transfer Credit Evaluation by the time you are ready to attend orientation please at least bring with you a list of courses taken, credit hours and grades so that you can provide complete information to those assisting you at orientation.
*Transcripts sent to:
The Ohio State University
Office of Admissions
Enarson Hall
154 W. 12th Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210-1390
Recommended Courses
Before you begin reviewing the recommended courses, please click here to download a copy of the registration worksheet. As you discover courses that sound interesting, please write the course number and name on this worksheet. We will use your ideas to help you plan your final schedule for fall quarter. Remember to bring this worksheet to the academic session with you.
Sciences
Students seriously considering a major or career in the health professions or science are encouraged to schedule Chemistry 121 Autumn quarter. In some cases it may not be possible to schedule this course immediately due to availability. Please remember that Chemistry 121 requires a placement in Math 150 or higher. If you place into math courses lower than 150 you will need to wait and schedule Chemistry 121 another quarter.
Please consult with an advisor during the scheduling portion of the academic session if you have questions about scheduling science classes.
Foreign Language
OSU offers over 40 different languages. If you want to continue studying a foreign language you took in high school, your class selection will be determined by a placement exam taken on campus during orientation. If you are considering learning a new language you can sign up for level 101 assuming course availability. Please consult an advisor during orientation for foreign language classes, especially if you have a foreign language admissions condition. The CFAES curriculum does not require completion of a foreign language.
AU09 GEC Offerings (No Prerequisites Required)
# International Issue: Western (Non-US)
* International Issue: Non-Western or Global
Social Science
| AED ECON |
- OR - |
ECON |
| 200 PRIN FD & RESC ECN |
200 PRIN MICROECONOMIC |
|
| RURL SOC |
- OR - |
SOCIOL |
| 105 INTRO RURAL SOCIOL |
101 INTRODUCTRY SOCIOL |
| Additional Social Science |
| ANIM SCI |
| 240 ANIMALS IN SOCIETY |
| ANTHROP |
| * 201 WORLD PREHISTORY |
| * 202 INTRO CULTR ANTHRO |
| 421.08 INDIANS IN N AMER |
| COMM |
| 101 HIST HUMAN COMM |
| 200 COMMUNC IN SOCIETY |
| 431 STRATGC COMM PRINS |
| CS FM RES M |
| 243 CONSUMER PROBLEMS |
| ECON |
| 201 PRIN MACROECONOMIC |
| GEOG |
| * 200 WRLD REGIONAL GEOG |
| * 240 ECON & SOCIAL GEOG |
| 430 GEOG PERSP ENV-SOC |
| 450 MAKING MOD WORLD |
| 460 POLITICAL GEOG |
| HDFS |
| 360 FAMILY DEVELOPMENT |
| 361 INTRO CHILD DEVEL |
| 364 LIFE SPAN HMN DEVP |
| INT STDS |
| * 201 INTRO TO PEACE ST |
| # 210 INTRO WESTERN EUR |
| * 215 INTRO DVLPMNT STDS |
| * 230 RISE & FALL SOV UN |
| * 240 INTRO TO LATIN AM |
| LINGUIST * 170 BASICS LANG LEARNG |
| POLIT SC |
| * 100 INTRO COMP POLTICS |
| 101 INTRO AMER POLTICS |
| * 145 POLTX GLOBL PROBLM |
| 201 INTR POLTCL BEHAVR |
| 210 INTRO POLIT THEORY |
| * 245 US IN WRLD POLITIX |
| PSYCH |
| 100 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY |
| SOC WORK |
| 230 INDV NEED SOC RESP |
| SOCIOL |
| 210 SOC ASPECT DEVIANC |
| 370 SOC FACT PERSNALTY |
| 380 AM RACE & ETHNIC REL |
| WOM STDS |
| 110 WOMEN, CULTUR, SOC |
| Literature |
| AFAM&AST |
| 154 INTRO AFR AMER LIT |
| * 251 INTRO AFRICAN LIT |
| 254 THEMES AFR AM LIT |
| CLASSICS |
| # 101 MASTERPIECE GK LIT |
| # 102 MASTRPIECE LAT LIT |
| # 222 CLASSICAL MYTHOLGY |
| COMP STD |
| * 100 INTRO HUMANITIES |
| ENGLISH |
| 260 INTRO TO POETRY |
| 262 INTRO TO DRAMA |
| 281 AFRICAN-AMER LIT |
| 290 COL&US LIT TO 1865 |
| FRENCH |
| 151 FR LIT&CUL WKS TRN |
| GERMAN |
| 250 GER LIT POP CULTR |
| JAPANESE |
| * 251 LIT IN TRANSLATION |
| KOREAN |
| * 251 KOREAN LIT IN TRAN |
| PHILOS |
| * 215 ASIAN PHILOSOPHIES |
| RUSSIAN |
| * 250 MASTRPIECE IN TRAN |
| SCANDNAV |
| # 222 NORDC MYTH & CULTR |
| SLAVIC |
| # 245 SLAVIC LIT&CULTURE |
| WOM STDS |
| 215 RDNG WOMEN WRITERS |
| YIDDISH |
| # 399 HOLCST IN LIT&FILM |
| Visual & Performing Arts |
| ART |
| 205 BEGINNING DRAWING |
| 206 2-DIMENSIONAL ART |
| 300.01 INTRO PHOTOGRAPHY (35 MM) |
| 300.02 INTRO PHOTOGRAPHY (DIGITAL) |
| 340 FND CER ART:HNDFRM |
| 455 HOLOGRAPHY 1 |
| ART EDUC |
| 160 ART & MUS SNC 1945 |
| 252 COMPUTR IN VIS ART |
| DANCE |
| 161 DANC & THEAT 1945- |
| 200 HIS BAL&MDRN DANCE |
| ENGLISH |
| 263 INTRO TO FILM |
| HIST ART |
| * 213 ASIAN ART |
| * 216 INTRO AFRICAN ART |
| * 260 INTRO WORLD CINEMA |
| LARCH |
| 201 HISTORICAL OVRVIEW |
| MUSIC |
| * 250 MUSIC CULTURES |
| # 251 HIST W ART MUSIC |
| 252 HISTRY ROCK & ROLL |
| PHILOS |
| 240 PHILOS PROB ARTS |
| RUSSIAN |
| * 360 MODERN RUS FILM |
| THEATRE |
| 100 INTRO TO THEATRE |
How will you schedule during orientation?
During orientation, you will receive a variety of materials that you will use to schedule classes. These include the following:
Registration Worksheet
You will use a registration worksheet to write down your course selections. Remember to bring your registration worksheet with you!
After the Day 1 scheduling session is complete, an advisor will take this worksheet back to the office for entry into the University computer system. You will receive a final copy of your schedule during the Day 2 academic session.
Click here to see the Registration Worksheet
Course Offerings Bulletin
The Course Offerings Bulletin lists all of the undergraduate courses that may be offered at Ohio State during the academic year.
You can find brief course descriptions, information on credit hours and prerequisites as well as the addresses and phone numbers of academic departments in the Course Offerings Bulletin.
You will receive the most current copy upon your arrival on campus. An online version can be found here.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Quetions)
Why do I have to take a math course my first quarter?
All majors at Ohio State will require the completion of a level of math. Each major will require a different level of math. We ask that you enroll in math your first quarter so that you keep your options open. It is easier to complete math right after high school than wait a year and pick it back up again.The less you use math the tougher it is to retain. If you have a major, or majors, in mind, please let an advisor know and we will direct you to the most appropriate math course.
Why can't I take English my first quarter?
Each fall there are about 6,000 students entering the university. In order to provide the highest quality instruction and to ensure availability, the English department is staffed to offer about 2,000 seats per quarter in English 110 (First Year Composition) for fall, winter and spring quarters. Not every college and major takes English their first quarter. CFAES students (along with Business and many other colleges) take English in the winter. Other colleges, such as Engineering and all the health professions majors, take English in the spring.
Should I take a foreign language my first quarter?
Not every major at OSU requires a foreign language. CFAES does not require foreign language. All of the majors in the Colleges of the Arts and Sciences (Art, Biological Sciences, Math and Physical Sciences, Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences) and international business in the College of Business will require a foreign language through level 104. In order to keep your options open we feel that if you placed in level 102 or higher, and want to continue that language, we recommend you consider taking the language if available. You don't want a big gap between your years of foreign language and it may be easier to complete the language right after high school. If you take a foreign language you keep all your options open. If you choose a major that does not require a foreign language that foreign language will count towards your degree as elective course work.
If I want to take a foreign language do I have to take the same one I took in high school?
No. There are over 30 different languages available at Ohio State (including sign language). You are welcome to take any language in which you are interested.
What is this CFAES Survey class (FAES100)?
Every student at Ohio State enrolls in survey their first quarter. Each college will have their own version of survey. This class is designed to introduce you to the university and its policies and procedures, as well as to your college and major. For CFAES students, this course is taught by staff in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences with the assistance of freshmen Faculty Advisers.
Do I have to take survey class my first quarter?
Yes. All students must take survey their first quarter.
Is survey class a "blow-off" class?
No. Survey class will help you select your major and minor and get acclimated to the university through different assignments. Attendance is mandatory and the class is graded A through E, and thus affects your GPA.
Can I take more than three classes and survey my first quarter?
We recommend 3 classes and survey your first quarter because of the study time associated with each class. An OSU quarter is 10 weeks long and that time goes by quickly. You will be adapting to college life and it is very important that you do well academically your first quarter. We feel that 3 classes and survey will be an adequate load to carry and will let you devote the necessary time to each class while at the same time letting you enjoy all the other activities college makes available.
What's an easy class to take?
The degree of difficulty of a class is a very personal thing. A class that is easy for you may not be easy for me. We discourage you from building your schedule based simply on the perceived difficulty of your classes. To the extent we can, we try to schedule you in a major course and /or courses offered by faculty in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
Tips for a successful scheduling session
- Expand your academic horizons. Be curious! Take a course that stretches your knowledge base. Consider something you haven't experienced before such as Medieval and Renaissance Studies or Japanese Literature.
- Be flexible. If you limit your time options you will limit your course options.
- Do not make assumptions about a course based on the name of the department. Read the course descriptions available on this website and consult an advisor during orientation.
- Have back-up courses that interest you. Come to orientation prepared with at least four choices in case there is a time-conflict with some of your selections.
- Have fun and enjoy your Ohio State orientation!
We hope you have found this website helpful. We truly believe that by having read these pages and completing the worksheet, you have increased your chances of having a more productive scheduling session.
We look forward to meeting you in orientation. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
Contact Information
Jill A. Pfister, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs
2120 Fyffe Rd. Room 100
Columbus, OH 43210
Phone: 614-292-1734
E-mail: pfister.1@osu.edu
cfaes.osu.edu/yourfuture
Paul A. Heimberger
College Adademic Counselor
2120 Fyffe Rd. Room 100
Columbus, OH 43210
Phone: 614-292-8124
E-mail: heimberger.5@osu.edu
cfaes.osu.edu/yourfuture
See you this summer! Go Bucks!
To learn more about orientation, visit Ohio State's orientation site.