Program Overview

University Exploratory Studies Program

The University Exploratory Studies Program (UESP) is designed to help students explore their academic and career options.

Overview

Oregon State University is on a quarter-term system, with four quarters each year and classes that are 11 weeks long. The cost per credit is $384, based on current tuition rates, with no additional charge for nonresident students. However, this does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses. The program can be completed online, with four start terms per year.

Decision Process

The decision process in UESP involves three main steps: Assess, Explore, and Decide.

Assess

The first part of the process is self-assessment, which involves having a strong understanding of one's likes and dislikes, values, skills, and abilities. UESP advisors work with students to clarify these traits. Many UESP students also opt to take ALS 114 Career Decision Making, a 2-credit online course that focuses on self-assessment and career and major research.

Explore

Effective exploration involves gathering information about options and thinking critically about them. This assessment comes through academic experiences while completing the baccalaureate core requirements. UESP encourages students to sample classes from the Ecampus major and minor areas they are considering. Exploration can and should also occur outside of the classroom, through interactions with faculty, departmental advisors, working professionals, friends and family, classmates, and OSU Career Services counselors.

Decide

UESP serves as a liaison to help students get connected with their new major. This involves getting them in touch with their program advisor, either through Ecampus student services or by providing an advisor's name.

Program Details

• Credits required: N/A
  • Oregon State University is on a quarter-term system, with four quarters each year and classes that are 11 weeks long.
• Cost per credit: $384
  • Based on current tuition rates, with no additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.
• Delivery: Online
  • Students can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online.
• Start terms: 4 per year

Decision-Making Process

Deciding on a major and acting upon that decision by declaring is a significant step, but students will continue to make choices within their major related to their interests, values, and skills. For example, if a major has options, which one will the student pursue? Will they have an internship, and if so, what kind of experience best fits their interests? What skills do they want to continue to cultivate through their academic choices within their major?