The Professional Pathways Seminars

Arts and Sciences offers a program of seminars to help Ohio State students explore professional career paths (including graduate and professional post-secondary educational opportunities, as well as the myriad of occupational options) and current professional issues. Aimed at both majors and non-majors, the courses cover various professional career paths in a field; the background information needed to function professionally in these areas; and current professional issues, such as ethics, cutting edge technology, or current controversies.

Current course listings include:

Professional Pathways in Urban Education, ASC 338.02

The course texts and discussions will highlight the ways in which schooling is (and has always been) impacted by issues of race, class, gender, sexual orientation and physical ability. Students will have the opportunity to observe in urban schools and interact with the professionals in the field.

Professional Pathways in Entrepreneurship, ASC 338.03

This seminar introduces students to the basic principles of entrepreneurship: (1) why people start new companies, (2) finding and creating strategic business opportunities, (3) understanding the market for new products, (4) creating and building a new enterprise, and (5) understanding the personal and psychological profiles of successful entrepreneurs (as role models). This course is suitable for business and non-business majors alike. It is not recommended for students who have completed all or part of the entrepreneurship minor degree program.

Professional Pathways in Health, ASC 338.04

This survey introduces students to career pathways in the health professions and provides specific information about a student's field of interest. Topics include historical developments, current status, future needs, professional boundaries, ethics, technology, serving diverse populations, scopes of practice, educational pathways, and credentialing procedures. All Pathways in Health students meet for the general lecture and also break into recitation sections which best matches their interest in health related fields.

Professional Pathways in Nonprofit Organizations, ASC 338.05

This seminar introduces students to the world of nonprofit organizations, in particular those whose missions address social issues and public service. The course will help students to learn about: a range of types of nonprofit organizations that have a social issue focus; the different types of work/tools involved; and the challenges and social issues involved in this type of nonprofit management.

Professional Pathways in Social Justice, ASC 338.06

This course will introduce students to some of the most pressing social justice topics, providing a foundation of knowledge and awareness about current social inequities. Each week students will explore current conditions in a variety of sectors, and will be introduce to relevant organizations and individuals that are working towards addressing social injustices.

Professional Pathways in Public Affairs, ASC 338.07

This course provides an overview of career paths in public affairs, drawing on the experiences of faculty and practicing professionals in the various career paths discussed. Important professional issues will be discussed, including: how public policy is defined; understanding public service and non-profit leadership; social justice, social change, ethics, and values in the public and non-profit sectors; and careers in the public and non-profit sectors.

Professional Pathways in Wall Street, ASC 338.08

The purpose of this course will be to introduce non-business major students to the different career options available to them on Wall Street. Through a careful exploration of the different roles and the understanding of the recommended traits required for success in different job functions, students will be able to choose what path they believe fits them best.

Professional Pathways in Higher Education and Student Affairs, ASC 338.09

This course will introduce students to the dynamic field of higher education and student affairs. Academic and student affairs divisions offer many opportunities to work at colleges and universities without becoming a professor. Admissions counselors, academic advisors, orientation professionals, academic program administrators, and residence hall directors are just a few examples. Education required to enter such positions, professional organizations that support and provide professional development, detailed reviews of position requirements and duties, and the differences between types of higher education institutions will be studied.

Professional Pathways in Civic Engagement, ASC 338.10

This course introduces students to the role of civic engagement in communities through a partnership with the Columbus Metropolitan Club. Through participation, observation, reading, and writing, you will learn how civic organizations operate as well as how they work with for profit and nonprofit organizations to encourage change in communities.

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Questions? Contact Program Coordinator Chinwe Okpalaoka at (614) 292-4661, okpalaoka.2@osu.edu.