Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register for a Professional Pathways Seminar?
You register for the seminars just like your other courses. You can find the call numbers and descriptions for upcoming courses on the seminars page.

Do I have to take a Professional Pathways Seminar?
No – the Professional Pathways Seminars are not required courses.

Do I get credit towards graduation for Professional Pathways Seminars?
Yes – but not GEC credit.

Then why should I take a Professional Pathways Seminar?
The purpose of the Professional Pathways Seminars is to help you explore your post-graduation options. Because they take a broader approach, they do not duplicate similar classes already taught within a major, primarily for students with that major. These Seminars, instead, allow students from many majors to get a larger view of how a field (like Urban Education) functions, what its components are, what current debates shape the field, how technology is changing the field, what information is needed to succeed in the field, etc.

The formal goals of the Professional Pathways Seminars are to:

• Introduce students to current professional issues in the field
• Provide students the opportunity to explore professional career paths
• Provide an overview of professional opportunities to all students, including non-majors
• Help students understand the relationship between professional pathway preparation and degree planning

How much work are the seminars?
The Professional Pathways Seminars are real courses, so you’ll be expected to do reading, some writing, and possibly even research. But professors know these classes are only one- or two-credits and they lessen the work accordingly. In general, each week you should expect no more than two hours of work outside of class for every hour spent in class.

How are the seminars graded?
The Seminars are all Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (pass/fail) grading. Syllabi for current and upcoming classes can be found on the seminars page.

How often do the seminars meet?
Usually once a week for one- to two-hours. However, some seminars may have more flexible schedules. Check the Master Schedule (http://adsd1.it.ohio-state.edu/masterschedule/msched.aspx) for details on the course you’re interested in.

Can I take more than one Professional Pathways Seminar?
Yes – up to ten credit hours worth.

Who can take a Professional Pathways Seminar?
These Seminars are aimed primarily at Sophomores and Juniors, who will benefit most from the information.

Who teaches the Professional Pathways Seminars?
Because of their interdisciplinary nature, students can expect these seminars to be led not only by faculty, but also Administrative and Professional staff, and practicing professionals. Most seminars feature multiple guest speakers from both inside and outside the university.

Questions? Contact Program Coordinator Jessica Mercerhill at (614) 292-6248, mercerhill.1@osu.edu.