Academic Program

Your academic program encompasses the degree, major, minor, certificate, and any options you are pursuing in your studies at OSU. For those pursuing standalone certificates at OSU, please see FAQs here. Use the general catalog, advising resources, and MyDegrees to track your program requirements and to make decisions about making changes to your program.

How do I change my major?

Undergraduate students see the academic advisor or advising office responsible for the major; the advising staff will submit a change of academic program through our online process. If you decide to change your major after the add/drop deadline, the change will normally take effect for the next academic term. You can also request a change in campus through your advisor. 

Graduate students who wish to change their academic program should consult the Graduate School Office’s change of degree/major procedures.


Advising

Academic advising is invaluable to the successful completion of your education goals. Your academic advisor is there to provide guidance in regards to course selection, degree requirements, academic success strategies, career plans, and integration to the campus culture. Each academic college has developed an advising structure that facilitates the needs of their programs and students. However, all colleges recommend that you:

  1. Meet with your advisor once per term.
  2. Keep your PIN in a safe place.
  3. Take responsibility for learning your degree requirements.

You may contact the college head advisor for more information about the advising resources and requirements of your program. Contact information for individual departments is available online under the subject area contacts heading.

Academic Catalog

Check out the academic catalog for information regarding admission requirements, degree requirements, available programs, academic regulations, policies, academic calendars, and much more. Familiarize yourself with the catalog in general, while paying particular attention to your program requirements and the academic regulations.

Microcredentials
  • Information for students about microcredentials is located on the Office of the Registrar Microcredentials webpage.
  • Information for faculty and staff is located on the Office of Academic Programs and Assessment Microcredentials webpage.
Standalone Certificates

For information on standalone certificates, please see this page.

Microcredentials

 
 

What is a microcredential?

A microcredential is a set of courses in a focused area of study. Microcredentials are narrowly focused on specific skills and competencies and when completed, provide validation of the skills and competencies achieved. Microcredentials are made up of at least three courses and eight credits. Typically, they are 8-12 credits, which is fewer credits than degrees and certificates and can be earned in a shorter period. Microcredentials are awarded digitally through a badging system that can be shared with employers.

What are the microcredentials offered at Oregon State University?
Who can enroll in a microcredential program?

Microcredentials are available to non-degree-seeking students, undergraduates, graduates, non-traditional students, and working professionals. With the exception of graduate-level microcredentials, which require a bachelor’s degree, it is not necessary to have a college degree in order to apply, but some microcredential courses have prerequisites. Therefore, your ability to enroll in a program could be enhanced by previous college experience.

As part of each microcredential's requirement, students must complete at least one of the microcredential courses after having been accepted into the microcredential program and at least one of the courses must be Ecampus.

Current degree seeking students and current non-degree students can enroll in a microcredential program by contacting OSU Ecampus.

New non-degree students should contact the Office of Admissions for more information.

Why enroll in a microcredential program?

Students can distinguish themselves by achieving a mastery of skills that enhances their knowledge and marketability in the workplace.

In what format are microcredential programs offered?

Microcredential programs are offered via OSU Ecampus, Microcredentials-Online.

How do you show a future employer that you have completed a microcredential?

Learners who have completed the requirements of a microcredential earn a digital badge verified by Credly.

How do I propose a microcredential?

Visit the Office of Academic Programs Microcredential page for more information.