The Open Option Experience

Undecided on a major? Don't worry, you're not alone.

If you're like many students entering Iowa State, you may not be ready to declare a major. You may want time to become familiar with the academic opportunities that the university offers and to determine the best match between your interests and your academic abilities. No problem. You can enter Iowa State as an Open Option student.

The Open Option experience is designed to help you explore all of the unique majors offered at Iowa State, become acquainted with the entire university and make successful adjustments to the academic expectations. As an Open Open student, you are assigned an academic adviser that works exclusively with new students that are exploring their options.

With your adviser, you select courses that allow you to sample your interests while at the same time meeting requirements for graduation. The flexibility of coursework in most majors allows you the opportunity to choose from a variety of general education courses that interest you in communications, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences and mathematics.

During your first semester you have the opportunity to be a member of a learning community with other Open Option students who share similar interests. An orientation class introduces you to all the colleges and majors at Iowa State, and there is even a Career Development class you can take your second semester to help guide you in selecting a major and career that best match your interests, abilities and goals. The staff and counselors in Career Services and Career Exploration Services are happy to help you learn more about yourself and the majors and careers that might be most suitable to you.

With all the flexibility and resources available to you, it is not surprising that Open Option students are just as likely to graduate in four years as students who begin with a declared major.

Many interests
When she came to Iowa State, Chantal Roberts had no specific major in mind. "I was interested in way too many things," she said. More

Combining interests
Glance at Trevor Brown's resume and you will notice the wide range of interest he employs. It was natural that Trevor started out as an open option student ultimately changing majors five times before he made up his mind. More

Starting open option

Even though she was an honors student, Nora Schultes didn't know what she wanted to major in while at Iowa State. That's why she enrolled as an "open option" major. More

Contact us

515-294-2698
options@iastate.edu
www.openoption.iastate.edu

 

Apply today!

www.admissions.iastate.edu/apply