Frequently Asked Questions

It all depends on which program you are looking to complete. For undergraduate students, it depends on multiple factors such as program of intent, earned examination and transfer credit that is to program and degree requirements as well as application deadlines. HRS undergraduate programs require at least two years of prerequisite and general education coursework as well as at least two years of professional coursework.  Professional coursework is structured with no provisions for part-time, online or evening enrollment for most programs.

Time to degree for HRS graduate programs depend on the program of intent. Each program curriculum differs in length. For more information, visit the specifics HRS program’s curriculum guides.

Students admitted to Ohio State through Undergraduate Admissions are directly enrolled in HRS and considered pre-majors. HRS pre-major students follow the secondary application procedure for admission into the desired HRS undergraduate program. This procedure includes the completion of prerequisite courses, achievement of the required grade point average (GPA) and any other requirements stipulated for the program. Admission deadlines and other admission criteria vary depending on the program. Some HRS programs may have admission criteria that include an interview or observation hours. To learn more, please visit each HRS program's admissions page.  

If all or the majority of admission requirements are met, students are invited to directly apply to HRS undergraduate programs via Ohio State’s Graduate and Professional Admissions. Prospective students who have never attended college or plan to complete prerequisite courses at Ohio State before becoming eligible to enter an HRS program should not directly apply to an HRS undergraduate program.

Yes, HRS pre-major students have many options once admitted. Whether you are undecided or interested in other HRS pre-major, students can change their pre-majors as well as apply to multiple HRS majors if admission requirements are met.

First term freshman students interested in learning more can visit the HRS future student webpage for program specific information.  

Prospective graduate students can learn more by visiting the HRS program’s website.

There are many different ways to determine how your courses will transfer:

• You may access Transferology. This website allows students to see if and how the courses they took at their previous institution will transfer to Ohio State. Unfortunately, not all colleges and universities are listed.  
• Students can visit Ohio State’s Graduate and Professional Admissions and select the HRS program that you are interested in pursuing and then select the school that you have taken courses. You will see a list of pre-requisites and the courses that have direct equivalents.  
• Unfortunately, not all colleges and universities are listed. Visit Ohio State’s Registrar’s website and click the Transfer Credit tab on the left hand side. Students can view OSU Quick Equivalencies. This is an excel spreadsheet that lists direct equivalents from many different schools. Unfortunately, not all colleges and universities are listed.  
• For students interested in an HRS undergraduate programs, If your school does not utilize any of the above tools, complete a Prerequisite Evaluation Request Form if you have not yet applied or been admitted to Ohio State. You may also contact Graduate & Professional Admissions for a prerequisite evaluation at 614.292.9444. 

If you have questions regarding your transfer credit, please call HRS Student Services at 614-292-1706.

Orientation information is mailed to students from University Orientation based upon when students pay their acceptance fee to Ohio State. Students will receive information packets in soon after accepting their admission regarding how to schedule orientation dates. HRS Student Services will email important orientation information to students’ Ohio State email as needed. 

HRS programs will email admitted students information regarding orientation and scheduling before the start of the program. If you have specific questions, please contact your HRS program.

There is no preferred or “correct” undergraduate major for students interested in health professions. Students should select an undergraduate program in which they have an interest and can be academically successful.

HRS undergraduate programs are viable options for students interested in pre-professional programs. Please contact an HRS pre-major advisor to discuss your pre-professional interests.

Yes, HRS students can study abroad.  When and how long you are able to go abroad as well as the experience will depend on your HRS program curriculum and area of interest.  To explore program and learn more, visit the Office of International Affairs.

A learning community is a group of students who live together on a residence hall with common major, career and/or personal interests. Each community is unique in the goals and events it offers, but all have a direct connection to the classroom experience, intentional events and opportunities for participants and dedicated staff members to ensure the success of the students within the community.

The Future Health Professionals Learning (FHP) Community assists students explore the variety of career options within health professions through a partnership with the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Students are exposed to career and professional options through programming, networking and site visits. To learn more about the FHP community as well as how to apply, please visit university housing.

HRS does have an Honors Program for undergraduate students that features an enhanced curriculum, including honors courses that meet program and general education requirements, as well as other opportunities in scholarship, research and service that promote intellectual and personal development. For additional information regarding HRS Honors program, please visit the HRS Honors page on our website. To learn about the benefits of applying for Honors at Ohio State, please visit the University Honors program page. 

In addition, HRS new first year freshman can also participate in The Ohio State Scholars Program, which is comprised of 17 unique living and learning communities designed to provide students the chance to live and learn with others who share similar interests and to complement students’ academic experiences. For additional information regarding the University Scholars Program, please visit the University Scholars program page.

Admitted students interested in HRS Honors should visit the HRS website for eligibility and contact information. Unfortunately, Scholars programs are only open to new first year students starting at Columbus campus during fall semester who indicated an interest on the common application. For questions, please contact honors-scholars@osu.edu

HRS students have many opportunities! Whether it is volunteering in research labs, taking coursework or conducting your own research with an HRS faculty mentor, HRS and Ohio State are leaders in creating new knowledge. Students are encouraged to learn about the exciting research HRS faculty are conducting by visiting our research page. Undergraduate students interested in conducting research and graduating with research distinction can read more on the HRS Honors page.

The student organizations in HRS promote awareness and understanding regarding health care through various campus and citywide events, development of future healthcare leaders, and community service. These organizations provide students with an opportunity for leadership, community involvement, service, education, fellowship and empowerment. To learn more about Ohio State and HRS student organizations, visit HRS Getting Involved and Ohio State's Student Organizations.

HRS Student Services is the primary academic advising office for students currently enrolled in HRS and for prospective students interested in an HRS program. Call us at 614-292-1706 or email us at the appropriate email

Undergraduate Programs Graduate Programs Certificate Programs

If you have questions about Ohio State admissions, please call us at 614-292-3980 or email us at

Ask A Buckeye

Ohio State has transitioned to a new scholarship tool, ScholarshipUniverse. This tool allows you to apply to university scholarships and external scholarship opportunities.

Some programs within HRS may offer opportunities for students currently enrolled in specific major coursework. Students should check with their program to inquire about additional scholarship applications and applicable due dates.