# Academic communities

**Source**: https://undergrad.osu.edu/majors-and-academics/academic-communities
**Parent**: https://undergrad.osu.edu/apply/freshmen-columbus/after-you-are-admitted

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## Beyond the classroom

Ohio State's academic communities are proven ways to have a richer (and more successful) academic experience. You’ll learn skills and have experiences that will make you better prepared for graduation.
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### Honors and Scholars

Students in any major may join
[University Honors](https://honors-scholars.osu.edu/honors) or one of the 16 theme-based programs of
[Ohio State Scholars](https://honors-scholars.osu.edu/scholars) to interact with an accomplished, close-knit community of peers, take part in service and travel opportunities, develop ties with top faculty, and live in designated Honors and Scholars housing. The
[Stamps Eminence Scholarship Program](https://honors-scholars.osu.edu/eminence) offers extraordinary opportunities and support for a select group of Honors students.
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### Morrill Scholarship Program

For those dedicated to scholarship, leadership, service and civic engagement, the
[Morrill Scholarship Program](https://go.osu.edu/msp) offers financial awards and enrichment opportunities — like mentoring, an early arrival program and a learning community — to exceptional students.

> Apply for Honors, Scholars and MSP programs on the Common Application. These programs are competitive — if you wish to be considered, we strongly recommend meeting our November 1 early action deadline.

### Living-learning communities

Live with other students who share your major, career or personal interests.
[Living-learning communities](http://housing.osu.edu/learning-communities/) are residential programs that contribute to your academic success by providing opportunities to explore a focus area alongside peers, faculty and staff.
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### STEP

Most Ohio State students are required to live on campus for their first two years, and the [Second-year Transformational Experience Program](http://step.osu.edu/) is an innovative residential community designed to help participating students get the most out of that sophomore year. The program focuses on professional and personal development and faculty-student interaction.

### Student organizations

From the Academics Team to the Zoology Club, Ohio State students head up hundreds of organizations with a connection to an academic program or national organization. Learn from your upper-level peers as you travel to conferences and attend networking events.

**Our faculty make the grade** Ohio State professors inspire their students. But as they'll tell you, the inspiration goes both ways.

[Meet our faculty](https://undergrad.osu.edu/majors-and-academics/faculty-stories)