Now accepting applications for 2025-2026

We hope you consider applying to one of the most incredible student success programs at Ohio State Newark! The application now available, which you can access under the “Application” tab on the left-hand navigation bar. Students are encouraged to pay their non-refundable Ohio State Acceptance Fee by this time as well, if applicable. There is no fee to apply to the learning community. Our program is free and is for the primary purpose to support our students in their success!

If you have questions, please leave a comment on this site or call 740-755-7881.

We look forward to receiving your application and working with you as you become a Buckeye next fall!

All About The Engineering Learning Community

Engineering flyer pic

Started in 2014, the Engineering Learning Community serves as an opportunity for Engineering and pre-Engineering students with high math abilities at the Newark campus to build a social and academic network in their first-year of enrollment at The Ohio State University. Members of the learning community also have opportunities to interact with area engineers and employers throughout the year.

Students who participate in the ELC can expect to work closely with the Office of Retention & Student Success Initiatives as they learn how to balance coursework within their major and become a self-regulated learner, take the required first-year engineering courses in a cohort-based model, participate in individualized study tables sessions to support their ultimate success in STEM courses, and build a team of support with Student Peer and Academic Success Coaches. Additionally, students will gain the opportunity to work closely with engineering faculty member to connect with their major and enrich their overall experience.

Students take two courses together in autumn and spring semesters, which includes the first-year engineering courses that are required for all engineering majors at Ohio State, and an arts and sciences course designed for engineering majors.

Benefits:

  • Students will form connections with engineering professionals from around the country with various engineering backgrounds.
  • Students with have opportunities to engage in career-based experiential field trips in different engineering facilities allowing them to explore many fields of engineering. In previous years, students have gotten to visit some of the following facilities
  • One-on-one support & connections with faculty and staff through the engineering major and the transition to the Columbus campus
  • Guaranteed enrollment in OSU first-year engineering courses
  • Courses taken together as a cohort create unique learning environment and opportunities for students to fulfill engineering major requirements & connect with other engineering students

Who are the participants?

  • 40 First-year engineering or pre-engineering majors.
  • Students interested in kick-starting their major in their first-year at Ohio State and taking advantage of many opportunities.
  • Students who are interested in taking advantage of resources and making connections in order to achieve ultimate success.
  • Acceptance is contingent upon applying to the ELC and placing at pre-calculus or calculus level on the OSU Math Placement Test.

Application Process

To be eligible for the Engineering Learning Community at The Ohio State University at Newark, students must:

  • Have declared an engineering or pre-engineering major
  • Apply to the learning community under the Application tab
  • Take the OSU Math Placement Test and earn a placement level “M” or “L” (pre-calculus or calculus). Information regarding the test can be found under the Math Placement Test tab.
  • Take the Engineering Learning Community courses specified on the Course tabs: Engineering 1181.01 and 1182.01 and Engineering University Survey
  • While students are not obligated to accept our offer of admission or to pay the acceptance fee by April 1st, opportunities to be included in one of our learning communities do fill up quickly. We encourage you to pay your acceptance fee as soon as you know you want to join Buckeye Nation at Ohio State Newark.

Student Testimonials

ELC students have shared the following statements about what they enjoyed while participating in the learning community:

  • “[The ELC] taught me how to be successful in the college of Engineering.”
  • “I gained knowledge on how to study and how to manage my time.”
  • “I learned how to plan ahead in the future.”

Statistics

  • All of the students in the Engineering Learning Community in spring 2016 who planned to transition to the Columbus campus in autumn 2016, did so successfully with the support and guidance offered through the learning community.
  • In addition, 100% of the Engineering Learning Community students who desired to be accepted into the College of Engineering and were not already in their first-year were accepted in their second year.
  • ELC students are guaranteed to get into the first-year engineering courses that are required for all engineering majors at Ohio State in order to stay on track with their major

ELC in the Media