Oregon State University College of Science: A Hub for Discovery and Innovation
Oregon State University's College of Science is a public academic institution operating as a member of Oregon State University, a public research university. The College of Science at Oregon State University (OSU) stands as a dynamic center for scientific exploration, education, and outreach. Founded in 1932, the college has a rich history of pioneering research and a commitment to providing students with hands-on learning experiences. From its humble beginnings as the Oregon State University School of Science to its current status as a leading science institution, the college has consistently adapted to meet the evolving needs of students, researchers, and the broader community.
A Legacy of Scientific Education
Science coursework at OSU dates back to 1868, when the university first offered college-level courses providing instruction in general science, chemistry, and the geology of Oregon. In 1932, the Oregon State University School of Science was established as a result of a statewide reorganization of the Oregon State System of Higher Education. OSU paleontologist Earl L. Packard became the first dean that year. In 1935 OSU awarded its first doctorates. Three of the four Ph.D. recipients were college of science students. Herbert L. Jones received his Ph.D. in physics, Alfred Taylor in zoology, and Karl Klemm in chemistry. The first woman to receive a Ph.D. from OSU was Chung Kwai Lui. She received her doctorate from OSU in physics in 1941. An immigrant from China, Lui was later recruited into the top-secret Manhattan Project to help develop the first atomic bomb. During World War II, her expertise in purifying microscopic quantities of uranium was sought out by leaders at the Manhattan Project to purify larger, kilogram quantities.
Academic Programs and Opportunities
The college of science consists of seven schools, offering nine undergraduate programs and supporting seven doctoral-granting programs and eight master's degree-granting programs. The college also supports the science discipline colleges and bachelor of science students by offering key undergraduate science courses required by their own curriculums. The College of Science claims more than 3,400 students and a faculty of 184. It provides a wide array of academic programs and research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Students can choose from a diverse selection of majors, minors, and special programs in health-related fields.
The College emphasizes hands-on learning. With hands-on experiences that take you out of the classroom and put you on the front lines of some incredible work, science is better at Oregon State. Students have the chance to conduct research as undergraduates, study abroad, and participate in internships. Future science students can explore cutting-edge labs, connect with current students and see what their future could be at OSU. The college encourages prospective students to meet with them to learn more about their majors, hands-on learning, and undergraduate research opportunities.
The college of science is closely aligned with top medical schools throughout the nation. On average, 60-to-70 percent of graduate applicants are accepted by their medical school of choice.
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Research and Discovery
From supernovae to superbugs, science faculty and students pursue both fundamental and applied research in over 100 labs across campus. Oregon State University is actively involved in various research endeavors, contributing to advancements in diverse fields. For example, Smith is a remote-study postdoctoral scholar at Oregon State University. The OSU Extension Service delivers research-based knowledge and education that strengthen communities and economies, sustain natural resources and promote healthy people and families. The 11 Agricultural Experiment Stations at 14 locations address critical issues across landscapes, oceans and food systems.
OSU researchers ask: What can we learn from the sound of melting glaciers? If a 10-billion-ton hunk of glacial ice falls into the Arctic Ocean and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?
Noteworthy Research Areas
- Climate Science: Oregon State researchers are actively involved in climate research, studying topics such as carbon storage in forests and the impacts of climate change on ecosystems. Bev Law, a forest scientist and professor emerita at Oregon State University, said they are the most effective carbon-storing forests in the world, as long as they remain intact.
- Marine Science: With its Hatfield Marine Science Center, OSU is a hub for marine research, focusing on topics such as ocean acidification, fisheries management, and marine conservation. Taylor Chapple, associate professor at Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center and co-director of OSU’s Big Fish Lab, is involved in studying white sharks.
- Public Health: Oregon State University researchers contribute to public health initiatives, conducting studies on topics ranging from the human-cat bonds to the impacts of toxic masculinity. A 2019 Oregon State University study published in the journal Current Biologyexplored human-cat bonds. In 2024, Oregon State University assistant professor of psychology Steven Sanders created a scale to measure toxic masculinity.
- Artificial Intelligence: Oregon State University, especially, is taking an active role in the state’s AI efforts. Programs include connecting AI with economic development and workforce training, including statewide collaborations like the Oregon AI K-12 Collaborative to share resources and best practices with educators.
Outreach and Engagement
Oregon State University is committed to serving the needs of Oregonians statewide. With operations in all 36 counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon State University is a trusted partner serving Oregonians statewide.
- Extension Service: Lane County voters will decide whether to renew the local option levy that funds Oregon State University’s Lane County extension service in the upcoming May 19 election, after commissioners unanimously voted to refer the measure at their Feb.
- Small Farms Conference: While the Oregon State University Extension Service Small Farms Conference on Feb.
Notable Faculty and Alumni
The College of Science has been home to numerous distinguished faculty members and alumni who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.
- Jane Lubchenco: A distinguished professor at Oregon State University and a world-renowned marine scientist, played a key role in shaping the science behind the agreement. Lubchenco is the senior author of the influential "MPA Guide," which outlines best practices for designing marine protected areas (MPAs).
- Michael Waterman: Co-inventor of the Smith-Waterman algorithm used in DNA sequence alignment. Holds an Endowed Associates Chair in Biological Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Southern California.
- Jade Carey: Is considered one of the most accomplished gymnasts to represent Oregon State University.
- Naomi R. Aguiar serves as the associate director of research at Oregon State University Ecampus.
Challenges and Adaptations
Like many public institutions, the College of Science at Oregon State University has faced its share of challenges, including budget cuts and shifting priorities. In 1990, Oregon voters passed the historic property-tax reducing Ballot Measure 5. Passage of the new law dramatically changed Oregon’s property taxes, greatly reduced funding for many K-12 schools, and helped to eliminate a popular program at the Oregon State University College of Science. Following passage of the measure, the college of science was asked by university administrators to find one program to close to help meet the projected budget cuts.
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A Vibrant Campus Environment
Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Oregon State’s Bend campus, located in the stunning high desert of Central Oregon, offers more than 20 majors, small classes and a vast natural laboratory. Oregon State Ecampus blends 21st century innovation with 150+ years of institutional excellence to give people everywhere access to a life-changing education online. Attend the Team Science Totes 'n Pops 'n Clubs event! Learn about our science clubs, personalize a Team Science tote bag and get to know other science students over popsicles.
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