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Our College

Glass art piece reflecting light from wall

Adorning the walls of Linus Pauling Science Center, this series of four light paintings by Boston artist Stephen Knapp draws inspiration from Linus Pauling’s work.

Transforming the world through Team Science

The College of Science at Oregon State University is an inclusive, powerful force for good – changing the world for the better, enhancing the university as a whole, and preparing tomorrow’s science leaders. We are dedicated to extending the reach and impact of science and embedding inclusive excellence within all aspects of the College.

We are committed to building a better world through scientific discovery. Seeking answers to how life and the universe work. Pursuing curiosity-driven research wherever the questions lead. Inspiring solutions to society’s great challenges—climate change, animal and human health, data science and sustainable materials. Serving Oregon, the nation and the world.

Here, students experience, experiment, explore and learn. And build a foundation that opens up endless possibilities.

Science is better at Oregon State.

By the numbers

9

Majors

3,378

Undergrads

69%

High-achieving students

67%

Average admit rate to medical school

$24.2M

Research funding, 2022-23

486

Graduate students

A global leader in science education, research and innovation

A Tier 1 Research University

One of only 40 public universities nationwide (out of 1,705 ranked institutions) with the Carnegie Foundation’s Tier 1 Very High Research Activity and Community Engagement designations


#78 Top Public Universities

According to U.S. News & World Report, 2021


#34 Most Innovative Schools

According to U.S. News & World Report, 2021


1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities

NASA, USDA and NOAA


Top 1.4% of universities worldwide

Center for World University Rankings in 2022

“It is my honor to serve this community as we advance an inclusive vision for our scientific enterprise to aid discovery, education and equity here.”

Vrushali Bokil

Interim Dean of the College of Science

Welcome from the Interim Dean

I am delighted to serve as interim dean of the College of Science, an inclusive, collaborative and innovative community that seeks to shape a better world. This drive stems from our shared purpose – to develop the next generation of science leaders, mentors, educators and cultural shapers to advance scientific discovery and science literacy.

Here, scientists and students have the opportunity to work collaboratively on cutting-edge research in world-class facilities and centers to push the boundaries of knowledge and develop solutions to society’s great challenges. We are embedded in a community invested in providing outstanding science education that’s accessible to all the people of our state and around the world who call Oregon State University their home.

Together, our College is pressing forward on the critical work in progress. We will further implement our diversity action plan, Embedding Equity Access & Inclusion, to ensure that all of our scientists and educators have equitable access to the tools they need to succeed in science.

We recently launched our new strategic plan, a community-created effort generated by the College’s collective wisdom in alignment with OSU’s mission to develop leadership among land grant universities.

As always, we will support and expand our diverse research portfolio, which includes federally funded centers and world-renowned scientific expertise in our many signature areas of strength. Additionally, I anticipate exciting major developments in this upcoming year.

The College of Science holds a special place at Oregon State University, and it is my honor to serve this community as we advance an inclusive vision for our scientific enterprise to aid discovery, education and equity here.

Vrushali Bokil

Interim Dean, College of Science

Our stellar faculty

Leaders in outstanding scientific research and teaching

The strong science programs we offer are defined by the quality of the faculty who lead them. College of Science faculty are recognized for doing research at the forefront of science—making contributions to society that help cement OSU's place as a top 1% university in the world.

Meet the science leaders in our College who are advancing groundbreaking research and preparing future scientists to tackle real-world concerns.

In the news

Our College is home to home to some of our nation and world's most influential scientists in the fields of marine science, data science, materials science and biohealth science. Read how Science faculty are building knowledge and enhancing our impact through engagement with practitioners, policymakers and entrepreneurs who put our research to use.

We love Corvallis

Come visit and learn for yourself why Corvallis is one of the nation’s top-ranked college towns. Walk along our beautiful tree-lined streets past historic brick buildings. Enjoy live music, art shops, independent restaurants, biking along miles of trails or beachcombing only an hour away. Meet students and scientists from all over the world who enjoy our small-town vibe and our big vision for making a better world.

You'll see why Corvallis is a great place to visit, and an even better place to call home.

Two women running in downtown Corvallis, surrounded by lush trees
A woman and man discuss a piece of artwork
A young man considering produce at the farmer's market
Beaver swimming with stick in creek

With hundreds of miles of trails for hiking and biking and the ocean just an hour away, Corvallis offers many ways to unwind and clear your mind to focus deeply on science.

Visit us

One of the top-ranked college towns, Corvallis is a place where creativity and innovation collide, and community festivals, music and the arts thrive.

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More than 51% of people walk, bike or skateboard to campus (OSU has more parking spaces for bikes than cars!), and our students enjoy food made from ingredients from local farms and campus gardens.

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Brilliant minds connect in Corvallis, located in the high-tech “Silicon Forest," fueling OSU's ranking of 33rd in the nation and #1 in the Northwest for innovation in 2019 by U.S. News & World Report.

Visit us