Hands On Experiences

Your journey starts here

The College of Science prepares students to tackle the tough problems and transform the world through discovery, hard work and innovation. We do this by fostering creativity, out-of-the-box thinking and offering students experiences that challenge and inspire.

The College of Science's supportive and diverse community includes academic advisors, faculty, staff, career counselors and Peer Advisors who are here to help you bridge the gap between your academic and social life at OSU and to support your growth and development.

Get involved in our student life programs right away to make the most of your time in college.

Explore student life programs

Science is better at Oregon State University thanks to all the hands-on learning experiences that await you. Hear all about it from Team Science students and faculty! In this video, they'll describe what sets our science programs apart.

Our students do work that matters

Jessica Lopez standing in a white dress with sunflower infant of a brick building.

A comforting hand and healing career: Biohealth sciences senior strides into healthcare

Alyssa Pratt stands in front of a pole with a sign that reads "We did it." She is wearing her graduation cap and gown.

Biochemistry and computer science senior bridges gap between the byte and the gene

Jessica Etter standing outside near a tree.

Brussels sprouts and Parkinson's push chemistry senior toward Ph.D. at Oregon State

Madison Collins smiles in front of a grey background.

Mathematics senior finds effective teaching strategies on her path to a graduate degree

Catherine Raffin poses in front of a bush of vibrant pink flowers.

The field where ‘everything matters’: Biology senior chases an insect dream

Amelia Noall standing at the top of Torc Mountain in Ireland, overlooking a vast field.

French, microbes and the microbiology senior who speaks both

Hands-on experiences that enhance your learning and growth

Throughout your Oregon State science education, you will be surrounded by opportunities to engage in hands-on experiences, or experiential learning. Hands-on experiences encourage learning through doing and can be transformative, leading to fulfilling lives and career success after graduation.

Hands-on experiences support your intellectual, professional and personal development to prepare you to become successful and engaged global citizens. In fact, the relationships that develop with your fellow students through hands-on experiences have proven just as important to success as relationships with professors.

Make the most of these transformative experiences during your years at Oregon State and the College of Science!

Choose your experiences

students working with salmon outside of lab

Internships

Students gain real-world experience and an understanding of how a science education translates into a path toward a satisfying career and life.

Study abroad

Students who immerse themselves in another culture gain a global perspective after experiencing domestic and international diversity and broader thinking. This helps you better navigate diverse communities and workplaces while appreciating individual differences.

Science students teaching elementary school children

Community service

Students help and improve their communities while gaining a sense of responsibility and contributing to the greater good.

Three Learning Assistants working together.

Leadership

From joining a student organization to running for student office or becoming a Peer Advisor, leadership opportunities abound at OSU. These experiences can help build skills to help students better navigate and succeed in the workplace.

A student researcher looks at a vial of fruit flies with his smiling mentor

Undergraduate research

Our students don’t just study science in the classroom, they get in the lab and contribute to it, working alongside world-class faculty. They serve as integral members of teams that conduct ground-breaking research, create new knowledge and advance science. For many students, working in a lab brings science to life and inspires future career options.

Learning Assistant Program

If you're passionate about innovative STEM education, become a Learning Assistant. You'll earn valuable mentorship experience as you help your fellow students tackle complex course topics. This program is pioneering new ways to improve science and math learning and you can be a part of it.