Our seven departments and academic programs across the mathematical, physical and biological sciences are at the forefront of research and learning. OSU’s community of scientists is distinguished by a fearless spirit of innovation, a commitment to social progress and the pursuit of fundamental and applied knowledge. Our students gain a solid understanding of the scope and methods of modern science and mathematics. Oregon State science faculty, students and alumni are finding solutions to some of the world’s most critical issues in the areas of marine ecology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, drug discovery, nuclear decontamination and renewable energy.
Academic departments and programs
Achieving global impact in the sciences and mathematics
Explore our academic departments
Biochemistry and Biophysics
The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics is home to an internationally recognized group of scientists working on cutting-edge molecular life science research problems in diverse areas including cell signaling and metabolic regulation; aging and neurodegenerative diseases; protein engineering; structural biology and genetic code expansion technology; bioinformatics and computational biophysics; cancer biology; as well as chromatin structure and epigenetics. We are known for innovative classroom pedagogies, research and teaching excellence, dedicated faculty advisors and extraordinary laboratories to facilitate hands-on student learning.
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Chemistry
The Department of Chemistry is at the forefront of fundamental and applied research in the areas of analytical, materials, physical, nuclear, organic and bioorganic chemistry. Highly ranked in many research areas, the chemistry department is a national leader in discovering new chemical approaches to improve the environment, cure disease and build innovative, sustainable, clean energy applications.
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Integrative Biology
The nationally ranked Department of Integrative Biology combines exceptional research and teaching across the fields of genetics, genomics, physiology, ecology, systematics, and evolutionary biology to address critical problems related to the environment, ecosystems, human and animal health. Approximately 40 faculty are engaged in innovative research, teaching and training in model systems, climate change, conservation, organismal biology, sustainability science and systems biology.
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Mathematics
The Department of Mathematics at Oregon State University is a vibrant center for undergraduate and graduate level mathematics. It is home to nearly 25 tenured and tenure-track faculty who are engaged in interdisciplinary and fundamental research in theoretical and applied mathematics, including but not limited to mathematical modeling in the geosciences, mathematical biology, partial differential equations, geometry, number theory, numerical analysis, probability theory and mathematics education.
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Microbiology
The Department of Microbiology originated as a single course in Bacteriology in 1899 and has evolved into a world-class center for innovative and cutting-edge research on microbial communities in humans and animals. Microbiology faculty have research expertise across terrestrial and aquatic environments encompassing coral reefs and the deep ocean. Microbiology at Oregon State has a longstanding tradition of teaching excellence and educating students across the breadth of modern microbiology.
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Physics
The Department of Physics is deeply committed to excellence in research, teaching and outreach, an important part of its mission. Our faculty are engaged in highly innovative and state-of-the-art research programs in optics, condensed matter physics, materials physics, astrophysics, and biophysics. Physicists at Oregon State have made path-breaking contributions to the development of leading technologies, such as transistors, semiconductors, superconductors and magnetic resonance imaging.
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Statistics
Our research program in statistics is the only one of its kind in the state of Oregon. The Department of Statistics is a vibrant community of 20 faculty and 40 graduate students engaged in high quality research and education in statistics and statistical consulting. Our faculty have made significant and sustained contributions to the development of theoretical statistics and data analytic methods as well as mathematical and computational tools with applications in ecology, risk analysis, genomics, genetics, astronomy, networks, high-dimensional data and survey design.
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Diversity in Science
An inclusive future for science: Taking action on diversity, equity and access
Faculty and Staff
