The relationship between a student and an advisor is one of the most important relationships for the student's academic success. Building a strong relationship with your academic advisor will help you make the most of your academic journey as a science major. Advisors in the College of Science are focused on creating a welcoming and inclusive environments to encourage exploration, growth and development of all students.
Professional and faculty advisors help students make sound academic decisions that support their success and goals. Students can consult them about selecting courses, electives and minors to pinpoint a career focus, guidance about navigating university policies, and getting involved with experiences outside of the classroom to connect you to the campus community while gaining important career experiences. Advisors help students stay on track to graduation and write recommendations to graduate/professional schools and employers. We recommend that you see your advisor at least once a term to stay on course for graduation.
Department advisors will also connect you with research, internship and study abroad opportunities that will enhance your academic and career preparation.
How advising works
Each student has an academic advisor in their major to help you navigate your college experience. They can answer questions about course selection, degree requirements, and getting involved with activities in your major such as clubs, research, study abroad, internships, job experiences and much more. They can answer questions about course selection, degree requirements and getting involved with science activities such as student clubs, undergraduate research, study abroad, internships, leadership opportunities, hands-on work experiences and much more.
First-year students are required to meet with their major advisor once per term in the fall, winter and spring to be able to register for classes. After the first year, students are required to meet with their major advisor in the spring.
In addition to our academic advisors, students also have access to the College's Advising Team located in the Science Success Center in Kidder 109. All science students have access to our central advising team, which includes a Head Advisor, Success Advisor, Transfer Advisor and a team of student Peer Advisors.
The Science Success Center is open from 9am to 7pm Monday through Thursday and from 9am to 5pm on Friday. During those times we are also available remotely. Email us at sciencesuccess@oregonstate.edu or reach us on Zoom (password COSBEAVS).
Questions your advisor can answer
- What can I do with this major?
- Where can I get help with my classes?
- I am worried I'm not going to make it at OSU; Which academic support resources do I need?
- How do I balance school, work, family, etc?
- How can I get help paying for food?
- How do I gain experience in my field through job shadows, internships, etc?
- How do I study abroad?
- How can I get involved in research?
- How do I join a student club? Where do I find them?
- What are some good bac core/elective courses to take?
