Pursue a post-bacc for a competitive advantage

Post-baccalaureate programs can help you prepare for another bachelor's degree or a graduate degree, all while expanding your professional knowledge. You can also use the time during your post-bacc studies to explore new areas of science that interest you as you go deeper or broader with your studies.

A post-bacc degree can be a good option for anyone who completed their science courses more than a few years ago. Taking post-bacc science courses can also help you review science concepts to be better positioned for a career change, for graduate or medical school, or to enhance your resume with more science credentials.

Tips to determine if a post-bacc program is right for you

Post-bacc admissions

The College of Science at Oregon State University aligns to university admissions. Admission is not automatic and is at the discretion of the College of Science. The College does not conditionally admit at the post-bacc level.

Please note: not all majors are available through Ecampus. Majors that can be earned solely through online Ecampus are BioHealth Sciences and Zoology.  Students interested in pre-professional health careers must take BioHealth Sciences on campus.

Need more information?

Contact the Science Success Center (sciencesuccess@oregonstate.edu).

Admissions deadlines

The following deadlines are followed within the College of Science for post-bacc applications. All prerequisite coursework must be completed at the time of application.

• Fall term: August 1
• Winter term: November 1
• Spring term: February 1
• Summer term: May 1

Please note: These dates differ from University deadlines. Applications received after these dates may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the College and individual departments.

Learn more and apply

Requirements

Admissions requirements

• Have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution. The College of Science does not admit students pursuing a post-baccalaureate degree in the same or closely related field as their original degree of study. 
• Demonstrate a GPA of at least 2.25 accumulated. The GPA is computed on the first baccalaureate degree plus any subsequent credit earned. 
• Complete College Algebra and English Composition with a C- or better.
• Submit a Statement of Objectives of 150 to 200 words with your application explaining your interest in the degree program and how it fits into your personal and career goals. 
• Provide transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities.
• Submit a nonrefundable $65.00 application fee.

Curriculum requirements

Post-bacc students are not required to complete the Baccalaureate Core at Oregon State but must complete all major and College of Science requirements as well as any additional requirements listed in the OSU Academic Regulations (e.g. Academic Regulation 25.f).

Registration

New post-bacc students require a PIN to register and may not register until receiving a PIN from an advisor. Post-bacc students may be required to attend START at the discretion of the major department advisor. In the College of Science, new post-baccalaureate students may register after Phase II.

For Fall Term, post-bacc students may register on the first Transfer START Day. After the first registration, post-bacc students will meet with an advisor and get a new PIN prior to each Fall Term registration. Currently enrolled post-bacc students register after seniors during Priority Registration.

To reach an advisor, contact the appropriate College of Science department.