Hands On Experiences

Your journey starts here

The College of Science is here to prepare you to tackle 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 experiences that challenge and inspire.

Our 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.

Here, you'll do work that matters

Emily Kaneshiro smiles in front of flowery bushes.

Emily Kaneshiro, Class of ’25: From studying abroad to tackling smoke in wine

Auria Lee, Class of ’25: Adventure, research and leadership shape future doctor

Ella Bailey wearing gloves and a mask, working with a teeth model, in a dental simulation lab at the OHSU Summit Program.

Ella Bailey, Class of ’25: BioHealth sciences major trains to be a dentist

A woman in a black shirt and brown hair sits at a desk.

Cierra Freese, Class of ’25: Non-traditional Ecampus student finds her calling in wildlife conservation

Mitchell Kenny, Class of ‘25: Pursuing chemistry around the world

A man in a black shirt stands in front of a white background.

Roan Luikart, Class of ’25: Mathematics major finds the equation for success

Vivian Light, Class of ’25: Senior balances biology and volleyball at Oregon State

A woman poses for a picture in front of a city in Spain.

Study abroad in Spain pairs biochemistry science with culture and discovery

A man in jeans and a t-shirt sits outside on a building's steps, smiling.

Kyle Gourlie, Class of ’25: Small-town student to space-time researcher

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 a fulfilling life and career success after graduation. Be proactive, and seek these experiences out!

Hands-on experiences support your intellectual, professional and personal development to prepare you to become a successful and engaged global citizen. 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

Learn what you like! In an internship, you will gain real-world experience and an understanding of how a science education can set you on a path to a satisfying career and fulfillment in life.

Study abroad

Immerse yourself in another culture and gain a global perspective. Through exposure to domestic and international diversity and broader thinking, you'll be better able to navigate diverse communities and workplaces with an appreciation for individual differences.

Two students volunteer at a free community dental clinic. These two women are winding a long yellow power cord. One wears a white, long sleeve shirt and jeans, the other a set of dark blue scrubs.

Community service

Contribute to the greater good. By volunteering your time, you can aid and improve your community while gaining a sense of responsibility. Volunteering in your specific niche can be just as effective at helping you figure out your career path as academics and internships.

A learning assistant walks down an aisle of a large lecture hall. She has brown skin, dark curly hair to her shoulders and thick black glasses. She wears an orange Team Science lanyard and carries a tablet in both hands in front of her. She is scanning the crowd. Students and a professor are visible behind her.

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 you better navigate and succeed in the workplace.

A student in a lab coat stands in a lab, looking at some data in the hands of her mentor. She has brown skin and long, dark curly hair that's tied in a ponytail. Her mentor has long, dark hair that is also tied in a low ponytail. He wears black rimmed glasses and a lab coat.

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.

A learning assistant leans in to a student who is seated in a large lecture hall. The learning assistant holds a tablet and a white small whiteboard he is gesturing to. He wears a blue and white plaid jacket and jeans. He has blond, messy hair. The student holds his fist to his chin pensively. He has light brown skin and wears a red The Flash t-shirt. His long, dark hair is tied in a low ponytail.

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 after you have already demonstrated success in a course. This program is pioneering new ways to improve science and math learning, and you can be a part of it.