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College of Science

Our College

Glass art piece reflecting light from wall

Adorning the walls of Linus Pauling Science Center, this series of four light paintings by Boston artist Stephen Knapp draws inspiration from Linus Pauling’s work.

Transforming the world through Team Science

The College of Science at Oregon State University is a powerful force for good—advancing discovery, improving lives and preparing tomorrow's science leaders.

We pursue knowledge wherever the questions lead, connecting our drive to understand the universe with the practical means to improve it, and for all to thrive within it.

Our pursuit of new scientific frontiers is inseparable from our commitment to inclusion and equity. We believe science grows stronger when more people can participate in discovery and benefit from the opportunities a science education provides.

Here, students experience, experiment, explore and learn — discovering what science makes possible and the part they can play in shaping its future.

Science is better at Oregon State.

By the numbers

7

Departments

4,350

Undergrads

465

Graduate students

10

Majors

200

Faculty

34,000+

Alumni

A global leader in science education, research and innovation

A Tier 1 Research University

One of only 64 public universities nationwide (out of 1,628 ranked institutions) with the Carnegie Foundation’s Tier 1 Very High Research Activity and Community Engagement designations

#79 Top Public Universities

According to U.S. News & World Report, 2025

#63 Most Innovative Schools

According to U.S. News & World Report, 2025

1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities

NASA, USDA and NOAA

Top 1.5% of global universities

According to Center for World University Rankings, 2026

“Advancing knowledge and technology must go hand in hand with promoting equity – in alignment with the university’s plan for shared prosperity.”

Eleanor Feingold

 Interim Dean of the College of Science

Our stellar faculty

Leaders in outstanding scientific research and teaching

College of Science faculty are at the forefront of scientific discovery, pursuing fundamental questions and conducting research that has far-reaching benefits for society. Their contributions help secure Oregon State's place among the top 1% of universities worldwide, while giving students the opportunity to learn from scientists who are leaders in their fields.

Meet the science leaders in our College who are breaking new ground in research and bringing that same spirit of discovery to their teaching.

Creating a blueprint for a brighter future

Lori Kayes working with students in lab
Innovative Teaching

Preparing the next generation of leaders

Learn how we are integrating technology, experiential learning and interdisciplinary projects into courses to improve student learning.

Madalyn Gragg works in a lab with Ethan Minot
Groundbreaking research

Translating curiosity into impact

Building on foundational research as the cornerstone of science, our scientists answer the urgent call to make things better—the world for people, and people for the world. See how we are balancing efforts to improve human life through technological and biomedical advances, while finding solutions that are sustainable for our planet and its climate.

A group of colorful beetles models on white table
Supporting success for all

Diversity + Inclusion

Our work is stronger because we value different perspectives, and we advocate for all students to realize their full potential.

A scientist showing young students specimens during an outreach event
Taking our love for science into the community

Extending our science outreach

Explore the wide range of engagement activities the College supports in our quest to extend our love of science into the community.

Science in the spotlight

Our College is home to home to some of our nation and world's most influential scientists in the fields of marine science, data science, materials science and biohealth science. Read how Science faculty are building knowledge and enhancing our impact through engagement with practitioners, policymakers and entrepreneurs who put our research to use.

We love Corvallis

Come visit and learn for yourself why Corvallis is one of the nation’s top-ranked college towns. Walk along our beautiful tree-lined streets past historic brick buildings. Enjoy live music, art shops, independent restaurants, biking along miles of trails or beachcombing only an hour away. Meet students and scientists from all over the world who enjoy our small-town vibe and our big vision for making a better world.

You'll see why Corvallis is a great place to visit, and an even better place to call home.

Two women running in downtown Corvallis, surrounded by lush trees
A woman and man discuss a piece of artwork
A young man considering produce at the farmer's market
A woman in full PPE wearing an intel name badge peers through a small window in a piece of machinery.

With hundreds of miles of trails for hiking and biking and the ocean just an hour away, Corvallis offers many ways to unwind and clear your mind to focus deeply on science.

Visit us

One of the top-ranked college towns, Corvallis is a place where creativity and innovation come together, and community festivals, music and the arts thrive.

Visit us

More than 51% of people walk, bike or skateboard to campus (OSU has more parking spaces for bikes than cars!), and our students enjoy food made from ingredients from local farms and campus gardens.

Visit us

Corvallis is located in a tech-savvy region that’s been referred to as the “Silicon Forest.” It's where brilliant minds connect, and Oregon State University is ranked #1 in Oregon for innovation by U.S. News & World Report.

Visit us
Visit us

Latest Stories

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Across the College

Explore recent stories
A man in a sweatshirt stands in front of a blue background.
Data, AI and Robotics

Scott Clark's vision for AI-powered discovery keeps scientists at the center

A man works in a laboratory with lazers and glasses.
Physics

College of Science breakthrough reveals atomic defects key to next-generation memory

BVR-X is a new material with tiny pores that capture carbon dioxide. Inside the central pore, the red mesh marks regions where CO2 prefers to collect, while the blue mesh marks regions favored by water. These different preferred locations help the material continue capturing CO2 in humid conditions.
Chemistry

New material developed at Oregon State provides boost to carbon capture technologies

A woman with red hair poses for a picture in front of a brick wall.
Mathematics

OSU math alumna earns national mathematics honor