Oregon State University

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary programme blends foundational coursework in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics with laboratory and field-based learning. Early coursework typically covers general biology, general and organic chemistry, calculus, and introductory physics, together with laboratory classes that develop experimental technique and data analysis skills. As you progress you'll take intermediate and advanced modules such as molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, physical chemistry, thermodynamics, optics and classical mechanics, plus courses in statistics and computational methods for scientific data.

Students customise their degree through electives and concentrations, choosing topics like ecology and evolution, environmental science, materials science, biomedical science, or computational modelling. The curriculum emphasises hands-on experience: laboratory courses, field trips (including use of the university's marine and terrestrial research facilities), and an independent capstone project or research thesis are common components. Many students also complete internships or participate in faculty-led research through Oregon State’s undergraduate research programmes.

Entry requirements

Admission is to Oregon State University; applicants should present a strong secondary-school academic record with substantive preparation in mathematics and the sciences. Recommended preparatory subjects include high-school calculus (or precalculus), chemistry and biology, and physics where available. Admissions decisions are holistic; successful applicants typically demonstrate strong grades in college-preparatory courses and motivation for interdisciplinary science.

Transfer applicants are considered and should present college coursework in introductory calculus, chemistry and biology. International applicants must meet the university's English proficiency requirements and provide equivalent secondary-school credentials. Prospective students are encouraged to review the university’s undergraduate admissions pages for details on documentation and pathways such as transfer agreements and community-college articulation.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BS in Biological and Physical Sciences have versatile skill sets valued across industry, government and academia. Common entry-level roles include laboratory technician, environmental field technician, quality-control analyst, research assistant, and data analyst in scientific companies. The degree also provides a strong foundation for professional programmes (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy) and for graduate study (MS, PhD) in specialised fields such as biophysics, materials science, environmental science or biomedical engineering.

Oregon State’s connections with regional research centres and industry, plus internships and undergraduate research experience, help graduates move into positions in biotechnology, environmental consulting, public-sector science, science education and science communication. The programme’s quantitative and laboratory training is particularly useful for roles that require experimental design, statistical analysis and technical problem-solving.

Why study at Oregon State University

Oregon State is a research-intensive, public land‑grant university with strong strengths in the natural sciences and extensive facilities for hands-on learning. Students in this programme benefit from access to specialised resources such as the Hatfield Marine Science Center for coastal and marine research and the Linus Pauling Institute, as well as multiple campus laboratories and field stations across Oregon. The university emphasises undergraduate research and offers structured support through offices and initiatives that help students secure research placements and internships.

Small-group laboratory courses, faculty mentoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration are central to the student experience, while campus career and internship services assist with professional development and employer connections. For students seeking experiential science education, Oregon State’s combination of classroom, laboratory and field opportunities makes it a strong environment for building versatile scientific skills and launching a range of career paths or postgraduate study.