Oregon State University
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

Biological and Ecological Engineering is the application of engineering and life-science principles, and problem-solving techniques to the optimum use and sustainability of biological resources. The curriculum is engineering-based with strong emphasis on the life sciences. With undergraduate and graduate options, this program brings the insights from biology and the methods of engineering together to provide the products and tools of the future.

Environmental sciences are central to the mission of Oregon State University - a university with extensive programs related to the environment and wide use of natural resources. OSU is only one of two U.S. universities recognized as a land-, sea-, space- and sun-grant institution. OSU has exceptional strength in many of the disciplines that are required to provide a high-quality interdisciplinary education for future environmental scientists and to provide continuing post-graduate education to scientists who are already active in the field.

The Environmental Sciences Program builds on these institutional strengths offering a BS degree, a MS degree, and a Ph.D.

Strong academic units closely related to environmental science span the university and can provide resources to students. OSU offers comprehensive instructional programs in agriculture, engineering, public health, forestry, biology and the oceanic, atmospheric and earth sciences, and social sciences. Research centers provide focal points for those faculty and students interested in interdisciplinary topics. The presence of state and federal agencies, such as the Corvallis Environmental Protection Agency Laboratory, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Forest Service provide unique opportunities for developing undergraduate and graduate research partnerships benefiting Environmental Sciences students.

The Natural Resources (NR) Bachelor of Science degree program provides students with a detailed working knowledge of natural resources, their diversity and interdependence, and the critical relationships between humans and their environment. The program of study is interdisciplinary in nature, encompassing a broad spectrum of coursework, while mixing natural resources disciplines from colleges across campus, to include the Colleges of Agricultural Science, Forestry, Liberal Arts, and Science. Because of its flexibility, this program provides students the opportunity to combine areas of particular personal and/or professional interest, maximizing exposure to key natural resources issues and challenges.

Sustainability Double Degree
http://agsci.oregonstate.edu/sustainabilitydd

Environmental Economics and Policy
http://agsci.oregonstate.edu/degree/environmental-economics-and-policy

Fisheries and Wildlife
http://fw.oregonstate.edu/

Tourism, Recreation + Adventure Leadership
https://www.forestry.oregonstate.edu/undergraduate-programs/tral

The student pursuing this option will be able to communicate the process and results of economic analysis of environmental and natural resource issues through a variety of written and oral methods; and demonstrate the powers and constraints of US legal structures and policy tools to address environmental and natural resource issues.

The renewable materials minor exposes students to the world of renewable materials science and technology, and enables them to enhance their education by gaining a specialization that makes them more competitive for careers associated with green materials and allied industries.

The new research-based interdisciplinary Bioenergy Minor provides an introduction to bioenergy concepts and issues, and a significant research experience. The coursework for the Bioenergy Minor includes an introduction to regional bioenergy and bioenergy technologies, core bioenergy concepts (such as sustainability and life-cycle analysis), research experience and professional skills.
Students who earn a Bioenergy Minor will be able to:
-Demonstrate an understanding of the core concepts of bioenergy, present and discuss important contemporary issues and challenges related to bioenergy, and suggest multidisciplinary approaches to solving bioenergy problems.
-Explain the research process, including quantitative and qualitative research methods and the use of evidence.
-Design a bioenergy research project, collect and analyze data, and interpret results.
-Competently convey the meaning of research results in written and oral format, and demonstrate the ability to communicate with professionals, policymakers, and the general public.

Students may earn a Sustainability Minor after completing 27 credits of required and elective courses. The minor is administered in concert with the Sustainability Double Degree program at OSU: http://agsci.oregonstate.edu/sustainabilitydd

There are numerous other OSU programs, available by request.