Oregon State University

Oregon State University is a public land-grant research university in Corvallis, Oregon, United States that offers more than 200 undergraduate-degree programs and a variety of graduate and doctoral degrees through eleven colleges. Initially chartered as a land-grant university, it became one of only four inaugural members of the sea grant program in 1971. Memberships in the Space Grant and Sun Grant research consortias were awarded in 1991 and 2003, and only three schools in the nation held memberships in all four of the research areas, a distinction that helped elevate OSU to the status of a leading research university.

The university traces its origins back to 1858, when it was established as Corvallis Academy, a primary and preparatory community school. Local Freemasons in the Corvallis area were instrumental in founding the academy, and many of the university’s prominent buildings today bear their names. The academy is historically notable for being the first institution to offer postsecondary public education in the Oregon Territory. John Wesley Johnson, an influential figure in Oregon's higher education history, served as the academy’s first administrator and teacher. Having received his secondary education in Corvallis and an undergraduate degree from Pacific University, Johnson later attended Yale and played a key role in the growth and administration of early Oregon colleges.

Between 1860 and 1868, the Southern Methodist Church took control of the academy, managing it privately. During this period, William A. Finley was appointed president in 1865 and expanded the curriculum to include upper-level courses. This development attracted many young adults from the Northwest who sought professional education. On August 22, 1868, the institution was formally incorporated as Corvallis College. To secure funding and establish it as the state’s primary public college, the Oregon Legislative Assembly designated it as Oregon’s Land-grant university and the "agricultural college of the state of Oregon." Two months later, in October 1868, the college was officially chartered as the state’s first public college, with Finley recognized as its first president.

Throughout the late 19th century, the college underwent multiple name changes, reflecting common trends among land-grant institutions that aligned themselves with federal agricultural research grants. The Morrill Land-Grant Acts played a critical role in ensuring the survival and growth of this and similar institutions during financially difficult times. Acceptance of the federal grant brought with it new requirements, including authorization to grant Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Arts degrees. Although the University of Oregon initially petitioned to be designated as the state’s land-grant university, the request was denied. The first graduating class in 1870 received Bachelor of Arts degrees, and in 1872 the institution was renamed Corvallis State Agricultural College. By 1900, scientific and technological coursework became the school’s most popular majors.

In the early 20th century, efforts were made to delineate academic focuses between Oregon State University and the University of Oregon. Starting in 1914, the State Board of Higher Education assigned engineering and commerce studies exclusively to Oregon State’s Corvallis campus, while liberal arts were concentrated at the University of Oregon in Eugene. The institution’s name changed officially to Oregon State Agricultural College (OSAC) in 1927. The Oregon Unification Bill of 1929 brought all public colleges under tighter oversight by the State Board of Higher Education. During the 1930s, the college expanded its degree offerings to include doctorates, awarding its first PhDs in 1935 and introducing summer sessions. Reflecting this academic diversity, the college adopted the name Oregon State College in 1937.

On March 6, 1961, Oregon State College officially became Oregon State University following legislative approval signed by Governor Mark Hatfield. This change marked a new era for the institution, reflecting its broad range of academic programs and research activities. The university had grown from a small preparatory academy into a major public university with a strong focus on science, technology, agriculture, and professional education. Over its long history, Oregon State University has maintained its commitment to serving the educational needs of Oregon and beyond while evolving to meet the demands of a changing academic and social landscape.

All academic courses at OSU operate under the quarter-system, which breaks down into four, 11-week terms. The professional disciplines taught at OSU are divided among 11 colleges, an honors college, and a graduate school. Each college has a dean who is responsible for all faculty, staff, students and academic programs. Colleges are divided into schools or departments, administered by a chair/head/director who oversees program coordinators. Each school or department is responsible for academic programs leading to degrees, certificates, options or minors.

• College of Agricultural Sciences
• College of Business
• College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences
• College of Education
• College of Engineering
• College of Forestry
• University Honors College
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Pharmacy
• College of Public Health and Human Sciences
• College of Science
• Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine

Oregon State University offers diverse undergraduate and graduate programs across its 11 colleges.

Among OSU's most popular undergraduate programs are:

• -Computer Science: This program is sought after, reflecting the growing demand for tech professionals.
• -Business Administration: Offering a comprehensive curriculum, this program prepares students for leadership roles.
• -Mechanical Engineering: Known for its rigorous coursework and hands-on learning experiences.
• -Psychology: This program prepares graduates for careers in counseling, research, and human resources.
• -Human Development and Family Sciences: Ideal for those pursuing careers in social services and education .
   

At the graduate level, OSU offers several distinguished programs:

• -Pharmacy Studies: Prepares students for careers in pharmaceutical sciences.
• -Veterinary Medicine: Offers comprehensive training for aspiring veterinarians.
• -Civil Engineering: Students engage in research and projects related to infrastructure and environment.
• -Computer Science: Emphasizes advanced computing concepts and research.
• -Public Health: Focuses on community health, epidemiology, and policy analysis .

OSU's Ecampus provides flexible online graduate programs, including:

• -Engineering Management: Designed for professionals seeking leadership roles in engineering sectors.
• -Public Health: The online MPH program allows students to study while maintaining professional commitments.
• -Data Analytics: Equips students with skills in data analysis and interpretation

OSU encourages interdisciplinary studies, offering minors and certificates that complement major programs. For example, students in engineering may pursue minors in business or sustainability, enhancing their versatility in the job market. The university's commitment to research and community engagement provides students with opportunities to apply their learning in real-world settings.

Oregon State University's MBA program, offered through the College of Business, holds a strong position in both national and global rankings. In the 2025 edition of U.S. News and World Report, OSU's online MBA program is ranked 46th nationally out of 356 programs, reflecting its robust academic offerings and accessibility . Additionally, the program is recognized as the top online MBA in Oregon, underscoring its regional prominence and appeal to working professionals seeking flexibility.
 

Internationally, OSU's MBA program is ranked 251+ globally in the QS World University Rankings for 2023 and 2024, indicating a solid reputation among global institutions . This ranking places OSU among a select group of universities worldwide, highlighting its commitment to delivering quality business education that meets international standards.
 

The MBA program at OSU distinguishes itself through its comprehensive curriculum, which includes concentrations in areas such as business analytics, corporate finance, human resource management, marketing, organizational leadership, and supply chain & logistics management. These specializations are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in various sectors of the business world. Furthermore, the program emphasizes accessibility, offering both online and hybrid learning formats to accommodate diverse student needs.

Oregon State University demonstrates a strong commitment to student career outcomes, with notable job placement rates for its graduates. According to Niche, 92% of OSU graduates are employed within two years of graduation. The university's College of Business further supports job integration through its education-to-career model, a comprehensive year-long series focusing on personal, professional, and leadership development.  
 

Additionally, OSU's Career Development Center plays a pivotal role in student success by offering personalized career advice, resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking opportunities. These services are designed to enhance students' employability and assist them in navigating the job market effectively. The combination of strong academic programs, targeted career services, and industry partnerships contributes to OSU's impressive job integration rates.

1. "Oregon State University displays new logo". Capital Press. 
2. "College of Engineering Fact Sheet" (PDF). engineering.oregonstate.edu. 
3. "Oregon State University enrollment reaches a new record, eclipsing 35,000". oregonstate.edu.
4. "Oregon State will graduate a record number of students on June 12". Oregon State University.
5. "Carnegie Foundation again bestows coveted "Community Engagement" designation on OSU". Oregon State University. 
6. "History of Sea Grant". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 
7. "Leadership: Mission Statement". Oregon State University.
8. "With awards totaling nearly $450 million, Oregon State sets record for annual research funding". Oregon State University.
9. "Top Producing Institutions". fulbrightprogram.org. 
10. "University Archives - Chronological History". oregonstateedu.com. 
11. "Southern Democrats and Corvallis College (1859-1865)". osualum.com. 
12. "Oregon State University". oregonencyclopedia.org.
13. "Land Grant College Education 1910-1920 Part 1" (PDF). eric.ed.gov. 
14. "Historic Timeline for Agricultural and Natural Resources" (PDF). lib.berkeley.edu. 
15. Woodward, Carl R. (1921). "The Curriculum of the College of Agriculture". google.books.com.