Oregon State University Top Questions

What are the academics like at Oregon State University?

jon

good

Roody

2

Melissa

There is a wide variety of classes to choose from, all ranging from easy to extremely difficult.

Matt

Class sizes can be large for some of the freshman classes that are held in large auditoriums. Most of my classes are in class rooms with about 20-3o students. You have to get to know your professors by meeting them at office hours.

Melissa

Student's aren't competitivedope

Meaghan

My professors do not know my name, but that is mainly because all of my classes are 100-600 people in each of my four lectures. My TA's do know my name, though. Sometimes it's a lot easier to talk to TA's instead of the professor directly. My favorite class is currently my ANS 121 class (intro to animal sciences), because the labs are easy and enjoyable. We learn about different domestic breeds of animals and then visit different production facilities near campus. My least class so far was probably Trigonometry. With that said, I took it with a great professor who knows how to teach mathematics, so I did well in the class despite my disinterest. Students tend to study around midterms and finals, as many professors don't quiz inbetween those times. Class participation isn't all that common in lecture, but is expected in recitation and labs, where there are only 15-25 students in each class. I think that students do have intellectual conversations outside of class because I've overheard students talking about things they learn in class with their friends, and I find myself discussing things in everyday conversations about things I've learned in class. Students at OSU are very competitive, because a lot of students here are planning to go on to either a masters, graduate, or other professional program. The most unique class I've taken so far was my ANS 315 class I took over the summer. It was about ethical issues in animal agriculture. It gave you a better understanding of where your food comes from, and at what price. I'm a Zoology major in the College of Science. Along with Biology, it is the biggest major in the College of Science. I, personally, don't spend time with professors outside of class because they are usually quite clear on their material. But I have occasionally emailed professors about little questions on material, and they have been cordial in their responses. I feel OSU does a good job at requiring different groups across the fields of study for every major, but at the same time allows enough classes in each of those groups for students to pick classes they might genuinely be interested in. OSU has a good mix of learning both for it's sake and to get a job. We have a great career services department, but OSU also encourages service learning outside of the classroom, because something that can't really be taught in a classroom.

Meaghan

My professors do not know my name, but that is mainly because all of my classes are 100-600 people in each of my four lectures. My TA's do know my name, though. Sometimes it's a lot easier to talk to TA's instead of the professor directly. My favorite class is currently my ANS 121 class (intro to animal sciences), because the labs are easy and enjoyable. We learn about different domestic breeds of animals and then visit different production facilities near campus. My least class so far was probably Trigonometry. With that said, I took it with a great professor who knows how to teach mathematics, so I did well in the class despite my disinterest. Students tend to study around midterms and finals, as many professors don't quiz inbetween those times. Class participation isn't all that common in lecture, but is expected in recitation and labs, where there are only 15-25 students in each class. I think that students do have intellectual conversations outside of class because I've overheard students talking about things they learn in class with their friends, and I find myself discussing things in everyday conversations about things I've learned in class. Students at OSU are very competitive, because a lot of students here are planning to go on to either a masters, graduate, or other professional program. The most unique class I've taken so far was my ANS 315 class I took over the summer. It was about ethical issues in animal agriculture. It gave you a better understanding of where your food comes from, and at what price. I'm a Zoology major in the College of Science. Along with Biology, it is the biggest major in the College of Science. I, personally, don't spend time with professors outside of class because they are usually quite clear on their material. But I have occasionally emailed professors about little questions on material, and they have been cordial in their responses. I feel OSU does a good job at requiring different groups across the fields of study for every major, but at the same time allows enough classes in each of those groups for students to pick classes they might genuinely be interested in. OSU has a good mix of learning both for it's sake and to get a job. We have a great career services department, but OSU also encourages service learning outside of the classroom, because something that can't really be taught in a classroom.

Jennifer

In some of my smaller classes, my professors do know my name. However in my big lectures of 200-600 people they professor doesn't know my name unless I make an effort to go to their office hours and meet them. The academics are great here, OSU is known for being a big research campus. Students here are competitive and do study, mostly in the library or hall lounges. However, like every school there are the people who would rather party than study. There seems to be a good balance of studying and fun at OSU. Currently I'm double majoring in Athletic Training and Pre Therapy. The advisors for my major are amazing! They really help me out and you should definitely get to know your counselors at your school also.

Cassady

Derek

It really depends on the subject. Lectures are usually large and the professors don't know all the students. Other classes are between 20-30 students. Most professors make the classes fun and interesting. I've only been here for a year, but so far my favorite class is Psychology and my least favorite is Chemistry. The students here are friendly and outgoing in classes. People are here to help you all the time. There are many resources on campus that you can get help whenever you need. The professors all have office hours that they are required to be in their offices. All students are required to take certain classes to make them "well rounded" when they enter the job market. When you graduate from Oregon State you are fully prepared to receive a job.