Welcome to the Oregon State University Honors College
"For thirty years, we have been the home for changemakers, leaders and innovators from across the university — a place where undergraduates of all backgrounds and majors develop the skills and perspectives to build a better future for Oregon and beyond."
This Journey Takes You Further
At the Oregon State University Honors College, outstanding students from all undergraduate colleges at OSU’s Corvallis, Cascades and Ecampus locations are part of a vibrant academic community. They engage in enhanced curricular and co-curricular experiences designed to help them explore their academic passions, collaborate across disciplines and develop into creative, globally minded problem solvers equipped with world-class skills.
60%
of alumni found their honors thesis to be very or extremely influential on their life since graduation
63%
of alumni believe their experience prepared them well with cross-disciplinary
68%
of alumni believe their experience prepared them well for written communication
Engaging classes, unique research.
Just about everything is up for discussion at the Honors College. With average class sizes of 12 to 20 students, your ideas and input are not only encouraged, they're expected. The HC develops new curricula each year to remain fresh and relevant to contemporary issues. Courses feel less like "classes" and more like stimulating conversations among peers. Additionally, students have the unique opportunity to conduct thesis research, allowing them to explore their passions deeply and contribute original insights to their fields.
Choose your own adventure, within a supportive community.
Enroll in honors classes that spark your curiosity, no matter your major. Whether you're an engineering student looking to dive into philosophy or an artist drawn to chemistry, you can explore courses that challenge your way of thinking. The Honors College fosters an atmosphere where students support each other, and where conversations are lively and thoughtful. Your community is made up of problem solvers and creative thinkers who thrive on new perspectives, making every class a shared adventure.
Live and learn.
At the Honors College, learning goes beyond the classroom. You'll engage in immersive courses, internships and research opportunities that prepare you for the world beyond college. From international service learning to hands-on experiences, you’ll build skills that truly matter. As a first-year student, you’ll have the opportunity to live in the Honors College Living-Learning Community in Sackett or West Hall at the Corvallis campus, or room with other Honors students at OSU-Cascades, where you'll find a supportive home among peers eager to grow and thrive together.
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30th Anniversary
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"The interdisciplinary nature of the HC allowed me to break out of my academic bubble. In HC classes, I am not just talking to other students in my discipline. I learn and interact with future engineers, doctors, researchers, and public servants."
Camden Schmidt, '23, Environmental Economics and Policy
"Honors College faculty are some of the most enthusiastic professors I have had the privilege to study with. They bring a refreshing, exciting energy to class and clearly care deeply about their students and their field."
Grace Knutsen, '24, History, German and French
"At first, I didn’t comprehend the wealth of resources and guidance available in the Honors College. The thesis was daunting initially but once I took a hands-on approach to my academic career, everything followed naturally. My thesis experience created networking opportunities, learning experiences, lasting connections and made me an official published author!"
Lorenzo Curtis ’23, Ecological Engineering
Alumni Testimonials