Experiential learning beyond the classroom walls
Classroom learning is just one part of the college experience. The College of Agricultural Sciences offers an array of options for experiential learning outside of the classroom. Some are for college credit, some are paid internships, and some are a little of both.
From global experiences through study abroad programs to joining clubs right here on campus, there are many ways to learn new skills and find new friends in the College of Agriculture Sciences. Here we aim to build the future leaders of tomorrow, and help students realize their fullest potential—and sometimes there is no better way to learn than by going outside and getting your hands dirty.
Global Experiences
Faculty Led Programs
Our destinations offer students the opportunity to study special topics for academic credit with College of Agricultural Sciences faculty. These programs are both led and conceived by our faculty, and may incorporate study with international students and instructors.
Exchange and Study Abroad
Exchange programs are typically a semester or academic year and integrate students into a host university’s academic and student community. Study abroad programs vary in duration and focus and can include intensive language or field studies for single and multiple terms abroad.
Internship and Research
International internships allow students to pursue professional-level work experience overseas while receiving academic credit and College of Agricultural Sciences work experience. Most internships are a minimum of ten weeks in duration, and can take place any time of year. The College of Agricultural Sciences and partner programs offer internships all over the world.
Clubs
Agribusiness Management Club
Students with an agricultural interest can discover, share, and distribute knowledge of integrated/unified agricultural business systems.
Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow
Building relationships among agricultural communication professionals and college students and faculty, to provide professional and academic development for members and to promote agriculture through communications efforts.
Applied Economics Academic Bowl Club
Students from the Applied Economics Department travel to compete annually in a national quiz bowl tournament.
Bird Nerds
Provides students with an opportunity to learn more about the amazing world of birds through bird-related activities, speakers, and field trips and to share this knowledge with the Corvallis community through volunteer, education and conservation involvement.
Botany and Plant Pathology Club
Bringing students together to discuss and interact with plants and other sessile organisms.
Bug Club
The official club for students and faculty interested in entomology at Oregon State University.
Collegiate 4-H
Support the Oregon 4-H program Statewide, as well as provides a source of community and fun for members through community service events and networking opportunities for those interested in careers related to 4-H and extension.
Collegiate Farm Bureau
Students engage in learning, leadership, advocacy, and networking opportunities through organized educational opportunities and conferences in the natural resources and agricultural industries, while connecting students with Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) at the county, state, and national levels.
Crop Science Club
Students can study, investigate, and discuss issues relating to Crop Science interests in the field.
Dairy Club
Provides a welcoming, educational atmosphere for students who have any dairy industry interest. We provide educational activities and experiences for members, dairy youth, and the general public.
Ecological Engineering Student Society
Ecological Engineering is the design of sustainable systems following ecological principles that integrates human activities with the natural environment to the benefit of both. The Ecological Engineering Student Society aims to get students involved in on campus projects relevant to this field, reach out to faculty at the weekly meetings, and learn about exciting career opportunities during our club field trips!
Fisheries and Wildlife Club
Enhances the ability of undergraduate students to conserve the diversity and sustainability of fisheries and wildlife resources and their habitats, for long term public benefit.
Fisheries and Wildlife Graduate Student Association
A resource for fisheries and wildlife graduate students to enhance their education and enhance the community.
Food and Fermentation Science Club
Gets students involved in hands-on experiences and a look into the industry with workshops and seminars, industry networking, resume building, industry tours, brews, food processing events, and more!
Herpetology Club
Provides hands-on experience with amphibians and reptiles, engage in research related to herpetology and give members leadership and volunteer opportunities.
Horticulture Club
A community of plant lovers that come together to learn about plants and have hands on experience through field trips and meetings.
International Agriculture Club
An official International Association of Students in Agriculture and Related Sciences (IAAS) USA Chapter club. This organization is perfect for anyone interested in food, international development, travel, environmental health, sustainable agriculture, and international opportunities.
Law, Environmental Economics, and Agriculture Club
A club for motivated students who explore current, local, and global initiatives and how they relate to economic systems, agricultural production, and the environment.
Meat Science Club
Provides students with an expanded opportunity to explore the importance of ethics, food safety, and overall knowledge in meat science.
Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS)
A professional development organization that promotes academic and professional advancement through fundraisers, workshops, club socials, and industry partners.
Mycology Club
Organizes events, forays, field trips, guest speakers, and workshops related to topics in the field of mycology, and exposes OSU students to the taxonomy, ecology, & economy of fungi.
Organic Growers Club
Expanding students’ experiences through internships and hands on experience with farming, CSA business, and more!
Pre-Veterinary Medical Association
Develop students through programs that serve as learning opportunities to assist pre-veterinary students to succeed on their pathway to vet school.
Range Club
Exposes students to the rangeland industry and sciences through connecting students with industry professionals, attending industry events, going on field trips, and connecting students across many majors through rangeland sciences.
Sheep and Goat Club
Gives students the opportunity to experience sheep and goat activities and production that would occur in the industry through hands on experience like hoof trimming, lambing, industry tours, and more!
Society for the Advancement of Chicanxs/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
Dedicated to fostering the success of Chicano/Hispanic and Native American students in their academic careers and beyond.
Steer A Year
Learn more about the beef cattle industry and all that is offers through hands on experience with cattle, classroom instruction, and networking.
Students for Cultivating Change
A group to build community for LGBTQ+ folk to build community and a safe space for members to connect, network, and celebrate with pride.
TEAMTox
Expand professional development of students in EMT (Environmental and Molecular Toxicology) with partnerships, workshops, and more.
Greek Life
Sigma Alpha Xi
A professional agricultural sorority who cultivates young women in agriculture to further the development of excellence in their careers.
Sigma Delta Omega
A sisterhood of scientists who excel in service, academics, and membership growth. Members often find lifetime friendships and valuable connections for the future through our philanthropy and social activities.
Alpha Gamma Rho
A professional-social fraternity that strive to make better men, sharing a common bond with a dynamic, global agriculture.
FarmHouse
Create brotherhood that cultivates the potential of our members, strengthen values, and provides unique leadership and personal growth opportunities to build exceptional men.
Internships and Research
Branch Experiment Station (BES) Research Internship Program
The objective of the BES program is to enable undergraduates to gain experience in applied research, connect with the BES community, and explore career options in agriculture. Successful applicants will be expected to spend between 10-13 weeks at the BES location.
Beginning Researcher Support Program
This program supports undergraduate students who are engaging in formal research for the first time to explore research experiences with faculty guidance. Selected students are expected to work 3-5 hours per week over the course of two terms – either winter/spring and summer/fall.
Continuing Researcher Support Program
This program provides financial assistance for undergraduate students with previous research experience who are seeking support for a semi-independent project. The student applicant identifies a faculty member to work with and develops a research proposal.
Internship Financial Support Program
Through the E.R. Jackman Friends and Alumni Internship Support Program, the College of Agricultural Sciences
provides financial assistance to students in low-paying or volunteer internships, giving students more freedom to
pursue their passions.
Experiential Learning Course Credits
Many CAS majors require experiential learning as part of the curriculum to give students practical, hands-on experience and to develop competencies in facets of agriculture or related industries. Students can work with their department’s academic advisors or the CAS career advisor and student engagement coordinator to identify opportunities. They can apply for credits depending on how many hours they participate.
Leadership
CAS Club Leadership Team
The CAS Club Leadership Team serves as a lead and promotional body for student clubs and organizations within the College. They achieve the goals of the College and its constituents; to facilitate professional development, camaraderie, and communication; to promote student activities and events; and to provide resources and opportunities for all CAS students to connect with opportunities and fully engage in the CAS community. Such activities create an environment to foster student and group exploration in the world of agricultural sciences and to engage them in a meaningful college experience at Oregon State University.
College of Agricultural Sciences Ambassadors
Ambassadors represent CAS at a variety of events and programs that support the college’s recruitment, social media and communication campaigns, current student services, international programs, experiential education, and alumni, donor and industry relations. Ambassadors present information and facilitate discussions at on- and off- campus functions and virtual events, participate in professional conferences, attend alumni and industry events, and give agricultural sciences-related presentations and campus tours.
Leadership Academy
The leadership Academy is a one-year led program available for students whose majors are in CAS and CoF. These students work on their leadership skills by engaging with alums, natural resource agencies, non-profit organizations, federal agencies, employers, and faculty.