I’m a Massachusetts resident. I want to major in Environmental Science and work at the EPA.
I really want to go to Oregon for college, and those are my top two choices.
I’m debating on UO or OSU, because I don’t know how those schools are seen in the community. Is one seen much more academically intensive? They both have a huge reputation for sports, but does one have a better reputation for academics?
I also want to work at the EPA, and on my tour of OSU I saw an EPA facility on campus, which could ultimately lead to an internship, and then to a job opportunity with a really great internship on my resume. I think I could probably get an internship there anyway if I went to the UO.
Oregon residents what do I do?
I’m also applying to UMASS Amherst, UMASS Lowell, and my extreme safety Salem State University.
I am an Oregon native. In very broad general terms, Oregon State is perceived as the the ‘science’ school whereas U of O is the liberal arts school. Case in point: U of O is renowned for their Journalism and Architecture programs. Oregon State is renowned for engineering, agricultural studies and forestry. OSU is located in a rural community, U of O is in an urban community. U of O is perceived as the state ‘flagship school’ and In recent years, the U of O football team has become very high profile so this is attracting more out-of-staters than OSU. Oregon State is a land-grant, sea-grant, space-grant and sun-grant institution, making it one of only two US institutions to obtain all four designations and the only public university to do so (Cornell is other). So as you can see, the sciences are king at OSU. That is not to say that U of O doesn’t have a fine environmental studies program, I’m just giving you the general impressions that we locals grow up with here. With all that being said, my son is attending Oregon State in the fall as a liberal arts major. They just happen to have a program in Digital Media that fits him. OSU also has excellent graphic design and apparel design programs. Who knew?
If you want to work for the EPA and OSU has an EPA facility, that seems like a good indicator to me that it might be the better fit for you.
Thanks! Seeing as he’s a liberal arts student, and going to the science school over the liberal arts school, that tells me something about the academics at OSU over UO
Hi there! I am an Oregonian and Oregon State Student. I agree with OrygunMom - the perception is that Oregon State is more of a STEM school and U of O more of a liberal arts school, however I would say that both schools have somewhat comparable programs in any area with the exception of engineering, as U of O does not have an engineering program. On that note, if you are considering engineering (Ecological, Environmental, Chemical, and Civil all sound as thought they may be applicable) then I would suggest Oregon State as it will leave this option open.
As far as academic rigor, I think the schools are pretty comparable - U of O generally has a slightly higher ranking, but not by much. Seeing as neither is a super-elite school, and I would argue that 150th vs. 165th or whatever is irrelevant. Regardless of where you go, if you are looking for more rigor I would recommend the Honors College at either school.
For internships like you said I think you could probably get an internship at either school, so I wouldn’t rule out U of O just because it doesn’t have an EPA facility. You could always do a summer internship in Corvallis/Eugene (I think Portland might have more options than either simply based on size) regardless of where you go to school.
OSU is the most recognized research university in the state (Im pretty sure?), UO is more known for liberal arts. i visited both campuses in june and i prefered OSU over UO. both are beautiful campuses. if you have any questions, let me know! I also had an info session with the honors college