Experiential learning

Where learning meets experience

At the College of Forestry, learning goes beyond the classroom. From internships and required work experiences to study abroad programs and hands-on fieldwork in our OSU Research Forests, you’ll gain invaluable experience while developing the skills and confidence to launch your career.

Find Your People

Student Clubs

From workshops to conferences, our student clubs and organizations open doors to growth, connection and opportunity.

Get Outdoors

OSU's Research Forests

Spanning 18,000 acres across Oregon, the OSU Research Forests are a living laboratory for research, education, outreach and recreation. And with the McDonald-Dunn right at Corvallis’ doorstep, hands-on learning is always within reach.

Expand Your World

Study Abroad & Exchanges

Ready to go global? Explore study abroad and international opportunities designed to broaden your horizons and prepare you for a connected world.

Fieldwork, research and leadership opportunities

Mentored Employment Program

A unique, paid opportunity that connects undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students with faculty mentors for hands-on research and fieldwork.

SUGAR Program

The SUGAR program offers undergraduates a paid summer opportunity to assist graduate students with research projects and receive mentorship.

URSA Engage

An undergraduate research program that connects first- and second-year students with faculty mentors to work on scholarly projects.

OSU STEM Leaders Program

Undergraduate research program housed in the Division of Academic Affairs that serves diverse first-year, second year and first-year transfer students.

Field School

A two-week experiential learning requirement for all forestry, forest engineering, forest/civil engineering and wood innovation for sustainability majors at the start of their junior year.

Work Experience Requirement

Undergraduate students majoring in forest engineering, forest/civil engineering, forestry and wood innovation for sustainability are required to complete six months of approved work experience before graduation.

Student Logging Training Program

A College of Forestry paid apprenticeship providing hands-on logging experience with modern equipment and integrating silviculture with harvesting systems.

Lab-based Learning

From hands-on studies of soil, water and carbon to virtual harvesting simulators and large wood testing, our lab-based research opportunities take an interdisciplinary approach to real-world challenges.