Applications are due by the first Monday of January, for the academic year they wish to be admitted, starting in fall.

*However, there are benefits to applying early*

For many financial aid opportunities, it is better to apply by December 15. 

This allows the application committee more time to review applications and nominate students for tuition awards, fellowships, and any teaching or research assistantships that may be available.

While we do offer a year round application process and some applicants may periodically be accepted after this date, most non-fall applicants will miss many funding opportunities and chances of acceptance are greatly decreased.

  • Most of our students are financially supported by the faculty of the program through externally funded grants and contracts.
    • The match between your background and interests and these opportunities is central to obtaining such support.
    • We encourage you to contact faculty to explore areas of common interest and opportunity.
  • Please note that even students who are granted support may be responsible for paying some student fees each term.

To apply to the Water Resources Graduate Program, you should first complete the Graduate School's online application form.

**On your application, you will be asked to provide the names of two faculty members whose research areas match your interests. This will help us identify ALL faculty members whose research interests most closely align with yours to place your application in front of faculty members most likely to consider accepting you as an advisee.**

In addition to submitting the application form and paying the application fee to the Graduate School, to complete your application we need to receive the following*:

  • Prerequisites can be found on each program's Student Handbook and/or Checklist (see Degree Programs).  While faculty will review all applications, it is in the applicant's best interest to have these complete at the time of applying. 
  • Academic transcripts from each institution you attended - These can be submitted as unofficial copies using the uploading portion of the online application, unofficial copies emailed to the department, or official copies sent from the institution to the department or the Graduate School. Unofficial copies are acceptable for evaluation purposes, but official copies will be requested by the Graduate School if you are offered admission.
  • GRE: We no longer require the GRE.
  • Three letters of recommendation - These are submitted using the online application system. The application system will request the email addresses of 3 people to serve as references. OSU will then send each person a request for a recommendation. Their responses will then be returned directly to OSU and added to your application.
  • A Statement of Objectives is required. While we have no rules or requirements format, this is typically 1-2 pages in length. Information on your personal background, career goals, and why you are applying to this program is encouraged and desired.
    • You will also be asked four questions that will help the review committee in processing your application.  Each answer should be no more than 250 words.
      • Experience conducting research and research interests in WRGP.
      • Experience in leadership and lessons learned in that role.
      • Characteristics (learning style, personal strengths, etc.) and ability to persevere in challenging circumstances.
      • Understanding of and commitment to diversity, social justice, and equity, and inclusion. Past experiences as well as your vision of collaborating with a diverse group of individuals in the program, on campus, and beyond graduation, is desired.
  • Full Resume.

*Additional items may be sent directly to the Graduate School office.

Graduate Applications:

https://gradschool.oregonstate.edu/admissions/process