Application Information

Graduate Applications:

https://gradschool.oregonstate.edu/admissions

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

Applications must be submitted by the first Monday in January (excluding holidays) for admission in the upcoming fall academic year. This timeline allows the application committee ample time to thoroughly review applications and nominate students for various financial support opportunities, including tuition awards, fellowships, and potential teaching or research assistantships.

The majority of our students receive financial support from program faculty through externally funded grants and contracts. The alignment between your background and interests and these opportunities is crucial for securing such support. We strongly encourage you to initiate contact with faculty members to explore common areas of interest and potential opportunities.

It's important to note that even students who receive support may still be responsible for certain student fees each term. Further details can be found on our Applicant FAQs page.

For a comprehensive understanding of the application process and to submit your application, please refer to the Graduate Admissions Page. International applicants can find specific information on the Graduate Admissions - International Applicants Page.

While we accept applications throughout the year, it's essential to be aware that applicants for terms other than fall may miss out on various funding opportunities, and their chances of acceptance may be significantly reduced. For terms such as winter, spring, and summer, we adhere to the admission deadlines set by the  Graduate School.

If you plan to start in a term other than fall, we highly recommend confirming with faculty members that they are available to serve as your advisor before submitting your application. This proactive step ensures a smoother application process and enhances your chances of successful admission.

 

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

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

  1. Prerequisites. can be found on each program's Student Handbook or on each program's webpage. While faculty will review all applications, it is in the applicant's best interest to have these complete at the time of applying. 
  2. 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.
  3. GRE. We no longer require the GRE.
  4. 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.
  5. Statement of Objectives. While we have no rules or requirements format, this is typically 1-2 pages in length. Information on your career goals and why you are applying to this program is encouraged and desired.
  6. Full Resume

On the application, 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.
  • WRGP is an interdisciplinary program that works with a wide variety of researchers from around the globe.  We hope that our students have an understanding of and commitment to diversity, social justice, and equity, and inclusion. We would like to know about your personal experiences, as well as your vision of collaborating with a diverse group of individuals in the program, on campus, and beyond graduation.

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

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