How will I track my progress?
Oregon State University uses an online degree audit system to help you track your progress toward your degree. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the tools and information provided by this system. The MyDegrees system will automatically apply your OSU courses to your degree audit. It's helpful if you can let your advisor know which requirement you would like the class applied to as some courses may apply to more than one requirement. If you ever see something missing or in a place you didn't expect contact your advisor directly for assistance.
What are Academic Regulations?
The Academic Regulations found in the OSU General Catalog are the policies you must follow as an OSU student. You should familiarize yourself with these regulations and understand the consequences of withdrawing from a class, academic warning or probation, etc..
What is the deadline to drop a class?
Consult the Academic Calendar for each term's important academic dates and deadlines. Bookmark this page and make sure you know the deadlines for adding and dropping courses, changing the grading basis of a class or withdrawing from a class. These deadline are strictly enforced and can seriously impact your degree progress and financial aid.
How many classes can I have a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading basis?
- A maximum of two total courses in the Natural Resources major or Specialization Option may be taken on an S/U basis.
- In the general education requirements (Baccalaureate Core or Core Ed) you may have up to 36 credits on an S/U basis.
Is there a minimum GPA that I must acheive?
Student must maintain a cummulative minimum 2.0 grade point average in order to graduate from OSU. In addition students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.25 in their Specialization Option.
Can I design my own area of specialization?
Students may design a customized area of specialization that is called an "Individualized Specialty Option" (ISO). Students will work with their advisor to determine appropriate coursework. They will write a proposal that will include the proposed program of study (courses), the rationale for their course selection, career goals and applicabiltiy of the chosen coursework to those goals. The proposal is submitted to the Natural Resources Program Director for approval.
- Must contain at least 20 credits of upper division courses
- Must consist of a minimum of 37 credits total.
- Must have coursework that reflects the supports the stated area of specialization
- To prevent delays in graduation the proposal should be submitted about 6 terms before the term you expect to graduate.
How does "Double Counting" Courses work?
A class used in the general education requirements (Baccalaureate Core or Core Ed depending on when you were admitted) may also be used to fulfill one requirement in the NR major requirements or area of specialization. The Student Advising Guide includes a list of classes that can be double counted so check there while planning your courses. Courses may also double count with a minor or double degree program depending on the chosen major/minor. Please check with your advisor if you are unsure about a course double-counting in your program. No courses can be double counted within the NR major requirements and specialization.
Do I have to meet the prerequisites for a course?
Students are responsible for taking prerequisite classes or obtaining the consent of the instructor to bypass the prerequisite. Prerequisites provide the necessary background for specific courses but not all prerequisites are enforced. Students are encouraged to carefully review course requirements in the General Catalog and Schedule of Classes and plan ahead in order to meet class prerequisites and class standing or major restrictions. If you feel you have met the course prerequisites through other coursework or professional work you can contact the department to request a prerequisite override. Check the NR Student Advising Guide for links to online override request forms from departments and be prepared to include the course number, grade, term taken and a syllabus for classes that you feel meet the prerequisite requirement.
Are internships required?
Internships are not required in the Natural Resources Program. However, NR students will benefit from the abundance of summer employment and internship opportunities advertised through the College of Forestry Stduent Employment Opportunities and available through their own communities. While work experience/internships are not mandatory, NR students are strongly encouraged to supplement their academic portfolio with valuable work experience and professional references.
Students may use 6 credits in an area of specialization option with an internship or project under the supervision of a OSU faculty member. Contact your Academic Advisor for more information on how to write a project proposal and receiving credits for a faculty supervised project.
How do I get the "Advising Registration Hold" removed so I can register for classes?
Each term (except summer) a registration hold will be placed on your account and will need to be removed before you can register for classes. You should plan ahead and not wait until the last minute to get your hold removed. Advisor schedules can fill up quickly and a very high volume of email during registration time can delay getting your registration hold removed and cause you to register late. The procedure for removing the registration hold is outlined below:
OPTION 1 - Fast Pass: You may request an Advising Registration Hold removal from your advisor via email without an appointment if you meet the following criteria…
a. You are NOT in your first year at OSU.
b. You are in good academic standing.
c. You have an up-to-date plan in your MyDegrees Planner.
NOTE: Your advisor may ask you to schedule an advising appointment if you do not meet the Fast Pass criteria, if there are other outstanding tasks that you have not completed, or if they have questions for you that require a conversation.
You are always welcome to make an appointment with your advisor at any time. Fast Pass is not a requirement. It is just an option if you feel confident in your course choices and have a solid plan in place.
If you are requesting a Fast Pass Registratio Hold lifted:
#1. Use the advising guide and your MyDegrees checklist to choose classes to fulfill your remaining requirements. It is always advisable to have a couple of “back up” classes in case your first choices fill up before you can register. Remember you can waitlist a class if it fills before you have a chance to register. Be sure to check prerequisites and get overrides well in advance of registration.
#2. Add your chosen classes to the MyDegrees Planner.
#3. Email your advisor to let them know the planner is ready for review. It is helpful to include the classes and what requirement you want them to fulfill in the email as well. Be sure to always include your student ID# and use your OSU email account when corresponding.
#4. After reviewing your plan your advisor will lift the registration hold.
OPTION 2 – Registration Hold lifted with advising appointment: You are required to make an appointment with your advisor to get your registration hold removed if you meet one of the following criteria…
a. You are in your FIRST year at OSU.
b. You are NOT in good academic standing.
c. You do not have an up-to-date plan in your MyDegrees Planner.
If you are requesting an appointment to get your registration hold removed, please come prepared in order to use your time most efficiently.
#1. Use the advising guide and your MyDegrees checklist to choose classes to fulfill your remaining requirements. It is always advisable to have a couple of “back up” classes in case your first choices fill up before you can register. Remember you can always waitlist a class if it fills before you have a chance to register. Be sure to check prerequisites and get overrides well in advance of registration.
#2. Add your chosen classes to the Planner.
#3. Make a list of any questions you may have for your advisor.
How do I declare my area of specialization?
Contact your advisor to discuss your choice of specialization options and the process for submitting the Change of Academic Program form. These specialization options are currently available for Natural Resources students:
Conservation Law Enforcement
Ecological Restoration
Environmental Disaster Management
Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Forest Ecosystems
Human Dimensions in Natural Resources
Individualized Specialty (student-designed)
Landscape Analysis
Natural Resource Education
Policy and Management
Urban Forest Landscapes
Wildland Fire Ecology
What's the difference between a minor and a specialization option?
A Specialization Option is a required part of the degree which every student must complete in addition to the major requirements. The 37 credit option provided disciplinary depth and focused study in a particular field of interest within Natural Resources.
A minor is not required. Generally a minor is earned in a separate but complementary field to Natural Resources in addition to the specialization option. It expands the breadth of the degree. Minors are often earned in world languages, sociology, sciences, business and entrepreneurship, etc.. Credits used in the Natural Resources major can be double counted with minors if allowed by the minor program.
In addition to a minor, there are several certificate programs and double degree programs that pair nicely with the Natural Resources major.
Undergraduate Geographic Information Science Certificate
Sustainability Double Degree
Education Minor
Will I have an opportunity do study abroad?
Yes! Both On-Campus and Ecampus students can participate in international study abroad opportunities. Visit the COF International Programs website for more information.