Admissions Prerequisites
Entering students must have completed a Bachelor of Science degree, or the equivalent, in any one of the established engineering disciplines. This background is expanded with basic courses in engineering mechanics, advanced mathematics, and applied courses in marine processes to prepare the student for challenging assignments in the ocean engineering profession. Engineering fundamentals are emphasized to provide a knowledge base which permits a graduate to continue to develop with the rapidly evolving analysis and design procedures used in applied engineering and research-oriented careers.

 
 

Minimum entrance requirements (equivalent coursework):
Those students entering the graduate program in Coastal & Ocean Engineering who do not possess an undergraduate engineering degree will likely be required to enroll in undergraduate level courses fundamental to the practice of the Coastal and Ocean Engineering disciplines. These courses are listed below:

Calculus and differential equations: MTH 251, 252, 254, 256, and 306
Statistics: ST 314
Physics (with Calculus): PH 211,212
Engineering Mechanics: ENGR 211, 212, and 213
Fluid Mechanics* and Hydraulics: CE 311 and 313

It is recommended that needed courses be taken during the first year of study pending availability, however, each student is considered on a case-by-case basis by the Program. The needs of each student are evaluated and individual programs of study are formulated by the student and their advisor.

  
     
 

Financial Support

  
 

Most students in the Coastal & Ocean Engineering Program hold graduate teaching or research assistantships. Research assistantships (GRA's) are supported by grants and contracts held by the students major professor. Typical funding agencies include: the National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, the Sea Grant Program of the National Atmospheric and Oceanographic Administration, the Coastal Engineering Research Center of the Army Corps of Engineers, and private industry. Tuition and fees for graduate students not on assistantships in 2003-2004 were $2,713/term for residents and $4,095/term for non-residents. All costs and fees are subject to change without notice.

Most graduate research assistanship appointments are half-time; some appointments may be reduced, while still providing full tuition payment. Research assistantship appointments are for nine or twelve months, renewal is dependent upon satisfactory performance and the continuing availability of funds. Graduate research assistants on 12-month 0.49-FTE appointments work an average of 20 hours per week on research duties during the regular academic year, and full-time during the summer. Vacation is arranged with the students research supervisor. Advanced students usually pursue their thesis research full-time as fufillment of their assistantship duties. Recipients of graduate assistantships are required to register for a minimum of 12 credits each term, and nine during the summer term. Some GRAs are converted to an hourly wage during summer.

International students: International students see http://oregonstate.edu/admissions/international/ for additional information.

Students from out of state: The Western Regional Graduate Programs (WRGP), which is managed by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) as part of its Student Exchange Program, enables residents of selected western states (Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming) to enroll in the Coastal and Ocean Engineering Program at resident tuition rates. To receive WRGP tuition status, out-of-state students should apply directly to Oregon State University and identify themselves as WICHE WRGP applicants. WGRP students must fulfill all the usual requirements of Oregon State University and meet all admission deadlines.

For more information on WICHE WRGP and an on-line brochure, see their website at http://www.wiche.edu/sep/.

  
     
 

How to Apply

  
 

Oregon State University has a central graduate admission process.

See: http://osu.orst.edu/admissions/graduate.html

The application process is described in detail at this site and an electronic application process is available. Alternatively, you may print copies of the application form, or, request an application packet. If you are uncertain which department has a program best suited to your needs, please browse their websites as well as reviewing the research websites to identify programs of interest.

When you apply, please be sure to do the following:

  1. Send the original and one copy of the application form to the Office of Admission & Orientation.

  2. $50 check or money order in U.S. dollars payable to Oregon State University for nonrefundable application fee.

  3. Send 2 photocopies of official transcripts (not grade slips or reports) of previous academic work, undergraduate and graduate. Transcripts showing the last 90 quarter (60 semester) credit hours of graded work of the first baccalaureate degree must be included. ALL graduate and postbaccalaureate transcripts must be included. (If the applicant is admitted, two official transcripts from the above institutions must be received by the Office of Admission & Orientation prior to the student's second term of registration.)

  4. Letter or statement of your objectives and particular fields of interest.
    A third copy of the application form must be sent directly to the major department, along with copies of transcripts, a copy of the letter of interest, and three letters of reference addressed to the department. Some departments require GRE, GMAT, or other achievement scores. The applicant should check with the department on those requirements.

  5. Please note that international applicants must submit a Financial Certificate in addition to the graduate application.