Graduate Application

Application Guidelines for the History of Science Graduate Program

The deadline for applications is February 1 for admission in the fall quarter of the academic year. For application forms and instructions, contact the Office of Admission and Orientation, 104 Kerr Administrative Building, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-2106 USA, 541-737-4411; or the Graduate School, 541-737-4881.

The application packet must include the following. Send the packet to Office of Admissions, Kerr Administration Bldg. 104 , Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-2106 USA, 541-737-4411; Graduate School, 541-737-4881):

1. Original and two copies of the application form.
2. $50 check or money order in U.S. dollars payable to OSU.
3. Three photocopies of all official transcripts of previous academic work, undergraduate and graduate. Students must have completed a four-year baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and have achieved a combined GPA of 3.00 on the last 90 quarter (60 semester) credit hours of graded undergraduate work of the first baccalaureate and all subsequent graded credit hours.
4. International applicants must have achieved the equivalent of an American baccalaureate degree of at least four years duration with a B average (equivalent 3.00 on an American 4.00 grading scale) on the last two years plus subsequent graded coursework; and an English language proficiency TOEFL minimum score of 550 (paper and pencil) or 213 (computer-based test). The TOEFL score must be no more than 2 years old at the time of the applicant's first term of registration. Two photocopies of the TOEFL score must be submitted. The university requires demonstration by international applicants of sufficient financial resources by means of a financial certificate with supporting documentation.
5. Two copies of the applicant's statement of particular fields of interest and overall aims and purpose in the history of science. An additional writing sample (no more than 25 pages) would be helpful to the graduate admissions committee.
6. Three letters of recommendation that specifically evaluate academic abilities and professional potential. The letters should be sent directly to the History Department (History of Science Graduate Program) if not included in the original packet.
7. Photocopy of official record of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.

Under special circumstances, students who do not meet the minimum requirements may be considered for admission. Prospective students should be aware that the University and the History Department are not able to accommodate all applicants who meet the minimum admission requirements.

Applicants who wish to apply for graduate research assistantships or graduate teaching assistantships should indicate this on the application. Assistantships ordinarily are awarded around April 1 for the following academic year. An appointment as graduate assistant includes a tuition waiver and a stipend. Oregon State University is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools. Accordingly, students are under no obligation to respond to offers of financial support prior to April 15. For further information about financial support and loans, contact the University's Financial Aid Office, 541-737-2241.