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Success Stories

Read feature profiles and first-person narratives about Oregon State students and alumni, and find stories about the world-class faculty, academic advisors, researchers, instructional designers and other folks who make OSU a welcoming and innovative community.

Jane Vinesky

Oregon State Everywhere: Finding community and support from all points on the map

3 minute read “Faculty made time to tutor me, teach me, counsel me, write recommendations and discuss professional opportunities. Although I was an Ecampus student, the Oregon State community is so strong that I felt its support from wherever I was in the world.” — Jane Vinesky, fisheries, wildlife, and conservation sciences graduate

Kaitlin Thurman, a master's in environmental sciences graduate, wearing a cap and gown

Environmental sciences online master’s program yields career rewards for graduate

3 minute read When she retraces the path that led to her current role as an environmental analyst for local government, Kaitlin Thurman points to four ways Oregon State Ecampus and its environmental sciences master’s program helped make her dream a reality.

How to network as an online student

Simple ‘tricks’ on how to network online as an Ecampus student

3 minute read Networking online is simply engaging in genuine relationships. I was authentically interested in my professors and fellow students, and it was this sincere interest and profound respect that led to wonderful experiences as an Oregon State Ecampus student. Even though it took a little courage, I did a couple of things that made a world of difference in online networking for me.

An up-close view of a monitor with computer code on it.

Oregon State Everywhere: Driven to change lives through computer science online

2 minute read “I have loved my experience online with Oregon State. … I have a bachelor’s degree and MBA already, but I wanted to pursue a postbaccalaureate degree in computer science online in hopes of making a profound impact in health care technology.” — Shane Adams, computer science student

A woman works on a laptop computer while sitting at an outdoor table.

Violinist melds music, mindfulness with an Oregon State language and liberal arts degree online

3 minute read Rebecca Sabine Ramsey had enjoyed a colorful career playing music alongside everyone from Frank Sinatra to Celine Dion, but by 2020, this professional violinist was ready for her next act. So she enrolled with Oregon State University Ecampus, determined to finish her bachelor’s degree online and discover new ways to incorporate her passion for mindfulness more deeply into her day job.

The basics of online learning from an OSU Ecampus student

Online classes: The basics for beginners

3 minute read When I first started thinking about going to school online, I was completely clueless as to what I should expect. I felt pretty intimidated about online classes because I honestly had no idea how earning a degree from a distance worked. Even if I was anxious and a little embarrassed about my lack of online skills, I was determined to finish my degree.

Melissa Whitney, an Oregon State University graduate and enrollment specialist, stands in a farm field at dusk holding a large lens camera.

3 reasons to earn a business and communications microcredential online

2 minute read The field of business and communications is rapidly evolving. And employers need people with the relevant and in-demand skills to meet organizational needs. Enter: microcredentials. In a few short courses, you can gain skills in business and communications and earn a digital badge to signify to employers your unique skills.

Taking wildlife research to the next level with online data analytics master’s program

4 minute read Brent Wolf is a wildlife research biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. He’s also a graduate of Oregon State’s online data analytics master’s program. He was drawn to the program as a way to get a leg up in his current role, and so far it has paid off. “Going for the M.S. in Data Analytics has opened some doors for me that were previously closed,” he said.

Oregon State Everywhere: ‘Consider where you want to go, not where you are’

3 minute read Justin Nelson says the topics covered in Oregon State’s online environmental sciences master’s degree program are ideal for helping students who want to change careers “break into new markets and industries.” Earning a master’s led Justin to a new role working in corporate sustainability strategy.

Tuition benefit program through Guild gives workers ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’ to learn online

3 minute read Marcus Mateus is one of a growing number of working professionals in the United States enrolling online with Oregon State thanks to collaborations with organizations like Guild Education that offer their employees and members a tuition benefit. Mateus calls it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for workers like him who now have affordable access to an Oregon State education online.