This program is available at the following location:

• Corvallis

Options available:

• Art and Design
• Management and Marketing
• Science and Engineering

The Bachelor of Science degree in Wood Innovation for Sustainability is a multidisciplinary professional program that prepares students to work with wood and other plant-based materials (such as bamboo and hemp) and in the associated industries of these materials. In addition to scientific, business, mechanical, and design backgrounds, students gain broad perspectives on current issues associated with the sustainable utilization of wood, including global trade, business, the arts, innovation, and environmental impacts.

Graduates are highly sought after to work in business, manufacturing operations, and technical support where they use their knowledge and expertise to help develop sustainable products, industrial systems, and economies. Many also chose to start their own businesses in art and design-based fields, utilizing wood as their primary material.

The curriculum includes a broad lower-division core with a choice of one of the required upper-division options in Art and Design (A&D), Management and Marketing (M&M), or Science and Engineering (S&E).

• The A&D option prepares students to engage with wood and other renewable materials on both a design and aesthetic level. Students learn how materials function within the human space, gain an understanding of the studio woodturning and studio woodworking movements, and learn skills appropriate for small business ownership or working in wood-design businesses. Unique to this program is a core of woodturning-based courses that teach fundamental wood science and design from a studio perspective.
• The M&M option is designed for students interested in business topics set in the context of the wood products and renewable materials industries. Students learn a broad set of business principles along with understanding wood as a material. Completion of the M&M option and meeting additional grade requirements of the College of Business may fulfill the requirements for a transcript-visible minor in business.
• The S&E option is a flexible program providing a strong foundation in the sciences. Students develop a deep understanding of wood as a material, preparing them for various technical jobs that involve trouble-shooting and problem-solving manufacturing processes and research and development. This option also is well suited for students wishing to continue on to graduate school. Students select courses that complement their interests.

In addition to the coursework, all students must have six months of work experience in an area related to the major and/or their option. This is usually accomplished by two summers of internships in industry (typically paid), but it may include work during the academic year. The department has an established network of connections and many opportunities for students to connect with potential employers, for both internships and permanent jobs post-graduation.

Major Code: 017

Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:

• Describe fundamental properties and performance aspects that must be considered when using wood (rather than steel, concrete, or other synthetic materials) in industrial production, as a building material, or in aesthetics and design.
• Calculate wood moisture content and specific gravity and explain the concepts of equilibrium moisture content and fiber saturation point.
• Analyze and communicate scientific and technical information.
• Describe and diagram major conversion processes from downed log to final product.

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Baccalaureate Core course. Applies to general education requirements for undergraduate students in a catalog year up to 2024-2025

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Core Education course. Applies to general education requirements for undergraduate students in catalog year 2025-2026 and beyond

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Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC) course

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Required Core courses must be taken for A-F grades (not S/U)

Major Code: 017

Degree plans are subject to change and the following is only an example of how students may complete their degree in four years. Students should consult their advisor to determine the best degree plan for them. Contact details for advisors can be found on the Academic Advising page.

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Baccalaureate Core course. Applies to general education requirements for undergraduate students in a catalog year up to 2024-2025

+

Core Education course. Applies to general education requirements for undergraduate students in catalog year 2025-2026 and beyond

^

Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC) course