OpenFieldOSU-Cascades · Bend, Oregon, United States
Oregon State University-Cascades is a modern, net-zero energy branch campus of Oregon State University located in the high-desert outdoor recreation hub of Bend, Oregon. Acclaimed for outdoor products engineering, energy systems engineering, tourism and outdoor leadership, and computer science.
OSU-Cascades operates Tykeson Hall, Edward J. Ray Hall (with high-tech engineering maker labs), and the Outdoor Products Innovation Lab. Surrounded by the Cascade Mountains, the campus serves as a living laboratory for renewable microgrids, mass-timber sustainability, and outdoor apparel prototyping.
Undergraduate admissions follow the holistic standards of Oregon State University, reviewing high school academic transcripts, coursework strength, and optional SAT/ACT scores. Transfer students from Central Oregon Community College benefit from seamless dual-enrollment pathways.
One-of-a-kind degree combining technical materials science, circular economic lifecycle analysis, industrial prototype design, and field testing for mountaineering, cycling, and outdoor equipment.
ABET-accredited engineering program educating leaders in solar photovoltaics, geothermal energy, battery storage systems, smart microgrids, and net-zero building energy audits.
Experiential leadership training in wilderness expedition planning, eco-tourism management, public lands policy, avalanche safety, and sustainable recreation operations.
Acclaimed low-residency MFA offering concentrations in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, combining 10-day intensive mountain residencies in Central Oregon with one-on-one mentorship.
Rigorous software engineering curriculum connected directly with Bend's booming tech startup ecosystem, covering mobile app development, cloud systems, and cybersecurity.
Applied student fellowship analyzing campus thermal energy storage, solar microgrid battery dispatch algorithms, and zero-carbon building performance in Ray Hall.
Vice President & Professor of Aerospace Engineering
Office of the Vice President
Dr. Ketsdever leads OSU-Cascades' campus expansion, specializing in rarefied gas dynamics, micro-propulsion systems for nanosatellites, and high-altitude aerody...
View researcher profile ↗Adjunct Professor of Microbiology
Department of Microbiology & Biology
Dr. Vega Thurber investigates marine virology, coral reef microbiome resilience under warming conditions, and microbial ecology across Pacific rim aquatic ecosy...
View researcher profile ↗Professor of Sustainable Tourism and Recreation
Tourism, Recreation and Adventure Leadership
Prof. Lindberg analyzes the economic impacts of nature-based tourism, subjective well-being in recreation communities, and sustainable municipal park planning....
View researcher profile ↗OpenField is an independent research platform not officially affiliated with Oregon State University-Cascades. Information reflects public documentation reviewed on 2026-10-16. Students must verify application deadlines, fee structures, and prerequisite details directly with official university admissions departments before applying.
Updated 2026-10-16 · Editorial policy · Submit corrections