About Portland State University

Portland State University is located in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon. PSU was founded in 1946 to help educate returning World War II veterans, and continues this tradition of adapting to changing social and educational circumstances, by embracing an innovative educational approach. PSU is currently the largest and fastest-growing institution in the Oregon University System.

Portland State University encourages diversity and welcomes students from a wide range of backgrounds and educational experiences. PSU’s faculty and staff are knowledgeable and accommodating to the varied needs of today’s students, and they are fully prepared to instruct in the changing educational landscape that embodies higher education.

Portland State University’s community-based learning curriculum is among the best in the nation according to 2010′s U.S. News & World Report. Portland State is ranked among the top public institutions nationally under the section “Choosing a School: Programs to Look For” in five categories: Internships, First-year Experience, Senior Capstone, Learning Communities, and Service Learning. These accolades reflect Portland State University’s increasing awareness of innovative educational strategies for engaging learning.

Our Mission, Vision & Values

As an integral part of the Oregon University System, Portland State University’s vision is to enhance the recognition and value of higher education by continually strengthening the metropolitan environment, and in return utilize that strength to cultivate the standards of excellence in accessible high quality research, teaching, and outreach programs. As a microcosm of the global society, the metropolitan environment becomes a laboratory and proving ground for Portland State in this vision. It is our vision that Portland State University will set the standard for institutions located in an urban setting.

Portland State University’s Online Programs

Online education allows current or future professionals to enhance their knowledge and career opportunities with added flexibility. Students of Portland State University’s online programs receive the same education as you would on our campus. You will learn from the same professors and study the same curriculum online, as you would in a PSU classroom. Our flexible, multi-faceted program engages you through a combination of multimedia presentations, readings, discussion sessions, online assignments, and peer and professional support systems. Unlike so many other programs, you are never limited to one learning method. It’s Portland State University’s commitment to providing an innovative education that works with our student’s busy lifestyles.

Equal Opportunity University

Portland State University supports equal opportunity in admissions, education, employment, housing, and use of facilities by prohibiting discrimination in those areas based on age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion or creed, sex or gender, sexual or gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis in law. This policy implements state and federal laws (including Title IX); inquiries about it should be directed to the Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity Office, 122 Cramer Hall, 503-725-4417; TTY: 503-725-6503.

Did You Know?

5 Quick Facts about PSU

• Motto: Let knowledge serve the city.
• Mascot: Viking
• Colors: Green and white
• Founded in 1946
• More than 113,000 Alumni