Portland State University
Portland, United States • Founded 1946 • World Rank #1477
Overview
Established in 1946, the Portland State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Portland (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Oregon.
Officially accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Portland State University (PSU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Portland State University (PSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 78-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
PSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Portland State University's street address and primary contact methods. Social channels often differentiate by purpose — admissions on one, alumni on another, events on a third.
Academic Details
Portland State University's institutional metrics and recognition context. Recognition reciprocity matters for credential portability — check whether your home country accepts Portland State University's qualifications.
Academic Structures
Portland State University's academic backbone. Endowed schools (named after donors) may differ from general units in funding levels, scholarships available, and curriculum focus.
Unit 8 items
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- College of Urban and Public Affairs
- Graduate School of Education
- Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science
- School of Business Administration
- School of Extended Studies
- School of Fine and Performing Arts
- School of Social Work
Programs Offered
Portland State University's programmes, with filter and level-based grouping. The combination of search and tier view makes shortlisting faster across large catalogues.
Bachelor's Degree
72 programmes
Portland State University delivers 72 programmes at bachelor's level, the qualifications school-leavers most commonly apply to as their first step into higher education.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Architecture Architecture
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians Media Studies & Mass Media
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering Environmental Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Mathematics Mathematics
Biological and Physical Sciences Liberal Arts
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Liberal Arts
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
Data Science Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Community Organization and Advocacy Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Urban Studies/Affairs Urban Planning
Dance Performing Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Visual and Performing Arts, Other Visual Arts
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Public Health Public Health
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Real Estate Business Administration
General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations Business Administration
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other Business Administration
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
74 programmes
There are 74 programmes to choose from at Portland State University for graduates, aimed at advanced expertise, a career change, or a stepping stone toward doctoral research.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Forestry & Natural Resources
Architecture Architecture
City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning Landscape Architecture
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Publishing Publishing
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Education, General Education & Teaching
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Materials Engineering General Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Systems Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering General Engineering
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General General Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Biological and Physical Sciences Liberal Arts
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Liberal Arts
Systems Science and Theory Liberal Arts
Gerontology Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Homeland Security Criminal Law & Justice
Public Administration Public Administration
Public Policy Analysis Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Urban Studies/Affairs Urban Planning
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Public Health Public Health
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other Health Sciences
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
International Business International Business
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Real Estate Business Administration
Taxation Taxation
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
23 programmes
Portland State University's 23 programmes at this tier lead to a doctorate, the credential expected for academic, senior research, and many specialist professional roles.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering General Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Systems Science and Theory Liberal Arts
Chemistry Chemistry
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Public Policy Analysis Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Urban Studies/Affairs Urban Planning
Public Health Public Health
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
86 programmes
Portland State University lists 86 programmes outside the standard bachelor-to-doctorate ladder — vocational and pathway awards that often carry credit toward a later full degree.
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Forestry & Natural Resources
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Forestry & Natural Resources
City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning Landscape Architecture
Environmental Design Architecture
Architecture and Related Services, Other Architecture
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other Communication Studies
Computer Software and Media Applications Digital Media & Game Development
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other Computer Sciences
Education, General Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Materials Engineering General Engineering
Systems Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Engineering, Other General Engineering
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General General Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Turkic, Uralic-Altaic, Caucasian, and Central Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology Biological Sciences
Statistics Mathematics
Applied Statistics Mathematics
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Liberal Arts
Gerontology Liberal Arts
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
Sustainability Studies Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Homeland Security Criminal Law & Justice
Public Administration Public Administration
Public Policy Analysis Public Administration
Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other Public Administration
Demography Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
Dance Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Health Sciences
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Health Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Public Health Public Health
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business/Corporate Communications Business Administration
Business/Corporate Communications Business Administration
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
International Business International Business
International Business International Business
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Real Estate Business Administration
Taxation Taxation
General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations Business Administration
General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations Business Administration
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations Retail Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Portland State University
How to apply to Portland State University — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Portland State University offers 255 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at Portland State University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Submit your application
Apply directly via Portland State University's online portal at www.pdx.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (503) 725 3000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Portland State University
Common questions students ask about Portland State University — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.
When was Portland State University founded?
Portland State University was established in 1946 (approximately 80 years ago).
In which city is Portland State University?
Portland State University is based in Portland, United States.
Is Portland State University public or private?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students study at Portland State University?
Portland State University has approximately 15,000-19,999 students.
What is Portland State University's ranking?
Portland State University is ranked #1477 globally and #208 in United States.
How is Portland State University organised academically?
Portland State University has 8 academic units.
Is Portland State University officially recognised?
Portland State University is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
What is Portland State University's official website?
Portland State University's official website is www.pdx.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
the United States's leading universities appear below, useful for benchmarking Portland State University's academic standing. Use this list as the upper-bound reference for academic prestige within the United States.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Sabbatical exchange agreements among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) members create faculty mobility patterns. Students benefit indirectly through visiting-faculty courses and cross-institutional supervision arrangements.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
The universities below sit close to Portland State University geographically and may suit students who want to stay within the same region for study. Proximity affects commuting cost, family contact, and the ease of switching institutions if circumstances change.
Where Else to Study Liberal Arts
Faculty publication output for Liberal Arts researchers at each the United States institution signals research-active culture. Active publication usually correlates with funded supervision capacity.
Universities Often Compared with Portland State University
The institutions below sit at a comparable academic standing to Portland State University, often shortlisted together. Same-tier comparison helps when you have a target level but want to weigh non-ranking factors like culture or specialism.
