Southern Oregon University crest

Southern Oregon University

Ashland, United States Founded 1926

Overview

English Name: Southern Oregon University
Acronyms: SOU
Founded: 1926
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Colours: Red and black
Mascot: Red Tailed Hawk
Southern Oregon University central facility
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Established in 1926, the Southern Oregon University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Ashland (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Oregon.

This institution also has a branch campus in Medford. Officially accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Southern Oregon University (SOU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution.

Southern Oregon University (SOU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study. This 98-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. SOU 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

Southern Oregon University's physical location and the contact details prospective students typically need before applying or visiting. Channels listed below come from the institution's published profile.

Address: 1250 Siskiyou Boulevard
Postal Code: 97520-5032
Map:
Phone: +1 (541) 552 7672
Fax: +1 (503) 552 6329
Social Media:

Academic Details

Southern Oregon University at the institutional level: enrolment, staffing, and accreditation summary. Accreditation has expiry and renewal cycles worth checking on the awarding body site for currency.

Total Students: 2,751
Student Enrollment: 5
Academic Staff Range: 200-299
Campus Setting: Suburban
Memberships & Networks
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)

Academic Structures

Below is the academic-unit breakdown for Southern Oregon University. Inter-faculty credit transfer rules vary; check whether modules outside your home faculty count toward your degree before enrolling.

Unit 3 items
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • School of Business
  • School of Education

Programs Offered

Southern Oregon 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

48 programmes

These 48 programmes make up Southern Oregon University's undergraduate catalogue. A bachelor's degree is the baseline credential for most graduate careers and advanced study.

Economics Economics
Music Music
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Sociology and Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Geography and Cartography Geography
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Human Services, General Public Administration
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Psychology, General Psychology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Chemistry Chemistry
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
History History
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other Business Administration
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Education, General Education & Teaching
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other Linguistics & Language Studies
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Food Science and Technology Agriculture
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies Sport and Exercise Science
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Sustainability Studies Liberal Arts
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
Mathematics and Computer Science Liberal Arts
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Liberal Arts
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Mathematics Mathematics
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies

Master's Degree

16 programmes

These 16 programmes form Southern Oregon University's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.

Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Music Music
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies Sport and Exercise Science
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Education, General Education & Teaching
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Biological and Physical Sciences Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Mathematics and Computer Science Liberal Arts
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Liberal Arts
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Mathematics Mathematics

Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications

26 programmes

Southern Oregon University also offers 26 programmes across associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation routes — shorter or vocational qualifications that build practical skills or bridge into a full degree.

Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other Business Administration
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
International Business International Business
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Music Music
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Education, General Education & Teaching
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Food Science and Technology Agriculture
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Sustainability Studies Liberal Arts
Historic Preservation and Conservation Liberal Arts
Agricultural Production Operations Agriculture
Botany/Plant Biology Biological Sciences

How to apply to Southern Oregon University

Application guidance for Southern Oregon University, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Southern Oregon University's catalogue includes 90 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Southern Oregon University's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    Submit your completed application through Southern Oregon University's official website at sou.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (541) 552 7672. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Southern Oregon University

Common questions students ask about Southern Oregon University — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.

In what year was Southern Oregon University established?

Southern Oregon University was founded in 1926 (approximately 100 years ago).

Where can I find Southern Oregon University?

The institution is located in Ashland, United States.

What is Southern Oregon University's control type?

Southern Oregon University operates as a public institution.

How many students does Southern Oregon University have?

The institution has a student body of 5,000-5,999.

What is Southern Oregon University's academic structure?

The institution comprises 3 academic units.

Is Southern Oregon University officially recognised?

Yes, Southern Oregon University is recognised by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

How do I find Southern Oregon University online?

The institution's website is sou.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

These are the most highly ranked universities in the United States. Putting Southern Oregon University alongside them gives a clearer picture of where it sits in the national academic landscape, especially when reputation matters for credential portability.

Members of National Athletic Association (NAA)

Network-level rankings exist for some National Athletic Association (NAA) groupings (e.g., U21, Universitas 21). These differ from country rankings and reflect coordinated members' shared performance.

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Beyond Southern Oregon University, the surrounding area hosts several universities with overlapping research strengths and faculty mixes. They are worth comparing if location flexibility matters to your decision and you want to keep options open within the same region.

Where Else to Study Liberal Arts

For students considering Liberal Arts, these the United States institutions deliver the discipline alongside Southern Oregon University. Look beyond programme names to compare module content, assessment methods, and stated graduate outcomes.

Universities Often Compared with Southern Oregon University

Admissions advisor commonalities exist within peer tiers — advisors recommending Southern Oregon University often recommend the universities below alongside it as natural cross-applications.

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