Western Oregon University crest

Western Oregon University

Monmouth, United States • Founded 1856

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

English Name: Western Oregon University
Acronyms: WOU
Founded: 1856
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Colours: Crimson and gray
Mascot: Wolfy
Western Oregon University crest

Established in 1856, the Western Oregon University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the medium town of Monmouth (population range of 2,500-9,999 inhabitants), Oregon.

Officially accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Western Oregon University (WOU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Western Oregon University (WOU) 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 168-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.

WOU 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

Geographic and contact information for Western Oregon University — useful before scheduling visits or sending enquiries. Each channel below routes to a different team, so pick the one matching your question.

Address: 345 North Monmouth Avenue
Postal Code: 97361-1394
Map:
Phone: +1 (503) 838 8000
Fax: +1 (503) 838 8474
Social Media:

Academic Details

Scale, staffing, and recognition figures for Western Oregon University are summarised below. These numbers help you size the institution against your shortlist and weigh academic depth alongside programme fit.

Recognition: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Total Students: 3,103
Student Enrollment: 4
Academic Staff Range: 300-399
Campus Setting: Suburban
Memberships & Networks
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Below is how Western Oregon University is organised academically — the schools, faculties, and units that house its programmes. Larger institutions often run multi-faculty divisions to coordinate cross-disciplinary work.

Unit 2 items
  • College of Education
  • College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Programs Offered

The full set of programmes Western Oregon University offers is searchable and grouped by level below. Some programmes accept rolling applications; others run on annual cycles — check before applying.

163 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 50 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Bachelor's Degree in American Sign Language
Linguistics & Language Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
Education & Teaching
Bachelor's Degree in Biological and Physical Sciences
Liberal Arts
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Business/Commerce, General
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Computer and Information Sciences, General
Computer Sciences

Showing 10 of 50.

Master's Degree 51 programmes

Master's Degree in American Sign Language
Linguistics & Language Studies
Master's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Master's Degree in Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
Education & Teaching
Master's Degree in Biological and Physical Sciences
Liberal Arts
Master's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Master's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Master's Degree in Business/Commerce, General
Business Administration
Master's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry
Master's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies
Master's Degree in Computer and Information Sciences, General
Computer Sciences

Showing 10 of 51.

Certificate 11 programmes

Certificate in Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Law & Justice
Certificate in Criminology
Social & Cultural Studies
Certificate in English Language and Literature, General
English Language Studies
Certificate in Geography and Cartography
Geography
Certificate in Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Linguistics & Language Studies
Certificate in Gerontology
Liberal Arts
Certificate in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
Liberal Arts
Certificate in Public Administration
Public Administration
Certificate in Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Linguistics & Language Studies
Certificate in Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Education & Teaching

Showing 10 of 11.

Postgraduate Certificate 51 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in American Sign Language
Linguistics & Language Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Certificate in Biological and Physical Sciences
Liberal Arts
Postgraduate Certificate in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Postgraduate Certificate in Business/Commerce, General
Business Administration
Postgraduate Certificate in Chemistry
Chemistry
Postgraduate Certificate in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Computer and Information Sciences, General
Computer Sciences

Showing 10 of 51.

How to apply to Western Oregon University

The standard application path for Western Oregon University, broken into five practical steps with the documents and channels you will need at each stage.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Western Oregon University

    Use the programme finder to browse Western Oregon University's 163 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Programme-level requirements at Western Oregon University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Western Oregon University processes applications through wou.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (503) 838 8000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Western Oregon University

A short Q&A covering Western Oregon University's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.

How old is Western Oregon University?

The institution opened in 1856 (approximately 170 years ago).

Where is Western Oregon University located?

Western Oregon University is located in Monmouth, United States.

Is Western Oregon University a public or private institution?

Western Oregon University operates as a public institution.

What is the student enrolment at Western Oregon University?

Student enrolment at Western Oregon University is around 4,000-4,999.

How is Western Oregon University organised academically?

Western Oregon University is organised into 2 academic units across its disciplines.

Is Western Oregon University accredited?

Western Oregon University is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

What is Western Oregon University's official website?

The institution's website is wou.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

the United States's most prominent universities are listed below — relevant for assessing Western Oregon University's national positioning. National prominence signals not just academic strength but also employer recognition.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Beyond Western Oregon University, these universities also belong to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) — useful for students who weight inter-institutional partnerships, exchange programmes, or shared accreditation frameworks. Membership networks often translate into practical student benefits.

Faculties at nearby universities

Public transport hubs near Western Oregon University affect access to all the universities below similarly. Major transit nodes often correlate with where the cluster of institutions is densest.

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

Beyond Western Oregon University, several other universities in the United States deliver focused Education & Teaching programmes worth exploring before you commit to a single application. Programme depth and elective range vary significantly between institutions.

Universities Compared with Western Oregon University

Comparable institutions to Western Oregon University — by academic scale and standing — are gathered below. Same-tier shortlists give you flexibility on admissions outcomes without compromising on institutional level.

Browse all articles →

Spotted something outdated or missing?

Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.

Explore More Universities in United States

Free calculators and converters to plan your study-abroad journey.

Latest Articles

Fresh guides and advice for studying abroad.

View all →

Compare Compare