Founded in 1946 as the Vanport Extension Center to educate returning World War II veterans, Portland State University is Oregon's premier public urban research university. Spanning a vibrant 50-acre downtown campus built around the South Park Blocks in Portland, PSU connects urban planning, microelectronics, social work, business, and sustainability. You can examine its urban founding, post-war expansion, and campus evolution through the Portland State University Wikipedia historical entry.
When you attend PSU, you step into a dynamic urban institution situated directly inside Oregon's largest metropolitan area. Living in downtown Portland places you steps away from transit corridors, tech centers, apparel design firms, and cultural art districts.
Premier Academic Programs
PSU hosts nine specialized colleges and schools delivering accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs:
- School of Business: AACSB-accredited business school renowned for athletic and outdoor industry management, real estate analytics, and finance. Explore degree options on the School of Business portal.
- Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science: Delivers instruction in microelectronics, cybersecurity, civil infrastructure, and software engineering.
- Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning: Top-ranked national program in urban transit design, sustainable development, and housing policy.
- School of Social Work: Oregon's only public school of social work, preparing leaders in community health and human services.
- College of the Arts: Features comprehensive performance training in architecture, graphic design, theatrical arts, and music.
"Let Knowledge Serve the City, the iconic motto carved into the Broadway bridge building, drives PSU's urban mission."
Campus Culture and Mascot
Your daily student experience centers on the South Park Blocks, the Smith Memorial Student Union, and the Urban Plaza. School spirit revolves around Victor E. Viking, the energetic mascot representing Portland State Vikings athletic teams in NCAA Division I Big Sky Conference sports. You can read about spirit traditions and mascot history on the official Portland State Vikings Athletics portal. Cheering inside Viking Pavilion for basketball games, browsing the weekly Portland Farmers Market on campus, and joining over 200 student clubs creates an engaging urban culture.
Research Infrastructure and Urban Innovation
PSU operates an active doctoral research framework with specialized laboratories in clean energy and green infrastructure:
- Portland Center for Public Humanities: Interdisciplinary institute fostering community public history, digital archives, and civic art.
- Green Building Research Laboratory: Advanced research facility testing green roof thermal performance, indoor air quality, and sustainable building materials. Learn more via PSU Research Operations.
- Center for Electron Microscopy and Nanofabrication: High-powered characterization lab supporting semiconductor and materials science research.
Notable Alumni Legacy
You walk in the footsteps of corporate founders, authors, public servants, and professional athletes, including:
- Phil Ivey: World-famous professional poker player and World Series of Poker bracelet winner who attended PSU.
- Mike Richardson: Founder and Publisher of Dark Horse Comics who earned his undergraduate degree at PSU.
- Barbara Roberts: First female Governor of Oregon who studied and served as an executive fellow at PSU.
- Julius Thomas: Two-time Pro Bowl NFL tight end who played collegiate basketball and football for Portland State.
PSU provides generous merit scholarship coverage and need-based financial aid for domestic and international students. Review full admission standards on the official PSU Admissions portal.