Psychology Schools in Oregon
The following guide to psychology schools in Oregon, which features profiles of several undergraduate and graduate psychology programs, contains essential information on the many psychology programs in the state. Oregon’s colleges and universities feature a wide range of psychology specializations, including neuroscience, developmental psychology, and applied psychology. Students who need a flexible alternative to a traditional psychology degree program may want to consider earning a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in psychology online.
Quick Facts
- There are 22 not-for-profit colleges and universities with psychology degree programs in Oregon.1
- 3 schools offer an associate’s degree in psychology.1
- 19 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in psychology.1
- 11 schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in psychology.1
- 5 schools ranked in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges in 2019.2
- 2 schools ranked in the Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Psychology Majors for 2018.3
- 3 schools ranked in PsychologyDegree411’s Top Schools with Online Psychology Programs.4
- No schools ranked in Times Higher Education’s Best Universities for Psychology 2019.4
*For not-for-profit colleges and universities with psychology degree programs.
Top-Ranked Schools with Psychology Programs in Oregon
Kiplinger’s Best College Values 2019*
- Reed College (#141)
- University of Oregon (#299)
- University of Portland (#177)
- Willamette University (#228)
*Institution-wide ranking.
Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Psychology Majors for 2018
- Lewis & Clark College
- Portland State University
PsychologyDegree411’s Top Schools with Online Psychology Programs
- Eastern Oregon University (#8)
- Oregon Institute of Technology (#12)
- Oregon State University (#2)
Continue reading below, where you will find profiles of several graduate and undergraduate psychology programs offered at some of Oregon’s leading universities.
Schools in Oregon with Psychology Programs
Traditional Undergraduate Programs
Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University allows undergraduates to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology. In addition to general college requirements, psychology majors must complete 57 credits in psychology and related areas to fulfill degree requirements. All psychology majors must also complete a capstone project during the senior year. The capstone project may be an internship or a project, such as volunteering in the community. Students interested in moving on to graduate school may opt for a research capstone project. The Psychology Club invites all interested students to become members while academically eligible students may want to join Psi Chi. Faculty members also enlist interested undergraduate psychology students to assist with current research projects.
Eastern Oregon University
Eastern Oregon University (EOU) confers the Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology to students who successfully complete its four-year undergraduate program in psychology. The program is offered both online and on-campus and follows a sequence that is designed to build on fundamental skills and knowledge during successive years of study. Psychology majors will complete such core courses as Child Development, Cognitive Psychology, Brain & Behavior, and Sensation & Perception in addition to elective courses. Electives can be arranged to focus more on either the applied or experimental sides of psychology study. Students will also complete a capstone, with an optional honors track. Psychology students at EOU enjoy small class sizes and close working relationships with faculty and peers as well as access to the resources of a research institution.
Traditional Graduate Programs
University of Oregon
The University of Oregon features a unique individualized master’s degree program in psychology that leads to either a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MS) in Psychology. The program allows students to create their own program of study, which is research-based, around one of three research areas: developmental psychology; cognitive psychology and neuroscience; or social psychology and personality. The program is designed for highly motivated students who plan to pursue a doctorate. Graduate students must complete 45 credits to fulfill degree requirements, including either a research project or a thesis. Students will confer with an advisory committee within the first weeks of the program to develop a degree plan, which outlines which psychology courses will be taken. The psychology program allows students up to two years to fulfill degree requirements.
Portland State University
Portland State University confers the Master of Arts (MA) and the Master of Science (MS) in Psychology, with accepted students able to specialize in applied developmental psychology, applied social and community psychology, or industrial and organizational psychology. The 56 credit program, which is full-time with day classes only, generally takes between two and three years to complete. An eight-credit thesis is mandatory for all specializations, as are 26 elective credits. All psychology graduate students automatically become members of the Psychology Graduate Student Association upon enrollment and are encouraged to become involved in networking and other opportunities offered by the organization.
Online Psychology Programs
Multnomah University
Multnomah University’s online bachelor’s degree in applied psychology takes a practical approach to the study of psychology, rather than a theoretical approach, which helps students learn how to apply psychological principles and methods of inquiry directly to their careers. The program emphasizes the Christian worldview and improving quality of life through mental health services. Students take only one course at a time in an accelerated course format, which can allow students to complete the major in as little as 25 months. Core courses in the major include Health Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Cultural Psychology, and Applied Social Psychology. Students must complete 124 credit hours to complete the degree, which includes 30 credit hours of psychology study.
Oregon Institute of Technology
The Oregon Institute of Technology offers an online Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology that provides students with both general and comprehensive knowledge in the field of psychology, with a focus on day-to-day applications in work and in life. Students take core courses from the areas of developmental, abnormal, social, counseling, and cognitive psychology, as well as courses exploring topics in behavior modification and research. In total, 126 credit hours are required to earn the degree. Courses are skills-based and prepare students for entry-level careers as well as for graduate study. Students may choose to emphasize in a particular subfield of psychology through the choice of electives. Students may also take an externship for course credit, which offers further in-depth preparation for the workforce.
EPPP Pass Rate and Accreditation Information for Psychology Programs in Oregon
The table below is designed to help you compare not-for-profit psychology schools in Oregon on a variety of factors. Clicking on the arrows in the top row allows you to sort the table. In addition to factors such as focus areas offered and tuition costs, accreditation is an important consideration when researching psychology programs. Depending on the type of program and the ultimate career path you are considering, accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA), the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Education Programs (CACREP), or the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) can make it easier to become licensed in your desired area of practice. For more information on these accreditations, see our overview of accreditation for psychology programs. You should also ensure that the program you are considering will meet the licensure requirements in the state where you wish to practice. The Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP), a licensing exam administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB), is required in most US states in order to qualify for psychologist licensure. The EPPP results shown below are provided are for the exam period from February 1, 2015 to March 21, 2017.6 Only results from APA-accredited or ASPPB-designated doctoral programs with at least four test-takers during the exam period are included.6
| School | BA/BS Program | Graduate Program | Online Psych Program | National Accred.* | Grad Rate** | EPPP Pass Rate6 | Number Taking6 | College Factual Under- grad Rank7 | US News Grad Rank8 | Net Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concordia University-Portland | Yes | Yes | No | — | 47% | — | — | — | — | $20,462 |
| Corban University | Yes | Yes | Bachelor’s | CACREP | 67% | — | — | — | — | $24,260 |
| Eastern Oregon University | Yes | No | Bachelor’s | — | 33% | — | — | — | — | $15,902 |
| George Fox University | Yes | Yes | No | APA, CACREP | 67% | 86% | 29 | — | — | $29,925 |
| Lewis & Clark College | Yes | Yes | No | CACREP, NASP | 75% | — | — | 209 | — | $35,559 |
| Linfield College | Yes | No | No | — | 65% | — | — | 177 | — | $29,664 |
| Multnomah University | Yes | Yes | Bachelor’s | — | 63% | — | — | — | — | $25,148 |
| Northwest Christian University | Yes | Yes | Bachelor’s | CACREP | 46% | — | — | — | — | $21,808 |
| Oregon Institute of Technology | Yes | No | Bachelor’s | — | 52% | — | — | — | — | $16,670 |
| Oregon State University | Yes | Yes | Bachelor’s | CACREP | 67% | — | — | — | 148^ | $18,625 |
| Pacific University | Yes | Yes | No | APA | 65% | 91% | 91 | — | — | $30,337 |
| Portland State University | Yes | Yes | No | CACREP | 49% | — | — | — | 211^ | $13,758 |
| Reed College | Yes | No | No | — | 81% | — | — | 168 | — | $31,977 |
| Southern Oregon University | Yes | Yes | No | CACREP | 40% | — | — | — | — | $10,240 |
| University of Oregon | Yes | Yes | No | APA, NASP | 73% | 88% | 17 | 63 | 45^ | $15,939 |
| University of Portland | Yes | No | No | — | 82% | — | — | 236 | — | $33,541 |
| Warner Pacific College | Yes | No | No | — | 46% | — | — | — | — | $23,676 |
| Western Oregon University | Yes | Yes | No | CACREP | 40% | — | — | — | — | $15,496 |
| Willamette University | Yes | No | No | — | 74% | — | — | 152 | — | $33,519 |
Schools marked with a caret (^) in US News Best Graduate Psychology Programs ranked in a tie with other programs in their respective positions.
*See our guide to psychology program accreditation for more information on these accrediting bodies.
**The graduation rate is for first-time, full-time undergraduate degree- or certificate-seeking students who began studies in Fall 2012 and is calculated based on the percentage of students earning their degree or certificate within 150% of the normal time for program completion.1
Schools with Psychology Degree Programs in Oregon
Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.
Chemeketa Community College
4000 Lancaster Dr NE
Salem, OR 97309
(503) 399-5000
https://www.chemeketa.edu/
Student Review: “Chemeketa’s psychology program has been an eye-opener for me. The things I’m learning have been astounding and keep me motivated to pursue this pathway. Chemeketa has reputable teachers with high interpersonal skills who convey the material in an easy to understand way that invites discussion. They offer online classes, as well as hybrid options, which are groundbreaking for utilizing technology and enhancing learning. I have become inspired at Chemeketa, and I will continue to pursue the psychology pathway through their astounding Yamhill Valley campus in Oregon.” – Student at Chemeketa Community College
Eastern Oregon University
1 University Blvd
La Grande, OR 97850
(541) 962-3672
https://www.eou.edu/
Student Review: “My program was online, in which I earned a degree in Liberal Studies (psychology and sociology/anthropology). Being an online major, I disliked the fact that I really didn’t get to know the professors or my fellow students. Although, I believe that the psychology portion of my degree was very well rounded. I had excellent teachers, and they strove to bring out the best in the students, especially through the online Blackboard comments section. For the most part, though, I felt that I learned a great deal in the classes. The classes were paced evenly in order to ensure that the students had ample time to complete the work required. The tests were given at the Rogue Community College Campus testing center, or were completed online.” – Student at Eastern Oregon University
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331
(541) 737-1000
https://oregonstate.edu/
Student Review: “My experience at Oregon State University was a good one. I transferred to OSU from a community college and the teachers were very helpful in making my transition easy and painless. For online classes, everything is explained down to the finest details so that there’s no difficulty in understanding what is required of you. If you ever have any questions about anything in a class or if you’re having trouble keeping up with the classwork teachers are always available to assist you no matter how simple your problem might be. I would highly recommend Oregon State University’s online program. It makes it easy for anybody to go to school, whether you’re a working mom, or a student fresh out of high school looking for more flexibility in their class hours. Oregon State University makes it easy to get the degree you need to help further your career.” – Student at Oregon State University
Portland Community College
12000 SW 49th Ave
Portland, OR 97219
(971) 722-6111
https://www.pcc.edu/
Student Review: “My experience with the Psychology program at PCC allowed me to have flexibility in taking classes at school and online. The courses were challenging and the instructors were extremely helpful with any questions after the class or in setting up individual times to meet. I felt very prepared to transfer to any number of advanced programs as this program is accredited and meets a variety of state and national requirements for eventual licensure as well as the certificate programs including Drug and Alcohol Counselor and Addiction Studies. Society today is in the midst of an epidemic with addiction, as it’s something that affects everyone, no matter what your socioeconomic background, race, sexual orientation, lifestyle, etc. It’s time for more people to get licensure as abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs is very costly in the U.S., exacting over $600 billion annually in costs related to crime, lost work productivity and healthcare. Programs like those at PCC offer a great education that won’t break the bank.” – Student at Portland Community College
Student Review: “The psychology program at Portland Community College is pretty great. They offer many different courses and an affordable way to go to college. I especially enjoyed the multicultural component incorporated into many of the psychology classes. The administration of the school was very efficient and the financial aid office really cares about its students. The teachers were all very experienced in the topics they taught and in general, they seemed like interesting people who seemed to really care about the students. Overall I would say that my time in the program was an enlightening experience.” – Student at Portland Community College
Portland State University
1825 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 725-3000
https://www.pdx.edu/
Student Review: “The Portland State psychology department allows undergraduate and graduate students to explore many possible fields in psychology and was hugely helpful in my quest to narrow down my interests into a serious focus. Based in the thriving city, most internship and hands-on learning opportunities were community-based and any student looking for a track in psychology can find inspiring faculty to guide them. The school itself is massive, leading to the most diverse student body a prospective student could hope for. In a single classroom people from all walks of life come together to focus on the course material. I found it hugely satisfying and very helpful in choosing my career path.” – Student at Portland State University
Reed College
3203 SE Woodstock Blvd
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 771-1112
https://www.reed.edu/
Student Review: “I loved my college experience at Reed. The psychology department is very close-knit, and I had a personal relationship with each of the faculty members. I had the opportunity to work closely with professors on research, and I received a considerable amount of personal attention. Reed professors are top-notch in their field and the psychology department is no exception. The student body at Reed is similarly inspiring–my classmates were some of the most motivated people that I’ve met. All in all, my education at Reed was an incredibly enriching experience. It’s the ideal school for students who want to be immersed in an extremely intellectually stimulating environment.” – Student at Reed College
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Kiplinger’s Best College Values: https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-best-college-values-college-finder/index.php#Table
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges, 2018 Edition. The Princeton Review, 2017.
4. PsychologyDegree411 Top Schools with Online Psychology Programs: https://www.psychologydegree411.com/degrees/online/
5. Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019 – Psychology: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2019/subject-ranking/psychology
6. The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, Psychology Licensing Exam Scores by Doctoral Program: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.asppb.net/resource/resmgr/eppp_/2017_Doctoral_Report.pdf
7. College Factual, Best Colleges Offering Degrees in Psychology (Nationwide): https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/psychology/rankings/top-ranked/#
8. US News & World Report Best Graduate Psychology Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-humanities-schools/psychology-rankings