University of Oregon

When Oregon was founded in 1859, the federal government required pioneers in the new state to establish a public university. At the time, those who were forging their way in Oregon were more concerned with providing for themselves rather than spending time creating an institute of higher learning until Judge Joshua Walton convinced Eugene City residents to become the home of the first university in the new state.

The community came together, with farmers selling mules and produce in order to raise money for the new school. Church socials and other events managed to raise $27,000 that was used to purchase 18-acres of land. In 1873, construction began on the first building and five faculty members began teaching the first enrollees in 1876. Two years later, five individuals graduated from the university. With John C. Whiteaker, George S. Washburne, Robert S. Bean, Matthew S. Wallis and Nellie A. Condon began a history of exceptional education that has lasted for more than 150 years.

However, the school faced many challenges over the years. The school was almost forced to close their doors in 1881 as they were facing debt of more than $8,182. Henry Villard, a railroad magnate, donated $7,000 to help the school reduce their debt and, in his honor, the school named their second building after him. In 1913 and again in 1932, efforts were stopped to combine the University of Oregon with Oregon State University.

After World War II and the passage of the G.I. Bill, enrollment skyrocketed. In the 1960s, enrollment grew by more than 70 percent. From an initial appropriation in 1885 of $30,000 that increased to $47,000 by 1901, state funding for the university began to dwindle. Today, the university receives only five percent of its operating budget in state funds.

Today, more than 24,000 students attend the University of Oregon, arriving on campus from all 50 states and 95 different countries. The small, muddy campus that was purchased with money raised from produce, mule and bake sales has grown to 295 acres. The first building has been joined by new laboratories, residence halls, a recreation center and student union. More than 3,000 trees shade the campus, but these are just the cosmetics of the building. The school also promotes intellectual curiosity and rigorous academics that allow graduates to succeed in their chosen field.

University of Oregon Accreditation Details

The University of Oregon is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, a status it has held since 1918. Accreditation indicates that the university meets or exceeds standards set forth by the organization that indicate excellence in education. In addition to regional accreditation, the University of Oregon is also accredited by the following industry-specific organizations:

• Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
• American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business
• American Association of Museums
• American Bar Association
• American Chemical Society
• American Psychological Association
• American Society of Landscape Architects
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education
• Council for Exceptional Children
• Foundation for Interior Design Education Research
• National Architectural Accrediting Board
• National Association of School Psychologists
• National Association of Schools of Music
• National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
• National Athletic Trainers Association
• Planning Accreditation Board
• Teacher Standards and Practices Commission

University of Oregon Application Requirements

Freshmen who wish to attend the University of Oregon must have a high school diploma or equivalent and earn a C- or better in college preparatory courses. Students must submit an official high school transcript as well as SAT and/or ACT scores. An essay is required and students may submit a second, optional essay if they choose.

Students who have attended 23 or more semester credits are considered transfer students. Students must have completed a college-level compensation course with a grade of C- or better as well as one college-level math course with a C- or better. The student must have a GPA of 2.25 if an Oregon resident or 2.50 if they are a non-resident. Other courses may be required which is why students considering a transfer to the University of Oregon should contact an admissions counselor before applying.

Graduate students must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Requirements for graduate attendance at the University of Oregon are determined by each school and department. Students are encouraged to contact an admissions counselor to learn what requirements are necessary for their chosen program.

University of Oregon Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time tuition for undergraduate students is $10,761 for residents and $33,441 for non-residents. Graduate full-time tuition is $16,242 for residents and $26,610 for non-residents.

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study programs. The University of Oregon gives more than $196 million in financial aid each year to students who qualify. In order to be considered for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

University of Oregon Degrees Available

Department of Psychology Undergraduate

The undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Oregon prepares students for careers in the field of psychology. Students are provided a broad exposure to the basic concepts, theories, findings and ethical issues of psychology as well as in the scientific method. Students develop strong critical thinking and written communication skills as well as the ability to evaluate and convey evidence they discover related to human behavior. All students participate in research and are encouraged to expand their research through internships, research assistant positions and organizations. Students are provided many hands-on experiences to further integrate real-world knowledge with classroom teaching.

Master’s Program

The University of Oregon offers master’s degrees in psychology that are designed to provide advanced training for those who wish to enter careers with a research focus. The program is not designed for general masters training and does not offer clinical training at the masters’ level. The program requires students to be highly self-motivated and dedicated to acquiring research skills that will further their own work plans. Programs are designed for each individual and concentrations are available in the following areas:

• Cognitive/Neuroscience
• Developmental
• Social/Personality
• Systems Neuroscience

Doctoral Program

The University of Oregon offers a doctoral program in psychology designed to familiarize students with the theories and methodologies of psychology in order for them to make original contributions to research, teaching and applied work in the field. The program is a research and scholarly degree with students expected to engage in research throughout their program. Student research is an integral and valuable component of the degree. Students may choose to concentrate their research area in the following areas:

• Clinical
• Cognitive/Neuroscience
• Developmental
• Social/Personality
• Systems Neuroscience

The Department of Psychology at the University of Oregon offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees designed to help graduates move into a new career or to advance in a current career. Courses may be offered in flexible formats that allow those who may have work, social and family obligations to achieve their higher education goals.