Portland State University

Discover a top urban research university in the heart of Portland, where academic experiences lead to great achievements. A Portland State education takes you beyond the classroom, with courses, field studies and internships that connect you to real world opportunities in the city and beyond.

Portland State Universitys mission is to enhance the intellectual, social, cultural and economic qualities of urban life by providing access throughout the life span to a quality liberal education for undergraduates and an appropriate array of professional and graduate programs especially relevant to metropolitan areas. The University conducts research and community service that support a high quality educational environment and reflect issues important to the region. It actively promotes the development of a network of educational institutions to serve the community.

Additionally, PSU is responding to the nationally and regionally identified need to support the growth of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) graduates who are technically and professionally prepared to enter careers that demand science and math competencies. To achieve the goal of providing increased opportunities for more students from diverse backgrounds to succeed in STEM courses and careers - particularly traditionally under-represented students populations (such as first generation college students and students of color) Portland State University has created the STEM Institute. Its a cross campus service center that supports innovative teaching and scholarship among faculty teaching in the STEM disciplines and provides focused student support resources that target student success in the STEM disciplines. The STEM institute Director develops programs and initiatives that are guided by the STEM Council and cross campus team of practitioners that participate on the STEM Education Collaborative.