1856
Monmouth, OR

School Details

Western Oregon University (WOU), a leading comprehensive public liberal arts institution, is committed to changing lives, strengthening communities, and transforming our world. WOU first opened in 1856, as a normal school, and is the oldest college within the Oregon University System. Today, WOU is a public, four-year liberal arts college, and is located in the Monmouth-Independence area, the heart of Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley. WOU is about 20 minutes from Salem, the state’s capital, and about 75 minutes from Portland, the state’s cultural hub.

The school offers associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, in addition to postgraduate certificates. Online and hybrid degree programs provide two distinct distance educational options for students enrolling in degree programs at Western Oregon University. Distance education degree programs at WOU include studies in liberal arts and education programs, and for the most part, are concentrated in master’s degree and postgraduate certificate programs. WOU online degrees are convenient; most are available 100% online.

Accreditation & Licensing

Western Oregon University is accredited by:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Featured Ranking Reports

Western Oregon University is featured in 3 of our ranking reports!

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Geographic and Educational Overview

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Western Oregon University is located in Oregon

Oregon at a Glance:

State flag of OR
Salem
4,237,256
98,379 sq mi
7
18
17
$11,200.00

Top Incentives in Oregon:

Top Career Pathways in Oregon:

Software Development
  • Entry Level: Software Engineer ($75,000)
  • Mid Level: Senior Developer ($115,000)
  • Senior Level: Technical Director ($155,000+)
  • Required Education: BS Computer Science
  • Certifications: AWS, Azure
Environmental Management
  • Entry Level: Environmental Specialist ($55,000)
  • Mid Level: Sustainability Manager ($85,000)
  • Senior Level: Environmental Director ($130,000+)
  • Required Education: BS Environmental Science
  • Certifications: LEED, PMP
Renewable Energy Management
  • Entry Level: Energy Coordinator ($60,000)
  • Mid Level: Project Manager ($95,000)
  • Senior Level: Energy Director ($140,000+)
  • Required Education: BS Engineering
  • Certifications: PE, PMP, LEED
* Data is approximate and may be AI-enhanced

Online Programs offered by Western Oregon University

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All Programs

Art & Liberal Arts

Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies

Criminal Justice, Safety & Law

Graduate Certificate in Advanced Juvenile Justice Studies
Graduate Certificate in Social Justice
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
Master of Science in Justice Studies

Education

Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design
Master of Science in Education / Educational Technology
Master of Science in Education / Special Education