Western Oregon University (WOU), established in 1856, is a public university located in Monmouth, Oregon, approximately 60 miles southwest of Portland. As the state’s oldest public institution, WOU has a rich history rooted in teacher education and has evolved into a comprehensive university offering a diverse range of programs.
The university enrolls approximately 3,951 students, with 3,343 undergraduates and 608 graduate students. WOU offers over 60 undergraduate majors, with popular fields of study including Education, Psychology, Business, Criminal Justice, and Exercise Science. The university maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, fostering personalized instruction and mentorship.
Western Oregon University’s campus spans 157 acres and is known for its picturesque setting in the heart of the Willamette Valley. The university offers a vibrant student life with over 60 student clubs and organizations, catering to a wide array of interests. Athletically, WOU’s teams, known as the Wolves, compete in the NCAA Division II Great Northwest Athletic Conference, offering opportunities in sports such as basketball, soccer, track and field, and volleyball.
In recent years, WOU has been recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and student success. Notably, the university was ranked No. 18 nationally for Best Criminal Justice Degrees by Learn.org in 2020. Additionally, WOU is among the top 200 colleges for Native Americans, according to “Winds of Change” magazine’s 2021 college edition
Western Oregon University
345 Monmouth Avenue North
Monmouth OR 97361
503-838-8000
www.wou.edu
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