In 1946, Portland State University was founded as a post-secondary educational institution for WW II Veterans. PSU has a reputation for providing an intimate learning environment with an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while maintaining nationally recognized academic excellence. The 2020 Princeton Review ranking recognizes PSU among the Best 385 Colleges, as a Top Green College, and 3rd in the Best Green MBA category. The online Bachelor’s Business Program and the online MBA Program are also highly ranked by U.S. News and World Report. Portland is also a College of Distinction. The School of Business is dually accredited by the AACSB in business and accounting. Students receive a world-class education in the LEED Certified Karl Miller Center. Alumni assume positions with intel, Boeing, Nike, and Wells Fargo.
Education
The SoB programs are centered around four pillars: Problem Solving and Decision Making, Sustainability, Communication, and Integrated Learning. Undergraduate business majors include Accounting, Advertising Management, Finance, Human Resource Management, Management and Leadership, Marketing, and Supply and Logistics Management. Business Administration, Social Innovation, and Design Management are all offered as minors. Students also have the option of earning a certificate in Accounting, Athletic and Outdoor Industry, Business Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Food, Beverage, and Goods Leadership, International Business, or Social Innovation. The Business Honor Program transforms students into tomorrow’s business leaders through monthly professional development workshops, annual community service projects, and special events.
Master’s programs offered include the Portland MBA, the Healthcare MBA, Master of Real Estate Development, Master of Taxation, and the Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management and Finance. A joint JD/MBA is also offered. Graduate students can earn a certificate in Athletic and Outdoor Industry, Business Blockchain, Business Intelligence and Analytics, Business of Social Innovation, Global Supply Chain Management, HR Analytics, and Taxation.
Student Life
Students who participate in campus activities are much more likely to become successful alumni. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities for SoB students to get involved, ranging from a mentor program to study abroad and student organizations. Faculty hold monthly group mentor meetings, to engage with students on important business topics over coffee. The Business professional mentor program pairs students who are approaching graduation with a professional to make their transition from college to career seamless. Undergraduate students can also be paired with graduate students, and freshmen can be mentored by upperclassmen. Students can attend the faculty-led Ireland trip, take a course from a partner university, or complete an international internship. Business organizations such as Women in Leadership, Net Impact, and the Entrepreneurship Club provide networking, volunteering, and leadership skills. Promising students can also participate in the Dean’s Future Leaders Group or the Dean’s Student Circle. The Dean personally meets with the students in these groups over lunch on a monthly basis.
Online Programs
The undergraduate degrees in Human Resource Management, Management and Leadership, and Supply and Logistics Management are offered fully online, as well as The Business of Social Innovation certificate. Students have opportunities to engage and network with peers through real-time coursework. In a partnership with Oregon Health and Science University, PSU offers an MBA in a hybrid format.