Jump to navigation Section Menu About Pacific University Welcome to the No. 1 private research institute in the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1849, Pacific University is a diverse learning community offering a unique combination of nationally recognized undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in the arts and sciences, education, business, optometry and the health professions. A Place Where You Can Thrive With four campuses in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Pacific melds the close, nurturing learning environment of a small liberal arts college with the rigorous scholarship of a premier institution. At Pacific, students build deep personal relationships with friends, mentors, faculty members, and academic and career counselors. 1 in 4 students are first-generation college students About one in four of our students — from first-years to future doctors — are the first in their families to attend college. Our students experience greater socioeconomic growth as a result of their education than their peers at other colleges in the Pacific Northwest. Pacific is also Oregon's only federally-designated Asian Pacific Islander Serving institution. We're proud to be a place where diverse opinions and alternative views are embraced. A place where you can thrive — challenged by extraordinary academics and a rich liberal arts tradition, supported by community, and surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest. Quick Facts 10:1 student to faculty ratio 31% of Forest Grove undergrads play sports 60+ student clubs and organizations 3,850 students Bring Your Ideas to Life From student-teaching in our on-site elementary school to bringing new products to market in the Berglund Center and Boxer Makerspace, Pacific students have rare opportunities to bring their ideas to life. Deanté Grinner ’20 Film & video major Within months of earning a media arts degree from Pacific University, Deanté Grinner ’20 was named a Rising Star by the Oregon Media Production Association. Between film classes and local internships, he launched his videography and film career even before graduation. Read more Cutting-Edge Research Pacific is the No. 1 private research institution in the Pacific Northwest and among the top on the West Coast, ranking alongside Stanford and USC. Undergraduate students have unparalleled access to high-tech equipment, cutting-edge discoveries, and expert faculty members. Conduct, publish and present research as an undergrad across disciplines. Aspen Shirley ’21 Psychology major Aspen Shirley '21 is conducting research with Pacific University Psychology Professor Heidi Island to study behavior differences between wild and captive North American river otters. “I never thought I’d be given this opportunity, so I’m just incredibly grateful.” Read more Pursue Justice in Our World Pacific prepares you to live and work with purpose. Boxer alumni around the globe embody our mission to "to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world." When you graduate from Pacific University, you join a mighty community that is changing the world through education, science, healthcare, art and more. Shawn Cardwell '96, MAT '98 and Celeste Goulding '10 “I think we can end homelessness in Forest Grove and Cornelius, or at least make the biggest dent in it." Cardwell and Goulding are not just looking for ways to shelter people in western Washington County, Ore. — they’re looking for longer-term solutions to one of the region’s most enduring problems. Read more National Rankings Best in the West Princeton Review Best Value School in Oregon U.S. News & World Report Best College for Veterans U.S. News & World Report Pacific University in Oregon is ranked a Top National University (U.S. News & World Report), one of America’s Top Colleges (Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education), and the #1 Private Research Institute in the Pacific Northwest (National Science Foundation). SEE ALL RANKINGS "The small campus, the close knit staff, and student cohort were exactly what I needed." — Stacy Carpenter, MAT '16 Discover What Pacific Has to Offer You Explore Academic Programs With 60+ majors and minors, there are many routes to meaningful study. Browse our degree programs and find what resonates with you. OUR PROGRAMS Visit Campus Tour one of our four campuses and meet with an admissions counselor. See for yourself what life at Pacific looks like. PLAN A VISIT Become a Boxer Get started by applying today! Whether you are pursuing undergraduate or graduate study, our Admissions office is here to help guide you through the process. APPLY NOW Academic Programs College of Arts & Sciences Majors & Minors Master of Fine Arts in Writing (MFA) Master of Social Work (MSW) College of Business Majors & Minors Master of Business Administration (MBA) College of Education Majors & Minors Teaching & English Language Learning (BEd) Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) Master of Education (MEd) Visual Function in Learning (MEd) Speech-Language Pathology (MS) Communication Sciences & Disorders (Post-Bacc) College of Health Professions Applied Psychology (MA) Athletic Training (MS) Audiology (AuD) Clinical Psychology (PhD) Clinical Psychology (PsyD) Dental Hygiene (BS) Education & Leadership (PhD) Health Science (BHS) Healthcare Science (DHSc) Medical Science (DMSc) Occupational Therapy (OTD) Pharmacy (PharmD) Pharmaceutical Sciences (MS) Physical Therapy (DPT) Physician Assistant Studies (MS) College of Optometry Optometry (OD) Applied Vision Science (BAVS) Visual Science (BS) Vision Science (MS) Vision Science (PhD) Visual Function in Learning (MEd) Continuing Education Education Health Professions Optometry 2043 College Way Forest Grove, OR 97116 503-352-6151 Contact Us HELPFUL INFORMATION Campuses & Locations Careers Newsroom Online Tools Emergency Information Policies & Forms Non-Discrimination Statement SUPPORT AT PACIFIC Copyright © Pacific University all rights reserved Legal Disclaimers ALSO OF INTEREST Universities In Oregon Master Of Fine Arts In Writing (Mfa) Colleges