Portland State University Reviews

"This university is suitable for students who can find their own way, but also know when to ask for help; assistance is not always given freely. Many of the faculty and staff are helpful when approached. The professors within the music department are easy to talk to and are all great teachers. The professors within the physics department are more traditional. If you find a good advisor, stick with him or her because sometimes, good advisors are difficult to find. I found that some of my physics professors were teaching in order to keep up their research, whereas some are passionate about teaching. The music department is only one of two in Oregon that is a School of Music. The education received through the music department, for me, was invaluable. However, the physics department is not exemplary, but I certainly have learnt a lot from my classes. Opportunities for research are not handed out; you have to explore and approach professors if you are interested in research. The university studies programme receives disparate reviews. I found it a lot of fun. Although I did not learn as much from my university studies classes as I might have by taking honours classes or the traditional baccalaureate-core classes, I was fortunate to have some really great professors with whom I remain in contact. It is a great way to take classes that you may not have even thought about taking, or might not be able to fit in as electives depending on your schedule. The flexibility and online classes and on-campus classes also provides other opportunities to take different courses. Furthermore, because this university is an urban campus with many adult and/or working students, the professors and advisors do not push you in one direction or another, depending on your interests. For example, double majoring as University of Oregon would have been incredibly difficult, and my music advisor there in fact told me I had to choose between physics and music. The faculty in both the music department and physics department at PSU supported my goal of obtaining my double major, and encouraged it. Although the structure of a degree is somewhat flexible, the classes themselves are often structured and provide many learning opportunities. It was also very easy to take courses during the summer. Although PSU is not the highest rated university in Oregon, I am glad I went there. Regardless of the praise I am giving PSU concerning academics, the financial support available to the students is somewhat minimal. If you are depending on many funds (scholarships, grants, etc.) PSU might not be for you. They do not receive the funds U of O, or even OSU, receive and therefore are not able to provide these funds to their students. Also, although I did not experience any violence first hand, because PSU is in the middle of Downtown Portland, there is a risk of assault, etc. on campus. There were a number of reports during my time at school, but often late at night. PSU is serious about keeping their students safe, so if you feel uncomfortable walking around campus alone, especially at night, there are security officials always available. In addition, there are a couple of "sketchy" parts of campus, often on the outskirts of campus away from many other buildings, to be aware of, especially when walking alone."

"I am really appreciating my education at Portland State. My program is great although it is lacking in multicultural perspectives in counseling and needs more instructors with social justice lenses. However, i know that the program is currently working diligently to address this deficiency."

"Portland State University is a great school to pursue a business degree. It locates in the heart of Downtown Portland which surrounded with many local businesses. School of Business Administration also full of many experienced mentors and professors that will help students to define their next step and set themselves apart as a strong candidate."

"Portland State University was my last option for undergrad. My mother was pressuring me to go due to the low cost. I'm glad I listened to her because after the first year, I couldn't imagine attending anywhere else. PSU not only is the biggest university in Oregon, but it's also the most diverse. No matter your ethnicity, age, or education level, all are welcome. I enjoyed the laid back vibe and studious energy. I would recommend PSU for anyone who may be doubting if they should go back to school or not. PSU will support you in any way possible and get you to your next chapter in life."

"Portland State University is set in the heart of downtown Portland, you're not really sure where campus ends and the city starts. PSU is filled with diversity, there are so many opportunities for students to learn from people of other cultures. PSU has a variety of clubs and groups to join, so no one feels left out. It is really an amazing place to go to school."

"I attended PSU and was a part of the University Honors college which provided wonderful experience and research opportunities. It was great preparation for graduate school. The faculty were very involved in helping students grow if that is what the student wanted. It can be easy to get lost in a schools as big as PSU, but if you seek help from professors you will get quality education."

"I really enjoyed attending Portland State University. The campus location is great and the social work program is amazing. The instructors had many years of experience working in different fields so the lectures were very diverse and really helped paint a picture as to how flexible this degree can be."

"For those who live in Portland Oregon or surrounding suburbs within the public transportation routes covered by TRIMET, the school is a good choice. PSU has a decentralized, commuter-based campus. Most students travel from miles away to come to school resulting in a school setting that lacks that cozy college feel. Nevertheless, PSU offers plenty of degrees to satisfy most anyone and they are slowly replaceing old buildings with new modernized settings."

"Portland State University was a very diverse campus. They had people from all walks of life and different age groups. I felt that their location being downtown Portland was a great added benefit because it allowed you to see the Portland culture and the people that made Portland "weird". I felt like the Professors genuinely cared about your education and the facilities were kept in very good shape. The science lecture halls were well laid out and nice. After I attained my degree, I received several great letters of recommendation and eventually got accepted into medical school to continue my pursuit in medicine. I attribute a lot of my path towards medicine from Portland State University."

"The psychology classes often overlap, so you learn the same few concepts multiple times. You end up learning the foundations really well because of that but it can be frustrating when you are wanting to learn new things and get the most out of each class. If you are planning on going to graduate school to be a counselor then it can be great for forming relationships with professors but if not, another area of study would be better."

"Portland State University is an all around great school. Their ability to help non-traditional students with their educational is incredible. They offer the right classes, for the right price with the right help. The school is dedicated to student success. In addition, PSU helps students past just academia, they help students find jobs, networks with future employers and become prepared for their careers."

"The MSW program at Portland State is well ranked for many reasons. The environment is welcoming and inclusive, the staff and courses push students out of their comfort zone to fully prepare them for their rigorous careers ahead. I feel as if my education is well-rounded and I am acquiring skills that are much needed out in the work force, no matter what setting I end up in. The opportunities provided have enabled me to make connections and learn from experiential practice."

"This was a very good program but it did nor accommodate full time employment as well as I expected. The selection of courses during the summer term was very limited."

"Convenient location, education program classes had convenient evening hours"

"The college is located downtown so it provides great access to city activities. A rich culture of different ethnicity groups. Faculty are great to provide academic assistance."

"Good internships and self reflection. Classes were hit or miss"

"Easy access to campus. A wide range of classes at different times. In the city!"

"Portland State is a great place for people who like the city. It is a large school, but after a few semesters you'll get to know the students and professors in your major and it'll start to feel like a smaller community. It's definitely possible to live on campus, but the majority of students commute. The academics are about on-par with what you'd expect from a state school. It's not elite, but you'll get a good education."

"It is a beautiful campus located in the heart of downtown Portland, OR. The university is very connected into the city with the motto being let knowledge serve the city. It is a very forward thinking university."

"Professors are in the field with current, relevant knowledge. Money is spent on acquiring quality staff not the buildings or classrooms."