Our Online Programs

Graduate Programs
Undergraduate Programs
Certificate Programs and Endorsement
Independent Study

Through the latest in instructional design, technology, and support, Portland State University offers many programs in both fully online and hybrid online formats with a minimal campus residency requirements. We offer degree programs, certificate programs, special endorsements, and independent study programs both for high school and college level courses. All of these programs provide a quality education that is convenient, flexible, and designed to meet the needs of the adult learner with a busy schedule. Our online learning format will provide you an education that gives you choices and that makes a difference. We invite to explore the possibilities.

Graduate Programs

Master's in Business Administration (eMBA) - The PSU Master of Business Administration degree emphasizes a systematic, applied, cross-functional approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical problem-solving skills. The MBA program is designed for students with both business and non-business degrees and is best suited for those who have gained at least two years of full-time, professional experience before their admission date. This degree program is provided in student cohort groups that learn together primarily online. There is a minimal campus residency requirement three times per year for two days (Friday & Saturday) each time.

Master of Social Work Distance Option - The Master of Social Work Distance Option degree is designed to prepare graduates for entry into advanced professional practice in social work. It is fully accredited by the national Council on Social Work Education and as such is the only graduate-level social work program in the state of Oregon. The Distance Option is a 78 credit, three year program which delivers onsite instruction, technology-based learning, and field practice in students' local communities. In the first year, courses are offered on intensive weekends (Friday and Saturday) four times a term on the main Portland campus and are supplemented with online learning. The second and third year courses are generally offered every Friday at each of our sites and may include some courses that are totally online.

Master's of Science in Systems Engineering - Systems Engineering at Portland State University combines an accessible distance learning masters program for engineers and applied scientists who practice design, product development, or process engineering, with a wide array of seminars, short courses, workshops and certificate courses--utilizing both distance education and face-to-face interaction--in Systems Engineering. Many of the individuals teaching courses and presenting workshops, seminars, and certificate courses for the PSU Systems Engineering program are recognized around the world in the field of Systems Engineering. All Systems Engineering core courses and many Systems Engineering elective courses are available fully online.

Master's of Software Engineering (OMSE) - The Oregon Master of Software Engineering (OMSE) program offers a set of thirteen courses that can be taken either on a professional development basis or as part of a complete degree program. In contrast to research-oriented degree programs, the OMSE courses focus on principles, methods, and tools that can be used for creating high-quality products that serve the needs of customers. There is a fully online option.

Undergraduate Programs

Portland State is building an online undergraduate degree in liberal studies. The complete requirements for this degree will be posted soon. In the interim you may wish to pursue a wide variety of courses in liberal studies by selecting the online options that appeal to you. Check back for additional undergraduate degree completion options during 2004 and 2005.

Online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Portland State University's Criminology and Criminal Justice Online (CCJO) program provides students with the instruction and support necessary to complete their Bachelor's of Science degree in just two years. The curriculum is designed for students who are interested in studying the causes, prevention, and control of criminal activity. Students acquire a broad base of knowledge about crime, criminals, victims, and the justice system. Moreover, the courses are designed to foster student skills in critical reasoning, problem solving, and communication. To be eligible for the program students should have an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science or 90 quarter hours (60 semester hours) of transferable college credit. There is no campus residency requirement.

Certificate Programs and Endorsements

E-Learning Systems Certificate - Knowledge of e-learning systems can open up a number of new work opportunities. The growth in e-learning has increased dramatically over the past 10 years in almost every institution of higher education, large company, and school district. The movement into online education and e-learning has resulted in a significant need for practitioners (e.g., administrators, training managers, instructional designers/technologists, and instructors) who can knowledgeably take a lead in these efforts. This certificate program consists of 5 graduate level courses which will train students to be leaders by learning to: analyze e-learning needs; apply learning theory, instructional theory, and system theory to developing e-learning programs ; lead and manage e-learning technology teams; manage online training/distance learning organizations and e-learning technology projects; and provide timely advice on current and emerging technologies. This is a fully online program with no campus residency requirements.

ReadOregon (formerly CREADE) - The ReadOregon program is a collaborative effort of five universities in the Oregon University System — Eastern Oregon University, Oregon State University, Portland State University, Southern Oregon University, and Western Oregon University. It consists of two new programs available to teachers statewide: reading specialist and literacy education. The goal of both programs is to improve the reading abilities of students in Oregon's schools. ReadOregon modules and courses were designed to be used toward a reading specialist endorsement, a concentration in a master's degree program, and/or a component of your professional development in the content area of literacy. This is a fully online program with no campus residency requirements.

Infant Toddler Mental Health, A Relationship-based Approach - The certificate of completion in Infant/Toddler Mental Health: A Relationship-Based Approach is designed for professionals who are working with families who have children from the prenatal period to 36 months of age. This program is appropriate for professionals who are mental health, special education, child welfare, and social service providers; home visitors; teachers; child-care providers; and health care professionals. It is also appropriate for supervisors of these direct service providers. This is a fully online program with no campus residency requirements.

Educational Media/Librarianship - The Portland State University (PSU) Educational Media/Librarianship Program provides options for a Master's Degree, an Endorsement, or a Certificate. The program'ss focus is on the preparation of the school library media specialist for professional positions in K-12 library media centers. A library media specialist plans and administers a total school library program, is responsible for the instruction of students in the use of technology and information resources, provides instruction and enrichment, and guides and motivates students in reading, listening, and viewing of instructional and recreational materials. The library media specialist also works with teachers to infuse technology and information resources in their classroom. This is offered in a hybrid mode with most work being done online but some courses requiring a minimal campus residency.

Systems Engineering Short Courses, Seminars, and Certificates - In addition to the Master's Program, Systems Engineering provides a wide array of seminars, short courses, workshops and certificate courses ranging from fault analysis and LAN technology to wireless system design and product development.

Independent Study

Portland State offers many courses in an independent study mode. This is different from the regular term-based study options in that you have the opportunity to enter a course at any time. Even if you miss the beginning of a term, you can start in the middle or at the end. It's your choice. Once you begin the course, you have up to 18 months to complete it. This is particularly helpful for students who are extremely busy and may have schedules that sometimes preclude them from working on a course for several weeks at a time. Courses may be taken for a grade or on a pass/no pass basis. All courses have credits associated with them. Independent study courses are offered at both the high school and college level.

Independent Study Online Courses for College

Independent Study Online Courses for High School.