Sustainable Food Systems

bunches of carrots to be sold at a farmer's market

Graduate Program

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Degree Details

  • Certificate (Graduate) (GC)
    Total Credits
    18
    Start Term
    Any
    Delivery Method
    On Campus
    Program details

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Sustainable Food Systems Graduate Certificate Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems provides students with a multidimensional understanding of the social, environmental, and economic impacts of the food sector. Courses are offered in a range of academic areas related to food systems, including public administration, community health, urban and regional planning, business, and education, allowing students to tailor their course selection to align with their interests and career goals. The College of Education department of Educational Leadership and Policy collaborates with the following Units to offer this certificate: College of Urban and Public Affairs, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the Institute for Sustainable Solutions.

Sustainable Food Systems Graduate Certificate: Why PSU?

Portland State's program draws on the diverse expertise and interests of faculty across the university, allowing it to offer a truly interdisciplinary program. Our location in Portland is also a major asset; as a national leader in innovative work on sustainable food systems, Portland provides unique opportunities for students to expand their knowledge and experience of food systems and respond to the growing demand in the region and around the world. The city offers access to a wide range of nonprofits, businesses, urban and rural farms, government agencies, and other established community partners. Our students have many options once they complete the program; some have pursued additional graduate education at PSU or at other institutions, while others have gained employment in non-profit organizations, government agencies, or the private sector.

What can I do with a graduate certificate in Sustainable Food Systems?

The movement for sustainable and just food systems has gained tremendous momentum in recent years and with it the demand for policymakers, community organizers, and industry professionals to think holistically about our society’s food systems.

The Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems at Portland State University offers students the opportunity to explore the complex issues and relationships between food, people, and society. The program draws on the expertise of faculty from departments across the University, providing an interdisciplinary understanding of the issues, perspectives, strategies, and solutions involved in creating sustainable food systems. It connects a range of academic areas related to food systems, including public administration, community health, urban and regional planning, business, and education.

The certificate program provides students with a foundation of knowledge and practical experience to help them confront the pressing challenges currently facing sustainable food systems. These challenges include environmental degradation, corporate consolidation, and social injustices. Students will learn about new responses to these issues, such as sustainable agriculture, re-development of indigenous food systems, community land trusts, worker co-ops, farm labor organizing movements, and opportunities to shape policy at local, state, and national levels.

As a national leader in innovative work on sustainable food systems, communities within Portland, Oregon, also provide unique opportunities for students to expand their knowledge and experience of food systems and respond to the growing demand in the region and around the world. The city offers access to a wide range of nonprofits, businesses, urban and rural farms, government agencies, and other established community partners.

The Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems is designed to serve two types of students:

  • Graduate students enrolled in a PSU graduate degree program seeking to add expertise in sustainable food systems to their course of study.
  • Professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree and seek to broaden their training, increase their knowledge of current issues in food systems, or enhance their employment prospects.

The certificate program is relevant for people aspiring to work in a variety of settings, including Farm-to-School programs, urban agriculture nonprofits, regional food systems development and advocacy, farming, local, regional, or state policy, producer and consumer cooperatives, and B-Corps.

Pre-Nursing

Doctors and nurses walking through a hospital

Undergraduate Program

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Degree Details

  • Pre-Professional Program
    Total Credits
    Varies
    Start Term
    Any
    Delivery Method
    On Campus
    Pre-Nursing Courses

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Pre-Nursing Pre-Professional Program Overview

Nurses are hands-on healthcare professionals that provide patients with direct, personalized care. They are important members of the healthcare team and are extensively involved in helping patients with the maintenance and promotion of health, in adapting to acute or chronic illness, and in coping with the final stages of life. Nurses work shifts (day, evening, and night) and weekends, and many nursing activities require physical strength. Most health care services involve some form of care by nurses.

Pre-Nursing students at PSU complete a set of prerequisite courses designed to fulfill admission requirements for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs at other institutions. Students may also choose to complete a different degree at PSU and then apply to accelerated BSN programs to earn a 2nd undergraduate degree.

Most pre-nursing students attend PSU for 2-3 years working on prerequisites with the goal of applying for acceptance into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program elsewhere. Pre-Nursing is a professional track, not a major or a degree program at PSU. Admission to nursing school is limited and extremely competitive. In years past, Oregon students admitted to OHSU’s nursing program had an average prerequisite GPA of 3.65. If a student applies to nursing programs and they are not accepted, they often continue taking courses to earn a bachelor’s degree at PSU while they re-apply to nursing programs. PSU does not have admission agreements with local nursing programs and PSU students are not given special consideration in the application process.

Prospective students interested in attending PSU can meet with a pre-nursing advisor to learn about the pre-nursing program.

Pre-Nursing is a pre-professional track, not a major. Students can select any major of their choice.

Pre-Nursing Pre-Professional Program: Why PSU?

PSU has dedicated pre-health advisors to help students plan their coursework, support them in gaining relevant healthcare experience, and guide them through the process of applying to medical schools (including both MD and DO programs).

There are a very wide range of clinical and other volunteer opportunities available in the Portland area to help students better understand the role of nurses and other healthcare providers, and gain exposure to different clinical settings.

Beyond the pre-requisite courses needed to apply to nursing school, PSU offers many additional courses of interest to pre-nursing students, including Communicable and Chronic Disease (PHE 363), Gender, Race, Class, & Health (PHE 452), Biomedical Ethics (PHL 446), Sociology for the Health Sciences (SOC 250), and many others.

Many of Portland State’s departments and schools offer student research opportunities, including Biology, Chemistry, and the School of Public Health.

PSU has the Ignite Scholarship program, developed in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente and Portland Leadership Foundation, which emphasizes a culture of support and community for students in healthcare career pathways that can sometimes be complex and overwhelming. Students who receive the Ignite scholarship will be part of a program emphasizing leadership and mentorship (supported by a $5,000 scholarship), which includes serving as mentors for incoming pre-health students.

Incoming pre-health students seeking mentorship can apply to be matched with PSU's Ignite mentors. This is a one-year commitment (fall, winter, and spring terms) for mentors and mentees.

Student organizations on campus help students to connect with peers pursuing pre-health tracks or science fields, as well as many different multicultural, social, and community involvement focused groups. Examples of student groups include the Health Promotion Student Organization, Portland State Women in STEM, Science Outreach Society, Biology Investigation and Outreach, and the Neuroscience Club at PSU.

What can I do after completing the Pre-Nursing Track?

Students in the Pre-Nursing track at PSU go on to complete nursing school or other clinical positions to gain practical experience for nursing school or other similar programs. Graduates from PSU's Pre-Nursing program have gone on to professional schools and programs at:

  • Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)
  • Linfield College
  • University of Portland
  • Walla Walla University
  • George Fox University
  • Duke University
  • Harvard University
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Seattle Pacific University
  • University of Washington

OHSU and Linfield College offer an accelerated Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) program for students with a prior bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.

Curriculum & Instruction

PSU curriculum and instruction graduate students working on a group project

Graduate Program

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Degree Details

  • Master's Degree (M)
    Total Credits
    45
    Start Term
    Any
    Delivery Method
    Online

Learn more about our academic program delivery methods

Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree Overview

The Curriculum & Instruction master’s degree program is for teachers and other education professionals who want to pursue advanced studies in teacher leadership, educational theories and research, and curriculum design. Courses are intended to enhance equitable teaching practices and learning outcomes while providing opportunities for career development.

Our curriculum is grounded in social justice research and prepares educators to respond to increasingly diverse classrooms and to become leaders for change in their learning communities. The Curriculum and Instruction masters program engages and empowers individuals to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to improve their professional practice.

The culminating Action Research courses allow educators to identify, study, and address needs specific to their district or agency in practical and cooperative ways. Teachers in the program work together with PSU and school personnel toward the goal of improving the K–12 curriculum.

Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree: Why PSU?

PSU is the public research university for the Portland metro area. We have a commitment to sustaining a vibrant and connected learning community that includes students of color, LGBTQ, and indigenous peoples. You will have the opportunity to work with supportive faculty and alongside your colleagues who are educators like you; passionate about their work and making a difference in the world. 

What can I do with a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction?

Our graduates work in schools and communities as educational leaders and often make changes in their schools and districts based on the research they have done in the program.  Others continue to work in their classrooms, having improved their educational practice. Graduates may become:

  • Content-area specialists
  • Coaches
  • TOSAs
  • Teacher leaders

Accreditation

Portland State University is fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Pre-Physical Therapy

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Undergraduate Program

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Pre-Physical Therapy Pre-Professional Program Overview

Physical Therapists are licensed healthcare providers that help restore or improve motor function in patients who suffer from loss of muscle strength, physical mobility, or circulation. Physical Therapists conduct evaluations, rehabilitate, and treat patients with mobility activities, exercise, and other physical techniques. They teach patients how to remain healthy, prevent injury, and stay physically active.

Portland State offers a strong pre-physical therapy program that enables students to complete their prerequisite coursework, earn a baccalaureate degree, and obtain assistance in preparing for and applying to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) schools across the country. Admission to physical therapy programs is limited and competitive. Most professional programs require that an A, B, or C grade be earned in all required preparatory courses, and most students accepted by professional schools have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0; however, on average the GPA is much higher.

Pre-physical therapy is a professional track (not a major), but common majors for pre-physical therapy students include Biology, Applied Health and Fitness, Public Health Studies, Psychology, and Science. Students can choose any major while also completing their pre-physical therapy coursework. You can discuss with your pre-physical therapy advisor how these two components fit together in your course plans.

Prospective students interested in PSU can meet with a pre-physical therapy advisor to learn about the pre-physical therapy track.

Pre-Physical Therapy is a pre-professional track, not a major. Students can select any major of their choice.

Pre-Physical Therapy Pre-Professional Program: Why PSU?

PSU has dedicated pre-health advisors to help students plan their coursework, support them in gaining relevant healthcare experience, and guide them through the process of applying to physical therapy schools.

There are a huge range of clinical and other volunteer opportunities available in the Portland area to help students better understand the role of physical therapists and other healthcare providers, gain exposure to different clinical settings, and boost their application to physical therapy programs in the future.

Beyond the pre-requisite courses needed to apply to physical therapy programs, PSU offers many additional courses of interest to pre-physical therapy students, including Applied Kinesiology (PHE 370), Physiology of Exercise (PHE 473), Communicable and Chronic Disease (PHE 363), Physics in Biomedicine (PHY 337), Gender, Race, Class, & Health (PHE 452), Biomedical Ethics (PHL 446), Sociology for the Health Sciences (SOC 250), and many others.

Many of Portland State’s departments and schools offer student research opportunities, including Biology, Chemistry, and the School of Public Health.

PSU has the Ignite Scholarship program, developed in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente and Portland Leadership Foundation, which emphasizes a culture of support and community for students in healthcare career pathways that can sometimes be complex and overwhelming. Students who receive the Ignite scholarship will be part of a program emphasizing leadership and mentorship (supported by a $5,000 scholarship), which includes serving as mentors for incoming pre-health students.

Incoming pre-health students seeking mentorship can apply to be matched with PSU's Ignite mentors. This is a one-year commitment (fall, winter, and spring terms) for mentors and mentees.

Student organizations on campus help students to connect with peers pursuing pre-health tracks or science fields, as well as many different multicultural, social, and community involvement focused groups. Examples of student groups include the Health Promotion Student Organization, Portland State Women in STEM, Science Outreach Society, Biology Investigation and Outreach, and the Neuroscience Club at PSU.

What can I do after completing the Pre-Physical Therapy Track?

Many students in the Pre-Physical Therapy track at PSU go on to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).

Schools in which Portland State students and alumni were recently admitted include:

  • Franklin Pierce University
  • George Fox University
  • Husson University
  • Pacific University
  • Regis University
  • Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
  • Touro University
  • University of Nevada - Las Vegas
  • University of Puget Sound

Pre-Optometry

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Undergraduate Program

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Degree Details

  • Pre-Professional Program
    Total Credits
    Varies
    Start Term
    Any
    Delivery Method
    On Campus
    Pre-Optometry Courses

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Pre-Optometry Pre-Professional Program Overview

Optometrists are the primary providers of vision care. They are concerned with eye health; general health problems that affect the eyes; how well a person sees; and how the eyes work together: color vision, depth perception, and visual performance. Optometrists are primary health professionals. Optometry programs require that applicants complete a specific set of prerequisite courses prior to enrollment.

Portland State offers a strong pre-optometry program that enables students to complete their prerequisite coursework, earn a baccalaureate degree, and obtain assistance with the optometry school preparation and application process.

Pre-Optometry is a professional track (not a major), but common majors for pre-optometry students include Science, Health Studies: Health Science, Biology, & Chemistry.

Prospective students to PSU can meet with a pre-optometry advisor to learn about PSU’s pre-optometry program. Admission into optometry programs is limited and competitive. Pre-optometry students would apply to optometry programs after completing coursework and experiences to help them prepare for the program. In recent years, Pacific University’s average cumulative GPA for students admitted students to the Doctor of Optometry degree program has been 3.42.

Pre-Optometry is a pre-professional track, not a major. Students can select any major of their choice.

Pre-Optometry Pre-Professional Program: Why PSU?

PSU has dedicated pre-health advisors to help students plan their coursework, support them in gaining relevant healthcare experience, and guide them through the optometry school application process. There are a very wide range of clinical and other volunteer opportunities available in the Portland area to help students better understand the role of optometrists and other healthcare providers, gain exposure to different clinical settings, and boost their application to optometry programs in the future.

Many of Portland State’s departments and schools offer student research opportunities, including Biology, Chemistry, and the School of Public Health.

Beyond the pre-requisite courses needed to prepare to apply to optometry school, PSU offers many additional courses of interest to pre-optometry students, including Communicable and Chronic Disease (PHE 363), Physics in Biomedicine (PHY 337), Gender, Race, Class, & Health (PHE 452), Biomedical Ethics (PHL 446), Sociology for the Health Sciences (SOC 250), and many others.

PSU has the Ignite Scholarship program, developed in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente and Portland Leadership Foundation, which emphasizes a culture of support and community for students in healthcare career pathways that can sometimes be complex and overwhelming. Students who receive the Ignite scholarship will be part of a program emphasizing leadership and mentorship (supported by a $5,000 scholarship), which includes serving as mentors for incoming pre-health students.

Incoming pre-health students seeking mentorship can apply to be matched with PSU's Ignite mentors. This is a one-year commitment (fall, winter, and spring terms) for mentors and mentees.

Student organizations on campus help students to connect with peers pursuing pre-health tracks or science fields, as well as many different multicultural, social, and community involvement focused groups. Examples of student groups include the Health Promotion Student Organization, Portland State Women in STEM, Science Outreach Society, Biology Investigation and Outreach, and the Neuroscience Club at PSU.

What can I do with a certificate in Pre-Optometry?

Students in the Pre-Optometry track at PSU go on to a Doctor of Optometry (OD) or go on to earn an MD or DO to become an ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist provides eye care services and performs medical and surgical eye procedures. Ophthalmologists must first earn an MD or DO and then complete a residency in ophthalmology. Pacific University offers a four-year Doctor of Optometry program preparing tomorrow's optometrists for licensure and practice.

Schools in which Portland State students and alumni were recently admitted include:

  • Arizona College of Optometry at Midwestern University
  • Illinois College of Optometry
  • New England College of Optometry
  • Pacific University
  • Southern Calif. College of Optometry at Marshall B. Ketchum University
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • Western University of Health Sciences

Pre-Pharmacy

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Undergraduate Program

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Degree Details

  • Pre-Professional Program
    Total Credits
    Varies
    Start Term
    Any
    Delivery Method
    On Campus
    Pre-Pharmacy Courses

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Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Professional Program Overview

Pharmacists are health care professionals skilled in understanding and monitoring drug therapy, uses, and interactions. In addition to filling and labeling prescriptions, pharmacists counsel patients, consult with physicians, and work with healthcare providers on clinical research or to develop policies for drug use. Pharmacists ensure that patients obtain the maximum benefit from their medications with the least side effects and at the most affordable price.

In addition to possessing a technical skill set for understanding drug differences and therapies, pharmacists possess strong written and verbal communication skills, are able to identify and solve problems, and can effectively collaborate with patients, physicians, and other health care providers.

Portland State offers a strong pre-pharmacy program that enables students to complete their prerequisite coursework, earn a baccalaureate degree, and obtain assistance in preparing for and applying to pharmacy schools across the country.

Pre-pharmacy is a professional track (not a major), but common majors for pre-pharmacy students include Science, Biology, and Chemistry. Students can choose any major while also completing their pre-pharmacy coursework. You can discuss with your pre-pharmacy advisor how these two components fit together in your course plans.

Prospective students interested in PSU can meet with a pre-pharmacy advisor to learn about the pre-pharmacy track.

Pre-Pharmacy is a pre-professional track, not a major. Students can select any major of their choice.

Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Professional Program: Why PSU?

PSU has dedicated pre-health advisors to help students plan their coursework, support them in gaining relevant healthcare experience, and guide them through the process of applying to pharmacy schools.

There are a huge range of clinical and other volunteer opportunities available in the Portland area to help students better understand the role of pharmacists and other healthcare providers, gain exposure to different clinical settings, and boost their application to pharmacy programs in the future.

PSU’s Health, Science, and the Earth pathway advising team offers workshops and events to help you in preparing to apply for pharmacy school in the future.

PSU and Pacific University offer a Bridge Program which aims to nurture career interests, provide enriching pre-professional development, and pave a way for success in Pacific’s 3-year Doctor of Pharmacy degree program. PSU students who apply and are accepted into the Bridge Program have the option of transferring back their first year of pharmacy coursework to apply toward a B.S. in Science from PSU.

Beyond the prerequisite courses needed to prepare to apply to pharmacy school, PSU offers many additional courses of interest to pre-pharmacy students, including Communicable and Chronic Disease (PHE 363), Gender, Race, Class, & Health (PHE 452), Biomedical Ethics (PHL 446), and many others.

PSU has the Ignite Scholarship program, developed in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente and Portland Leadership Foundation, which emphasizes a culture of support and community for students in healthcare career pathways that can sometimes be complex and overwhelming. Students who receive the Ignite scholarship will be part of a program emphasizing leadership and mentorship (supported by a $5,000 scholarship), which includes serving as mentors for incoming pre-health students.

Incoming pre-health students seeking mentorship can apply to be matched with PSU's Ignite mentors. This is a one-year commitment (fall, winter, and spring terms) for mentors and mentees.

Student organizations on campus help students to connect with peers pursuing pre-health tracks or science fields, as well as many different multicultural, social, and community involvement focused groups. Examples of student groups include the Health Promotion Student Organization, Portland State Women in STEM, Science Outreach Society, Biology Investigation and Outreach, and the Neuroscience Club at PSU.

What can I do after completing the Pre-Pharmacy track?

PSU offers a Pharmacy BS 3+3 program with Pacific University. Students who complete a specific curriculum at PSU and are accepted into Pacific University’s Bridge program can transfer back their first year of pharmacy school to fulfill requirements for a BS in Science. For this option, students must work directly with the PSU pre-pharmacy advisor.

Schools in which Portland State students and alumni were recently admitted include:

  • Creighton University
  • Manchester University
  • Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
  • Oregon State University
  • Pacific University
  • Roseman University of Health Sciences
  • University of Hawaii, Hilo
  • University of Minnesota
  • University of Washington
  • Washington State University

Pre-Physician Assistant

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Undergraduate Program

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Pre-Physician Assistant Pre-Professional Program Overview

Physician Assistants (PAs) are licensed health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and in virtually all states can write prescriptions.

Within the physician/PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. A PA's practice may also include education, research, and administrative services. Physician assistants are found in all areas of medicine. They practice in the areas of primary care medicine – family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology – as well as in surgery and the surgical sub-specialties.

Portland State offers a strong pre-physician assistant program that enables students to complete their prerequisite coursework, earn a baccalaureate degree, and obtain assistance in preparing for and applying to Master’s level physician assistant programs.

Pre-physician assistant is a professional track (not a major), but common majors for pre-physician assistant students include: Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Health Studies: Health Science. Students can choose any major while also completing their pre-physician assistant coursework.

Prospective students interested in PSU can meet with a pre-physician assistant advisor to learn about the pre-physician assistant track.

Pre-Physician Assistant is a pre-professional track, not a major. Students can select any major of their choice.

Pre-Physician Assistant Pre-Professional Program: Why PSU?

PSU has dedicated pre-health advisors to help students plan their coursework, support them in gaining relevant healthcare experience, and guide them through the physician assistant (PA) school application process.

There are a very wide range of clinical and other volunteer opportunities available in the Portland area to help students better understand the role of physician assistants and other healthcare providers, gain exposure to different clinical settings, and boost their application to PA programs in the future.

Beyond the pre-requisite courses needed to prepare to apply to physician assistant programs, PSU offers many additional courses of interest to pre-health students, including Communicable and Chronic Disease (PHE 363), Physics in Biomedicine (PHY 337), Gender, Race, Class, & Health (PHE 452), Philosophy of Medicine (PHL 318), Biomedical Ethics (PHL 446), Sociology for the Health Sciences (SOC 250), and many others.

Many of Portland State’s departments and schools offer student research opportunities, including Biology, Chemistry, and the School of Public Health.

PSU has the Ignite Scholarship program, developed in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente and Portland Leadership Foundation, which emphasizes a culture of support and community for students in healthcare career pathways that can sometimes be complex and overwhelming. Students who receive the Ignite scholarship will be part of a program emphasizing leadership and mentorship (supported by a $5,000 scholarship), which includes serving as mentors for incoming pre-health students.

Incoming pre-health students seeking mentorship can apply to be matched with PSU's Ignite mentors. This is a one-year commitment (fall, winter, and spring terms) for mentors and mentees.

Student organizations on campus help students to connect with peers pursuing pre-health tracks or science fields, as well as many different multicultural, social, and community involvement focused groups. Examples of student groups include the Health Promotion Student Organization, Portland State Women in STEM, Science Outreach Society, Biology Investigation and Outreach, and the Neuroscience Club at PSU.

What can I do after completing the Pre-Physician Track?

Many students in the Pre-Physician Assistant track at PSU go on to earn master’s level degrees in Physician Assistant Studies, though the name of the degree may vary depending on school: Master of Science (MS), Master of Health Science (MHS), Master of Medical Sciences (MMS) or Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

Schools in which Portland State students and alumni were recently admitted include:

  • Franklin Pierce University
  • George Fox University
  • Husson University
  • Pacific University
  • Regis University
  • Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
  • Touro University
  • University of Nevada - Las Vegas
  • University of Puget Sound

Early Intervention Special Education

Elementary Class

Graduate Program

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Degree Details

  • Master's Degree (M)
    Total Credits
    45 for master's degree only, 64 for preliminary licensure + master's degree
    Start Term
    Summer
    Delivery Method
    Online
  • Certificate (Graduate) (GC)
    Total Credits
    21
    Start Term
    Summer
    Delivery Method
    Online
  • Licensure (Graduate)
    Total Credits
    55–64
    Start Term
    Summer
    Delivery Method
    Online
  • Endorsement/Specialization
    Total Credits
    21
    Start Term
    Summer
    Delivery Method
    Online

Learn more about our academic program delivery methods

School/College College of Education
Department Special Education

Early Intervention Special Education Master's Degree or Graduate Certificate Overview

Prepare to support children with disabilities aged birth to five and their families through strengths-based services in home, community, and school settings. The program is designed both for new teachers seeking a preliminary teaching license with a Special Education: Early Intervention endorsement, and licensed teachers who want to add an early intervention endorsement or special education master’s degree.

Presented in a convenient online format, our early intervention special education program offers a high-touch, interpersonal approach that’s hard to find in an online program. You’ll enjoy the independence of distance learning, while belonging to a supportive community and getting plenty of personal attention from faculty based in Portland, Oregon.

 

Early Intervention Special Education Master's Degree or Graduate Certificate: Why PSU?

Portland State's online master's degree program in early intervention special education gives you the opportunity to:

  • Build supportive relationships. Portland State encourages supportive communities by using a cohort model and an easy-to-use online platform. You'll have frequent, ongoing contact with your classmates, developing the spirit of collaboration and support you'd normally expect from an in-person program.
  • Work closely with faculty. Our leading faculty designed the online master's program in early intervention special education and teach all the courses. You'll enjoy regular one-on-one interaction with faculty, and you won't have to fight for their attention.
  • Develop practical skills. In this hands-on program, you'll practice applied techniques that get proven results. You'll acquire new skills for helping children with special needs under the age of 6 to reach their maximum potential.
  • Get supervised field experience. Our online EISE program includes a field placement in an early childhood special ed setting. You'll gain experience in a classroom or home environment. In addition, our online early intervention special education program provides you with specialized training to work with students and families from diverse backgrounds.

What can I do with an online Master's Degree or Graduate Certificate in Early Intervention Special Education?

Early intervention special educators work with infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) who are experiencing developmental delays or disabilities. EISE professionals help to narrow a child's developmental gaps before they reach school age, so they’re better equipped to thrive once they enter the school population.

Here are some of the most common EISE career opportunities:

  • Home visitor. As the job title suggests, home visitors work with children and families in their own residences. “Many children respond best when they receive early intervention special education in a familiar environment,” says Hix. “It’s also a good setting for parents and siblings to participate and learn how to provide positive reinforcement.” You may be employed through a Head Start program, social service agency, or educational service district if you work as a home visitor.
  • Itinerant teacher. As an itinerant teacher, you’ll travel to preschools, early learning centers, and other sites to work with individual students outside their regular classroom setting. In addition to providing one-on-one instruction, you’ll coordinate EISE services with the child’s regular teacher, parents, other caregivers, and (in some cases) specialists such as speech therapists or occupational therapists.
  • Classroom teacher. EISE classroom teachers help children with special needs adjust to more formal school environments. “You need a wide range of skills in this role,” says Lori Kellogg, principal of the Tualatin Early Childhood Center. “There’s a lot of group supervision, but you’re also frequently working with children individually and in small groups. If you lead a classroom you’ll play a critical role in helping children learn to socialize, follow routines, and gain a sense of independence.
  • Evaluation specialist. Program evaluators measure outcomes and provide feedback to EISE teachers and administrators. In this role, you’ll conduct frequent testing to track children’s progress, while gathering additional data through observations and interviews. Evaluators spend a good bit of their time working on databases, procedures manuals, and paperwork.
  • Training instructor/researcher. As a relatively new field with a growing workforce, EISE offers broad opportunities for training and research. Most faculty of Portland State University’s online EISE master’s program engage in one or both of these pursuits, so you may find opportunities to sample these activities while you’re enrolled in the program.

Pre-Occupational Therapy

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Pre-Occupational Therapy Pre-Professional Overview

Occupational Therapists are healthcare professionals who assist individuals with physical, developmental, or mental impairments to overcome challenges, independently perform tasks, and fully participate in their daily lives. Occupational Therapists must be able to recognize the psycho-social impact of dysfunction and treatment and provide support to patient and family.

Portland State offers a strong pre-occupational therapy program that enables students to complete their prerequisite coursework, earn a baccalaureate degree, and obtain assistance in preparing for and applying to Master of Occupational Therapy or Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DPT) schools across the country.

Pre-occupational therapy is a professional track (not a major), but common majors for pre-occupational therapy students include: Health Studies: Health Science and Psychology. Students can choose any major while also completing their pre-occupational therapy coursework. You can discuss with your pre-occupational therapy advisor how these two components fit together in your course plans. You must be accepted by a professional school, such as Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR, to complete the professional phase. The School of Occupational Therapy at Pacific University offers a three year entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program.

Prospective students interested in PSU can meet with a pre-occupational therapy advisor to learn about the pre-occupational therapy track.

Pre-Occupational Therapy is a pre-professional track, not a major. Students can select any major of their choice.

Pre-Occupational Therapy Pre-Professional Program: Why PSU?

PSU has dedicated pre-health advisors to help students plan their coursework, support them in gaining relevant healthcare experience, and guide them through the process of applying to occupational therapy schools.
There are a huge range of clinical and other volunteer opportunities available in the Portland area to help students better understand the role of occupational therapists and other healthcare providers, gain exposure to different clinical settings, and boost their application to occupational therapy programs in the future.

Beyond the pre-requisite courses needed to apply to occupational therapy programs, PSU offers many additional courses of interest to pre-occupational therapy students, including Applied Kinesiology (PHE 370), Communicable and Chronic Disease (PHE 363), Gender, Race, Class, & Health (PHE 452), Biomedical Ethics (PHL 446), Sociology for the Health Sciences (SOC 250), and many others.

Many of Portland State’s departments and schools offer student research opportunities, including Biology, Chemistry, and the School of Public Health.

PSU has the Ignite Scholarship program, developed in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente and Portland Leadership Foundation, which emphasizes a culture of support and community for students in healthcare career pathways that can sometimes be complex and overwhelming. Students who receive the Ignite scholarship will be part of a program emphasizing leadership and mentorship (supported by a $5,000 scholarship), which includes serving as mentors for incoming pre-health students.

Incoming pre-health students seeking mentorship can apply to be matched with PSU's Ignite mentors. This is a one-year commitment (fall, winter and spring terms) for mentors and mentees.

Student organizations on campus help students to connect with peers pursuing pre-health tracks or science fields, as well as many different multicultural, social, and community involvement focused groups. Examples of student groups include the Health Promotion Student Organization, Portland State Women in STEM, Science Outreach Society, Biology Investigation and Outreach, and the Neuroscience Club at PSU.

What can I do after completing the Pre-Occupational Therapy Track?

Students in the Pre-Occupational Therapy track at PSU go on to earn a Master of Science (MS) in Occupational Therapy or a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD). Pacific University offers a three-year Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

Hydrology

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Graduate Program

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Degree Details

  • Certificate (Graduate) (GC)
    Total Credits
    24
    Start Term
    Fall, Winter, Spring
    Delivery Method
    On Campus
    Program Details

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Hydrology Graduate Certificate Overview

The Graduate Certificate of Hydrology is designed to give students advanced training in hydrology, and leads to professional certification with the American Institute of Hydrology (AIH). Trained hydrologic professionals are necessary to solve problems concerning drinking water supplies, stream habitat and water supply requirements for important aquatic organisms, the variability of climate and its effect on water supplies and hazards, and the threat posed to all these resources by industrial, agricultural and domestic contamination and overuse.

Employment possibilities include federal, state and local governmental agencies; commercial and industrial corporations in the private sector; and private consulting firms knowledgeable in hydrogeologic regulations, wetland mitigations, environmental regulations, flood prediction, pollution abatement and bioremediation, environmental site audits, and regulatory compliance.

This Certificate program enhances professional development and can put students in a better position either to pursue a graduate degree and/or to pursue certification as a professional hydrologist with the AIH. A student earning a Graduate Certificate in Hydrology achieves a significant proportion of educational requirements and satisfies all primary hydrology coursework for qualification as a member of the AIH.

Hydrology Graduate Certificate: Why PSU?

You can complete our certificate in just six courses and be ready to apply your new knowledge on the job right away or transfer credit toward a master's degree.

Our program helps you build a foundation in surface hydrology, hydrogeology, and water quality, and gain the skills needed to solve quantitative and qualitative hydrologic problems.

What can I do with a graduate certificate in Hydrology?

PSU's hydrology certificate meets the primary hydrological education requirements to be certified by the American Institute of Hydrology.

Our graduates go on to work in federal, state, and local government agencies, commercial and industrial corporations in the private sector, and consulting firms that deal with hydrogeologic regulations, wetland mitigations, environmental regulations, flood prediction, pollution abatement, and bioremediation, environmental site audits, and regulatory compliance.

The Graduate Certificate of Hydrology is designed to give students advanced training in hydrology, and leads to professional certification with the American Institute of Hydrology (AIH).

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