Water Resources

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Undergraduate Program


Degree Details

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Department Geography

Water Resources Minor Overview

The water resources minor offers broad training in spatial perspectives of sociopolitical and biophysical dimensions of water resources at local, regional, national, and international scales. As climate changes and the population grows in many parts of the world, water resource sustainability becomes an increasingly urgent issue for our sustainable future. This minor is designed to broaden and deepen your knowledge and experience in complex water resource issues.

Water Resources Minor: Why PSU?

Uniquely situated at the confluence of the Columbia River and the Willamette River, Portland provides an ideal laboratory to examine the biophysical and human dimensions of various water issues from mountains to oceans along a rural and urban gradient.

Internationally recognized faculty study various aspects of water resource issues from North America to Asia to Africa. You can obtain cross-comparative cultural perspectives over the use of water and why political and economic conflicts are sometimes intertwined with water issues.

What can I do with a minor in Water Resources?

With this degree, you can boost your employment opportunity in the public and private sectors that address challenging water issues and complement the work you’re completing in any major. The water resource minor provides you with the foundational skills to explore solve practical water resource problems related to drought, flooding, and water quality and understand weather, climate, and water phenomena, and interpret the effects of these phenomena on Earth's surface and society.

Athletic & Outdoor Industry

Runner legs and feet as they prepare for run

The School of Business


Degree Details

  • Certificate (Graduate) (GC)
    Total Credits
    16
    Start Term
    Any
    Delivery Method
    In Person
    Flexible

Learn more about our academic program delivery methods


School/College The School of Business

Athletic and Outdoor Industry Graduate Certificate Overview

Gain the expertise, experience, and connections to stand out in the Athletic and Outdoor industry.

Portland is one of the industry’s most dynamic hubs—and Portland State University is among its most trusted sources of talent.

The Athletic and Outdoor Industry Graduate Certificate equips you with real-world skills, direct access to a powerful alumni network, and a competitive edge to advance your career. Courses are taught by seasoned pros from Nike, UnderArmour, Columbia Sportswear, Yakima, and other Portland-based leaders.

Designed for working professionals, the program offers late-afternoon and evening classes, flexible hybrid options, and rolling admissions. Whether you’re entering the workforce, changing careers, or preparing for leadership, PSU delivers the professional training that sets you apart in the Athletic and Outdoor industry.

Athletic and Outdoor Industry Graduate Certificate: Why PSU?

  • Superior instructors. You’ll take courses from athletic and outdoor industry leaders who have years of experience. In addition, you’ll get to interact with entrepreneurs and risk-takers who developed innovative products, established new markets, built iconic brands, and otherwise moved the industry forward.
  • Access to jobs. Athletic and Outdoor employers actively recruit PSU graduates, and hundreds of our alumni are already shaping the industry. Their proven record of high-impact achievements reflects the strength of our program. In addition to this powerful alumni network, you’ll gain access to the School of Business Career Center’s resources—from career coaching to employer connections and recruiting events—giving you a direct path to opportunity.
  • Industry-specific expertise. You’ll learn the tools and techniques that drive the outdoor and athletic industry, with coursework in product management, consumer behavior, analytics, sourcing, logistics and more.
  • Strategic outlook. PSU graduates stand out in the job market (and the workplace) for their big-picture perspective. You’ll have a feel for the athletic and outdoor industry’s ever-changing dynamics, and an ability to keep ahead of trends and set new directions.
  • Accessibility and convenience. The program is designed with working professionals in mind—offering late-afternoon and evening courses, along with hybrid options that keep participation flexible and manageable. At the same time, it’s rooted locally: courses connect you to the region’s industry leaders and alumni, creating opportunities to apply your learning, build relationships, and advance your career right here in the center of it all.
  • Institutional excellence. The Athletic and Outdoor Industry graduate certificate is offered by PSU’s nationally ranked School of Business. Bloomberg Businessweek, US News & World Report, and other outlets have included PSU on various “best of” lists.

 Athletic and Outdoor Industry Graduate Certificate Highlights

  • Developed in collaboration with global leaders in the athletic and outdoor industry
  • Offered by the PSU’s nationally-ranked School of Business and the Center for Retail Leadership
  • Can be taken paired with a graduate program such as our Master’s in Global Supply Chain Management, MBA and MSF, or taken as a stand-alone certificate.
  • PSU holds elite dual-accreditation in business and accounting from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • Alumni have an outstanding job-placement record with world-renowned brands, including adidas, Columbia Sportswear, Cascade Designs, Gerber Gear, Keen, REI, and Nike

What can I do with a Graduate Certificate in Athletic and Outdoor Industry?

Portland has one of the world’s largest concentrations of athletic and outdoor headquarters, retailers, and manufacturers, complemented by an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. Coupled with a passionate community and fast-growing industry led by Oregon-based global giants, PSU’s athletic and outdoor program offers a rich proving ground for career exploration.

Our Athletic and Outdoor Industry Certificate prepares you for a variety of career roles, including:

  • Supply Chain
  • Marketing
  • Retailing
  • Distribution
  • Sales
  • Strategic planning
  • Product management

Questions? Contact Center for Retail Leadership Executive Director Lindsey Morse at lindseym@pdx.edu

ATHLETIC AND OUTDOOR INDUSTRY CURRICULUM

From concept to consumer, the Athletic and Outdoor (A&O) Industry Certificate explores the unique challenges and competitive issues within the industry. The A&O Graduate Certificate consists of two core courses plus two electives. Each course is worth 4 credits, totaling a required 16 credits.

Required Courses: (16 credits total)

2 Core Courses 

  • MKTG 536 - Competitive Dynamics in the Athletic & Outdoor Industry (4)
  • MKTG 537 - Product Management in the Athletic & Outdoor Industry (4)

Choose 2 complementary electives from Supply Chain (GSCM), Management (MGMT), or Business Analytics (BTA).

  • GSCM 511 - Principles of Strategic Global Sourcing (4)
  • GSCM 513 - Principles of Strategic Global Logistics (4)
  • GSCM 514 - Reverse Logistics and Closed Loop Supply Chain (4)
  • GSCM 515 - Global Information, Systems and Data Analytics (4)
  • MGMT 521 - Design Thinking For Social Innovation (4)
  • MGMT 523 - Storytelling and Impact Measurement for Social Innovation (4)
  • MGMT 513 - Pioneering Innovation (Entrepreneurship) - non MBA only (4)
  • BTA 511 - Business Data Management with SQL (4)
  • BTA 512 - Business Data Analytics with Python (4)
  • BTA 553 - Enterprise Data Visualization for Decision Making (4)

ACCREDITATION

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

One of fewer than 200 business schools worldwide — top 1% — to be accredited in both business and accounting by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB is the elite business school accreditation known internationally.

Learn more about how to be successful in graduate programs.

Computational Intelligence

Source code

Graduate Program


Degree Details

  • Certificate (Graduate) (GC)
    Total Credits
    16
    Start Term
    Any
    Delivery Method
    In Person

Learn more about our academic program delivery methods



Computational Intelligence Graduate Certificate Overview

Challenge the limits of what you understand about computational intelligence and be a part of the conversation about machine learning with this graduate certificate. PSU's graduate certificate in computational intelligence introduces you to the ways in which computers may learn and adapt based on data to solve complex problems when mathematical or traditional modeling fails.

Computational Intelligence Graduate Certificate: Why PSU?

The program's coursework explores four main components of computational intelligence and its typical applications, including pattern recognition, data-mining, control, signal processing, and non-linear optimization.

The city of Portland boasts a thriving, creative tech sector that creates a dynamic, collaborative experience for our students. You’ll have the opportunity to take classes from faculty who are doing groundbreaking work in machine learning and work side-by-side with the future innovators of the industry.

What can I do with a graduate certificate in Computational Intelligence?

Our graduates utilize this immersion in computational intelligence to find work in a variety of sectors, not just in tech. Many students stack the graduate certificate onto their existing coursework in computer science or engineering and leverage this degree to find competitive jobs that specialize in AI.

Epidemiology

People walking in front of OHSU-PSU building

Graduate Program


Degree Details

  • Master's Degree (M)
    Total Credits
    60
    Start Term
    Fall
    Delivery Method
    In Person
  • Doctoral Degree (D)
    Total Credits
    108
    Start Term
    Fall
    Delivery Method
    In Person

Learn more about our academic program delivery methods



Epidemiology Master's Degree and Doctorate Overview

Our Epidemiology graduate programs equip you to advance the health of entire populations.

As a partnership between two high-level research universities with commitments to health-promoting social change, the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health (SPH) provides a uniquely comprehensive setting for pursuing training in one of our graduate degrees in Epidemiology. You will learn from and collaborate with epidemiologists, biostatisticians, policy professionals, behavioral/social scientists, and other nationally prominent experts in medicine and other clinical professions, environmental science, health administration, and other fields. Your Epidemiology degree will cover the full spectrum of design and analytic methods used to conduct epidemiologic studies in public health settings. You will gain first-hand experience in analyzing, interpreting, and reporting epidemiologic data to a variety of public health professionals.

Faculty in the OHSU-PSU SPH’s pioneering Epidemiology programs study exposures such as genetic and molecular factors; diet, physical activity, and sleep; worksite, school, and healthcare system characteristics; structural racism and other social determinants of health; environmental pollutants, community design, and social and economic policy. Our faculty study the prevention, management, and treatment of a wide range of health outcomes, including infectious disease, pregnancy outcomes, early childhood development, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, injury and violence, and dementia.

We offer an MPH in Epidemiology, a Ph.D. in Epidemiology, and a dual MD/MPH in Epidemiology. All three Epidemiology graduate programs reflect the unique strengths of the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, including:

  • Small, intimate graduate programs that foster strong relationships between faculty and students, and a sense of community among graduate students
  • A spirit of community engagement that encourages you to get involved and make an impact in real-world public health issues
  • Groundbreaking epidemiology research exploring obesity, infectious disease, perinatal outcomes, injury/violence, aging, racial segregation, quantitative methods, and factors related to the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
  • Robust partnerships and collaborations that connect you with neighborhood groups, nonprofits, government programs, healthcare systems, and other organizations that are actively involved in public health
  • Close collaboration with OHSU’s healthcare practitioners and scientific researchers, as well as with PSU’s faculty experts in urban affairs, social work, environmental science, community engagement, and other fields
  • A commitment to health equity and social justice
  • Access to an expansive inventory of data sets, due in part to our broad partnerships with state and county health departments

MPH in Epidemiology

The MPH in Epidemiology offers first-rate preparation for careers in government, the nonprofit sector, research institutes, health plans, and other healthcare-related businesses, and academia. The OHSU-PSU SPH has a long history of high-achieving alumni. Employers seeking Epidemiology graduates regard us as a leading source of new talent and actively recruit our graduates.

In addition, the OHSU-PSU SPH’s unique institutional structure encourages you to synthesize perspectives across multiple disciplines. With access to the full resources of two universities, our MPH in Epidemiology equips you to design epidemiologic studies, apply appropriate statistical methods to the analysis of epidemiologic data, and interpret and report results in publications or other venues. You will be able to integrate expertise from basic science, clinical treatment, community health, biostatistics, public policy, and many other disciplines all at the core of public health.

Ph.D. in Epidemiology

The OHSU-PSU SPH’s Epidemiology Ph.D. program offers exceptional opportunities to engage in research and teaching activities necessary for leadership roles. Through the doctoral dissertation process, you will gain research competency by leading a body of independent epidemiologic research from initial design through submission for publication. Our current and recent Epidemiology Ph.D. candidates have pursued investigations related to economic policy, maternal and child health, obesity prevention and treatment, infectious disease modeling, hearing loss among military veterans, antibiotic stewardship, health impacts of insurance policies, and economic segregation, among other pressing and timely issues. To develop your skills as an educator, you will serve at least one term as a teaching assistant for a core Epidemiology course under the guidance of a faculty member.

Graduates of our Epidemiology Ph.D. program have an exemplary record of job placement. You will be highly qualified for university faculty positions and scientific leadership roles in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector health systems.

Dual MD/MPH in Epidemiology

In the five-year MD/MPH dual degree program, you will take foundational MPH coursework during the first two years of medical school. In the third year, you will focus full-time on the MPH in Epidemiology, with most of the year devoted to field experience, research, and community engagement. After completing the Epidemiology MPH, you will return to medical school with a broadened public health lens to complete the final two years of the MD program and plan for your career at the intersection of these two important fields.

By pairing the MPH in Epidemiology with an MD, you will be prepared to engage in population-based clinical practice, conduct epidemiological research as a medical practitioner, and take leadership roles in public health policy, research, and advocacy.

Epidemiology Master's Degree or Doctorate: Why OHSU-PSU?

The OHSU-PSU School of Public Health reflects the spirit of innovation that is at the core of our two universities and the city we call home. Renowned for its collaborative outlook and embrace of new ideas, Portland is a hive of civic engagement, entrepreneurial energy, and creative vitality -- and our two universities, located in the heart of downtown, are an important part of that mix. Both universities are known for pioneering research and the public-spirited pursuit of knowledge. We are proud that the collaborative OHSU-PSU School of Public Health is built on the strengths of both campuses and a product of that innovative energy.

We at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health are training the next generation of public health leaders, while working with communities to find enduring solutions to difficult public health problems. We are committed to social justice, health equity, and global sustainability. And, we are a proving ground for new ideas that offer transformative potential. We invite you to join us in this mission.

What can I do with a Master's degree or Doctorate in Epidemiology?

The MPH in Epidemiology offers first-rate preparation for careers in government, the nonprofit sector, research institutes, health plans and other healthcare-related businesses, and academia.

Graduates of our Epidemiology Ph.D. program have an exemplary record of job placement. You will be highly qualified for university faculty positions and scientific leadership roles in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector health systems.

Graduates of the dual MD/MPH in Epidemiology return to medical school with a broadened public health lens to complete the final two years of the MD program and plan for your career at the intersection of these two important fields.

Accreditation

The OHSU-PSU School of Public Health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Criminology & Criminal Justice

Justice is Blind statue

Undergraduate Program


Degree Details

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
    Total Credits
    180
    Start Term
    Any
    Delivery Method
    In Person
    Online
  • Bachelor of Science (BS)
    Total Credits
    180
    Start Term
    Any
    Delivery Method
    In Person
    Online
  • Minor
    Total Credits
    32
    Start Term
    Any
    Delivery Method
    In Person

Learn more about our academic program delivery methods



Earn Your Degree In Criminology & Criminal Justice

If you’re passionate about making a difference in your community, Portland State University’s Criminology & Criminal Justice program is the place to start. You’ll learn from award-winning professors who bring real-world experience into every class, connecting what you study to what’s happening in today’s world. Dive into the American court systems, explore how laws are enforced, and discover what truly helps prevent crime and promote rehabilitation.

At PSU, you can choose the learning experience that fits your life—study on campus in the heart of Portland or complete your degree fully online. Either way, you’ll get the same high-quality education and personal support that PSU is known for. Along the way, you’ll build the critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills that prepare you for careers in law enforcement, corrections, victim advocacy, policy reform, or wherever your passion for justice takes you.

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Why Choose PSU For Criminology & Criminal Justice?

We blend rigorous academic excellence with hands-on, real-world experience. Our curriculum is designed to move education beyond the classroom and into the city, providing meaningful insights into how justice systems function and how they can be improved.

  • Award-Winning Faculty: Learn directly from experts deeply engaged in cutting-edge research, public policy, and active community partnerships.
  • The City as Your Classroom: Leverage PSU’s urban location to gain firsthand experience with the institutions and organizations driving change in the criminal justice system.
  • Focus on Equity: Join the most diverse undergraduate program in the College of Urban and Public Affairs. With nearly 60% first-generation college students and a majority BIPOC student body, we are committed to an inclusive environment that prioritizes social justice and systemic reform.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

Through internships, research opportunities, and applied learning, you will graduate with the practical experience employers demand.

  • Optional Internships: Junior and senior students have the opportunity to complete 80–200 hours of field experience with justice-related organizations, ranging from the U.S. Attorney’s Office to local non-profits and youth programs.
  • Study Abroad: Join our summer course on ‘Sex Work, Human Trafficking, and Harm Reduction in Denmark, Sweden, and The Netherlands’, where you will engage directly with frontline service providers and advocacy groups.
  • Research & Capstones: Work alongside faculty on impactful projects. Recent student teams have analyzed clemency cases for the Oregon Clemency Project, studied solitary confinement practices, and evaluated human trafficking screening tools.

Career Pathways and Real-World Impact

The CCJ program at PSU is designed to turn your purpose into a powerful career. We provide the knowledge and skills necessary to:

  • RethinkSystems: Influence policy and advocate for structural change in the criminal justice system.
  • Support Victims: Work directly with advocacy groups and support services.
  • Serve the Community: Engage in probation, parole, law enforcement, social services, or community outreach.

Flexible Degree Options: Online & On-Campus

We understand that every student’s journey is different. PSU offers two distinct pathways to complete your Criminology & Criminal Justice degree, both offering the same curriculum and degree:

  1. On-Campus Pathway: Experience the vibrant culture of Portland, and face-to-face instruction and community-building.
  2. Fully Online Pathway: Enjoy the flexibility of remote learning without compromising quality or experience.

Both options provide the exact same high-quality instruction, access to expert faculty, and dedication to student success.

The Criminology & Criminal Justice Online Pathway (CCJO)

As one of the first fully online Criminology & Criminal Justice programs in the country, PSU continues to set the standard for remote education.

The CCJ Online (CCJO) pathway is designed for students who require maximum flexibility without compromising quality. It offers the exact same exceptional education, award-winning faculty, and supportive community as our on-campus program, but with a structure built for your life.

What Makes the Online Program Unique?

  • Total Flexibility: No set login times. You study whenever it fits your daily schedule.
  • Accelerated Progress: Unique five-week course schedules allow you to focus intensely and move through your degree faster.
  • Guaranteed Course Spots: Never wait for a class or delay your graduation plans. Every CCJ Online student is guaranteed a seat.
  • 100% Online Access: From coursework to career resources, everything is available with a single click.
  • Personal Advising: A dedicated academic advisor provides proactive support, including customized degree maps updated routinely to ensure you know exactly what is needed to graduate on time.
  • Expert Tech Support: Get help from CCJ staff who are familiar with every course, instructor, and assignment.

Enrollment & Advising for Online Students

Because the CCJO pathway operates with a unique structure, tuition model, and advising framework, we encourage you to verify that you are eligible for this program and if this pathway aligns with your educational goals

Connect with an Advisor: For details on the fully online option, review the program details or get in touch with us at ccjo@pdx.edu.

Career Pathways: Skills That Drive Leadership

Why a PSU Degree Stands Out to Employers 

Our Criminology & Criminal Justice degree fosters the critical skills that are sought after in the field and that drive hiring and promotion decisions. Beyond understanding crime and the law, you will develop the analytical reasoning and leadership capabilities necessary to navigate complex systems.

Career opportunities for our graduates span far beyond traditional roles, extending into politics, business, investigations, nonprofit leadership, and beyond. Whether you are entering the workforce or seeking advancement, you can apply your knowledge to become a leader in whatever area you choose.

Career Opportunities by Sector

Graduates from Portland State University are prepared for a wide range of diverse and impactful roles:

Law Enforcement & Security

  • Police Officers, Detectives & Deputies: Serving communities at the local and county levels.
  • Federal Law Enforcement: Agents and investigators for federal agencies.
  • Private Security: Corporate security management and private investigations.

Legal System & the Courts

  • Attorneys: Prosecutors and defense attorneys influencing the courtroom.
  • Judicial Officers: Judges and magistrates presiding over cases.
  • Legal Support: Legal assistants and researchers supporting the justice process.

Corrections & Rehabilitation

  • Probation & Parole Officers: Guiding reintegration and community safety.
  • Correctional Officers: Managing safety and order within institutions.
  • Case Managers: Providing individualized support and resource coordination.

Advocacy, Policy & Analysis

  • Victim Advocates: Supporting those impacted by crime through the legal process.
  • Crime Analysts: Using data to identify trends and inform strategy.
  • Policy Advisors: Shaping legislation and reform in government and nonprofits.

Top Employers for CCJ Graduates 

Our alumni are hired by leading agencies and organizations, including:

  • Oregon Judicial Department
  • Oregon Department of Corrections
  • Multnomah County Department of Community Justice
  • U.S. Attorney’s and Attorney General’s Offices
  • Local Police and Sheriff’s Offices
  • Public Defender & District Attorney Offices

Health Promotion: Community Health

People in front of health building

Graduate Program


Degree Details

  • Master's Degree (M)
    Total Credits
    60-61
    Start Term
    Fall
    Delivery Method
    In Person
  • Doctoral Degree (D)
    Total Credits
    108
    Start Term
    Fall
    Delivery Method
    In Person

Learn more about our academic program delivery methods



Health Promotion: Community Health Master's Degree and Doctorate Overview

Our Health Promotion and Community Health graduate programs prepare you to drive social change, advance health equity and remove barriers to community health.

The OHSU-PSU School of Public Health (SPH) unites two outstanding research universities that have spent decades working to help reduce health disparities and designing innovative solutions to public health challenges.

Our graduate degrees in Health Promotion and Community Health equip you to identify the root causes of health problems and to devise interventions that create healthier communities from local to global levels. You will have opportunities to work with leading experts in the areas of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD), social determinants of health, sexual and reproductive health, food systems and nutrition, physical activity, aging, and other pressing issues.

As a unique partnership between two world-class universities, the OHSU-PSU SPH unites health and scientific expertise with advanced scholarship in governance, public policy, urban studies, social work, and education. We offer a stand-alone Master of Public Health in Health Promotion, as well as dual degrees that pair the Health Promotion MPH with a Master of Social Work (MSW) or Master of Urban Planning (MURP). Our terminal degree in this discipline is a Ph.D. in Community Health.

These programs excel because of their:

  • Commitment to equitable, socially just access to health and health-supporting resources for all
  • A holistic approach that is built on collaboration among experts from multiple academic disciplines
  • Emphasis on solving real-world health challenges
  • Partnerships and engagement with a breadth of populations and social groups
  • Deep relationships with state, county, and local agencies; schools; nonprofit organizations; and other community stakeholders
  • A tight-knit culture that fosters supportive relationships among faculty and students
  • Direct access to OHSU’s medical and scientific experts and PSU’s leading scholars in community engagement, public policy, urban affairs, and the social sciences

MPH in Health Promotion

Graduates of our MPH in Health Promotion are highly qualified to work for government agencies, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, universities, research institutes, and health care organizations. You will acquire direct experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating health promotion programs and initiatives, with the ability to address health issues across the lifespan.

Our MPH in Health Promotion prioritizes community engagement. You will work with a broad range of populations and groups, building skills in an effective partnership, meaningful collaboration, and positive social change. The OHSU-PSU SPH’s unique structure provides outstanding opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, which is one reason our graduates are known for policy and programmatic innovations that synthesize ideas across multiple fields.

MPH in Health Promotion/Master of Social Work Dual Degree

In this dual MPH/MSW degree program, you will gain a broad perspective on the factors that cause adverse health outcomes, and an equally broad range of tools for promoting public health. In addition, you will collaborate with experts from PSU’s nationally ranked School of Social Work, which, like the OHSU-PSU SPH, has promoted leading-edge innovations to improve the health of people in traditionally underrepresented communities.

Through both programs, you will gain perspectives on eliminating systems of oppression, racial and ethnic discrimination, economic inequities, and advancing programs for social and political justice. Both the MPH in Health Promotion and the Master of Social Work include extensive fieldwork and community engagement in their curricula. By leveraging overlapping coursework, you can earn both degrees in three years, a full year less than it would take to earn the degrees separately.

MPH in Health Promotion/Master of Urban Planning Dual Degree

By combining an MPH in Health Promotion with Portland State’s nationally ranked Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) degree, you can sharpen your ability to examine and understand the effects of “place” on the health of communities and society, in general. You will develop tools to promote public health through community structures and systems such as transportation, housing, open space, population density, air and water quality, and public safety.

The MURP degree includes advanced training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other analytical methods for understanding the organization of cities and metropolitan regions, and the two degrees, together, will enable you to assess the impacts of such an organization on the public’s health. You can complete the MPH/MURP dual degree program in three years, a full year less than if each degree had been completed alone.

Ph.D. in Community Health

OHSU-PSU’s Ph.D. in Community Health equips you with superior skills in research methodology, qualitative research, data analysis, and epidemiologic study design. You will acquire an interdisciplinary skill set and a range of analytical frameworks that you can apply to address community health challenges.

Because the OHSU-PSU SPH has such a strong presence in the community, Ph.D. candidates in the Community Health program have robust opportunities to make an impact on public health. You will be able to collaborate with stakeholders on a wide range of upstream factors, such as housing, transit, education, employment, air and water quality, and other issues that affect the public’s health. The program qualifies you for a career as university faculty or in executive leadership for government agencies, major nonprofits, health care networks, insurance companies, and other organizations.

Health Promotion: Community Health Master's Degree or Doctorate: Why OHSU-PSU?

The OHSU-PSU School of Public Health reflects the spirit of innovation that is at the core of our two universities and the city we call home. Renowned for its collaborative outlook and embrace of new ideas, Portland is a hive of civic engagement, entrepreneurial energy, and creative vitality -- and our two universities, located in the heart of downtown, are an important part of that mix. Both universities are known for pioneering research and the public-spirited pursuit of knowledge. We are proud that the collaborative OHSU-PSU School of Public Health is built on the strengths of both campuses and a product of that innovative energy.

We at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health are training the next generation of public health leaders while working with communities to find enduring solutions to difficult public health problems. We are committed to social justice, health equity, and global sustainability. And, we are a proving ground for new ideas that offer transformative potential. We invite you to join us in this mission.

What can I do with a Master's degree or Doctorate in Health Promotion: Community Health?

Graduates of our MPH in Health Promotion are highly qualified to work for government agencies, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, universities, research institutes, and health care organizations.

With the MPH in Health Promotion/Master of Social Work Dual Degree, you will gain perspectives on eliminating systems of oppression, racial and ethnic discrimination, economic inequities, and advancing programs for social and political justice. Both the MPH in Health Promotion and the Master of Social Work include extensive fieldwork and community engagement in their curricula. By leveraging overlapping coursework, you can earn both degrees in three years, a full year less than it would take to earn the degrees separately.

Ph.D. candidates in the Community Health program have robust opportunities to make an impact on public health. The program qualifies you for a career as university faculty or in executive leadership for government agencies, major nonprofits, health care networks, insurance companies, and other organizations.

Accreditation

The OHSU-PSU School of Public Health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

German

textural image

Graduate Program


Degree Details

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

Learn more about our academic program delivery methods



German Master's Degree Overview

PSU's master's degree in German provides you with the opportunity to engage deeply with a language that's spoken by more than 120 million native speakers around the world while opening doors to your future.

Our program is designed to train students in rigorous scholarship, original research, and independent thinking. You'll be prepared to launch careers in academia, government, or business, or continue your studies in a doctoral program.

German Master's Degree: Why PSU?

PSU's German program provides an in-depth study of German literature, culture, and language, and you're encouraged to draw on the expertise of our faculty to develop your research projects and design a course of study that fits your interests.

With weekly guidance and curricular support from faculty and peers, you'll gain professionalism, leadership, and group management skills that'll give you a competitive edge on the job market.

In our program, you'll have two options for pursuing research projects: two major papers or a thesis. Either choice will prepare you well as a researcher, whether you plan to work after graduation or pursue doctoral studies.

We also host an annual regional and international graduate symposium, where students are invited to present their scholarly research on literature, film, culture, linguistics, applied linguistics, language pedagogy, and interdisciplinary studies.

What can I do with a master's degree in German?

With a master's degree in German from PSU, you'll be prepared to teach German at the high school or college level.

Beyond academia, the fluency you'll gain in German language and culture will give you a competitive edge on the job market, both at home and abroad. Germany, with the fourth-largest economy in the world, is a significant U.S. trading partner and German companies, including Adidas, BASF, Bayer, Bosch, Lufthansa, SAP, Siemens, T-Mobile, and Volkswagen, employ nearly 700,000 workers in the U.S.

Hydrogeology

Two researchers taking a water sample in a bog

Graduate Program


Degree Details

  • Certificate (Graduate) (GC)
    Total Credits
    16
    Start Term
    Fall
    Delivery Method
    In Person

Learn more about our academic program delivery methods


Department Geology

Hydrogeology Graduate Certificate Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Hydrogeology provides practicing geologists an opportunity to upgrade their hydrogeology credentials while continuing to hold full-time jobs.

Hydrogeology Graduate Certificate: Why PSU?

Join our team of expert scientists right at the center of a geological paradise that will get into the field and into Portland’s science community. Our experienced faculty takes pride in providing you with quality education and mentoring that prepares you for a successful career in the geosciences.

Our location in Portland, midway between the coast and the Cascade Range, offers you unmatched opportunities to study geology, from extinct and active volcanoes to landslides, the Columbia River flood basalts, glaciers atop Mount Hood, and subduction-related events along the coast.

Our faculty excel at both teaching and research, with areas of expertise that include geochemistry and petrology, geophysics, geoscience education, hydrogeology, quaternary geology and geomorphology, urban geology, and geologic hazards, tectonics, and planetary science.

With specialized studies in hydrogeology, geomicrobiology, environmental geology, engineering geology, geomechanics, glaciology, and applied stratigraphy, you can branch out or deepen your knowledge in an area that best fits your interests and career goals.

You will also have opportunities to work closely with faculty in their research labs and on projects with local businesses, government, and regional universities.

Our student clubs, including Portland State's chapters of the Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists and the Association of Petroleum Geologists, provide you with opportunities to network with professionals and learn about the work being done in the field.


What can I do with a graduate certificate in Hydrogeology?

This Certificate is designed for professionals and students interested in the field of hydrogeology. It can represent a portion of a professional geologist’s recognized training, as well as a portion of the background needed by registered geologists in the state of Oregon. Practicing geologists can use this Certificate, which indicates added skills and background, for professional development. This Certificate program also may be used toward a graduate degree.

Relationship to PSU Graduate Programs

Courses completed for this Graduate Certificate may be applied toward graduate degrees at PSU provided they meet the appropriate standards for use in the degree, including acceptable grades and completion within seven years of the master’s degree award.

Collaborative Governance

Portland highways at dusk with cars driving by.

Graduate Program


Degree Details

  • Certificate (Graduate) (GC)
    Total Credits
    16
    Start Term
    Any
    Delivery Method
    Online

Learn more about our academic program delivery methods



Collaborative Governance Graduate Certificate Overview

In the fully-online Graduate Certificate in Collaborative Governance, students will apply collaborative governance theory and practice to real-world, community-based problems in 16 credit hours in just 5 terms. This unique certificate program will culminate with a practicum experience where students are mentored by faculty experts in the field.

Collaborative Governance Graduate Certificate: Why PSU?

Students taking courses in the Graduate Certificate for Collaborative Governance are a mix of matriculating graduate students (government service, education, and social work) and current working professionals who are tasked with working collaboratively in their jobs. The Hatfield School of Government's National Policy Consensus Center is the home of some of the nation's foremost experts in this emerging field and offers many current real-world opportunities to see collaborative governance in action.

The collaborative skills learned through the certificate, including negotiation, conflict resolution, group leadership, and building of collaborative relationships, are critical skills for advancement in multiple career paths:

  • Government and public administration
  • Project Management
  • Public Policy
  • Education
  • Social Work

What can I do with a graduate certificate in Collaborative Governance?

Our Graduate Certificate is a Great Value

The Collaborative Governance Graduate Certificate builds your skills, experience, and credibility in less time and at less cost than a traditional master’s degree. And, according to the Washington Post, a graduate certificate can increase earning potential by up to 25 percent. Our online format allows you to complete the certificate in just over a year, even while you work full-time. Non-certificate students may also opt to take one or more courses individually.

Benefits you will get:

  • Practical, high-level training from collaborative governance experts
  • Online lectures, discussions, and coordinated group exercises using video conferencing, live chat, and other technologies that foster interaction
  • Opportunities to work on real-world collaborative governance projects or a problem in your own workplace or community

Access to a network of collaborative governance practitioners

You will learn to:

  • Build multi-organization and cross-sector partnerships to shape public policy and solve problems
  • Design and manage collaborative processes that maximize participation and seek agreement
  • Conduct negotiations and manage conflict in two-party, and multi-party settings
  • Identify power differences and address issues of equity
  • Employ computer and web-based decision and communications tools
  • Integrate relevant technical information into collaborative processes
  • Secure broad-based financial and in-kind resources
  • Participate in policy-making that addresses community needs, industry needs, economic health, the environment, and more

Gender, Race & Nations

Graduate Program


Degree Details

  • Certificate (Graduate) (GC)
    Total Credits
    24
    Start Term
    Fall, Winter, Spring
    Delivery Method
    In Person

Learn more about our academic program delivery methods



Gender, Race, and Nations Graduate Certificate Overview

PSU’s graduate certificate in Gender, Race, and Nations equips you with the knowledge and skills to better serve marginalized and underrepresented populations.

Professionals working as policymakers, educators, urban planners, counselors, lawyers, and civic leaders are often faced with addressing the effects of inequality, historical trauma, and disparities associated with colonization among the populations they serve.

In our program, you will promote innovative and nontraditional approaches to learning that are consistent with the communities you serve. Our students are empowered to expand critical analytical frameworks of race, gender, and nations to better illuminate the interconnected and complex issues of today's society while engaging in community-based research projects that incorporate Portland’s growing diversity. By the time you graduate, you will have developed collaborative leadership skills that better address diversity and equity initiatives.

Our certificate provides you with a contemporary understanding of the studies of gender, race, and nations, and prepares you for further graduate studies, professional work, community activism, and civic engagement.

Gender, Race, and Nations Graduate Certificate: Why PSU?

Through an activist, scholarly, and applied focus, our certificate in Gender, Race, and Nations serve the needs of an array of professionals whose work confronts issues of race, immigration, gender, sexuality, nationality, Indigeneity, identity, power, intersectionality, and social justice.

You’ll have an opportunity to do cutting-edge academic work with faculty members from a range of disciplines, including Black Studies, Chicano-Latino Studies, Indigenous Nations Studies, and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

You’ll also have the chance to do integrity-filled work with community organizations that understand and advocate for Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, Diasporic, LGBTQ, and other underserved communities and peoples. Our students have worked with nonprofits and small businesses such as Artists Repertory Theatre, Black Parent Initiative (BPI), and Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA).

What can I do with a graduate certificate inGender, Race, and Nations?

PSU’s graduate certificate in Gender, Race, and Nations can be paired with graduate studies in many academic disciplines. Many of our students have pursued master’s degrees in educational leadership and policy, conflict resolution, health sciences, public policy, social work, public administration, urban studies and planning, anthropology, and sociology.

The certificate helps our students better serve their target populations, meet job-related goals around diversity, equity, and inclusion, and advance in their careers.