Western Oregon University, the oldest public university in Oregon, was founded in 1856 by pioneers who crossed the Oregon Trail. Today, it continues a long tradition of educational excellence as a comprehensive university. Enrollment is approximately 5,000 and most students are from Oregon.
WOU (Western Oregon University), the only midsize institution in the Mid-Willamette Valley and greater Salem metropolitan area. Students attend from ever y county in the state, as well as from several other states and nations.
The University offers 37 bachelor and 5 master degrees through its two colleges, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the College of Education. WOU offers one of only three nationally accredited teacher education programs in the state. WOU extends its mission beyond the classroom. Teacher Research, funded annually by more than $5 million in grants, and is known nationwide for its education research. WOU is the only United States’ university to house a Public Service Park that links business and government in a unique arrangement. Current Park members are the Oregon Public Safety Academy and the Oregon Military Academy. WOU also serves Polk and Marion counties as a resource center for the arts, athletics and enrichment activities.