History
Founded in 1849, Oregon's Pacific University traces its roots to a log cabin meeting house in Forest Grove where the Rev. Harvey Clark, a Congregationalist minister, and Tabitha Brown, a former teacher from Massachusetts, cared for and educated orphans of the Oregon Trail.
Research
Discovery is a cornerstone of our mission. Study at the top private research university in the northwest.
Pacific University is the No. 1 private research university in the Pacific Northwest and ranks No. 10 on the West Coast, among the likes of USC and Stanford. We encourage research to produce new insights and to find creative ways of solving old problems.
Our faculty members are dedicated teachers, as well as experts in their fields. Our students benefit greatly from the opportunity to work alongside professors in meaningful exploration and research. Our Office of Scholarship & Sponsored Projects provides a wide range of possibilities for our students and faculty.Career
The Pacific University Career Development Center offers a full range of career-related services and opportunities for Pacific University students, alumni and partners.
A major part of our work involves offering individual sessions for students and alumni seeking full-time employment opportunities, part-time and temporary work, internships, work-study, summer jobs, fellowships, and further education.
Distance Learning Courses
Education & Training (4)
- Master Teaching
Business & Management (2)
- M.B.A. Business Administration
- M.B.A. Healthcare Management
Humanities (1)
Medicine & Health (1)
- M.B.A. Healthcare Management
Student services
The Office of Student Support offers a nurturing environment that is conducive to student success. We provide assistance, intervention, and referrals to all students facing challenges that interfere with their ability to thrive.
Housing services
Beyond being a comfortable place to live, Pacific's Residence Halls are at the heart of students' academic and social lives.
While individual hall rooms will vary in size and shape, each is furnished with a single bed, dresser, mirror, desk with overhead light, chair, bulletin board, mini-blinds, computer network connection, smoke detector, closet and storage space. Additionally, each hall contains recreational areas for watching TV, laundry facilities, kitchen facilities and vending machines.
Library services
The Tim & Cathy Tran Library is a gold-certified LEED building located in the heart of the Forest Grove Campus across from Trombley Square. The three-floor facility is home to an extensive book and media collection, as well as study centers, computer labs, conference spaces, the Boxer Makerspace, and an impressive art collection.
ICT services
University Information Services will provide a rich, secure and sustainable technology environment to enable individuals to engage current and evolving technologies to advance their academic, research, administrative or service activities.
Medical services
Our team of healthcare professionals are happy to stay connected with our students during this difficult time. We are grateful for the hard work, dedication, and assistance provided by our UIS team during the implementation of the Telehealth Services offered at The Student Health Center.
Campus life
The Forest Grove Campus is Pacific’s primary residential campus, serving most of our undergraduate students. In addition to more than 65 undergraduate areas of study, we also offer master and doctorate level programs in education, optometry and business in Forest Grove.
Sports facilities
No matter what sport you compete in, you will be hard pressed to find better small college athletic facilities than you will at Pacific University.
Pacific's award-winning indoor and outdoor athletic facilities provide the best experience for student athletes and a great experience for fans to take in a Pacific game.
- Stoller Center
- Hanson Stadium
- Chuck Bafaro Stadium
- Sherman/Larkins Stadium
- Forest Grove Aquatic Center
- Holce Tennis Courts
- Hagg Lake Boathouse
Student clubs
There are many ways to engage in the Pacific University experience, including participating in any of the many clubs and organizations.
From the historic student newspaper established in 1892 to Nā Haumāna O Hawai‘i, the Hawai'i club responsible for hosting Pacific's legendary annual lū'au, there is something for every student.
- Psi Chi/Psychology Club
- Sigma Tau Delta
- The Pacific Index
- Boxer Radio
- Silk Road Literary Magazine
- Art Club
- Biology Club
- Music Club
- Asian Pacific American Student Union
- Black Student Union (BSU)
- International Club
- Japan Club
- Rainbow Coalition
- Korean Club
- Muslim Student Association
- Animal Ethics
- Board Game Club
- Equine Scholars
- Ultimate Frisbee Club
- Drama Club
- Improv Club
Pacific University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).