Willamette University

From the School

Think beyond
Think beyond the conventional classrooms and standard textbooks and step into a learning environment that stimulates your intellect, stirs your heart and prepares you for the world of tomorrow.

At Willamette, you'll collaborate with the nation's top professors on innovative studies that span the sciences, arts and humanities. You'll create knowledge that transforms lives and builds bridges of understanding. And you'll put your ideas to work in learning opportunities that encompass the globe.

Things are changing fast. Many of today's careers will diminish in importance or vanish entirely. You need the perspective, agility and foresight to stay one step ahead in a dynamic landscape — and those are the qualities you'll develop at Willamette.

Learn without limits
As a university with a rich tradition of intellectual curiosity and social awareness, Willamette will empower you as a thought leader and an agent of positive change. We do this by building a bridge that connects the lessons of the past, the challenges of the present and the possibilities of the future.

You'll immerse yourself in courses that teach you how to think creatively across multiple disciplines. You'll share your ideas with classmates and faculty who open your mind to diverse perspectives and emerging trends. And you'll master the latest technology and research tools in professional settings on and off campus.

Get the full college experience
Willamette is intellectually challenging, but it's also a lot of fun. With more than 90 student organizations, 19 NCAA Division III teams and dozens of intramural sports to choose from, you'll find all kinds of ways to tap your talents and make the most of your time.

You can get involved in Greek life, DJ for KWU Radio, celebrate your heritage in one of our multicultural clubs or bring big-time acts to campus for the Willamette Events Board. And when it's time for a break, you'll always find good food and great conversation at The Bistro, our student-run coffeehouse.

Make lifelong connections
There are no walls at Willamette. This is a place where you can dine with the dean at Goudy Commons, collaborate with an anthropology major on a theatrical performance and play Ultimate Frisbee with your thesis advisor on a sweeping expanse of lawn we call "The Quad." It's a place where the lives of community members blend seamlessly to form bonds that aren't easily broken.

What's more, the connections you make at Willamette won't be limited to your classmates and professors. The Willamette community is expansive and inclusive, with traditions that stretch back more than 175 years. If you're looking for a learning opportunity, a word of advice or an entry point into your profession, our alumni will be there for you.

Lead the way
Willamette has been a place for emerging leaders since the Oregon Legislature held its first meeting here in the 1850s. That tradition continues to this day, and the location of the state Capitol across the street gives our students a ready-made platform to shape public policy while they're pursuing their degrees.

But our concept of leadership extends well beyond the political realm. We encourage our students to cast a vision that encompasses every academic discipline, and they're on the forefront of breakthroughs in the realms of medicine, environmental science, social justice issues — the list goes on. At Willamette, you'll have the freedom to define leadership on your terms, and your experiences will prepare you for life as a difference maker.

Be a citizen of the world
An interconnected world demands an education that knows no boundaries. Willamette will give you every chance to immerse yourself in a different culture, starting with Tokyo International University. This unique partnership brings more than 100 international students a year to campus and gives you the option of taking classes at our sister school in Japan.

You'll also have access to more than 60 study abroad programs at Willamette, and your travels won't be limited to the first semester of your junior year. Many of our students travel to multiple countries to explore their interests, and sometimes these experiences incorporate cutting-edge research and prestigious internships. The same thing can happen to you.