Think ahead
The transition to college is often described as "venturing out on your own." At Willamette University, nothing could be further from the truth.
We embrace learning as a collective endeavor where shared experiences and diverse perspectives enhance all minds. Together we'll push forward faster, creating knowledge and making discoveries that could never be made in a solitary pursuit.
Along the way, we'll encourage you and your classmates to step outside the norm with new ideas, groundbreaking research and unconventional artistic works. You'll become an agile 21st-century thinker ready to excel in a complex and ever-changing world.
Be imaginative
At Willamette, you'll explore multiple disciplines encompassing the social and natural sciences, humanities, and the arts. You'll learn how to bridge ideas and practices across this wide range of perspectives, approaching problems in innovative ways and finding imaginative solutions.
You'll also learn from some of the top educators in the country: Our professors have won numerous national awards for teaching excellence. Whatever you study, you'll work alongside caring mentors who take a keen interest in your life and talk to you long after office hours have ended for the day. When you apply for a job or graduate school, they'll write you a recommendation that makes you stand out.
Learn from everyone around you
Small classes are just the starting point of your academic experience at Willamette. Our academic hearths are spaces where you can study, talk and enjoy meals with your professors and peers. The Learning Commons will give you 24/7 access to white/glass boards, projection systems and big screens. And our Student Success Hub will connect you with the resources you need.
In this intimate learning community, you'll engage, you'll discuss, you'll debate, you'll connect — and you'll thrive.
Get the full college experience
Willamette is intellectually challenging, but it's also a lot of fun. With more than 100 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.
Plug into the power of proximity
Salem is a hub of politics, business, healthcare and research. You can intern for policymakers across the street at the state Capitol, conduct studies at the Oregon State Archives, shadow doctors at Salem Hospital or work side-by-side with state economists.
You'll also be less than an hour from Portland, where you can work for organizations like Nike, Intel and Oregon Health & Science University. Whatever you study, you'll find countless ways to turn your knowledge into action. And by the time you graduate, you'll be prepared for the nation's leading organizations and graduate schools.
Willamette has inspired students to lead lives of significance for more than 175 years, but our future is what drives us to be the best we can be. As a collaborative community with a bold vision, we're always imagining, always evolving and always thinking ahead.
Our beautiful, historic campus — located across the street from the Oregon State Capitol and co-located with Tokyo International University of America — features a residential undergraduate College of Liberal Arts and two professional graduate schools: the College of Law and the Atkinson Graduate School of Management.
Three core commitments inspire our work and keep us moving forward:
- Pursuing academic excellence in teaching, research and student learning
- Fostering a diverse, vibrant and intellectually stimulating learning and social community
- Preparing global-minded students for meaningful lives of professional achievement and civic contribution