Research & Graduate Studies
As Oregon’s urban research university, Portland State University (PSU) embraces a mission that centers on making a tangible difference in the lives of people in Portland and beyond. Research at PSU is driven by a commitment to public impact—our faculty, students, and staff engage in research that not only advances knowledge but also addresses the most pressing challenges facing our communities.
PSU’s location in the heart of Portland uniquely positions our researchers to respond directly to real-world issues. Whether advancing housing policy, tackling addiction and mental health crises, exploring climate resilience, or supporting economic revitalization, PSU’s research is inextricably linked to the urban landscape we call home. Our motto, “Let Knowledge Serve the City,” is not just aspirational—it is a guiding principle that defines the work we do.
PSU faculty include internationally recognized researchers in engineering, physical and natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and the arts. Their interdisciplinary projects reflect PSU’s collaborative ethos and its dedication to research with direct and sustained impact. Across all disciplines, our scholars co-create knowledge with public, private, and nonprofit partners to generate solutions that lift communities, reduce inequities, and support sustainable growth.
Students—undergraduate and graduate—are not only learners at PSU, but also active contributors to our research mission. From laboratory-based discovery to community-engaged projects, students work alongside faculty on initiatives that matter. PSU’s research environment empowers students to explore innovation and entrepreneurship through Propel PSU’s Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Intellectual Property Office, and the Portland State Business Accelerator.
Graduate education at PSU integrates rigorous scholarship with applied experience, preparing students to lead in sectors where research and service intersect. Through research assistantships, fellowships, and traineeships, students gain firsthand experience conducting public impact research that drives progress in fields such as early childhood education, biochemistry, transportation, and public health.
PSU’s research portfolio is expansive and inclusive, encompassing breakthrough discoveries in areas such as climate science, disease treatment, and planetary science, alongside equally vital work in urban planning, arts-based community revitalization, and environmental justice. Our University Research Centers serve as engines for innovation, tackling systemic issues through cross-sector partnerships. From homelessness to economic recovery, PSU’s researchers are helping shape policies and practices that benefit not just Portland but the region and nation.
At Portland State University, research is more than an academic pursuit—it is a civic responsibility and a strategic lever for change. We invite you to join us in this mission to serve our city, state, and society through public impact research that turns knowledge into action.