Portland State University’s School of Business

The principles of the School of Business at Portland State University are built upon diversity and sustainability. The School of Business’ urban Portland location has aided in the development of a diverse campus community that represents a variety of different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.

Portland State has had gender parity almost every year. This year’s incoming full-time class was 60% female, while their Master of Science in Finance was 50-50 parity of women. They’ve also focused on differentiating programs and support services for students from diverse backgrounds.

According to the Director of Graduate Business Admissions Rachel Foxhoven, sustainability is integrated into the school of business’ culture and curriculum.

“Those values and ethos go deep into who we are, especially being here in Portland, Oregon, a leader in sustainability, and thinking through not just green sustainability and environmental sustainability but social sustainability,” Foxhoven says. “And the school of business really reflects that as well.”

Coursework in The School of Business’ 21-month full-time MBA program centers around three main areas: foundations of competitiveness, the value chain of business, and applied skills and leadership. Throughout these areas, students will acquire knowledge of competitive business challenges, the technical skills involved in vital business operations, and leadership skills and perspectives. For those looking to enhance their business skills, optional certificates are available.

Full-time MBA students can expect to develop deep industry connections within the Portland business scene. These clusters of businesses are largely involved in the athletic and outdoor industry and entrepreneurship growth, especially within tech.

“We’re very focused, in our full-time program, on employment outcomes for our graduates, and most of our graduates come to Portland, and come to a program here because they want to remain in Portland as a city,” Foxhoven stated.

Eighty percent of the school’s graduates end up landing full-time positions in Portland and choose to stay in the region.

Overall, The School of Business is looking for students who know where they want to take their careers and are interested in using business as a positive force while thinking through the triple bottom line.

“So, whether (students are) exploring and figuring out what their next step is and, or really changing careers we’re focusing on giving them the opportunities and the support services that are geared towards what they’re wanting to get out of their employment outcomes at the end of the program,” Foxhoven said.