Top 10 Reasons WOU:Salem is Perfect for Busy Adults!
Most traditional universities aren’t set up for working adults—classes are at sporadic times and usually during the day. WOU:Salem is different. The schedule, facility and classes all are designed to be accessible for those with a job or other responsibilities during the day. Here are just 10 of the reasons WOU:Salem just might be right for you.
10. Set your own pace.
You decide which and how many courses to take each term.
9. Hybrid classes.
Meld the convenience of online classes with the intellectual interaction of in-person sessions.
8. Easy access to facility.
The Salem location is easy to get to, with ample parking and public transportation nearby.
7. Tuition assistance.
Many employers offer help paying for professional development education.
6. Convenient class times.
Evening courses that won’t interfere with your work day.
5. Start applying skills immediately.
You don’t have to wait until you get your degree to start using the skills you gain the first night of class.
4. Affordable public university degree.
Get the four-degree you always wanted without paying private school tuition.
3. Instructors appreciate your unique viewpoint.
Find your voice in class by applying your work and life experience to educational conversation.
2. Potential job mobility.
Is the lack of a bachelor’s or master’s degree holding you back from achieving your career goals? Now is the time to start moving forward.
1. We respect the work you’ve done.
At WOU:Salem, we are ready to partner with you for your success. It doesn’t matter whether you have 10 college credits or 90, moving you down the path to success is our goal. We appreciate your experience, and we love that you are ready to make an educational change for the better. WOU is here to help because together we succeed.
Become a WOU student
To get the ball rolling, you’ll need to apply to Western Oregon University. Everything you need to know about the university and the application process can be found on our main Admissions page. If you are entirely new to college, follow the “freshman” links. If you have earned college credits already, follow the “transfer” links.
Programs only in Salem
Rehabilitation Counseling (M.S.)
The Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program offers a M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling degree with a mental health counseling concentration. Graduates of this option provide counseling and consultative services to the general population of persons who have disabilities. Graduates of this track are also eligible to seek Oregon licensure as a licensed professional counselor in mental health settings. This program provides the freedom to complete the program in as little as 2-years while attending full-time, or 2.5-3 years for students who need additional flexibility due to work demands or distance. The flexible format combines fully online classes with hybrid courses that only require students to meet on our WOU:Salem campus 1-2 Saturdays per month during the term. This makes the RMHC program a great option for students who may live outside of the Salem area.
Organizational Leadership (M.A.)
The Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership enables students to develop leadership skills that can be applied to a wide range of settings including: business, government, nonprofit, and education. Courses will be a mix of hybrid (1-day per week in class meetings) and fully online.
PROGRAMS COMING SOON
Occupational Therapy Doctorate (Fall 2024)
The Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program at WOU is the first public doctoral-level occupational therapy (OT) program in Oregon and is designed to prepare students to balance the art and science of OT practice as entry-level therapists. Occupational therapists work with individuals, groups, and organizations to promote health and wellness across the age span so that everyone can strive to live life to the fullest. Occupational therapy practitioners use occupations (meaningful activities) to support individuals in doing the things they want to do, need to do, and are expected to do in daily life.
Student Resources
Financial Aid:
Any financial aid you are set to receive will remain unchanged regardless of which location you choose to take classes. For more information or questions, contact WOU Financial Aid at 503-838-8475 or visit https://wou.edu/finaid/.
Writing Center:
Our Writing Center offers online tutoring for your academic, professional, and personal writing projects. The center has Spanish-speaking, graduate, Deaf, and international-student writing specialists on staff, and tutors can also help with writing anxiety. All WOU students are eligible for the free services. For more information or questions, please contact the WOU Writing Center at 503-838-8286 or visit www.wou.writing center.
Transfer Pathways:
Transfer Pathways builds sustainable and collaborative systems to support transfer students by maximizing the application of previous coursework toward their WOU degree.
Have a transfer course you would like reviewed? Please complete the Transfer Course Articulation Request Form. For more information, please contact Transfer Pathways at 503.838.8732 or visit https://wou.edu/transferpathways/.
Tutoring Center:
Tutoring is available in a variety of subjects. All students have access to tutoring. For more information visit https://wou.edu/freetutoring/.
Student Success and Advising:
Advisors help with planning your degree path and can help you find the right resources to be as successful as possible. For more information contact the WOU Student Success and Advising office at 503-838-8428 or visit https://wou.edu/advising/. The SSA Office has developed this resource for students who are also parents which you can find here.
Hamersly Library:
WOU’s Library comes to YOU! Information resources and services, in both physical and electronic formats, support your coursework. While COVID restrictions are in place, have print materials sent directly to you, along with paid return postage. When restrictions are eased, the Vick Building is a pick up and return location. For more information, visit https://library.wou.edu/salem
