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Pacific Northwest College of Art

Learning in the Pacific Northwest

Our location inspires us every day—to learn, to explore, to build a better world.

Willamette students hiking in Silver Falls

Surrounded by natural beauty, Willamette University offers a rich academic experience.

Willamette University is at the center of all-things-Oregon: stunning landscapes, rich culture and history, active political engagement, and sustainable business innovation. At just feet away from the Capitol building, no campus is closer to its state government.

Our Portland campus is an extension of the Willamette experience. The Pacific Northwest College of Art—and downtown itself—is a hub for aspiring artists and designers. And Portland’s business community gives both our Willamette and PNCA students access to companies like Nike, Intel, Columbia—and an array of tech start-ups. 

From volcanic mountains to the rugged coast—and the rivers, forests and valleys in between—our natural scenery presents students opportunities for recreation, research, and real-world learning.  

There's no better place to ask big questions, gain hands-on experience, and start your career. More than 70% of our alumni continue to call Oregon home after graduation.

Outdoor & Environmental Education
Our faculty incorporate Oregon's outdoors into the curriculum. Study biodiversity and native landscape restoration in our 305-acre forest. Learn about conservation through adaptive ecosystem management programs at Willamette where we students can collaborate with a variety of regional partners.
A group of students tour Willamette's Zena Forest during ZenaFest
Sustainability & Social Responsibility
We’re stewards of our beautifully diverse landscapes and mindful of the carbon footprint of our university. We’re a certified organic campus and have implemented a variety of energy-saving measures. Through interdisciplinary learning—including environmental justice and sustainability programs—we develop ethical, socially aware leaders.
Two students take notes in front of Mill Stream on Willamette's campus
Community Engagement & Hands-on Learning

The ethos of the PNW is one where we value community engagement and collaboration. By building service learning into the curriculum, Willamette prepares students for careers in an ever-changing world. Our students are active in a variety of advocacy and social justice organizations on campus and in the region.

A student sits in an office with research equipment.
Cultural & Artistic Experiences
Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland is a hub for creative expression. Its halls and walls are decked out in student, faculty and alumni work, and hosts a wide array of exhibitions and events. Both our campuses offer an array of performance opportunities, cultural events and arts-related organizations to take part in.
PNCA building at night with colors projected on it.
Research & Internship Opportunities

The Pacific Northwest region offers students meaningful research and internship opportunities with businesses, government agencies, think tanks, nonprofits, and cultural organizations. Our students have a direct impact on Oregon by helping to write and pass legislation as well as advocating for social and environmental change. Alongside our faculty, undergraduate Willamette students conduct research into topics and issues inspired by our location in the PNW.

Two Willamette environmental science students wearing hard hats do field research in Zena Forest

Willamette University

Willamette University