Research & Graduate Studies

Bringing the Future into Focus Through Research

Portland State University is your testing ground for putting new ideas into action. As Oregon’s only urban, public research university, we believe in involving everyone—from freshmen to faculty—in solving the problems facing our region and our world. Together we're bridging the gap between what is and what could be.

Fueling PSU Research

Fueling PSU Research

Research Administration provides the information and resources PSU researchers need for sponsored projects. Support includes funding opportunities and expert assistance with proposal preparation, award management, training, data security, export controls, and the rules and procedures for studies involving human or animal subjects.

Engineering project

Propel Your Ideas

PSU researchers create ideas, technologies, and innovative programs to meet 21st-century challenges. Propel PSU drives the impact of these innovations further with entrepreneurship and commercialization programming from the Portland State Business Accelerator, the Center for Entrepreneurship, and Innovation & Intellectual Property. 

Research Centers & Institutes

Research Centers & Institutes

Our research centers are on the cutting edge, with breakthrough discoveries in fields that include: digital cities, transportation, sustainability, and solutions to homelessness. Our researchers take a multidisciplinary approach to pioneering new territories and leading the way to address the major challenges facing our city, region, and world.

Student researcher working on servers

Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Research & Graduate Studies strives to be a change agent for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within Portland State University, and the larger community we serve. This derives from our mission to support research, scholarly, and creative activities and graduate studies at the University. As Oregon's only urban, public research university, we believe in involving everyone--from freshmen to faculty to engaging the community--in solving the problems facing our region and world, including dismantling systemic racism, ending discrimination, and achieving social justice. Learn more.

Graduate School

Go for Groundbreaking in PSU Graduate Studies

Lead your own research projects and advance your career in Portland State’s nationally ranked graduate programs. Top national researchers will mentor and inspire you in state-of-the-art laboratories and community projects. Challenge the status quo and make progress across fields such as social sciences, urban planning, engineering, and life sciences. Our graduate research programs give you the chance to improve your life and the lives of others.

Student researcher

Undergraduates show the world how

You can dig deep in your major, grow your research skills and address real-world issues as an undergraduate at Portland State. In programs such as Build EXITO, the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program, and Research Experiences for Undergraduates, you can work with world-class faculty mentors on leading-edge projects. You’ll find undergraduate research and learning opportunities in every field, for every student. Explore undergraduate research.

Growing Research