Southern Oregon University (SOU) is a comprehensive four-year university offering 35 undergraduate majors in over 100 areas of study within the liberal arts and sciences. The school also offers a number of career-based professional courses that prepare students for jobs in their chosen careers. SOU is located in Ashland, Oregon.
| Overall Score (about) | 76.9 |
| Total Cost On-Campus Attendance | $27,510 |
| Admission Success rate | N/A |
| ACT / SAT 75%ile scores | 25 / 1150 |
| Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty | 23 : 1 |
| Retention (full-time / part-time) | 69% / 50% |
| Enrollment Total (all students) | 6,278 |
Southern Oregon University offers 35 majors and more than 100 areas of study with the scope of the liberal arts and sciences. The University’s courses are organized into four divisions: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Education, and Special Programs.
The College of Arts and Sciences is SOU’s largest division and it offers dozens of majors and courses of study in topics ranging from criminology and criminal justice to emerging media and digital arts. Students can pursue specialized diplomas within a major field, such as Shakespeare Studies within the Performing Arts major. Arts and Sciences students who do not already have credit for the two required writing courses are also required to take a freshman-year University Seminar course, which is an integrated program combining communication, critical thinking, and information literacy.
The School of Business and the School of Education offer career-based programs in business administration, business management, teaching, and education. Students will take courses that are designed to prepare them for their future careers with hands-on training and references to modern working environments. Students in the School of Business should pursue an internship or work experience within their desired field before graduating, while students in the School of Education will be required to complete a classroom teaching experience through one of the local school systems.
The Special Programs division encompasses a vast range of programs and opportunities. Students can participate in programs like the Center for Shakespeare Studies, the Distance Learning program, the McNair Achievement Program, and pre-professional programs. Senior citizens and high school students will be enrolled under this umbrella when they take classes for credit or not for credit through one of the community outreach initiatives. This is also the home of Honors and International programs, community-based learning, and the Western Undergraduate Exchange.
Exceptional students may qualify for SOU’s Honors Program. The Honors Program offers a select group of students the opportunity to experience smaller, specially-designed courses, close relationships with professors, a senior thesis or creative project, the Honors Residence Hall, and the Honors Club. Students may apply to be an honors student once they have completed at least one honors-level course.
The Ashland Center for Theatre Studies offers a training program specifically for teachers of high school and community college theater. This accelerated, intensive program gives teachers training in costume, lighting, script analysis, stage management, and more, preparing them to be better teachers and more effective theater managers. The program takes two weeks and is taught by both nationally and locally commended artists. Interested theater teachers can apply online.
Southern Oregon University is a competitive admissions university, meaning that not every student who applies will be accepted. Students can apply either online or on paper through an application that is available on the Admissions page of the SOU website. The more information students provide on their application, the higher their chances of impressing the application committee and earning an offer of acceptance.
In general, undergraduate applicants will need to complete and submit the Undergraduate Admission Application as well as a short personal essay. They will also need to submit an official high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores, and any supporting materials like letters of recommendation, resumes, or counselor recommendations. Students are encouraged to visit the campus before applying to find out more about the school and its expectations.
Students seeking financial aid should begin by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available online at fafsa.gov. This form determines eligibility for federal aid in the form of grants, loans, and work-study programs. It may also be required as a supplementary material for certain other, third-party applications for scholarships and loans.
Students are also encouraged to seek additional funding in the form of merit-based scholarships and grants. Third-party sponsors often award scholarship and tuition aid based on very specific characteristics such as county of birth, department in school, or desired career field. Students may wish to fill out the Souther Online Scholarship Application, which enters applicants into the SOU scholarship competition for various University-funded awards. The Financial Aid office has more information about available opportunities, and the trained staff will be able to help interested students seek out and apply for outside scholarships as well.
It’s easy to get involved with one of the many student clubs and organizations on the SOU campus. There are societies for everything from scuba diving to pre-law studies and the Honors Club. Students of all years and interests are welcome to attend club meeting or get involved in leadership for groups that they really enjoy.
One of SOU’s strongest involvement opportunities is its community service options. Students can participate in community service at a variety of levels, from donating an hour or two per week to a local service organization to spending spring break in helping people in need in places like the Dominican Republic and inner-city soup kitchens. Students in SOU’s Alternative Spring Break program have helped to build houses, worked with orphans, grown community gardens, and helped with the Emergency Food Network. There is also a Living Learning Residence Floor dedicated exclusively to students who lead a service lifestyle and want to live with others who share their passion.
Many students also get involved just by living on campus. There are four residence halls and apartment complexes on campus with a variety of floor plans and residential options. On-campus students enjoy hall amenities like vending machines, recreation areas, and computer labs as well as cable TV service and high speed internet. Living on campus makes it easy for students to meet new people, participate in hall and campus events, and take advantage of campus facilities like maintenance services and technical support.
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