Eastern Oregon University

What is the history of Eastern Oregon University?

Eastern Oregon University (EOU) began in 1929 as Eastern Oregon Normal School, established to prepare teachers for the region. Its present identity as a public university reflects a gradual expansion beyond teacher education.

The institution later operated as Eastern Oregon College of Education and Eastern Oregon State College before adopting the Eastern Oregon University name. Education remains part of its academic portfolio, alongside fields such as business, the sciences, humanities and social sciences. Its history also helps explain its emphasis on serving students across a geographically large, rural region, including those who study away from the La Grande campus.

What are the faculties and departments at Eastern Oregon University?

Eastern Oregon University offers undergraduate and graduate study across arts and sciences, business, education and related professional fields. Its academic organization includes the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; the College of Business; the College of Education; and the College of Science, Technology, Mathematics and Health Sciences.

Representative undergraduate subjects include biology, business administration, computer science, English, psychology and theater. Education programs and graduate options serve students preparing for or advancing in teaching and other careers. EOU also offers online study in selected programs. Applicants should check the current academic catalog for a particular degree's delivery format, prerequisites and any separate admission requirements; a major's availability online does not necessarily mean every required course is offered in every term.

What is the location of Eastern Oregon University?

Eastern Oregon University's main campus is in La Grande, Oregon, a small city in the Grande Ronde Valley. The setting is more rural than that of Oregon's major metropolitan universities, which affects commuting, recreation and access to some services.

La Grande sits along Interstate 84, making a car useful for many regional trips. Students comparing travel plans should distinguish the local airport from airports with practical commercial-flight schedules; Pendleton and larger regional hubs may require substantial ground travel. EOU also serves students through online programs and other off-campus arrangements, so the day-to-day importance of its La Grande location depends on the program and attendance format.

What is the mission and vision of Eastern Oregon University?

Eastern Oregon University describes its mission in terms of accessible higher education, student learning and service to eastern Oregon and beyond. As a public institution with a regional role, it places particular emphasis on opportunities for students who may not live near a large university campus.

That purpose is reflected in its mix of campus-based and online study and its undergraduate and graduate offerings. Its stated priorities are institutional aims, not evidence that any individual student will have a particular academic or career outcome. EOU is a public university rather than a religiously affiliated institution.