Not sure what classes to take in your first term at PSU? Use the registration guides below for suggestions, and if you need more help, schedule an advising appointment or call 503-725-3822. You can also access the registration guide made available in the online orientation (Your browser will need to be logged into your pdx.edu account to access them.).
GENERAL SUGGESTIONS:
- Full-time is 12 credits. Most courses are 4 credits, so three courses is typically considered full-time. You should also budget 2-3 hours per credit outside of class for homework and studying.
- Consider the times when courses are offered and how they fit in your personal schedule/preferences. If you are not a morning person, you may want to avoid 8 am courses. If you have school-aged children, how does that impact your choices?
- You can earn either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Arts & Letters. Consider your future goals and whether having a language background will be helpful to you.
- The Arts & Letters major is interdisciplinary major that allows you the flexibility and flexibility to choose the courses that interest you most within the Arts & Letters disciplines. The only course required for all majors is WR 323 Writing as Critical Inquiry.
- If you are planning on becoming a teacher, be sure to review the Pre-Education guide for suggestions.
First-Year Students:
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro Tips |
|---|
| UNST 1XX First Year Inquiry or Honors 101 The Global City (5 credits) | UNST 1XX First Year Inquiry or Honors 101 The Global City (5 credits) | These are yearlong sequences, so check out the First Year Inquiry Planning Guide and Honors website for descriptions and bios, and pick a theme that interests you. |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | MTH 105Z, STAT 243Z or a science course (4 credits) | Language: Take the course recommended by our Language Placement Advice.
Math: Take the math course recommended by the Math Placement Assessment. If you score below 46 or are not confident in your math, take UNST 199. |
| Choose an Arts & Letters course such as: LING 232, Communication, English, Philosophy (4 credits) | Choose an Arts & Letters course such as: LING 232, Communication, English, Philosophy (4 credits) | Choose any that you are interested in and that fits your schedule. |
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
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Transfers with 30-89 credits:
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro Tips |
|---|
| UNST 2XX Sophomore Inquiry or HON 260 Honors Writing for Sophomore Transfers (4 credits) | UNST 2XX Sophomore Inquiry or HON 260 Honors Writing for Sophomore Transfers (4 credits) | Refer to descriptions on the websites linked and pick a theme that interests you. Leading Social Change, Healthy People/Places, and Global Perspectives are good UNST options. |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | MTH 105Z, STAT 243Z or a science course (4 credits) | Language: Take the course recommended by our Language Placement Advice.
Math: Take the math course recommended by the Math Placement Assessment. If you score below 46 or are not confident in your math, take UNST 199. |
| Choose an Arts & Letters course such as: LING 232, Communication, English, Philosophy (4 credits) | Choose an Arts & Letters course such as: LING 232, Communication, English, Philosophy (4 credits) | Choose any that you are interested in and that fits your schedule. |
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
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Transfers with 90 or more credits:
If you are transferring 135 or more credits, you do not need the Upper Division Cluster, and we strongly recommend meeting with your academic advisor to create a plan for your degree completion.
Helpful video: How to search for Cluster courses
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