Not sure what classes to take in your first term at PSU? Use the guides below for suggestions, and connect with your academic advisor if you need more help. You can also email sipathway@pdx.edu.
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 Child, Youth & Family Studies. Consider your future goals and whether having a language background will be helpful to you.
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, 211, 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. |
PSY 201Z-Intro to Psychology I or PSY 202Z-Intro to Psychology II OR SOC 204Z-Intro to Sociology OR Any elective! | PSY 201Z-Intro to Psychology I or PSY 202Z-Intro to Psychology II OR SOC 204Z-Intro to Sociology OR Any elective! | You are required to take 1-3 electives this year; don't be afraid to take something you are interested in! If these classes are full, choose from this list of introductory classes. |
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
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. |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | MTH 105Z, 211, 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. |
PSY 311U-Human Development1 If you already have a development course, take one of the following: CFS 310, CFS 312U, CFS 381U, CFS 391, or CFS 487 | PSY 311U-Human Development1 If you already have a development course, take one of the following: CFS 310, CFS 312U, CFS 381U, CFS 391, or CFS 487 | Human Development should be done by the end of the sophomore year. Don't retake this if you have equivalent content. |
1If you are transferring credit and this has been satisfied, select either an additional course in the major or a general elective.
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 90-134 credits:
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro Tips |
|---|
| Upper Division Cluster course or HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits) | Upper Division Cluster course or HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits) | Do not do the Families & Society cluster--you must take cluster classes outside your major. There are many other great cluster options, depending on your interests. |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | MTH 105Z, 211, 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. |
CFS 399 Ways of Knowing (4 credits)
PSY 311 Human Development1
| CFS 399 Ways of Knowing (4 credits)
PSY 311 Human Development1 | All students must opt-in to CYFS to register for CFS 399. Human Development be complete or in-progress when you take CFS 399. Don't retake Human Development if you have equivalent content. Do not take any CYFS electives until talking to an advisor. If those classes don't work, look at one of the following: CFS 310, CFS 312U, CFS 381U, CFS 391, or CFS 487 |
1If you are transferring credit and this has been satisfied, select either an additional course in the major or a general elective.
Helpful video: How to search for Cluster courses
Transfers with 135 or more credits:
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro Tips |
|---|
| Upper Division course or HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits) | Upper Division course or HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits) | Any required CYFS course; see below |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | MTH 105Z, 211, 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. |
CFS 399 Ways of Knowing (4 credits) CFS 487 Examining Bias & Belief | CFS 493 (2 credits) CFS 487 Examining Bias & Belief | All students must opt-in to CYFS to register for CFS 399. For timely graduation, you should take CFS 399 and CFS 487 as soon as possible. Do not take any CYFS electives until talking to an advisor. If those classes don't work, look at one of the following: CFS 310, CFS 312U, CFS 381U, or CFS 391 |
We strongly recommend meeting with your academic advisor to create a plan for your degree completion.
Return to top of page