Not sure what classes to take in your first term at PSU? Use the guides below for suggestions, and connect with your academic advisor. You can also email your questions or concerns to upgap@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 Community, Urban Studies and Planning. Consider your future goals and whether having a language background will be helpful to you.
- Most students do not begin taking courses within the major until junior standing, but we have offered some suggestions for students at freshman and sophomore level below.
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 Freshman Inquiry Planning Guide and Honors website for descriptions and bios, and pick a theme that interests you. |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | STAT 105, 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. |
| Any of the following: SOC 204Z, EC 201Z, PS 101 (4 credits each) | Any of the following: SOC 204Z, EC 201Z, PS 101 (4 credits each) | These courses aren't required for the major, but will help give you some foundation in studying communities. |
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 30-89 credits:
Review courses above, and take any courses that are not yet completed first.
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 90 or more credits:
Review courses above, and take any courses that are not yet completed first.
| 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) | *If you are transferring in 135 or more credits, you do not need the Cluster. Remember that you cannot use major courses in your cluster. If you are completing a minor, minor courses can be applied to the cluster. Suggested Cluster options: Healthy People/Healthy Places, Leading Social Change, Design Thinking, Environmental Sustainability |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | STAT 105, 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 Test. If you score below 46 or are not confident in your math, take UNST 199. |
| USP 300U Intro to Urban Studies (4 credits) | USP 300U Intro to Urban Studies (4 credits) | If your BA/BS requirements are completed, choose any 300-level USP course in addition or a Race and Ethnic Studies designated course. |
Helpful video: How to search for Cluster courses
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