Not sure what classes to take in your first term at PSU? Use the guides below for suggestions, and, if you are comfortable registering, please do so then schedule an advising appointment during the fall term. You can also email your questions or concerns to upgap@pdx.edu.
If you are completing the CCJ Online program, please contact Angela Barrett, program advisor, for course planning.
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 Criminology & Criminal Justice. 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, 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 any 200-level CCJ course (4 credits) | Choose any 200-level CCJ course (4 credits) | You do not need to take CCJ 200 first. The 200-level courses can be taken in any order. Choose based on your interest or what fits your schedule. |
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.
| 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, Freedom, Privacy & Technology, Families & Society 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 any 200-level CCJ course (4 credits) | Choose any 200-level CCJ course (4 credits) | The 200-level courses can be taken in any order. If you do not have credit for CCJ 200, 230 or 240, take one of those. If your BA/BS requirements are completed, take two CCJ 200-level courses. |
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 90-134 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) | Remember that you cannot use CCJ courses in your cluster. Suggested Cluster options: Leading Social Change; Freedom, Privacy & Technology; Families & Society |
| 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 any 300-level CCJ course (4 credits) other than 340 or 380 OR
Any CCJ 410 courses | Choose any 300-level CCJ course (4 credits) other than 340 or 380 OR
Any CCJ 410 courses | If you can, take CCJ 310, 320 or 330. If your BA/BS requirements are completed, take two CCJ 300-level courses or a Race and Ethnic Studies designated course. |
Helpful video: How to search for Cluster courses
Transfers with 135 or more credits:
We strongly recommend meeting with your academic advisor to create a plan for your degree completion. Here are a few suggestions:
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro Tips |
|---|
| If in the Honors College, take HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits) | If in the Honors College, take HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits) | If you are doing UNST, you only need Senior Capstone, but don't take it during your first term. |
| 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 any 300-level CCJ course (4 credits) other than 340 OR any CCJ 410 courses | Choose any 300-level CCJ course (4 credits) other than 340 OR any CCJ 410 courses | If you do not have credit for CCJ 310, 320 or 330, take those. If your BA/BS requirements are completed, take two CCJ 300-level or 410 courses or a Race and Ethnic Studies designated course. |
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