NOTE: Any student can declare Elementary Education as a major, but in order to take the required classes in the junior and senior years, you must apply and be accepted into the elementary education program. The department admits once a year for Fall term. Learn more about Elementary Education Admissions
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 Elementary Education. 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 211-Foundations of Elementary Math I (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 now and 211 next term. |
| MTH 211-Foundations of Elementary Math I (4 credits) | Any 100/200-level course that interests you, choose from this list of introductory classes. | Elementary Education majors must complete MTH 211, 212, and 213 by the end of their second year. It is best to get started on this in the first year. |
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) | 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 now and 211 next term. |
| 1 or 2 Elementary Education required courses, starting with MTH 211 if not already completed | 1 or 2 Elementary Education required courses, starting with MTH 211 if not already completed | The Elementary Education major has 6 courses that must be completed by the end of the school year. - MTH 211, 212, and 213-Foundations of Elementary Math I, II, and III
- CI 116 or ED 420-Foundations of Education or Intro to Education or equivalent
- CI 169 or SPED 418-Overview of Students with Special Needs of Survey of the Exceptional Learner or equivalent
- PSY 311U-Human Development or equivalent
Students will need to apply for admission to the Elementary Education program to start in the Fall of the upcoming year. |
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 |
|---|
| Language course (if not already completed) | A science course (if not already completed) | 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 now and 211 next term. |
ITP 357U-Culture, Law & Politics and/or ITP 360U Social Studies Media | ITP 357U-Culture, Law & Politics and/or ITP 360U Social Studies Media | These are requirements in the Elementary Education major that are open to all PSU students |
| 1 or 2 Elementary Education required courses, starting with MTH 211 if not already completed | 1 or 2 Elementary Education required courses, starting with MTH 211 if not already completed | The Elementary Education major has 6 courses that must be completed in order to start required coursework. - MTH 211, 212, and 213-Foundations of Elementary Math I, II, and III
- CI 116 or ED 420-Foundations of Education or Intro to Education or equivalent
- CI 169 or SPED 418-Overview of Students with Special Needs of Survey of the Exceptional Learner or equivalent
- PSY 311U-Human Development or equivalent
If these are not already complete, register for them in your first term. |
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 |
|---|
| Language course (if not already completed) | A science course (if not already completed) | 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 now and MTH 211 next term. |
ITP 357U-Culture, Law & Politics and/or ITP 360U Social Studies Media | ITP 357U-Culture, Law & Politics and/or ITP 360U Social Studies Media | These are requirements in the Elementary Education major that are open to all PSU students |
| 1 or 2 Elementary Education required courses, starting with MTH 211 if not already completed | 1 or 2 Elementary Education required courses, starting with MTH 211 if not already completed | The Elementary Education major has 6 courses that must be completed in order to start required coursework. - MTH 211, 212, and 213-Foundations of Elementary Math I, II, and III
- CI 116 or ED 420-Foundations of Education or Intro to Education or equivalent
- CI 169 or SPED 418-Overview of Students with Special Needs of Survey of the Exceptional Learner or equivalent
- PSY 311U-Human Development or equivalent
If these are not already complete, register for them in your first term |
1If you are transferring credit and this has been satisfied, select either an additional course in the major or a general elective.
We strongly recommend meeting with your academic advisor to create a plan for your degree completion.
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