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 Communication. 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. What Are Great Books? is good option for UNST. |
| 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. |
| ENG 201 Intro to Shakespeare, 205 Survey of British Literature II or a 200-level WR course (4 credits) | ENG 201 Intro to Shakespeare, 205 Survey of British Literature II or a 200-level WR course (4 credits) | Choose any that fits your schedule. Courses do not need to be taken in any order. |
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Additional courses to consider: WR 212, 213, 214 will not count in the ENG major but are good general elective courses to take for English majors who plan to take creative writing courses as part of their major later (they are prerequisites for intermediate and advanced creative writing courses that DO count in the ENG major).
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Transfers with 30-89 credits:
Review courses above, and take any COMM 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. |
| 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. |
| ENG 201 Intro to Shakespeare, 205 Survey of British Literature II or a 200-level ENG course (4 credits) | ENG 201 Intro to Shakespeare, 205 Survey of British Literature II or a 200-level ENG course (4 credits) | If you have taken at least two 200-level ENG courses, take ENG 300 Literary Form & Analysis OR WR 301 Critical Writing in English (not both). |
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
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Transfers with 90 or more credits:
Review courses above, and take any ENG courses that are not yet completed first. 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.
| 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, 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 300-level ENG or WR course except ENG 300, WR 301, ENG 326 or 327 UNLESS you have at least two 200-level courses. | Any 300-level ENG or WR course except ENG 300, WR 301, ENG 326 or 327 UNLESS you have at least two 200-level courses. | If you have taken at least two 200-level ENG courses, take ENG 300 Literary Form & Analysis OR WR 301 Critical Writing in English (not both). |
Helpful video: How to search for Cluster courses
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