Not sure what classes to take in your first term at PSU? Use the guides below for suggestions, and connect with an academic advisor if you need more help. You can also email step27@pdx.edu or sang4@pdx.edu, if you have quick questions or need reassurance about your schedule.
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 Environmental Studies, but only the BS requirements are listed here. If you choose to earn a BA degree, consult your advisor. Consider your future goals and whether having a language background will be helpful to you.
REGISTRATION ISSUES:
We hope everything goes smoothly for your registration, but here are solutions to some common issues:
- Pre-requisite errors: If you have completed the pre-requisite, email your advisor an unofficial transcript as proof that it has been completed or set up an appointment.
- For MTH courses, review the Math Department website for advice if you have completed a pre-requisite
- Co-requisite error: make sure to add BOTH lecture and labs together (for BI/CH/PH) or mentored inquiry (for UNST) before hitting the submit button.
- Class is full. Add yourself to the waitlist, if available. If you need support with alternate courses and many options are full, email or set-up an appointment with your advisor.
First-Year Students:
| For BS degree | Advisor Pro-Tips |
|---|
| 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. |
| ESM 150 Orientation to ESM (1 credit) | |
| If your ALEKS Math Placement score is 0-45, also take the following two courses: |
UNST 199 Qualities in Math Confidence (4 credits) OR MTH 095 Intermediate Algebra (4 credits) | If you are not confident in your math ability, or scored below 30, take UNST 199. If you scored 30-45, you may take MTH 111Z + MTH 199. Talk with an advisor about your options. |
| GEOG 210 and 210L Physical Geography (4 credits) | |
| If your ALEKS Math Placement score is 46-60, take the following two courses: |
| MTH 111Z Precalculus: I: Functions (4 credits) | Take the appropriate class based on your score on the Math Placement Assessment. If you have AP, IB, or college credit, send those transcripts to Admissions. |
| GEOG 210 and 210L Physical Geography (4 credits) | |
| If your ALEKS Math Placement score is 46-100, also take the following two courses:: |
| ESM 220 and 220L Intro to Environmental Systems (4 credits) | You will need to take math for the major, but you can take it in a future term. |
| GEOG 210 and 210L Physical Geography (4 credits) | |
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 30-89 credits:
| For BS degree | Advisor Pro-Tips |
|---|
| 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. Global Environmental Change and Environmental Sustainability might be of interest. |
| Any of the following: ESM 150, 220, 222, GEOG 210/L, 230, 380U/L | Take any of these courses that you did not take at your previous school. Check with an advisor to see if you have taken an equivalent course to these requirements first. |
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 90 or more credits:
Review courses above first, and take any courses that are not yet completed. The ESM major was revised in the 2022-23 catalog, and you may be better suited to use previous requirements. Please consult your Health, Science & the Earth advisor to discuss your options and create a plan for your degree completion.
Helpful video: How to search for Cluster courses