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 advising@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?
- While you declared a pathway when you applied for admission, you are not limited to subjects within that pathway. We suggest focusing on your general education (UNST or HON) and BA or BS requirements first while exploring the subjects that interest you!
- Check out the guides for majors that you are considering so you know what is recommended for them.
First-Year Students:
*If you think you might major in a science, plan to take MTH 111Z or higher; if you think you might choose psychology, sociology, anthropology, business, public health studies, choose STAT 243Z. For majors that don't require specific math courses, MTH 105Z is a good option.
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 30-89 credits:
*If you think you might major in a science, plan to take MTH 111Z or higher; if you think you might choose psychology, sociology, anthropology, business, public health studies, choose STAT 243Z. For majors that don't require specific math courses, MTH 105Z is a good option.
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 90 or more credits:
You will need to declare your major after your first term. We strongly recommend meeting with your academic advisor to discuss your options and create a plan for your degree completion. A career counselor can also be a helpful resource!
| 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) | Your cluster courses cannot be in your major, but taking courses from the clusters is an excellent way to explore! You may take multiple cluster courses in one term. If you are transferring 135 or more credits, you do not need the Upper Division Cluster, so take any 300/400 level course that explores your interests. |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | Math* 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 place in MTH 095, take that now and the next math course next term. |
| Any 300/400-level course in subjects that interest you (4 credits) | Any 300/400-level course in subjects that interest you (4 credits) | Choose any that interest you and fit your schedule. Consider a Race and Ethnic Studies designated course. Watch out for pre-requisites! |
*If you think you might major in a science, plan to take MTH 111Z or higher; if you think you might choose psychology, sociology, anthropology, business, public health studies, choose STAT 243Z. For majors that don't require specific math courses, MTH 105Z is a good option.
Helpful video: How to search for Cluster courses
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