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 sbadvising@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). 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:
- Registration error is "pre-requisites have not been met:" To request an override, please come to Drop-in Hours and/or email sbadvising@pdx.edu an unofficial transcript as proof that the pre-requisite has been completed.
- Registration error is "not in specific program" You need to Opt-In to The School of Business and wait for the form to be processed.
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) | STAT 241 (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 STAT 241 next term. If you have credit for STAT 243/243Z, you do not need to take STAT 241. |
| BA 101Z Intro to Business (4 credits) | BA 101Z Intro to Business (4 credits) | If this course is full, please add yourself to the Waitlist, or take EC 201Z, STAT 241 or COMM 111Z in its place. |
| MGMT 200 Business School Basics (2 credits) | MGMT 200 Business School Basics (2 credits) | This is optional, but a great course for first-year students! |
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfer Students:
Your schedule will vary based on if you plan to be full-time (12 credits) or part-time and how your transfer credits apply to your graduation requirements. We recommend choosing your courses from the three main categories: BA/BS, University Studies/Honors, and Major. If you have fulfilled all of the requirements in one category, consider taking two courses from one of the other categories.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS)
You may have some of the BA or BS requirements satisfied with previous transfer work. Run a Degree Audit (DARS) to determine which of the following you still need to complete. If your BA/BS requirements are already complete, select an additional course in the major or a general elective:
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro Tips |
|---|
| Language course (4-5 credits) | STAT 241 (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 STAT 241 next term. If you have credit for STAT 243/243Z, you do not need to take STAT 241. |
| Fine & Performing Arts (4 credits) | Science course (4-5 credits) | |
| EC 201Z or 202Z Micro/Macroeconomics OR COMM 111Z Public Speaking (4 credits) | EC 201Z or 202Z Micro/Macroeconomics OR COMM 111Z Public Speaking (4 credits) | These will apply to both the BA/BS requirements and the business major |
University Studies or Honors Program
You will need to complete either the University Studies or Honors general education curriculum. Choose a course based on the number of transfer credits you will be entering with:
Race and Ethnic Studies Requirement (RESR)
All students will need to complete two (entering first-year or second-year) or one (entering with 90 or more credits) RESR designated courses with a central focus on race, ethnicity and systemic oppression. If your schedule allows, consider taking a course this term.
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Major Requirements
You may have some of your major requirements satisfied with previous transfer work. Run a Degree Audit (DARS) to determine which of the following you still need to complete (all courses are 4 credits):
| | Suggested Course List | Notes |
|---|
| Pre-Business | Any of the following that you have not taken: - BA 101Z Intro to Business
- BA 169Z Data Analysis Using Excel*
- BA 205 Business Communications Using Technology (pre-req: BA 101)
- BA 211Z Principles of Financial Accounting (pre-req: BA 101)
- BA 213Z Principles of Managerial Accounting (pre-req: BA 101, 211)
- EC 201Z Principles of Microeconomics
- EC 202Z Principles of Macroeconomics
- STAT 241 Applied Statistics for Business (STAT 243Z is also acceptable)
- COMM 111Z Public Speaking
- WR 121Z English Composition
| You will need to "Opt-In" to take any 200 or 300 level BA courses. *BA 169Z is only required if you started taking college classes in Fall 2022 or later. |
|---|
| Business Core | - BA 300 Business & Professional Education (2 credits)
- BA 301 Research & Analysis of Business Problems
- BA 303 Business Finance
- ACTG 381 Financial Accounting & Reporting I
- Any other Business core courses.
| We recommend taking BA 300 in your first term. You must have completed all pre-business courses and Opted-In to the School of Business. |
|---|
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